Al-Sahifa al-Sajjadiyya

Question

Please introduce al-Sahifa al-Sajjadiyya.

Al-Ṣaḥīfa al-Sajjādīyya is a collection of 54 supplications attributed to Imam al-Sajjad (AS), the fourth Imam of the Shi'a. This book, structured in the form of prayers, not only encompasses intimate conversations with Allah but also addresses theological, educational, political, and Islamic teachings. Agha Buzurg Tehrani has listed 50 commentaries on the Sahifa al-Sajjadiyya, and in addition to these commentaries, the book has been translated into numerous languages. Apart from the well-known al-Sahifa al-Sajjadiyya, which is also referred to as the Complete Sahifa (al-Sahifa al-Kamila), five other collections containing additional supplications from Imam Zain al-Abidin (AS) have been compiled.

Significance

The collection of 54 supplications by Imam al-Sajjad (AS), known as the Sahifa Sajjadiyya, is considered one of the most important treasures of divine truths and knowledge after the Qur'an and Nahj al-Balagha. It has been given titles such as "The Sister of the Quran," "The Gospel of the Ahl al-Bayt (AS)," and "The Psalms of the Family of Muhammad (s)" by prominent scholars.

In 1353 AH, the late Ayatollah Mar'ashi Najafi sent a copy of the Sahifa al-Sajjadiyya to the author of the al-Jawahir fi Tafsir al-Qur'an al-Karim (Tantawi Jawhari) in Cairo. Upon receiving it, the author expressed his gratitude and wrote in response: "It is our misfortune that until now we had not come across this eternal, invaluable work, which is a legacy of prophethood. Whatever I read in it, I find it superior to the words of creation and inferior only to the words of the Creator."

Al-Sahifa al-Sajjadiyya is not merely a collection of intimate supplications and expressions of need before God; it is an ocean of Islamic sciences and knowledge, addressing theological, cultural, social, political, natural laws, and religious rulings in the form of prayer.

This valuable book possesses unique characteristics:

1. Al-Sahifa al-Sajjadiyya embodies complete detachment from the material world, severing ties with creation, and connecting with God, relying solely on Him. In part of the 27th supplication, it is said: "O God, I have turned away from everyone and turned to You out of sincerity. Now my entire being is focused on Your grace and generosity. I have turned away from those who themselves stretch their hands in need to You, for I have realized that expressing need to those who are themselves in need is a sign of foolishness and misguidance."
2. Al-Sahifa al-Sajjadiyya reflects the perfect knowledge and deep faith of Imam al-Sajjad (a) in God. In part of the first supplication, it is said: "All praise is due to God, who is the origin and beginning of the universe, and whose sacred essence has no beginning. God, to whom the end of all things returns, yet He has no end. God, whom the eyes of His servants cannot see, and the thoughts and imaginations of describers are unable to portray His attributes."
3. Al-Sahifa al-Sajjadiyya opens the doors of hope and aspiration for God's mercy, for no matter how sinful a person may be, they should never despair of returning from sin and turning back to God. In the 20th supplication, it is said: O God, I have come to the threshold of Your forgiveness, hoping for Your pardon, relying on Your mercy, and trusting in Your grace. I have nothing in my hands that would warrant Your forgiveness, nor have I done anything that would make me deserving of Your pardon. Since I have condemned myself in this way, I have no refuge except Your grace and generosity. So send blessings upon Muhammad (s) and his family, and favor me with Your grace."
4. Al-Sahifa Sajjadiyya opens new avenues of dialogue with God. In part of the 50th supplication, it is said: "O God, I am insignificant, and my worth is little. My punishment and chastisement would not add even an atom's weight to Your power. If punishment were something that could increase Your dominion, I would wish for that increase to be for You. But Your dominion is higher, and Your power is eternal, such that the obedience of the obedient or the disobedience of the sinners does not diminish it.

Nahj al-Balagha in the Eyes of Scholars

Prominent scholars and thinkers have expressed beautiful and profound statements in praise of the Sahifa Sajjadiyya.

