A Small Selection of Imam Zainul Abidin (AS)'s Sayings

The fourth infallible descendant of holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be on them), Imam Ali bin al-Husayn Zaynul Abidin (peace be on them), was born in Medina on Sha’ban 5 in the year 38 A.H. (658/9).

He lived with his grandfather, the Commander of the faithful (peace be on him) for two years, with his uncle al-Hasan (peace be on him) for twelve years, and with his father al-Husayn (peace be on him) for twenty-three years. Following are a small selection of his sayings:

* Try to earn a high position in Paradise (Jannah). Remember that highest positions will be given to those who have been most useful to their brothers in faith and who have been most helpful to the needy. Remember there are times when a person says but one good sentence and that brings him very near to Allah and brings his freedom on the Day of Judgment.

* Never think that what you do for your brother in faith is unimportant because these are the things that will be of much use to you on a day when nothing else will be of any use.

* (Speaking) Good words increase a person's wealth and sustenance, prolong his life, make him to be loved by his wife and children and take him to paradise.

* He who honors himself will debase the worldly life.

* The richest of people is that who is satisfied with what Allah has chosen for him.

* The whole goodness is to protect yourself (against all that which is unacceptable).

* The very hypocrite is that who warns people (against evil deeds) but he does not stop committing them and orders them (to do good acts) but he does not do (such acts). When he stands for offering the prayer he turns right and left, when he genuflects (in the prayer) he huddles, and when he prostrates himself, he pecks.

In evenings, his only concern is dinner while he was not fasting. In mornings, his only concern is to sleep while he has not passed (the last) night with worship. The believer, on the other hand, mixes his acts with clemency; he sits down so that he may learn (something); he keeps silent so that he may save himself, he does not divulge his secrets before his friends (even); he does not conceal witnessing for the strangers; he does not act any rightful action out of showing off, he does not neglect any act out of prudence; if he is praised, he fears sayings of the eulogists and seeks Allah's forgiveness for what they do not know; he does not care for the ignorance of those who ignore him.

* To spend moderately in times of poverty, give generously in times of luxury, treat people fairly, and greet them initiatively - these manners are within the characters of the believers.