Imam Sadjad’s Sermon in Syria :Part 2
In that meeting Yazid ordered one of his orators to talk ill of Imam Ali (A.S) and his progeny and brief the courtiers on the Ashura tragedy. The orator on the pulpit spoke ill of Imam Ali (A.S) and Imam Hussein (A.S) and lauded Muawiyah and Yazid. Hearing his words, Imam Sadjad (A.S) said: “You orator! You have sold your Hereafter for material things. Now look at your place in the Doomsday and be ready to meet your fate! Do you let me talk to the people?”
Yazid didn’t let him talk because he knew well about the influence of his sermons. At the same time, Yazid’s son Muawiyah said: “Let him talk. His sermon will be of no influence!”
Yazid told his son: “You are unaware of the influence of these people. They inherit knowledge and eloquence from one another. I am afraid his sermon would motivate people of the city to rise against us.” The people of Damascus asked the caliph to let the Imam talk.
Yazid said: “He will never step down the pulpit unless he disgraces me and the progeny of Abu Sofyan.”
“What this young adult can do?”
Yazid replied: “He belongs to a family whose children are born with knowledge.”
People’s emphasis made him finally let the Imam talk to them.
His words brought tears to the eyes and sorrows to the hearts of the people. He said: "O people! Allah has given us six things and our superiority to others is based on seven pillars. The six things which He has given us are: knowledge, forbearance, generosity and mercy, eloquence, valor and heartfelt love of the believers i.e. people cannot be forced to become our friends, devotees and adherents.
Translated by: Sadroddin Musawi
Other links:
Imam Sadjad’s Sermon in Syria (Damascus) part 1
Imam Sadjad’s Sermon in Kufa
