Imam Ali Al-Sajjad (AS)

The 4th Imam was Ali son of the 3rd Imam Hussain(as) and Shahe Zanan daughter of Yazdjard II, the King of Persia.

He was born in Madina on the same day when his grandfather Imam Ali Ibin Abe Taleb liberated the city of Basra, in Iraq.

He died of poisoning and his body was prepared by the Fifth Imam Mohammad Al-Baqir(as) and was buried in the Baggea cemmentary in Al-Medina.

He excelled all others in his time in his vast knowledge, worshipping Allah(swt), spiritual perfections, piety and helping the needy.

The Jurists

In all matters of the Islamic Sharia, they quote him widely and there are many facts of spiritual guidance, prayers and words of wisdom that he left behind as his legacy.

Charity

Very often at night he would carry money and sacks of food to the needy with his face covered up so that no one would recognize him. Because the people would intercede and would take his load off him.

Only when he had died, and then only, then did the people of Medina realize that the person who used to deliver to them food with his face covered by a mask was no one other than Imam Ali son of Imam Hussain(as).

When he ever saw any orphans and destitute he would invite and share with them his meal.

Every month he would call a meeting of his employees and would offer them help if any of them needed to get married or wanted to be set free.

Whenever a needy person would come to him asking for help he would say this,

"Welcome to those who carry for me supplies to the after life".

In Worship of Allah

It is said that he would pray a thousand Rakat of Prayer in every twenty four hours. At the time of prayer his face would change out of his realization of the greatness of Allah the Most High(swt). Due to his prostrating so much before Allah his forehead and knees were clearly marked.

Once a person from his relatives spoke to him some improper words as such that normally would hurt one's feelings. After a while the Imam stood up and stepped nearer to that person. People around thought that he, perhaps, wants to answer him in the same manner, but the Imam, instead, recited this from the Holy Koran.

" Allah loves Those who control their anger and be forgiving towards the people and who do good."

He then said to that person,

"Brother, I heard all that you said to me. If all that you said about me is true, then I ask Allah to forgive me and if all that you said about me is not true, then may Allah forgive you."