Imam Ali bin Hussein (Zain ul Abedin), the Fourth Imam (Part 2)

His holiness Imam Zain ul Abedin is the hero of spirituality in its true sense. When we look at the Household of the Prophet (PBUH) – Ali bin Hussein is one of them – we in fact realize the spirituality of Islam or the truth of Islam and the depth of faith in the Prophet’s Household. This is an important issue. When we look at the life of Ali bin Abi Talib, who was raised by the Prophet from his childhood and was with him until the holy prophet breathed his last, we realize his conviction in the holy Prophet. Indeed, it is through the mirror of Ali that we can understand the holy Prophet. What is the secret of Ali’s faith in the holy Prophet?

Worship of the Imam

All members of the Prophet’s Household are serious worshippers of God. It is really amazing. When we look at Ali bin Hussein, his virtue of God, his daily and supererogatory prayers, his worships and supplications, we realize that his worship demonstrated the flight of soul towards God – as Alexis Carrel said. When he raised to say his prayers, his soul would flight to the celestial world rather than flying somewhere else while his body was in the direction of the Kaba. By seeing Ali bin Hussein, the following questions would occur to our minds: What is this Islam?! What is this soul?!

These voices all come from the Lord, though they may be expressed by His servant.

When you look at Ali bin Hussein as if you have seen the holy Prophet during the last third part of the night or in the Harra Cave.

Once, the Imam was engaged in nocturnal supplication and worship as usual. One of his children met with an incident and fractured one of his bones which required orthopedist. The family members did not disturb the Imam, called an orthopedist and treated the crying child. The child was relieved and everybody went to bed. When the Imam came across his child in the morning, he asked him: what has happened? They narrated the story. He asked: when? They said last night, when you were worshipping. It was clear that the Imam’s soul had really flown toward the Lord so that the scrambling and screaming had not reached him.

By Morteza Motahari

Collection of Works, Vol. 18

Translated by: Sadroddin Musawi

Other links:

Martyrdom Anniversary of Imam Sadjad (A.S), the Guide of Muslims

Sayings of Imam Sadjad (A.S) on the Karbala Tragedy

A Small Selection of Imam Sadjad’s Sayings

In Praise of Imam Zaynul Abideen (A.S)