The Muslims have agreed that Imam Zayn al-'Abidin, peace be on him, was great and meritorious, and that he was a unique being in this world. None matched him in outstanding qualities, knowledge, and piety. So the Muslims sought blessing through kissing the Imam's hands and putting them on their eyes.( Al-'Aqd al-Farid, vol. 2, p. 251).
Glorifying the Imam was not confined to those who accompanied and met him, rather it included all historians, regardless of their different inclinations and desires. They wrote with admiration about his conduct and gave him all noble nick-names and holy qualities.
All those who read about the Imam's characteristics will admire him, for there is no one similar to him in good inclinations and great qualities.
He exists in the mind of all those noble people who adopt ideals and respect their humanity. Now, we will mention the impressions of his contemporaries and of the historians about his character.
The religious scholars and all other figures who were contemporary to the Imam stated their impressions of his character. They all glorified and admired him, whether they showed love toward him or harbored malice against him. The following are their thoughts about him:
1. Ja`bir al-Ansa`ri
Ja`bir b. 'Abd Allah al-Ansa`ri, the great companion of the Prophet, devoted himself to the members of the House, peace be on them, and was among their followers. He expressed his great admiration of the Imam, peace be on him, saying: "None of the children of the prophets was like 'Ali b. al-Husayn."
Indeed none of the children of the prophets was more meritorious than 'Ali b. al-Husayn in devotion, piety, and intense turning to Allah in repentance, and none of them was more liable to ordeals and misfortunes than him.
2. 'Abd Allah b. 'Abba`s
'Abd Allah b. 'Abba`s, despite his eminence among the people and his old age, respected Imam Zayn al-'Abidin and bowed to him in submission and glory. When he saw him, he stood up to glorify him and said at the top of his voice: "Welcome dear and beloved one!"(Tarikh Dimashq, vol. 36, p. 147)
3. Al-Zuhri
Mohammed b. Muslim al-Qarashi, al-Zuhri, was a jurist, one of the leading Imams and religious scholar of Syria and Saudi Arabia(Tadhib al-Tahdhib, vol. 9, p. 445).
He was among those who were sincere to the Imam and loved him very much. He said a group of valuable words in which he expressed the noble qualities and the great ideals of the Imam, peace be on him.
The following are some of his words:
"I have never seen a Ha`shimi like 'Ali b. al-Husayn.( Khulasat Tahdhib al-Kamal, M 7/Q/2. Abu al-Farajj al-Asfahani, al-Aghani, vol. 15, p. 325).
"I have never seen a Qarashi more pious and more meritorious than 'Ali b. al-Husayn.(Al-Bidaya wa al-Nihaya, vol. 9, p. 104)
"I have never seen a Qarashi more meritorious than 'Ali b. al-Husayn(Siyar A'lam al-Nubala', vol. 4, p. 37. Tarikh al-Islam, vol. 2, p. 266. Al-Kashif vol. 2, p. 282. Tabaqat al-Fuqaha', vol. 10 p. 34).
"I have never met in Medina a person more meritorious than him.(Tahdhib al-Lughat wa al-Asma', part 1, p. 343).
"I have never met among the members of the House a person more meritorious than 'Ali b. al-Husayn.(Al-Jarh wa al-Ta'dil, vol. 3, part 1, p. 178)
"I sat with 'Ali b. al-Husayn many times. I have never seen a person more knowledgeable than him in jurisprudence.(Khulasat Tahdhib al-Kamal, M7/Q2, p. 336. Tahdhkirat al-Huffaz, vol. 1, p. 75. Shadhrat al-Dhahab, vol. 1, p. 105. Al-'Ibar fi Akhbar men Ghabar, vol. 1, p. 111).
"'Ali b. al-Husayn was the most meritorious of the people of his time and the best of them in obedience.(Siyar A'lam al-Nubala', vol. 4, p. 238. Tarikh Dimashq, vol. 12, p. 19).
"A caller will call out on the Day of Judgment: Let the Lord of the worshippers of his time stand up, so 'Ali b. al-Husayn will stand up.(Roudat al-Jinan, vol. 7, p. 248 Kashf al-Ghumma)
He meant the famous prophetic tradition: "When the Day of Judgment takes place, a caller will call out from inside the Throne: Let the Lord of the worshippers stand up, so he will stand up.(Tarikh Dimashq, vol. 36, p. 140)
Al-Zuhri was asked about the most ascetic one of all the people in the world and he replied: "'Ali b. al-Husayn."
