As for the historians, despite their different thoughts and inclinations, they unanimously agreed that the Ima`m was a great man who possessed many abilities and talents which raised him to the height of honor to which his great fathers reached.
The following are some of their words concerning him:
1. Ibn 'Asa`kir
Al-Ha`fiz Abu` al-Qa`sim, 'Ali b. al-Hasan al-Sha`fi'i, known as bin 'Asa`kir, said in the biography of Ima`m Zayn al-'Abidin, peace be on him: "'Ali b. al-Husayn was trustworthy and trusted. He had many traditions and was high, lofty, and pious.(Tarikh Dimashq, vol. 36, p. 142). These are the most valuable qualities in the world of Islam.
2. Ibn Sa'd
Mohammed b. Sa'd said: "'Ali b. al-Husayn was trustworthy and trusted. He had many traditions and was high, lofty, and pious." Ibn 'Asa`kir greed with b. Sa'd on giving these outstanding qualities to Ima`m Zayn al-'Abidin, peace be on him.
3. Ibn Hajar al-'Asqala`ni
Ibn Hajar al-'Asqala`ni said: "'Ali b. al-Husayn, Zayn al-'Abidin, b. 'Ali b. Abi Ta`lib was trustworthy, trusted, a worshiper, jurist, and meritorious. Ibn 'Ayyina reported on the authority of al-Zuhri, who said: 'I have never seen a Qarashi more meritorious than him.(Tahdheeb al-Tahdheeb, vol. 2, p. 35).
4. Ibn Hajar al-Haythami
Shaha`b al-Din Ahmed b. Hajar al-Haythami said: "It was Zayn al-'Abidin who inherited knowledge, asceticism, and worshipping from his father. He was great in forgiveness, pardon, and tolerance.(Al-Sawa'iq al-Muhriqa, vol. 119).
Zayn al-'Abidin was the successor of his father, so he inherited his father's valuable qualities such as knowledge, asceticism, worship, forgiveness, pardon, and tolerance toward those who mistreated him.
5. Al-Dhahabi
Mohammed b. Ahmed b. 'Uthma`n al-Dhahabi said: "He (Zayn al-'Abidin) had wonderful majesty. He was appropriate for the greatest Ima`mate because of his honor, righteousness, knowledge, reverential fear, and perfect intellect.(Siyar'Alam al-Nubala', vol. 4, p. 240).
Al-Dhahabi confessed that the Ima`m, peace be on him, possessed brilliant qualities, that he was worthy of the greatest Ima`mate of this community, the spiritual and temporal leadership which is the highest and most important position in Islam.
6. Abu` al-Fath
Abu` al-Fath b. Sadaqa said: "Ima`m 'Ali b. al-Husayn, known as Zayn al-'Abidin, b. 'Ali b. Abi Ta`lib, may Allah be pleased with them, was one of the twelve Ima`ms and among the chiefs of the next generation.(Durarr al-Abkar, p. 70).
7. Abu` Na'eem
Al-Ha`fiz Abu` Na'eem said: "Ali b. al-Husayn(Zayn al-'Abidin and Mana`r al-Qa`nitin (the signpost of the Allah-fearing)( b. 'Ali b. Abi Ta`lib, was a sincere, munificent worshipper.(Hulyat al-Awliya', vol. 3, p. 133).
Abu` Na'eem talked about some outstanding qualities of Ima`m Zayn al-'Abidin, peace be on him, such as worship, sincerity, and generosity.
8. Al-Ya'qu`bi
Ahmed b. Abi Ya'qu`b said: "He (Ima`m Zayn al-'Abidin) was the most meritorious of all the people in worshipping. He was called Zayn al-'Abidin (the ornament of the worshippers). He was also called Dhu` al-Thafana`t (the one with calluses) because there were marks of prostration on his forehead. (Al-Ya'qubi, Tarikh, vol. 3, p. 104).
Ima`m Zayn al-'Abidin was the most meritorious of all the people in worshipping and obeying Allah.
9. Al-Wa`qidi
Al-Wa`qidi said: "He (Zayn al-'Abidin) was the most pious of all the people and the most obedient of them to Allah. When he walked, he did not brandish his hands.(Al-Bidaya wa al-Nihaya, vol. 9, p. 104).
