The Historians Pay Homage to Imam Zayn al-Abidin(A.S.) As for the historians, despite their different thoughts and inclinations, they unanimously agreed that the Ima`m was a great man who possessed many abilities and talents which raised him to the height of honor to which his great fathers reached. The following are some of their words concerning him: 1. Ibn Asa`kir Al-Ha`fiz Abu` al-Qa`sim, Ali b. al-Hasan al-Sha`fii, known as bin Asa`kir, said in the biography of Ima`m Zayn al-Abidin, peace be on him: Ali b. al-Husayn was trustworthy and trusted. He had many traditions and was high, lofty, and pious.(Tarikh Dimashq, vol. 36, p. 142). These are the most valuable qualities in the world of Islam. 2. Ibn Sad Mohammed b. Sad said: Ali b. al-Husayn was trustworthy and trusted. He had many traditions and was high, lofty, and pious. Ibn Asa`kir greed with b. Sad on giving these outstanding qualities to Ima`m Zayn al-Abidin, peace be on him. 3. Ibn Hajar al-Asqala`ni Ibn Hajar al-Asqala`ni said: Ali b. al-Husayn, Zayn al-Abidin, b. Ali b. Abi Ta`lib was trustworthy, trusted, a worshiper, jurist, and meritorious. Ibn Ayyina reported on the authority of al-Zuhri, who said: I have never seen a Qarashi more meritorious than him.(Tahdheeb al-Tahdheeb, vol. 2, p. 35). 4. Ibn Hajar al-Haythami Shaha`b al-Din Ahmed b. Hajar al-Haythami said: It was Zayn al-Abidin who inherited knowledge, asceticism, and worshipping from his father. He was great in forgiveness, pardon, and tolerance.(Al-Sawaiq al-Muhriqa, vol. 119). 5. Al-Dhahabi Mohammed b. Ahmed b. Uthma`n al-Dhahabi said: He (Zayn al-Abidin) had wonderful majesty. He was appropriate for the greatest Ima`mate because of his honor, righteousness, knowledge, reverential fear, and perfect intellect.(SiyarAlam al-Nubala, vol. 4, p. 240). 6. Abu` al-Fath Abu` al-Fath b. Sadaqa said: Ima`m Ali b. al-Husayn, known as Zayn al-Abidin, b. Ali b. Abi Ta`lib, may Allah be pleased with them, was one of the twelve Ima`ms and among the chiefs of the next generation.(Durarr al-Abkar, p. 70). 7. Abu` Naeem Al-Ha`fiz Abu` Naeem said: Ali b. al-Husayn(Zayn al-Abidin and Mana`r al-Qa`nitin (the signpost of the Allah-fearing)( b. Ali b. Abi Ta`lib, was a sincere, munificent worshipper.(Hulyat al-Awliya, vol. 3, p. 133). 8. Al-Yaqu`bi Ahmed b. Abi Yaqu`b said: He (Ima`m Zayn al-Abidin) was the most meritorious of all the people in worshipping. He was called Zayn al-Abidin (the ornament of the worshippers). He was also called Dhu` al-Thafana`t (the one with calluses) because there were marks of prostration on his forehead. (Al-Yaqubi, Tarikh, vol. 3, p. 104). 9. Al-Wa`qidi Al-Wa`qidi said: He (Zayn al-Abidin) was the most pious of all the people and the most obedient of them to Allah. When he walked, he did not brandish his hands.(Al-Bidaya wa al-Nihaya, vol. 9, p. 104). 10. Safi al-Din Safi al-Din said: Zayn al-Abidin was (a person) with great guidance and a righteous way. In his (book) al-Ja`mi, al-Khatib reported on the authority of b. Abba`s, on the authority of the Prophet, may Allah bless him and his family, who said: Guidance, righteousness, and moderation are parts of twenty-five parts of prophethood.( Wasilat al-Mal fi Add Manaqib al-Al, p. 208). 11. Al-Nawawi Al-Nawawi said: They (the historians) unanimously agreed on his (Ima`m Zayn al-Abidins) greatness in everything.(Tahdhib al-Lughat wa al-Asma, Q1/343). 