The Sahifa al-Sajjadiyya, often called “The Psalms of Islam,” is a collection of supplications and whispered prayers from Imam Ali ibn Husayn Zayn al-Abidin (AS), the fourth Shia Imam.
Memorable Lines from the Sahifa
The Sahifa contains prayers on a vast range of topics, from repentance and gratitude to social justice and human rights. Here are a few memorable lines, which reflect the text’s deep spiritual and ethical teachings.
On Repentance and God’s Mercy: Imam Zayn al-Abidin (AS) says to the God of the world, “You are One Who opened a door for Your servants so that they can return to You and You named this door repentance”.
In another place, he humbly states, “So here I am, O Lord, thrown down before You! I am the one whose back is weighed down by mistakes! I am the one whose lifetime has been consumed by sins! I am the one who – in his ignorance – disobeyed You, while You did not deserve that from him!”
On Gratitude and God’s Blessings: “Praise belongs to God, who created night and day through His strength… Appoint for us among the righteous works a work through which we will feel the homecoming to Thee as slow and crave a quick joining with Thee.”
The Imam also visualizes God’s care for humanity: “Oh my Master! I am the [child] whom You have brought up, And I am the ignorant whom You have taught, And I am the lost whom You have guided…”
On Honoring Parents: “God, lower before them my voice, make agreeable to them my words, make mild before them my temper, make tender toward them my heart, and turn me into their kind companion, their loving friend! O God, thank them for my upbringing, reward them for honoring me, and guard them as they guarded me in my infancy!”
Significance of Sahifa al-Sajjadiyya
The text’s significance lies in its unique role as a primary source of Islamic spirituality and its historical context.
The Oldest Manual of Supplications: It is recognized as the oldest manual of supplications in Islamic sources and a seminal work of Islamic spirituality. Many of its prayers are still recited by Muslims today, especially during the holy month of Ramadan.
A “Silent Revolution” of Spirituality: Following the tragedy of Karbala, the Imam’s father, Imam Husayn (AS), was martyred. In a time when the Umayyad rulers suppressed the political teachings of the Prophet’s family, Imam Zayn al-Abidin preserved and spread the spiritual and moral message of Islam through his supplications – an act described as a “silent revolution”.
A Comprehensive Guide to Life: The Sahifa covers a wide spectrum of human concerns, from theological reflections on divine justice and mercy to practical moral guidance on humility, patience, and social responsibilities, including duties to parents and neighbors.
Sahifa al-Sajjadiyya is not just a book of prayers; it’s a profound text on Islamic spirituality, ethics, and theology that continues to be used as a devotional guide today.
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