Al-Wa`qidi mentioned the Ima`m outstanding traits such as piety, worship, reverential fear, and humbleness. Because of these qualities he was the most meritorious of all the people and the greatest of them.
10. Safi al-Din
Safi al-Din said: "Zayn al-'Abidin was (a person) with great guidance and a righteous way. In his (book) al-Ja`mi', al-Khatib reported on the authority of b. 'Abba`s, on the authority of the Prophet, may Allah bless him and his family, who said: 'Guidance, righteousness, and moderation are parts of twenty-five parts of prophethood.( Wasilat al-Mal fi 'Add Manaqib al-Al, p. 208).
11. Al-Nawawi
Al-Nawawi said: "They (the historians) unanimously agreed on his (Ima`m Zayn al-'Abidin's) greatness in everything.(Tahdhib al-Lughat wa al-Asma', Q1/343).
The Muslims have unanimously agreed on glorifying and admiring the Ima`m because he was endowed with excellent qualities of which all the Muslims boast.
12. 'Ima`d al-Din
'Ima`d al-Din Idris al-Qarashi said: "Ima`m 'Ali b. al-Husayn, Zayn al-'Abidin, was the most meritorious of all the Household of Allah's Apostle, may Allah bless him and his family, the noblest of them after al-Hasan and al-Husayn, peace be on them, and the best of them in piety, asceticism, and worshipping.
('Uyyun al-Akhbar wa Funun al-Athar, p. 144).
13. Ibn 'Anba
Ibn 'Anba, a famous genealogist, said: "His (Ima`m Zayn al-'Abidin's) outstanding merits are more than to be counted or to be encompassed by a description.('Umdat al-Talib, p. 193).
Ima`m Zayn al-'Abidin's laudable deeds and outstanding merits are countless, and no one can describe them, for they were a natural extension to the conduct of his grandfathers, who enlightened this world with their laudable deeds and outstanding merits.
14. Shaykh al-Mufeed
Shaykh al-Mufeed Said: "'Ali b. al-Husayn was the most meritorious of Allah's creatures after his father in knowledge and action. Non-Shi'a jurists ('a`ma) report countless traditions in the religious sciences on his authority.
Sermons, prayers (details of) the merits of the Qur'a`n, accounts of the laws of what is permitted and forbidden, and the raids (magha`zi) and battles (ayya`m) (during the time of the Prophet) have been recorded on his authority. He was famous among the religious scholars.(Al-Mufeed, al-Irshad).
15. Al-Ja`hiz
Abu` 'Uthma`n 'Umar b. Bahr al-Ja`hiz said: "The Kha`rijites, the Shi'ites, the Mu'tazilites, and non-Shi'a have unanimously agreed that 'Ali b. al-Husayn was meritorious and superior (to others).('Umdat al-Talib, pp. 193-194).
This means that all the Muslims, despite of their different thoughts and inclinations, have unanimously agreed that the Ima`m was great and meritorious, so they loved and followed him.
16. Al-Shara`wi
Al-Shara`wi said: "He (Zayn al-'Abidin), may Allah be pleased with him, was a devoted worshiper, ascetic, pious, humble, and polite.Al-Ithar bi Hub al-Ashraf, p. 49).
It was these qualities that raised the Ima`m to the zenith of glory and made the people adore and obey him.
17. Al-Qulaybi
Ahmed Al-Qulaybi al-Sha`fi'i said: "His (Ima`m Zayn al-'Abidin's) outstanding merits are more than to be counted or to be encompassed by a description.(Tuhaf al-Raghib, p. 13).
18. Ibn Taymiya
Ibn Taymiya, though he deviated from the Household and showed enmity toward them, acknowledged the Ima`m's outstanding merits and high position. He said: "As for 'Ali b. al-Husayn, he was among the leading figures of the next generation in knowledge and religion. He had humility, secret alms, and other qualities. He was very famous.(Minhajj al-Sunna, vol. 2, p. 123, first edition).
19. Al-Shaykha`ni
Al-Shaykha`ni al-Qa`diri said: "As for our lord Zayn al-'Abidin, 'Ali b. al-Husayn b. 'Ali b. Abi Ta`lib, his hands (generosity) and laudable deeds were famous. His beauties were well-known. He possessed a great rank and was good-hearted. He had apparent miracles which the eyes have seen and authentic traditions established.(Al-Sirat al-Sawi, p. 19).