12. Ima`d al-Din Ima`d al-Din Idris al-Qarashi said: Ima`m Ali b. al-Husayn, Zayn al-Abidin, was the most meritorious of all the Household of Allahs Apostle, may Allah bless him and his family, the noblest of them after al-Hasan and al-Husayn, peace be on them, and the best of them in piety, asceticism, and worshipping. (Uyyun al-Akhbar wa Funun al-Athar, p. 144). 13. Ibn Anba Ibn Anba, a famous genealogist, said: His (Ima`m Zayn al-Abidins) outstanding merits are more than to be counted or to be encompassed by a description.(Umdat al-Talib, p. 193). Ima`m Zayn al-Abidins laudable deeds and outstanding merits are countless, and no one can describe them, for they were a natural extension to the conduct of his grandfathers, who enlightened this world with their laudable deeds and outstanding merits. 14. Shaykh al-Mufeed Shaykh al-Mufeed Said: Ali b. al-Husayn was the most meritorious of Allahs creatures after his father in knowledge and action. Non-Shia jurists (a`ma) report countless traditions in the religious sciences on his authority. 15. Al-Ja`hiz Abu` Uthma`n Umar b. Bahr al-Ja`hiz said: The Kha`rijites, the Shiites, the Mutazilites, and non-Shia have unanimously agreed that Ali b. al-Husayn was meritorious and superior (to others).(Umdat al-Talib, pp. 193-194). This means that all the Muslims, despite of their different thoughts and inclinations, have unanimously agreed that the Ima`m was great and meritorious, so they loved and followed him. 16. Al-Shara`wi Al-Shara`wi said: He (Zayn al-Abidin), may Allah be pleased with him, was a devoted worshiper, ascetic, pious, humble, and polite.Al-Ithar bi Hub al-Ashraf, p. 49). 17. Al-Qulaybi Ahmed Al-Qulaybi al-Sha`fii said: His (Ima`m Zayn al-Abidins) outstanding merits are more than to be counted or to be encompassed by a description.(Tuhaf al-Raghib, p. 13). 18. Ibn Taymiya Ibn Taymiya, though he deviated from the Household and showed enmity toward them, acknowledged the Ima`ms outstanding merits and high position. He said: As for Ali b. al-Husayn, he was among the leading figures of the next generation in knowledge and religion. He had humility, secret alms, and other qualities. He was very famous.(Minhajj al-Sunna, vol. 2, p. 123, first edition). 19. Al-Shaykha`ni Al-Shaykha`ni al-Qa`diri said: As for our lord Zayn al-Abidin, Ali b. al-Husayn b. Ali b. Abi Ta`lib, his hands (generosity) and laudable deeds were famous. His beauties were well-known. He possessed a great rank and was good-hearted. He had apparent miracles which the eyes have seen and authentic traditions established.(Al-Sirat al-Sawi, p. 19). 20. Ibn Khullaka`n Ibn Khullaka`n said: H (Zayn al-Abidin) was one of the twelve Ima`ms and among the leading figures of the next generation. Al-Zuhri said: I have never seen a Qarashi more meritorious than him.(Wafayat al-Ayan, vol. 2, p. 429). 21. Ibn Shaddqam Ibn Shaddqam said: Ali b. al-Husayn, Zayn al-Abidin, was an ascetic religious scholar.(Zahrat al-Maqul, p. 6). 22. Al-Manofi Al-Sayyid al-Manofi said: Zayn al-Abidin was worshipping, sincere, generous, and pure. When he walked, his hand did not exceed his thigh. (Jammharat al-Awliya wa Alam Ahl al-Tasawwif, vol. 2, p. 71). 23. Abu` al-Futu`h Abu` al-Futu`h al-Husayni said: The immortal reputation was for the middle Ali, Zayn al-Abidin. He was the first son of al-Huysayns sons, the fourth infallible (Ima`m) according to the view of the twelve Ima`m (Shiites), and an ascetic (person) according to the view of other than them. (Al-Nafha al-Anbariya). 