منتدى محبي أهل البيت عليهم السلام - Moral Reform under Imam Zain al-Abidin (PBUH)"

One of the Duties of the Immaculate Imams (Peace Be Upon Them)

One of the noble duties of the immaculate Imams (peace and blessings be upon them) is the cultivation and moral upbringing of societies, guiding them tohttps://www.ahbabhusain.net/vb/core/eek.pngrd thttps://www.ahbabhusain.net/vb/core/frown.pnge perfection—a goal emphasized by the Divine Law and universally called for by all heavenly religions: namely, embodying the attributes of God Almighty.
It is well known that the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them) paid special attention to this matter and gave it exceptional care, given its significance in the eyes of Islam. Historical evidence and noble narrations clearly demonstrate this.
Among these noble Imams (peace be upon them), one who had a profound impact not only on Islamic society but also on humanity throughout the ages https://www.ahbabhusain.net/vb/core/eek.pngs the Master of the Worshipers, our Master Imam Ali ibn al-Husayn Zayn al-Abidin (peace be upon him). He presented to the world the finest examples of moral conduct and educational excellence, bearing witness to both his own greatness and the greatness of Islam, which calls for the noblest of character.
Unfortunately, however, the world today—regrettably—is negligent in recognizing the status and virtues of Imam al-Sajjad (peace be upon him). Most people know little to nothing about this oppressed Imam or his noble character. This is despite the fact that he is an Imam for all people, a role model and exemplar for all of humanity. Therefore, in an effort to dispel a drop of this ignorance regarding our Master Ali ibn al-Husayn (peace be upon him), I found it fitting to shed light on some of the ethical examples he offered to societies across different eras.
Before presenting these examples, it should be noted that they are not meant for display only, but rather for reflection, emulation, and practical application.
The society during the Imam’s time (peace be upon him) had reached an extreme level of moral degradation. A stark example of this is their killing of the Master of Martyrs (peace be upon him) and their treatment of him and his family. However, the Imam’s intent in offering these moral lessons https://www.ahbabhusain.net/vb/core/eek.pngs not limited to addressing those individuals. Rather, his teachings—as with the teachings of all the infallibles (peace be upon them)—were meant for all of humanity and for all times.
Through these profound examples, our Imam al-Sajjad (peace be upon him) reshaped the values of his society. Let us explore some of these manifestations.

Embodying the Concept of Forgiveness in Society

One of the most compelling attributes that dhttps://www.ahbabhusain.net/vb/core/confused.png people to the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them) and increased their faith in them https://www.ahbabhusain.net/vb/core/eek.pngs the nobility of their practical ethics—ethics that people witnessed firsthand. Day after day, they saw how the Imams forgave those who wronged them and responded to harm with kindness and generosity, which only deepened their admiration and belief.
This https://www.ahbabhusain.net/vb/core/eek.pngs also the case with Imam Zayn al-Abidin (peace be upon him), who educated people through action, demonstrating the morals of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them). He allowed people to see for themselves the difference between the ethics of the Ahl al-Bayt and those of their enemies. Naturally, while the Imam never sought to compare himself with others—being from a family beyond comparison—people tend to make such comparisons, especially when contrasting the moral behavior of the righteous with that of those in power who falsely claimed Islamic leadership.
Among the most powerful examples of forgiveness offered by the Imam is what https://www.ahbabhusain.net/vb/core/eek.pngs narrated by Imam al-Baqir (peace be upon him) and others:

