Imam Ali Zayn al-Abidin

Birth

5 Sha'ban, 38 AH (Medina)

Martyrdom

25 Muharram, 95 AH (Medina; by poisoning, per Shia narration)

Kunya

Abu Muhammad

Relation

Son of Imam Husayn; the fourth Imam

He survived the Karbala massacre due to illness, was taken captive to Damascus with the women, and later returned to Medina. Known for extensive prostration and worship - hence his titles al-Sajjad and Zayn al-Abidin - he is the source to whom the collection of supplications known as al-Sahifa al-Sajjadiyya is attributed.

A pedagogy of supplication and intimate conversation with God, embodied in al-Sahifa al-Sajjadiyya.