24. Al-Mana`wi Al-Mana`wi said: Zayn al-Abidin was a firm Ima`m. His hands (generosity) and noble deeds were famous. His outstanding merits well-known. He had a great position. He was good hearted. He was the head of the body of presidency. He was the expected one for policy and ruling the subjects. ( Al-Kawakib al-Durriya, vol. 2, p. 139). 25. Mohammed bin Talha Kama`l al-Din Mohammed bin Tallha al-Qarashi said: Zayn al-Abidin was the example of those who renounced the worldly pleasures, lord of the Allah-fearing, and Ima`m of the believers. His outstanding qualities bear witness that he was among the progeny of the Prophet, may Allah bless him and his family. His appearance shows his proximity to Allah. His calluses record his prayers and spending the night in prayer. His renouncing the worldly pleasures indicates his asceticism in this world. 26. Mohammed bin Said Mohammed bin Said said: He ( Ima`m Zayn al-Abidin) was trustworthy, trusted, high, lofty, pious, and had many traditions.(Al-Bidaya wa al-Nihaya, vol. 9, p. 104). 27. Al-Sayyid Abba`s Al-Sayyid Abba`s al-Mu`sawi said: Zayn al-Abidin was the best of the people in face, the sweetest of them in perfume, the noblest of the in soul, the highest of them in lineage, and the greatest of them in honor.( Nazhat al-Jalees, vol. 2, p. 24). 28. Al-Sayyid Mohsin Al-Sayyid Mohsin al-Amin al-Amili said: He (Zayn al-Abidin) was the most meritorious of the people of his time in knowledge, jurisprudence, piety, worship, generosity, clemency, patience, eloquence, high moral standards, alms, kindness to the poor, and loyalty to the Muslims. The relatives, the people, the friends, and the enemies glorified him. Yazid b. Mua`wiya commanded the people of Medina to Pledge allegiance to him as slaves except Zayn al-Abidin. He commanded him to pledge allegiance to him as his brother and cousin.(Ayan al-Shia, 4/Q1/308). 29. Al-Nuwayri Shaha`b al-Din Ahmed b. Abd al-Wahha`b Al-Nuwayri said: Ali b. al-Husayn was reliable, pious, trusted, and had many traditions. He was the most meritorious of the members of his family and the best of them in obedience. (Nihayat al-Irab fi Funun al-Adab, vol. 21, p. 324). 30. Al-Sha`fii Ima`m Al-Sha`fii said: Ali b. al-Husayn was the most meritorious of all the people of Medina in jurisprudence.(Rasail al-Jihiz, p. 106. Nahjj al-Balagha, vol. 15, p. 274). 31. Ali bin Isa` al-Arbali Abu` al-Hasan Ali bin Isa` b. Abi al-Fath al-Arbali said: The outstanding qualities of Ali b. al-Husayn are more than the stars. The one who describes them goes to a boundless place. They appear in the sky of outstanding qualities as the stars appear for those who seek guidance through them. How is that not? 32. Al-Busta`ni Al-Busta`ni said: Zayn al-Abidin is Abu` al-Hasan, Ali b. al-Husayn b. Ali b. Abi Ta`lib. He was given the nick-name of Zayn al-Abidin because of his plentiful worship. He was also given the nick-name of Sayyid al-Abidin (the Lord of worshippers), the pure, the trusted one, and the one with calluses. (Al-Bustani, Dairat al-Maarif, vol. 9, p. 355). 33. Wajjdi Mohammed Fareed Wajjdi said: Zayn al-Abidin is Abu` al-Hasan, Ali b. al-Husayn b. Ali b. Abi Ta`lib, better known as Zayn al-Abidin. He was also called al-Asghar (the younger). Al-Husayn b. Ali had no descendants except from the children of Zayn al-Abidin. He (Zayn al-Abidin) is one of the twelve Ima`ms according to the doctrine of the Ima`mi Shiites, and he was also among the lords and chiefs of the next generation.