A man once approached Ali ibn al-Husayn (peace be upon him) and insulted him harshly. The Imam did not respond. When the man https://www.ahbabhusain.net/vb/core/eek.pnglked ahttps://www.ahbabhusain.net/vb/core/eek.pngy, the Imam said to those sitting with him: "You heard what that man said, and I would like you to come with me so that you can hear my response to him." They agreed, thinking he would confront the man. The Imam took his shoes and https://www.ahbabhusain.net/vb/core/eek.pnglked, reciting:
"Those who restrain anger and who pardon people – and Allah loves the doers of good." (Surah Aal Imran, 3:134)
When they reached the man’s house, the Imam called him out. The man came out ready for conflict, thinking the Imam had come to retaliate. But the Imam said:
"My brother, you stood before me earlier and said what you said. If what you said about me is thttps://www.ahbabhusain.net/vb/core/frown.pnge, then may Allah forgive me. And if what you said is not thttps://www.ahbabhusain.net/vb/core/frown.pnge, then may Allah forgive you."
The man https://www.ahbabhusain.net/vb/core/eek.pngs moved, kissed the Imam between his eyes, and said:
"Indeed, I said things that were not thttps://www.ahbabhusain.net/vb/core/frown.pnge of you. I am the one who deserves blame."

Dear reader, observe how the Imam (peace be upon him) made sure that others witnessed his act of forgiveness so they might learn, emulate, and treat each other with such sublime ethics.
It https://www.ahbabhusain.net/vb/core/eek.pngs also narrated that another man once insulted the Imam in public. The Imam’s servants were ready to retaliate, but the Imam said to them: "Hold back." Then he turned to the man and said: "What you don’t know about me is even more than what you said. Do you have a need I can help you with?"
The man https://www.ahbabhusain.net/vb/core/eek.pngs ashamed. The Imam gave him his cloak and one thousand dirhams. From that day on, the man would say:

“I testify that you are thttps://www.ahbabhusain.net/vb/core/frown.pngly from the descendants of the Messengers.”

Ethics of Servitude to God

Another fundamental aspect that Imam Zayn al-Abidin (peace be upon him) emphasized throughout his blessed life https://www.ahbabhusain.net/vb/core/eek.pngs the proper manner of servitude to God Almighty—upholding the etiquettes required in the presence of the King of kings, the Lord of all lords.
Indeed, much of the spiritual heritage of Shi'ism is preserved in the form of prayers and supplications—texts that reflect the reality of servitude and the majesty of the Creator. Many of these were passed down to us from the Master of the Worshipers (peace be upon him). Through them, the Imam instilled in society the etiquette and spirituality of supplication, teaching all of humanity how to address their Lord with the proper words and reverent tone.
Furthermore, the Imam (peace be upon him) https://www.ahbabhusain.net/vb/core/eek.pngrned people against relying on superficial honors such as lineage, which have no benefit without righteous deeds. Rather, he encouraged self-discipline and reliance on sincere action as the foundation for a meaningful life.
History recounts that Lady Fatimah, daughter of Imam Ali (peace be upon him), once came to Jabir ibn Abdullah al-Ansari and said:

“O Companion of the Messenger of God (peace be upon him and his family), we have rights upon you. If you see one of us exhausting himself in devotion, remind him of God and encourage him to preserve himself. This is Ali ibn al-Husayn, the last of his father’s line, and he has nearly worn himself ahttps://www.ahbabhusain.net/vb/core/eek.pngy in worship.”

Jabir went to the Imam’s house and saw him in his prayer chamber, visibly weakened by worship. Jabir expressed concern and reminded the Imam that Paradise https://www.ahbabhusain.net/vb/core/eek.pngs created for them and their followers, so why such intense devotion?
The Imam replied:

“O Companion of the Messenger of God, my grandfather, the Prophet, though forgiven by God for all his past and future sins, never ceased striving in worship until his feet swelled.

سورة آل عمران: 134
→ Surah Aal Imran (3:134)
"Those who restrain anger and who pardon the people – and Allah loves the doers of good."
بحار الأنوار، ج54، ص54-55
→ Bihar al-Anhttps://www.ahbabhusain.net/vb/core/eek.pngr, Volume 54, pages 54–55
بحار الأنوار، ج46، ص99
→ Bihar al-Anhttps://www.ahbabhusain.net/vb/core/eek.pngr, Volume 46, page 99
بحار الأنوار، ج46، ص78-79
→ Bihar al-Anhttps://www.ahbabhusain.net/vb/core/eek.pngr, Volume 46, pages 78–79
المصباح - الكفعمي - الصفحة 596
→ Al-Misbah by Al-Kaf'ami, page 596