1. The late Fayd al-Islam, a translator and commentator of the Sahifa Sajjadiyya, said: "Whoever reads this book with sincerity and a pure intention, pondering its meanings, will immediately find divine light shining in their heart, turning them towards God and setting them on the path of happiness and prosperity in this world and the hereafter."
2. Imam Khomeini stated in his will: "We are proud that the life-giving supplications, which are called the 'Ascending Qur'an,' are from our infallible Imams. We possess the Sha'baniyya Supplications of the Imams, the Arafah Supplication of Husayn b. Ali (a), the Sahifa Sajjadiyya—the Psalms of the Family of Muhammad (s)—and the Sahifa Fatimiyya, which is a book inspired by God to Fatima al-Zahra (a)."
3. Morteza Motahhari the Martyr said: One of the great treasures in the Shi'a world is these supplications. By God, it is a treasure of knowledge. If we had no other evidence except the supplications we have from Zain al-Abidin (a)—the Sahifa Sajjadiyya or other supplications like the Abu Hamza al-Thumali Supplication from Ali b. Husayn (a)—and if Islam had nothing else in fourteen centuries except what has been manifested through the students of Islam, it would be sufficient. These supplications are so elevated that they are nothing short of miraculous."
4. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei said: Indeed, a book like the Sahifa شم-Sajjadiya, from beginning to end, is filled with noble motivations for humanity. If a person pays attention to them, truly, this Sahifa al-Sajjadiya alone is sufficient to awaken, reform, and guide a society.
5. Tantawi Jawhari: In the year 1353 AH, the late Shi'a Marja', His Eminence Ayatollah al-Uzma Mar'ashi Najafi (may he rest in peace), sent a copy of the noble book al-Sahifa al-Sajjadiya to the contemporary scholar and author of the Tafsir Tantawi (the Mufti of Alexandria) in Cairo. In response, he wrote the following:"Your esteemed letter arrived some time ago, accompanied by the book al-Sahifa al-Sajjadiya, containing the words of the ascetic Imam of Islam, Ali Zain al-Abidin, son of Imam Husayn, the martyr, the beloved of Mustafa (peace be upon them). I received the book with great reverence and found it to be a unique work, encompassing sciences, knowledge, and wisdom that cannot be found elsewhere. Truly, it is a misfortune for us (the Sunni community) that we have not, until now, come across this precious and eternal masterpiece from the heritage of prophethood and the Ahl al-Bayt. The more I study and ponder on it, the more I realize that it is above the speech of the created and below the speech of the Creator. Indeed, what a noble book it is!"
6. Mr. Andrzej Kowalski, a Christian scholar from Poland: I am deeply impressed by the thoughts of the Imam of Muslims, Imam al-Sajjad (a), whose lofty and sublime ideas are crystallized in the pages of al-Sahifa al-Sajjadiyya. Studying this precious work and delving into the rich themes and knowledge contained within this book has profoundly affected my soul, captivated me, and bestowed upon me a sense of divinity.

Content

The content of the Sahifa al-Sajjadiyya is not merely limited to supplications and expressing needs before God. It has been described as a comprehensive collection of Islamic sciences and knowledge, addressing theological, cultural, social, and even certain natural laws and religious rulings within the framework of prayer.

Imam al-Sajjad (a) articulated educational, personal, social, and ideological issues through the medium of prayer. By reflecting deeply on its teachings, one can access a treasure trove of divine knowledge. Imam al-Sajjad (a) presents a clear picture of Islamic teachings and the Islamic society of his time in an innovative and unique manner, outlining the duties of Muslims.