(Dairat Maarif al-Qarn al-Ishreen, vol. 4, p. 793). 34. Agha` Buzurg The Chief of the researchers, Mohammed Hasan, better known as Agha` Buzurg al-Tahra`ni, said: Ima`m Zayn al-Abidin, the lord of those who prostrated themselves in prayer, Ali b. al-Husayn b. Ali b. Abi Ta`lib, peace be on them, is the fourth Ima`m of the Ima`mi Shiites. The Muslim historians have unanimously agreed that he was the most meritorious of all the people in piety, asceticism, and worshipping.(Al-Dhreea, vol. 13, p. 345). 35. Ibn al-Jawzi Ibn al-Jawzi said: Zayn al-Abidin (the ornament of the worshippers), is a model for the ascetics, and lord of the Allah-fearing. His outstanding merits bear witness that he was from among the progeny of Allahs Apostle, his righteousness proves that he has nearness to Allah, his calluses record for him that he prayed very much and that he spent the night in praying, and his renouncing the worldly pleasures denotes his asceticism.(Tadhkirat al-Khawas). 36. Ta`jj al-Din Ta`jj al-Din b. Mohammed b. Hamza al-Husayni, the Chief of Halab, said: Ali b. al-Husayn was the lord of the Ha`shimites, the place of their knowledge, and the most meritorious one of them.(Ghayat al-Ikhtisar, p. 106). 37. Arif Ta`mir Arif Ta`mir said: He (Zayn al-Abidin) was famous for asceticism, and worship. None was similar to him in these qualities, so he was given the nick-name of Zayn al-Abidin and al-Sajja`d(the one who prostrates himself very much in prayer).(Imama fi al-Islam, p. 116). 38. Al-Zarkali Khayr al-Din Al-Zarkali said: Ali b. al-Husayn b. Ali b. Abi Ta`lib al-Ha`shimi, al-Qarashi, Abu` al-Hasan, the one whose nick-name is Zayn al-Abidin, is the fourth Ima`m of the Shiites. He was one of those who were examples for clemency and piety. He was called Ali al-Asghar (the younger) to distinguish him from his brother Ali al-Akkbar (the elder).( Al-Alam, vol. 1, p. 86). 39. Ahmed Mahmu`d Subhi Dr. Ahmed Mahmu`d Subhi said: Ali b. al-Husayn inherited his Ima`mate through his lineage to Fa`tima, the chaste. He drew for the Shiites the way of the spiritual Ima`mate, impressed Shiism with the impression of everlasting sadness and continuous weeping over al-Husayn, and dedicated himself to worshipping, so he was given the nick-name of al-Sajja`d and the Kunya of Zayn al-Abidin. He descended from the Prophet, may Allah bless him and his family, and from Kasra`, so he was known as Ibn al-Khiyaratayn (the son of the best two).(Nazariyat al-Imama, p. 307). 40. Ahmed Fahmi Shaykh Ahmed Fahmi said: He (Ima`m Zayn al-Abidin) was the most meritorious of the people of his time in knowledge, jurisprudence, piety, worship, generosity, clemency, eloquence, and noble lineage. He helped the poor and the weak.(Al-Imam Zayn al-Abidin, p. 65). 41. Husayn Ali Mahfu`z Dr. Husayn Ali Mahfu`z said: Zayn al-Abidin was the best of Allahs creatures in knowledge and action. He was the most similar of the members of the House (ahl al-Bayt) , peace be on them, to the Commander of the faithful in the manner of clothing, knowledge, and worship.(Al-Balagh Magazine, no. 7, first year, p. 54).
Posted on: Sat, 16 Nov 2013 16:26:49 +0000
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