Remembered for worship: Imam Sajjad (as) is remembered most for his worship. He prayed for long hours, and his forehead and knees showed the marks of many prostrations. That is why people called him "Sajjad".
Secret charity at night: But his worship never made him hard-hearted. At night, he would carry bags of food on his back and leave them at the doors of poor families in Madina, without telling them who had brought it. The people only found out after he passed away, when they saw the marks on his shoulders and the food stopped coming.
Freeing slaves generously: He also freed many slaves. Whenever a slave served him well, he would set them free and give them money to start a new life.
Example
Goodness without an audience: Goodness does not always need an audience. Do one kind act this week that nobody sees — that is the way of Imam Sajjad (as).
Key Terms
- Sajdah (سجدہ) — prostration in prayer
- Sadaqah (صدقہ) — charity given for the sake of Allah
- Secret charity — giving without showing off or seeking praise
- Imam Sajjad (as) prayed so much that he was called "Sajjad", the One Who Prostrates Much.
- He secretly carried food to poor families at night.
- He freed many slaves and helped them begin a new life.