Harmony with the Quran in Beginning with Praise and Glorification of God

The Holy Quran begins with "Alhamdulillah" (All praise is due to God) after "Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim." Similarly, the Sahifa Sajjadiyya starts with "Alhamdulillah": *"Alhamdu lillahi al-awwali bilā awwalin kāna qablahu; Praise be to God, the First, without any beginning before Him."* [9]

In this prayer, Imam al-Sajjad (a) praises God for His countless blessings and seeks a form of praise that elevates one to the highest ranks, allowing companionship with angels and prophets (peace be upon them). By contemplating God's supremacy over creation—the Absolute and Infinite Being—we gain insight into the Imam's divine perspective. The prayer concludes with a request for what all divine saints aspire to, and it revives the memory of the martyrs: *"And through it, we join the ranks of the martyrs, those who were slain by the swords of His enemies. Indeed, He is the Praiseworthy Protector."* [10]

Precise Analysis of Virtuous Traits

The Sahifa Sajjadiyya highlights human vulnerabilities. Some praiseworthy traits have fine boundaries with blameworthy ones, urging individuals to recognize these limits to avoid excess. This is delicately expressed in the Imam's prayers, such as in the "Dua Makarim al-Akhlaq" (Prayer for Noble Morals).

Arrogance: "Grant me dignity, but do not afflict me with arrogance."* [11] After seeking self-respect, Imam al-Sajjad (a) warns against crossing into arrogance, which can lead to self-importance.

Self-Admiration: "Make me devoted to You, and do not corrupt my devotion with self-admiration." [11] Worship, despite its importance, is perilously close to self-conceit.

Boasting "Let good flow through my hands to others, and do not nullify it by boasting." [11] The danger of good deeds lies in boasting, aligning with the Quranic verse: "O you who believe, do not nullify your charities with reminders of your generosity or injury."* (Quran 2:264)

Emulating the Righteous and Divine Saints

Humans naturally seek role models to follow. Imam al-Sajjad (a) beautifully addresses this aspect of human nature: *"I ask You for the fear of those who worship You, the worship of those who are humble before You, the certainty of those who rely on You, and the reliance of the believers on You. O God, make my desire in my requests like the desire of Your saints, and my fear like their fear. Employ me in Your pleasure in such a way that I do not neglect any part of Your religion out of fear of any of Your creation."*

The Issue of Imamate and Leadership of the Community

Imam al-Sajjad (a) addresses political issues, particularly the concept of "Imamate" and the leadership of the Islamic community, within his prayers. In the 47th prayer of the Sahifa Sajjadiyya, he introduces the rightful Imams through their attributes, guiding truth-seekers to recognize genuine leaders and avoid false claimants.

Imam al-Sajjad (a) prays for blessings upon the Imams: *"O Lord, send blessings upon the pure ones of his household, whom You have chosen for Your command."* He then enumerates their qualities:

1. Divinely Chosen: *"Those whom You have chosen for Your command."*
2. Guardians of Divine Knowledge: *"And made them the treasurers of Your knowledge."*
3. Protectors of Religion: *"And the guardians of Your religion."*
4. Divine Representatives on Earth: *"And Your vicegerents on earth."*
5. Divine Proofs to Humanity: *"And Your proofs over Your servants."*
6. Endowed with Infallibility: *"And purified them from all impurity and defilement by Your will."*
7. Means of Approaching God: *"And made them the means to reach You."*
8. Path to Paradise: *"And the way to Your paradise."* [13]

Theological Issues

1. Theology: In the 47th prayer, it is stated: *"Praise be to You, O Creator of the heavens and the earth, O Possessor of majesty and perfect grace, O Master of all masters, O God of every worshipper, O Creator of every creation, O Heir of all things. Nothing is like Him, and nothing is hidden from Him. He encompasses all things and is the Guardian over all things. You are God; there is no god but You, the One, the Unique, the Peerless."*
2. Justice: In the 48th prayer: *"I know that Your decree is not unjust, and in Your retribution, there is no haste. O God, if You forgive us, it is out of Your grace, and if You punish us, it is out of Your justice."*
3. Prophethood and Imamate: In the 48th prayer: *"O God, I seek nearness to You through the high status of Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the noble rank of Ali (peace be upon him). I turn to You through them, seeking refuge from the evil of so-and-so."*
4. Resurrection: In the 14th prayer: *"O God, if my goodness with You lies in delaying my rights and not punishing the oppressor until the Day of Resurrection, then send blessings upon Muhammad and his family, and grant me sincere intention and steadfast patience."*

