Story No. 342 – Imam Zainul Abiddin (as) and Noble Qur’an

Zayd was one of the sons of Imam Zainul Abiddin (as). This is the same son who became a great martyr in the cause of Islam. It is narrated that: One of the habits of Imam Zainul Abiddin (as) was that after performing Fajr (morning) prayer till sunrise, he (as) never talked to anyone. One day, after Fajr, Imam Zainul Abiddin (as) was given the good news about the birth of a son in his house.

Imam Zainul Abiddin (as) asked his companions, “What should I name him?” Everyone suggested some names. Imam Zainul Abiddin (as) then turned towards his servant and asked him to bring the Noble Qur’an. He (as) opened the Noble Qur’an and the first verse, which he (as) saw was:

“And Allah has graced those who strive (in His cause) over those who sit back with a great reward.” (4:95)

Imam Zainul Abiddin (as) then closed the Noble Qur’an and opened it again. This time he (as) saw the following verse:

“Indeed Allah has bought from the faithful their souls and their possessions for Paradise to be theirs: They fight in the way of Allah, they slay and they are slain. A promise binding upon Him in the Torah and the Gospel and the Qur’an. And who is truer to his promise than Allah? So rejoice in the bargain you have made with Him, and that is the great success.” (9:111)

After seeing these two verses, Imam Zainul Abiddin (as) said, “By Allah (SWT)! This is Zayd.” Zayd means ‘Great Achiever’ and Imam Zainul Abiddin (as) derived this name from the meanings of the aforementioned two verses. (Bihar al-Anwar)