Sufya`n b. 'Ayyina said: "I asked al-Zuhri: Have you met 'Ali b. al-Husayn? 'Yes,' he replied, 'I have met him. I have never met a person more meritorious than him. By Allah, I have never known that he had a friend in secret or an enemy in public.' I asked him: 'Why was that?' He answered: 'Because all those who loved him envied him out of their abundant knowledge of his outstanding merits, and all those who hated him took care of him because he took great care of them.('Ilal al-Shara'i, p. 88. Wasa'il al-Shi'a vol. 5, p. 541. Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 46. p. 64).
It is certain that al-Zuhri said these words concerning the Imam because there was a close relationship between the former and the latter. Al-Zuhri had perfect knowledge of the Imam's ideals and noble values. He admired him to the extent that he wept and said: "'Ali b. al-Husayn!( Tarikh Dimashq, vol. 12, p. 19. Kashf al-Ghumma, vol. 2, p. 288. Roudat al-Jinan, vol. 7, p. 246).
4. Sa'id bin al-Musayyab
Sa'id bin al-Musayyab was among the prominent jurists in Medina. The narrators said: "None of the next generation was more knowledgeable than Sa'id.(Tahdhib al-Tahdhib, vol. 4, p. 85). He made friends with Imam Zayn al-'Abidin and knew of his piety and his firm devotion to religion. He admired the Imam, so he said the following words concerning him:
"I have never seen a person more pious than him, namely 'Ali b. al-Husayn.(4. Al-'Ibar fi Tarikh men Ghabar, vol. 1, p. 111. Khulasat Tahdhib al-Kamal, p. 231).
"I have never seen a person more meritorious than 'Ali b. al-Husayn. When I saw him, I hated myself. I never saw him laugh.( Tarikh al-Ya'qubi, vol. 3, p. 46).
A person said to Sa'id: "I have never seen a person more pious than so-and-so." Sa'id asked him: "Have you seen 'Ali b. al-Husayn?" "No," replied the person. "You have never seen a person more pious than him,6" explained Sa'id.(Siyar A'lam al-Nubala', vol. 4, p. 38. Kashf al-Ghumma, vol. 3, p. 392).
Sa'id was sitting and there was a young man from Quraysh beside him. When Imam Zayn al-'Abidin appeared, the Qarashi asked Sa'id about him, and Sa'id replied: "That is the Lord of worshippers, 'Ali b. al-Husayn.( Al-Fusul al-Muhimma, p. 189).
"I have never seen a person gentler and more pious than Zayn al-'Abidin, 'Ali b. al-Husayn.(Jammharat al-Awliya', vol. 2, p. 74).
These words, which this jurist said, have included some of the Imam's qualities such as piety, obedience to Allah, and gentle conduct toward the people.
5. Zayd bin Aslam
Zayd bin Aslam was among the leading jurists of Medina as well as he was among the interpreters of the Holy Qur'a`n.(Tahdhib al-Tahdhib, vol. 3, p. 395). He devoted himself to Imam Zayn al-'Abidin, peace be on him. He admired the Imam's outstanding qualities such as, piety, Allah-fearingness, ideals, and values. He said many words concerning him. The following are some of them:
"There is no one among the people of the Qibla like him, namely like 'Ali b. al-Husayn.(Tarikh Dimashq, 12/Q1/, p. 19).
"I have never seen a person like 'Ali b. al-Husayn among them, namely among the members of the House.(Tarikh Dimashq, 12/Q1/, p. 19).
"I have never seen a person better than 'Ali b. al-Husayn in understanding and memorizing (the Qur'a`n).(Tabaqat al-Fuqaha', vol. 2, p. 34).
This means that the Imam was the best Muslim and the best Ha`shimi of his time and that Sa'id b. al-Musayyab had never seen a person better then him in understanding and memorizing (the Qur'a`n). Hence, the Shi'ites emphasize that the Imam should be the best of his time in merits and gifts.
6. Hamma`d bin Zayd
As for Hamma`d bin Zayd al-Jahdi, he was among the most prominent jurists in Basrah and was one of the Imams of the Muslims.(Tahdhib al-Tahdhib, vol. 3, p. 9). He made friends with Imam Zayn al-'Abidin, peace be on him, and admired him, saying: "'Ali b. al-Husayn was the most meritorious Ha`shimi I met.(Tahdhib al-Lughat wa al-Asma', part 1, p. 343).
Indeed the Imam was the best of the Ha`shimis of his time in high moral standards.