Branches of Religion

1. Prayer: In the 44th prayer, Imam al-Sajjad (a) says: "O God, send blessings upon Muhammad and his family, and grant us success in this month—the month of Ramadan—to observe the five daily prayers at their appointed times, as You have decreed, and to fulfill their obligations and conditions as You have specified."*
2. Fasting: In the 44th prayer: "Praise be to God, who made one of the paths of His grace the month of Ramadan, the month of fasting, the month of Islam... He prohibited what He had made lawful in other months, and He set a clear time for it."
3. Zakat: In the 44th prayer: *"Grant us success in this month to purify our wealth from the rights of others and to cleanse it by giving zakat."*
4. Hajj: In the 23rd prayer: *"O God, bestow upon me the grace to perform Hajj and Umrah and to visit the grave of Your Prophet, upon whom be peace and blessings."*
5. Jihad: In the 27th prayer: *"O God, send blessings upon Muhammad and his family, and strengthen the borders of the Muslims with Your might. Fortify their defenders with Your power, and increase their provisions from Your bounty. O God, send blessings upon Muhammad and his family, increase their numbers, sharpen their weapons, protect their territories, and secure their vulnerable points."
6. Enjoining Good and Forbidding Evil: In the 6th prayer: *"Grant us success on this day and night, and all our days, to perform good deeds and to enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong."
7. Allegiance and Disavowal: In the 6th prayer: "O Lord, I am a friend to those who love You, and through You, I disavow Your enemies. Through the proof, love, and obedience to them, I seek nearness to You." In the 25th prayer: *"Let me die while I am a friend to Your friends and an enemy to Your enemies."

Other teachings of al-Sahifa al-Sajjadiya

1. Islam
2. Angels
3. Ethical Discussions
4. Divine Obedience
5. Remembrance and Supplication
6. Politics
7. Economics
8. Issues Concerning Humanity and the Universe
9. Social Issues
10. Science
11. History
12. Health and Physical Well-being
13. Military Affairs

The Chain of Transmission (Sanad) of the Sahifa Sajjadiyya

The most well-known chain of transmission (sanad) of the Sahifa Sajjadiyya, which is mentioned at the beginning of the text, is as follows (though other chains of transmission also exist, some of which share common narrators in parts of the chain):

Narrated by the noble master, the distinguished star of the faith, the pride of honor, Abu l-Hasan: Muhammad b. al-Hasan b. Ahmad b. Ali b. Muhammad b. Umar b. Yahya al-Alawi al-Husayni (may Allah have mercy on him). He said: We were informed by the virtuous Sheikh, Abu Abdullah: Muhammad b. Ahmad b. Shahriyar, the custodian of the treasury of our master, the Commander of the Faithful, Ali b. Abi Talib (peace be upon him), in the month of Rabi' al-Awwal in the year 516 AH (1122 CE), by reading it to him while I was listening. He said: I heard it from the truthful Sheikh, Abu Mansur: Muhammad b. Muhammad b. Ahmad b. Abdul'aziz al-'Ukbari al-Mu'adil (may Allah have mercy on him), from Abu l-Mufaddal: Muhammad b. Abdullah b. al-Muttalib al-Shaybani. He said: Narrated to us by the noble, Abu 'Abdullah: Ja'far b. Muhammad b. Ja'far b. al-Hasan b. Ja'far b. al-Hasan b. al-Hasan b. Amir al-Mu'minin Ali b. Abi Talib (peace be upon him). He said: Narrated to us by Abdullah b. Umar b. Khattab al-Zayyat in the year 265 AH (879 CE). He said: Narrated to me by my maternal uncle: Ali b. al-Nu'man al-A'lam. He said: Narrated to me by Umayr ibn Mutawakkil al-Thaqafi al-Balkhi, from his father: Mutawakkil b. Harun. He said: I met Yahya b. Zayd b. Ali (peace be upon him).