The passengers talked about Ima`m Zayn al-'Abidin's outstanding merits and laudable deeds. His virtues and miracles were famous among the people. Allah endowed him with qualities with which He endowed His sincere servants.
20. Ibn Khullaka`n
Ibn Khullaka`n said: "H (Zayn al-'Abidin) was one of the twelve Ima`ms and among the leading figures of the next generation. Al-Zuhri said: 'I have never seen a Qarashi more meritorious than him.(Wafayat al-'Ayan, vol. 2, p. 429).
21. Ibn Shaddqam
Ibn Shaddqam said: "'Ali b. al-Husayn, Zayn al-'Abidin, was an ascetic religious scholar.(Zahrat al-Maqul, p. 6).
22. Al-Manofi
Al-Sayyid al-Manofi said: "Zayn al-'Abidin was worshipping, sincere, generous, and pure. When he walked, his hand did not exceed his thigh.
(Jammharat al-Awliya' wa A'lam Ahl al-Tasawwif, vol. 2, p. 71).
23. Abu` al-Futu`h
Abu` al-Futu`h al-Husayni said: "The immortal reputation was for
the middle 'Ali, Zayn al-'Abidin. He was the first son of al-Huysayn's sons, the fourth infallible (Ima`m) according to the view of the twelve Ima`m (Shi'ites), and an ascetic (person) according to the view of other than them.
(Al-Nafha al-'Anbariya).
24. Al-Mana`wi
Al-Mana`wi said: "Zayn al-'Abidin was a firm Ima`m. His hands (generosity) and noble deeds were famous. His outstanding merits well-known. He had a great position. He was good hearted. He was the head of the body of presidency. He was the expected one for policy and ruling the subjects.
( Al-Kawakib al-Durriya, vol. 2, p. 139).
The Ima`m, peace be on him, was distinguished by great characteristics which qualified him, according to the consensus of all the Muslims, for undertaking the Ima`mate and general leadership and managing the affairs of the Muslims, for there was no person during his time more meritorious than him in good inclinations and great talents.
25. Mohammed bin Talha
Kama`l al-Din Mohammed bin Tallha al-Qarashi said: "Zayn al-'Abidin was the example of those who renounced the worldly pleasures, lord of the Allah-fearing, and Ima`m of the believers. His outstanding qualities bear witness that he was among the progeny of the Prophet, may Allah bless him and his family. His appearance shows his proximity to Allah. His calluses record his prayers and spending the night in prayer. His renouncing the worldly pleasures indicates his asceticism in this world.
The morals of devoutness streamed for him, so he surpassed them. The lights of perpetuation shined for him, so he followed them. The litanies of worship associated him, so he was intimate with them. The works of obedience allied with him, so he adorned himself with their ornament.
He took night as a mount to cover the road to the next world. The thirst of the midday heat was his guide through which he sought the right way to the lighthouse. He had the miracles which the eyes saw and authentic traditions established. He is among the kings of the hereafter.( Matalib al-Sa'ul, vol. 2, p. 41).
26. Mohammed bin Sa'id
Mohammed bin Sa'id said: "He ( Ima`m Zayn al-'Abidin) was trustworthy, trusted, high, lofty, pious, and had many traditions.(Al-Bidaya wa al-Nihaya, vol. 9, p. 104).
27. Al-Sayyid 'Abba`s
Al-Sayyid 'Abba`s al-Mu`sawi said: "Zayn al-'Abidin was the best of the people in face, the sweetest of them in perfume, the noblest of the in soul, the highest of them in lineage, and the greatest of them in honor.( Nazhat al-Jalees, vol. 2, p. 24).
28. Al-Sayyid Mohsin
Al-Sayyid Mohsin al-Amin al-'Amili said: "He (Zayn al-'Abidin) was the most meritorious of the people of his time in knowledge, jurisprudence, piety, worship, generosity, clemency, patience, eloquence, high moral standards, alms, kindness to the poor, and loyalty to the Muslims. The relatives, the people, the friends, and the enemies glorified him. Yazid b. Mu'a`wiya commanded the people of Medina to Pledge allegiance to him as slaves except Zayn al-'Abidin. He commanded him to pledge allegiance to him as his brother and cousin.(A'yan al-Shi'a, 4/Q1/308).