7. Yahya` bin Sa'id
As for Yahya` bin Sa'id b. Qays al-Ansa`ri al-Madani, he was among the great figures of the next generation and among the most meritorious jurists and religious scholars.(Tahdhib al-Tahdhib, vol. 81, p. 222).
He made friends with the Imam and knew of his outstanding merits, so he said these valuable words concerning him: "I heard 'Ali b. al-Husayn, and he was the best Ha`shimi I met.(Tahdhib al-Kamal, M7/ Q2/ p. 336. Tahdhib al-Tahdhib, part 1, p. 343. Al-Tarikh al-Kabir, vol. 3, part 2, p. 266. Ibn Sa'd, al-Tabaqat, vol. 1, p. 214. Al-Jarh wa al-Ta'dil, Q/1, vol. 3, p. 178).
The Imam, peace be on him, became the lord of all the Ha`shimis through his faith, his fear of Allah, his abundant knowledge, and other outstanding qualities.
8. Ma`lik
Malik said: "There was no person among the members of the House (ahl al-Bayt) like 'Ali b. al-Husayn.(Siyar A'lam al-Nubala', vol. 4, p. 238. In Tahdhib al-Tahdhib, vol. 7, p. 305).
9. Abu` Bakr bin al-Barqi
Abu` Bakr bin al-Barqi said: "'Ali b. al-Husayn was the most meritorious one of his time.( Siyar A'lam al-Nubala', vol. 4, p. 238).
10. Abu` Zar'a
Abu` Zar'a said: "I have never seen a person more knowledgeable in jurisprudence than him, meaning 'Ali b. al-Husayn.(Tarikh Dimashq, 12/Q1/ p. 18).
11. Abu` Ha`zim
Abu` Ha`zim said: "I have never seen a Ha`shimi more meritorious than 'Ali b. al-Husayn.(Tarikh Dimashq, 12/Q1/ p. 18).
He also said: "I have never seen a person more knowledgeable than 'Ali b. al-Husayn in jurisprudence.(Tahdhib al-Kamal, M7/Q2/ p. 332. Kashf al-Gumma).
12. Abu` Ha`tam al-A'raji
Abu` Ha`tam al-A'raji said: "I have never seen a Ha`shimi more meritorious than 'Ali b. al-Husayn.(Tadhkirat al-Huffaz, vol. 1, p. 75. Shadhrat al-Dhahab, vol. 1, p. 105. Al-'Ibar fi Khabar men Ghabar, vol. 1, p. 111. Tarikh al-Islam, vol. 2, p. 16).
13. Abu` Hamza al-Thuma`li
Tha`bit b. Safiya known as Abu` Hamza, the trustworthy and trusted one, said: "I have never heard that there is a person more ascetic than 'Ali b. al-Husayn except 'Ali b. Abi Ta`lib.(Safinat al-Bihar, vol. 1, p. 571).
He said once: "I have never heard that there is a person more ascetic than 'Ali b. al-Husayn, who caused to weep all those who were in his presence when he talked about asceticism and preaching.(Al-Mufeed al-Amali, p. 117).
14. Imam al-Sa`diq
His (Zayn al-'Abidin's) grandson said: "None of 'Ali's children or his family was more like and nearer to him in manner of dress and understanding than 'Ali b. al-Husayn."
Imam Zayn al-'Abidin was the most similar of all the people to his grandfather, Imam 'Ali, the Commander of the faithful, peace be on him, in worshipping, knowledge, and all other characteristics. He was a picture of that great figure who enlightened the world with his knowledge.
15. 'Umar bin 'Abd al-'Aziz
'Umar bin 'Abd al-'Aziz was among those who respected Imam Zayn al-'Abidin, peace be on him, and knew of his high position. The Imam, peace be on him, met 'Umar bin 'Abd al-'Aziz, and when he left him, he ('Umar) turned to his companions and asked them: "Who is the noblest of all the people?"
A mercenary from among his companions answered: "You are the noblest of all the people."
However, he told them the truth, saying: "No, the noblest of all the people is the person who has just left me, meaning Imam Zayn al-'Abidin, who wants the people to be with him and does want to be with any of them.(Al-Majjlisi, Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 46, pp. 4-4).
This means that the Imam, peace be on him, attained a position of which none of the people attained. The people liked making ties or relations with the Imam because of his high social rank. For example, when the Imam died, 'Umar b. 'Abd al-'Aziz praised him with these words: "The lamp of this world, the beauty of Islam, and the adornment of the worshippers (Zayn al-'Abidin) passed away.(Al-Ya'qubi, Tarikh, vol. 3, 48).
