The most authentic and illuminating source for attaining a deeper understanding of this noble Imam on such an auspicious occasion is his own eloquent speech—particularly at the most critical juncture of time and place, when, in a powerful and uncompromising sermon delivered in Damascus, he introduced himself and, through articulate and forceful words, caused the palace of Yazid to tremble and collapse upon its foundations.
In order to better appreciate the content of this sermon and the reasons that compelled Imam al-Sajjad (peace be upon him) to deliver it, what follows is a presentation of a significant portion of the sermon’s exposition, focusing on the virtues of the Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali (peace be upon him), and his unparalleled struggles in the path of Islam.
Themes Addressed in the Sermon of Imam al-Sajjad (peace be upon him)
The sermon delivered by Imam al-Sajjad (peace be upon him) in Damascus, while in captivity, encompasses a profound exposition of virtues as well as a clear introduction of his noble lineage. The pinnacle of this invaluable sermon lies in the section where Ali ibn al-Hussain (peace be upon him), with supreme eloquence and rhetorical mastery, extols the virtues of Amir al-Muminin (peace be upon him)—words that completely transformed the perception of the people of Greater Syria toward the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them).
At the outset of the sermon, Imam al-Sajjad (peace be upon him) points to the virtues and grounds for the superiority of the Household of the Prophet (peace be upon them) over all others. He then introduces his lineage in the most exalted terms to a people who did not recognize him, identifying himself as the grandson of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him and his family), so that those who were unaware might realize that in the tragedy of Ashura, the blood of the most virtuous of mankind—the descendants of the Noble Messenger of Islam (peace be upon him and his family)—had been unjustly shed.
In another portion of the sermon, he speaks of the distinguished services rendered by his family in the cause of Islam. Notably, however, more than half of Imam al-Sajjad’s (peace be upon him) sermon in Damascus is devoted to a comprehensive and profound portrayal of the personality and virtues of Amir al-Muminin (peace be upon him).
The Vilification of Amir al-Muminin – The Reason Behind Imam al-Sajjad’s Sermon in Yazid’s Court
In the presence of the people of Damascus, the accursed Yazid ordered a preacher to ascend the pulpit to praise the family of Abu Sufyan and to vilify Amir al-Muminin (peace be upon him), and his progeny. The orator spared no effort in maligning Amir al-Muminin (peace be upon him) and Imam al-Hussain (peace be upon him).
When Yazid was confronted with Imam al-Sajjad’s (peace be upon him) request to address the people, he initially refused—out of fear of the Imam’s penetrating insight and the profound influence of his words. Eventually, however, due to the insistence of the people of Syria, Yazid was compelled to allow Imam al-Sajjad (peace be upon him) to ascend the pulpit.
In a powerful and transformative address, the Imam responded to the preacher by eloquently proclaiming the virtues of the Commander of the Faithful (peace be upon him). This sermon—much of which was devoted to describing Imam Ali (peace be upon him)—had a far-reaching impact in Damascus and fundamentally challenged the legitimacy of the Umayyad narrative in the eyes of the people.
The Text of Imam al-Sajjad’s Sermon Concerning Amir al-Muminin
Given the atmosphere of Yazid’s court and the likelihood that he would be prevented from delivering a lengthy discourse, Imam al-Sajjad (peace be upon him) chose to present the comprehensive virtues and multifaceted character of Imam Ali (peace be upon him) through concise yet deeply meaningful expressions, such as “Khayfi,” “Makki,” “Shajari,” “possessor of two swords and two spears,” and similar descriptions.
In this sermon, Imam Ali ibn al-Hussainn (peace be upon him) enumerates nearly seventy distinct virtues and honors of the Commander of the Faithful (peace be upon him).
A portion of the sermon, in praise and description of Amir al-Muminin (peace be upon him), is as follows:
“I am the son of the defender of the sanctuary of the Muslims;
the slayer of the oath-breakers, the tyrants, and the renegades;
the one who strove against his hostile enemies;
the most illustrious of all who ever walked among Quraysh;
the first of the believers to answer the call of Allah;
the foremost of the foremost;
the crusher of aggressors and the annihilator of polytheists;
an arrow from among the arrows of Allah against the hypocrites;
the tongue of wisdom of the worshippers;
the supporter of the religion of Allah;
the guardian of the command of Allah;
the garden of divine wisdom and the vessel of divine knowledge;
generous, magnanimous, pure, and noble;
content with Allah’s decree and pleasing to Him;
bold, resolute, patient, and steadfast;
a mighty lion in battle and a life-giving rain in mercy;
who crushed enemies in war as a millstone grinds grain
and scattered them like chaff before the wind;
the lion of the Hijaz, the master of miracles,
the leader of Iraq, the Imam by divine designation and rightful merit;
Makkan and Medinan,
present at Badr and Uhud,
the master of the Arabs and the lion of the battlefield;
the father of the two grandsons, al-Hasan and al-Hussain (peace be upon them);
the manifestation of wonders,
the disperser of armies,
the piercing flame and the enduring light;
the victorious Lion of Allah,
triumphant over every victor—
That is my grandfather, Ali ibn Abi Talib (peace be upon him).”
The courage and illuminating stance of Imam al-Sajjad (peace be upon him)—despite the severe constraints placed upon the Household of the Prophet (peace be upon them), the oppressive atmosphere of Yazid’s court, and the distorted perceptions held by the people of Syria regarding Amir al-Muminin (peace be upon him)—lifted the veil of heedlessness from blinded hearts and acquainted dulled ears with the unparalleled virtues and lofty status of that exalted Imam.
