Manifestation of Quranic Ethics in Imam Sajjad’s Supplication
Imam Sajjad (AS), also known as Zayn al-ʿAbidīn (659-713), was the fourth Shia Imam and a descendant of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). In one of his supplications, the Imam lists good and bad moral traits. One part of this supplication reads:
“O Allah, bless Muhammad and his Household, adorn me with the adornment of the righteous, and clothe me in the ornaments of the god-fearing, through: spreading justice, restraining rage, quenching the flame of hate, bringing together the people of separation, correcting discord, spreading about good behavior, covering faults, mildness of temper, lowering the wing, beauty of conduct, gravity of bearing, agreeableness in comportment, precedence in reaching excellence, preferring bounteousness, refraining from condemnation, bestowing bounty on the undeserving, speaking the truth, though it be painful, making little of the good in my words and deeds, though it be much, and making much of the evil in my words and deeds, though it be little! Perfect this for me through lasting obedience, holding fast to the community, and rejecting the people of innovation and those who act in accordance with original opinions.”
What has been mentioned in this supplication is a list of moral beauties that all people, including believers and unbelievers, can achieve them.
There are many people who are not faithful but have good manners, help others, and practice patience.
In this part of the supplication, we ask God to bestow us to grow in us all moral virtues that are needed in social life.
The supplication notes that believers are in pursuit of perfection and try to avoid faults.
As the manifestation of a faithful human being, Imam Sajjad (AS) demands that God help him reach perfection in these moral virtues and set himself free of imperfections.
Of course, every one of these traits has its own levels and individuals can grow them to the point where they think is sufficient. However, there are some people who seek to attain the highest level of these traits.
Interpreting this part of the supplication, experts say if the feeling and demand for perfection decreases in individuals, they may get accustomed to imperfections and live with limitations.
This article was derived from a lecture on Al-Sahifa Al-Sajjadiyya by Mohammad Javad Haj Ali Akbari