16. Yazid bin Mu'a`wiya
Acknowledging the excellent traits of Imam Zayn al-'Abidin, peace be on him, was not confined to his followers, rather it included his enemies and those who harbored malice against him.
For example, Yazid b. Mu'a`wiya, who was the mortal enemy of the members of the House (ahl al-Bayt) , peace be on them, confessed the Imam's outstanding characteristics. This was when the Syrians asked him to let him deliver a speech, so Yazid, the tyrannical one, fearfully said:
"He (Zayn al-'Abidin) is among the members of the House who were provided with abundant knowledge. He will not come down (from the pulpit) until he exposes me and the family of Abi Sufya`n."
With these words of his, Yazid b. Mu'a`wiya demonstrated that the Imam was a knowledgeable man and eloquent speaker, and that he had strong explanations and wonderful deductions through which he would be able to change the attitude against the Umayyad government.
17. 'Abd al-Malik bin Marw`an
'Abd al-Malik bin Marw`an was another enemy from among the enemies of the members of the House (ahl al-Bayt) , peace be on them; nevertheless he admitted the outstanding merits of the Imam. This was when he met him and saw his weakness due to excessive worshipping. So he said to him with astonishment:
"Exertion has appeared on your face while Allah has already promised to grant you good, you are part of Allah's Messenger, may Allah bless him and his family, your lineage is close to him, your means is certain, you have outstanding merits over the people of your House and time, and you are endowed with virtues, knowledge, religion, and piety with which none before or after you has ever been endowed with except your previous ancestors.(Al-Majlisi, Bihar Al-Anwar, vol. 46, p. 75).
18. Mansu`r al-Dawa`niqi
Mansu`r al-Dawa`niqi was another enemy from among the enemies of the members of the House (ahl al-Bayt) , peace be on them; nevertheless he admitted to the outstanding qualities of the Imam. This was when he sent a letter to Dhi al-Nafs al-Zakiya. In the letter he said: "None like him (Zayn al-'Abidin) was born among you ('Ali's grandsons) after the death of Allah's Apostle, may Allah bless him and his family.(Al-Mubrrad, al-Kamil, vol. 2, p. 467. Al-'Aqd al-Farid, vol. 5, p. 310).
19. Al-Farazdaq
Al-Farazdaq, the Arab great poet, was among those who admired the values of Imam Zayn al-'Abidin, peace be on him, and believed in his high and holy character. He composed his immortal ode to show Imam Zayn al-'Abidin's outstanding qualities and inclinations. This was when Hisha`m denied recognizing the Imam before the Syrians lest they should admire him. So al-Farazdaq introduced the Imam to them, saying:
This is he whose ability the valley (of Mecca)
recognizes, and whom the (Sacred) House
recognizes (as do) the sanctuary and the area
outside the sanctuary (al-hill).
This is the son of the best of all Allah's
servants. This is the pure pious man, the pure eminent man.
When he comes to touch the corner of the wall
of the Kaaba, it almost grasps the palm of his hand.
He takes care to be modest and he is protected
from his error. He only speaks when he smiles.
None of mankind has within their souls such
primacy as he does nor such grace as he does.
Whoever knows Allah, knows His friend (wali)
Religion is from the House of this man.
When Quraysh saw him, their spokesmen told
of the outstanding qualities of this man which
indicate (his) nobility.
The Imam was the greatest picture al-Farazdaq saw in the world of honor and virtues, so he admired and adored him.
20. Al-Himyari
As for al-Himyari, he dedicated his talents to the members of the House, who were the source of mercy and virtue on the earth. So he composed poetry about their laudable deeds and outstanding merits, for example, he praised Imam Zayn al-'Abidin, peace be on him, in this line of poetry:
The fourth of them is 'Ali, the possessor of efforts, through whom the religion and the world are established.( Al-Himyari, Divan, p. 36).
21. Ibn Shaha`b
Ibn Shaha`b said: "I have never seen a Qarashi more meritorious than 'Ali b. al-Husayn.(Al-Basawi, al-Ma'rifa wa al-Tarikh, vol. 1, p. 360).
22. Ibn Zayd
Ibn Zayd said: [My father said:] "I have never seen a person greater than 'Ali b. al-Husayn.
These are some contemporaries of Imam Zayn al-'Abidin, peace
be on him, whether they loved him or harbored malice against him. They unanimously greed that the Imam was a man with piety and knowledge of Islam .
