Hazrat Imam Zain ul Abideen AS

Sayyiduna Abu al-Hasan Ali, Imam Zain al-'Abideen is the fourth Imam and Shaykh of the Silsila Aaliyah Qaadiriyah Barakaatiyah Razviyah Nooriyah. He was one of the greatest Aabids of his era. Imam Zuhri (Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anho) says, (In my era) I have not seen any Quraysh more excellent than Imam Zain al-'Abideen (Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anho). Hadrat Ibn Abbas (Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anho) used to look at Imam Zain al-'Abideen (Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anho) and refer to him as the Beloved of the Beloved.BIRTH:He was born on a Thursday the 5th of Shabaan 38 Hijri in Madinah Munawwarah. [Masaalik as-Saalikeen, Vol. 1, Page 207]NAME:Hadrat Imam Hussain kept most of his children names attached to the name Ali. This was due to his love for his father Sayyiduna Ali (Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anho). He was thus also named Ali. He was also known as Abu Muhammad, Abul Hassan, Abul Qaasim and Abu Bakr. His titles were Sajjad, Zain al-'Aabideen, Sayyidul Abideen, Zakki and etc.EDUCATION:He spent two years with his grandfather Sayyiduna Ali (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho), ten years with his uncle Sayyiduna Imam Hasan (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) and eleven years with his father, Hadrat Imam Hussain (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho).BLESSED MOTHER:His mother was known as Umm-e-Wulad, and was also known as Shahar Banu Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anha. She was very pious and Allah fearing.HIS FEATURES:He was the image of his grandfather Sayyiduna Ali (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho). He was tan in complexion and not very tall. He had a full beard on which he used henna (mehndi).PREDICTIONS OF HIS BIRTH:Hadrat Jaabir (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) says, I was in the blessed court of the Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) and Imam Hussain (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) was in the blessed arms of the Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam). The Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) said, O Jaabir (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho)! A son shall be born to him, whose name shall be Ali. Then he will have a child, whose name shall be Muhammad (Imam Baaqir). O Jaabir! If you meet with him, then you should pass my salaams to him.HIS CHARACTER:Hadrat Imam Zain al-'Abideen (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) was blessed with beautiful character, which he definitely inherited from his illustrious forefathers. He was very eloquent and very respectful. He was always willing to assist those in need. Umar Abu Nasr writes that Imam Zain al-'Abideen (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) purchased various slaves, and then set them free. He would be kind even to those who were his personal enemies. Once he heard that there was a certain person who always spoke ill of him. Hadrat Imam Zain al-'Abideen (Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho) went to him and treated him with such respect and kindness, that he repented from his bad behaviour and affiliated himself to the great Imam. Many great poets have written numerous Qasidas in praise of his kindness and generosity. [Masaalik as-Saalikeen, Vol. 1, Page 208]