Ima`m Zayn al-'Abidin was distinguished by all the great qualities. All the outstanding qualities by which man is distinguished and through which he becomes noble were part of the Ima`m's outstanding qualities and merits. So he was as it was said:
You were created free from all defects as if that you were created as you wished.
29. Al-Nuwayri
Shaha`b al-Din Ahmed b. 'Abd al-Wahha`b Al-Nuwayri said: "'Ali b. al-Husayn was reliable, pious, trusted, and had many traditions. He was the most meritorious of the members of his family and the best of them in obedience.
(Nihayat al-Irab fi Funun al-Adab, vol. 21, p. 324).
30. Al-Sha`fi'i
Ima`m Al-Sha`fi'i said: "'Ali b. al-Husayn was the most meritorious of all the people of Medina in jurisprudence.(Rasa'il al-Jihiz, p. 106. Nahjj al-Balagha, vol. 15, p. 274).
31. 'Ali bin 'Isa` al-Arbali
Abu` al-Hasan 'Ali bin 'Isa` b. Abi al-Fath al-Arbali said: "The outstanding qualities of 'Ali b. al-Husayn are more than the stars. The one who describes them goes to a boundless place. They appear in the sky of outstanding qualities as the stars appear for those who seek guidance through them. How is that not?
He (Zayn al-'Abidin) surpasses all the world's inhabitants with the exception of 'Ali, Fa`tima, al-Hasan, al-Husayn. (Of course, this rhymed prose has been advanced, so do not be hesitant.) When you give the intellect its right, you will find whatever you want of glory and rightness, for he is a divine Ima`m, luminous temple, the substitute of the substitutes, the ascetic of the ascetics, the pole of the poles, the worshipper of the worshippers, the light of the lamp of the Message, the center of the circle of the Ima`mate, Ibn al-Khiyaratayn (the son of the best two), the one with two generous sides (father and mother), the peace of the heart, and the delight of the eye. 'Ali b. al-Husayn, and what will make you comprehend what 'Ali b. al-Husayn is?
(He was) repentant, the one who wept very much, the one who put into effect the Sunna and the Book, said right words, devoted himself to the mihrab, preferred (people) to himself, and became high through the degrees of knowledge. His day surpassed his yesterday. He was unique in knowledge.
He was the best of all creatures in inherited and newly acquired (qualities). He resorted to honor, so he ascended to its top and became important in all its affairs. He defeated (all the people) through what he had such as good birthplace, noble origin, and pure descent. The tongues of those who describe him are unable to depict him. He was unique in his privacy during his whispered prayers.
So the angels admired his attitudes. His fear of his Lord made his tears flow. So he exceeded the heavy, pouring rain. So, may Allah support you, carefully consider his traditions, take into consideration his signs, think about his asceticism, his worship, his humility, his night prayers, his punctual prayers, his preferring (people to himself), his alms, his gifts, his pleading (to Allah), his purity, and his eloquence which indicate his humility to his Lord, his standing as the standing of the disobedient in spite of his firm obedience, his confessing the sins in spite of his innocence, his weeping, his wailing, the beating of his heart out of the fear of Allah, his shaking all over, and his standing (for prayer).
When it got dark, he whispered to his Lord, may His names be holy, addressed Him, the Exalted, cleaved to the Door of Him, the Great and Almighty, imagined that he was before Him, turned away from everything (other than Him), devoted himself to Him, he separated (himself) from this mean world, and was free from the human corpse.
So his body prostrated on the earth while his soul was clinging to the world of angels. He fidgeted when he passed by a threatening verse as if the verse concerned him, while he was far from it. Thus, you find wonderful affairs, strange conditions, and a soul close to Allah, the Glorified, and you know with the knowledge of the one for whom the curtain was disclosed and the doors were open that this fruit is from that tree, as one is part of ten, this fresh drop from that noble fountain, this new one from that old one, this pearl from that abundant sea, this star from that bright moon, this growing branch from that firm origin, and this result from that premise. So this one (Zayn al-'Abidin) whose origin was pure was the successor of Mohammed, 'Ali, al-Hasan, al-Husayn, and Fa`tima, the honored, the glorified.(Kashf al-Ghumma, the Biography of 'Ali b. al-Husayn).