These narrators are:

1. Najm al-Din Abu al-Hasan Muhammad b. al-Hasan b. Ahmad b. Ali b. Muhammad b. Umar b. Yahya al-Alawi al-Husayni.
2. Muhammad b. Ahmad b. Shahriyar.
3. Muhammad b. Muhammad b. Ahmad b. Abdulaziz al-Ukbari.
4. Muhammad b. Abdullah b. al-Muttalib al-Shaybani.
5. Abu Abdullah Ja'far b. Muhammad b. Ja'far b. al-Hasan b. Ja'far b. al-Hasan b. al-Hasan b. Amir al-Mu'minin Ali b. Abi Talib.
6. Abdullah b. Umar ibn Khattab al-Zayyat.
7. Ali b. al-Nu'man al-A'lam.
8. 'Umayr b. Mutawakkil al-Thaqafi.
9. Mutawakkil b. Harun.

Umayr b. Mutawakkil al-Thaqafi is the only one who narrated the Sahifa Sajjadiya from his father, Mutawakkil b. Harun, and other narrators (1. Ahmad b. Muslim al-Mutahhari, 2. Ali b. al-Nu'man al-A'lam, 3. Muhammad b. Salih, 4. Husayn b. Ashkib al-Marwazi, 5. Ubaydullah b. Fadl al-Nabhani, 6. Ali b. Hammad b. 'Ala) have also narrated from him. The Sahifa al-Sajjadiyya has multiple narrations, with the narration of Baha al-Sharaf being the most famous among them.

The Sahifa al-Sajjadiyya is one of the few books written in the first century of Hijri and has been widely circulated among Shiites from the very beginning. Shaykh al-Mufid (d. 413 AH) in his book al-Irshad; al-Khazzaz al-Qummi in Kifayat al-Athar; Shaykh al-Tusi in his two books al-Fihrist and al-Rijal; and al-Najashi in Rijal al-Najashi have all referred to this book. In addition, Shaykh al-Tusi, in his prayer book Misbah al-Mutahajjid, has included eight supplications from the Sahifa. Qutb al-Rawandi (d. 573 AH); Sayyid ibn Tawus (d. 664 AH); al-Shahid al-Awwal, al-Kaf'ami in Al-Misbah, and others have also included the supplications of the Sahifa al-Sajjadiyya in their works.

Manuscripts and Publications of Sahifa al-Sajjadiyya

The Sahifa al-Sajjadiyya is one of the books that has numerous handwritten manuscripts. [17] In Iran alone, over three thousand handwritten manuscripts of this book have been recorded. [17] One of the oldest manuscripts of the Sahifa (dated 695 AH) is preserved in the library of Ayatollah Mar'ashi Najafi. [17] During the renovations of the shrine of Imam Rida in 1969 CE, another ancient manuscript of the Sahifa was discovered, dated 416 AH. [17] Interestingly, all the narrators of this manuscript are from the Sunni tradition. [18] The Astan Quds Razavi has published this manuscript, which differs from the more commonly known versions and is incomplete. [19]

The Sahifa al-Sajjadiyya was first printed in 1248 AH in Calcutta, India. In the following decades, translations of this book into various languages, as well as commentaries on it, were also published in the same city. Additionally, Iran printed the book for the first time in 1262 AH, Egypt in 1322 AH, Damascus in 1330 AH, and Iraq in 1352 AH.

Translations

The Sahifa al-Sajjadiyya is a collection of supplications by Imam al-Sajjad (a). Given the immense importance that the Sahifa al-Sajjadiyya holds among scholars and prominent figures, numerous translations of it have been made to date.

The Sahifa al-Sajjadiyya has been translated and published many times in various languages, including Persian, Turkish, Urdu, English, French, Spanish, Albanian, German, Russian, and more.