Al-Arbali, a scholar and researcher, has mentioned the most prominent qualities of Ima`m Zayn al-'Abidin, peace be on him, which are among the places of pride for every Muslim, for his qualities are a natural extension to the qualities and inclinations of his fathers, who changed the course of human history and enlightened man's way and guided him to signposts of the truth when he had been straying in the remote mysterious fields of this world.
Description cannot encompass the outstanding merits and laudable deeds of Ima`m Zayn al-'Abidin, peace be on him, nor can explanation meet them, for he was a branch of the tree of prophethood and of the large tree of the Ima`mate in which Allah has put absolute perfection in order to be a signpost for the truth in the earth.
32. Al-Busta`ni
Al-Busta`ni said: "Zayn al-'Abidin is Abu` al-Hasan, 'Ali b. al-Husayn b. 'Ali b. Abi Ta`lib. He was given the nick-name of Zayn al-'Abidin because of his plentiful worship. He was also given the nick-name of Sayyid al-'Abidin (the Lord of worshippers), the pure, the trusted one, and the one with calluses.
(Al-Bustani, Da'irat al-Ma'arif, vol. 9, p. 355).
33. Wajjdi
Mohammed Fareed Wajjdi said: "Zayn al-'Abidin is Abu` al-Hasan, 'Ali b. al-Husayn b. 'Ali b. Abi Ta`lib, better known as Zayn al-'Abidin. He was also called al-Asghar (the younger). Al-Husayn b. 'Ali had no descendants except from the children of Zayn al-'Abidin. He (Zayn al-'Abidin) is one of the twelve Ima`ms according to the doctrine of the Ima`mi Shi'ites, and he was also among the lords and chiefs of the next generation.(Da'irat Ma'arif al-Qarn al-Ishreen, vol. 4, p. 793).
34. Agha` Buzurg
The Chief of the researchers, Mohammed Hasan, better known as Agha` Buzurg al-Tahra`ni, said: "Ima`m Zayn al-'Abidin, the lord of those who prostrated themselves in prayer, Ali b. al-Husayn b. 'Ali b. Abi Ta`lib, peace be on them, is the fourth Ima`m of the Ima`mi Shi'ites. The Muslim historians have unanimously agreed that he was the most meritorious of all the people in piety, asceticism, and worshipping.(Al-Dhree'a, vol. 13, p. 345).
35. Ibn al-Jawzi
Ibn al-Jawzi said: "Zayn al-'Abidin (the ornament of the worshippers), is a model for the ascetics, and lord of the Allah-fearing. His outstanding merits bear witness that he was from among the progeny of Allah's Apostle, his righteousness proves that he has nearness to Allah, his calluses record for him that he prayed very much and that he spent the night in praying, and his renouncing the worldly pleasures denotes his asceticism.(Tadhkirat al-Khawas).
36. Ta`jj al-Din
Ta`jj al-Din b. Mohammed b. Hamza al-Husayni, the Chief of Halab, said: "'Ali b. al-Husayn was the lord of the Ha`shimites, the place of their knowledge, and the most meritorious one of them.(Ghayat al-Ikhtisar, p. 106).
37. 'Arif Ta`mir
'Arif Ta`mir said: "He (Zayn al-'Abidin) was famous for asceticism, and worship. None was similar to him in these qualities, so he was given the nick-name of Zayn al-'Abidin and al-Sajja`d(the one who prostrates himself very much in prayer).(Imama fi al-Islam, p. 116).
38. Al-Zarkali
Khayr al-Din Al-Zarkali said: "'Ali b. al-Husayn b. 'Ali b. Abi Ta`lib al-Ha`shimi, al-Qarashi, Abu` al-Hasan, the one whose nick-name is Zayn al-'Abidin, is the fourth Ima`m of the Shi'ites. He was one of those who were examples for clemency and piety. He was called 'Ali al-Asghar (the younger) to distinguish him from his brother 'Ali al-Akkbar (the elder).( Al-A'lam, vol. 1, p. 86).
39. Ahmed Mahmu`d Subhi
Dr. Ahmed Mahmu`d Subhi said: "'Ali b. al-Husayn inherited his Ima`mate through his lineage to Fa`tima, the chaste. He drew for the Shi'ites the way of the spiritual Ima`mate, impressed Shiism with the impression of everlasting sadness and continuous weeping over al-Husayn, and dedicated himself to worshipping, so he was given the nick-name of al-Sajja`d and the Kunya of Zayn al-'Abidin. He descended from the Prophet, may Allah bless him and his family, and from Kasra`, so he was known as Ibn al-Khiyaratayn (the son of the best two).(Nazariyat al-Imama, p. 307).
Dr. Ahmed Subhi mentioned that Ima`m Zayn al-'Abidin, peace be on him, inherited the Ima`mate through his descending from his grandmother, Fa`tima the chaste, mistress of the women of the world. It is necessary for us to discuss this matter with the Doctor.
As for this claim, it is untrue, for the Ima`mate does not depend on inheritance; rather it depends on text (tradition), and it is in the hand of Allah, the Exalted, Who chooses for it those who have good inclinations and outstanding merits. This is what the Shi'ites believe in, and it is proven in their books of theology.
It was not Ima`m Zayn al-'Abidin, peace be on him, who impressed Shiism with the impression of sadness for Ima`m al-Husayn, lord of the youth of Heaven; rather it was the tragedy of Karbala`', whose terrors melt the hearts, which impressed Shiism with the world of sorrow and sadness. Zayn al-'Abidin was in the foremost of who were affected by it, for he saw all its sorrowful stages.
40. Ahmed Fahmi
Shaykh Ahmed Fahmi said: "He (Ima`m Zayn al-'Abidin) was the most meritorious of the people of his time in knowledge, jurisprudence, piety, worship, generosity, clemency, eloquence, and noble lineage. He helped the poor and the weak.(Al-Imam Zayn al-A'bidin, p. 65).
41. Husayn 'Ali Mahfu`z
Dr. Husayn 'Ali Mahfu`z said: "Zayn al-'Abidin was the best of Allah's creatures in knowledge and action. He was the most similar of the members of the House (ahl al-Bayt) , peace be on them, to the Commander of the faithful in the manner of clothing, knowledge, and worship.(Al-Balagh Magazine, no. 7, first year, p. 54).
Important Points
The words of the contemporaries concerning the Ima`m and of the historians are full of important points. The following are some of them:
1. Ima`m Zayn al-'Abidin, peace be on him, was the most knowledge of the people of his time in the affairs of the Islamic law and precepts of religion.
2. He was the best of all the Ha`shimites and the Qarashis of his time, this is because he was endowed with outstanding qualities and ideals with which no one was endowed except his grandfathers.
3. He was the best of the people of his time and the greatest of the them in importance and position, this is because of his noble lineage, he was Ibn al-Khiyaratayn (the son of the best two) in addition to his genius and great talents.
4. He was the most ascetic of all the people in turning away from the worldly pleasures.
5. He was the best of all the people in piety, reverential fear, and clinging to the religion.
6. He was the lamp of this world and beauty of Islam, 1this is because his outstanding conduct was among the qualities of the Prophet and the Ima`ms.
7. He was the best of the people in manners, the sweetest of them in perfume, the most generous of them in soul, and the greatest of them in honor.
8. He was the most eloquent of all the people, for his supplications, his preaching, and his wise sayings are among the sources of Arab literature and among the most valuable and cultural provisions in the world of Islam.
9. He was the kindest of all the people to the poor and the most merciful of them to the miserable and the deprived.
10. The was the best of all the people in worship and obedience to Allah, for there was no one like him in worship and obedience to Allah except his grandfathers.
11. He was the best of all the people in morals, for he was similar to his grandfather, the Prophet, may Allah bless him and his family, in high moral standards.
12. He was appropriate for presidency, the spiritual and temporal leadership of the community.
13. The Muslims unanimously agreed that he was great and virtuous, and that none of his opponents was able to defame him.
These are some points concerning the words of the contemporaries to the Ima`m and of the historians, despite their different inclinations and doctrines.
They establish the most sublime view of the Shi'ites who are of the opinion that it is necessary for the Ima`m to be the most righteous and the most knowledgeable of the people of his time.
