What did Imam Sajjad (as) say to Yazid?

After witnessing the tragedy of Karbala and enduring captivity, Imam Zain al-Abideen (as) stood before Yazid (la) in Shaam with the opportunity to speak openly.

The family of Imam Hussain (as) had been taken from Karbala to Kufa and then brought before Yazid’s (la) court as prisoners. Many people in Shaam had only heard the version of events promoted by the ruling authorities, a version that attempted to distort the truth of what had happened.

However, when Imam Sajjad (as) rose to address the gathering, he turned a moment of hardship into one of truth and clarity. Through his wisdom and courage, he revealed the status of the Ahlulbayt (as), honored the sacrifice of Imam Hussain (as), and challenged the false narrative surrounding Karbala.

Recorded in sources such as Nafasul Mahmum by Shaykh Abbas Qummi, Imam Sajjad's (as) sermon was not merely a response to Yazid (la). It was a powerful reminder of the Ahlulbayt (as), a defence of justice, and a message that continues to resonate centuries later.

The Imam (as) began by praising Allah (swt):

“Praise be to Allah Who has no beginning, and the Everlasting Who has no end…All will perish, except His Own self.”

With these words, Imam Sajjad (as) established that all power belongs to Allah (swt), before explaining his lineage and the honor carried by the Ahlulbayt (as).

The noble qualities and distinguished lineage of the Ahlulbayt (as)

Imam Sajjad (as) began by introducing himself through the qualities and legacy granted to his family.

He said:

“Allah (swt) has bestowed us with knowledge, forbearance, munificence, eloquence, valour and friendship in the hearts of the believers. While our merit is that the Prophet in Authority (saww) is from amongst us; and his Vicegerent (Imam Ali as) is from amongst us; as also the Master of Martyrs (Hamza) and Jafar, the one who flies in Paradise; while also the two Sibtain (Imam Hassan and Imam Hussain as) of this nation are from amongst us. While also the Mahdi (ajtfs); who will kill the ‘Dajjal’.”

Through these words, Imam Sajjad (as) reminded the people that the family before them was directly connected to the Messenger of Allah (saww).

He mentioned the Prophet (saww), Imam Ali (as), Hamza, Jafar, Imam Hassan (as), Imam Hussain (as), and Imam Mahdi (ajtfs) to demonstrate the spiritual legacy and responsibility carried by the Ahlulbayt (as).

This was not simply an introduction. It was a restoration of truth.

The people of Shaam had been exposed to a false portrayal of Imam Hussain (as) and his family. Imam Sajjad (as) corrected that misunderstanding by reminding them that those standing before them were the descendants of the Prophet (saww).

Connected to the sacred acts of Hajj and Me’raj

Imam Sajjad (as) continued his sermon by describing his connection to the most sacred moments in Islamic history.

He said:

“I am the son of the best ones who circumambulated (the Kaaba) and performed the Sa’ee. I am the son of the best ones who performed the Hajj and pronounced the Talbiyah. I am the son of the one who was taken up to the Masjid al Aqsa at night.”

By referring to Tawaf, Sa’ee, Hajj, and Me’raj, Imam Sajjad (as) connected his family to the foundations of Islamic worship and devotion.

He reminded the gathering that his grandfather was the Prophet (saww), the same Messenger chosen by Allah (swt) for guidance and revelation.

Allah (swt) says in Surah al-Israa:

“Glory be to Him who took His servant (Prophet Muḥammad saww) on a night journey from the Sacred Mosque (of Mecca) to the al-Aqsa Mosque (in Quds) whose precincts We have blessed (and from there, We took him to the heavens) so that We may show him some of Our signs. Surely He is the Hearing, the Seeing.” (17:1)

Through this reminder, Imam Sajjad (as) shifted the focus away from political authority and towards the true source of honor: obedience to Allah (swt) and closeness to Him.

The martyr whose loss was felt throughout creation

Imam Sajjad (as) then brought the gathering’s attention to the suffering of Imam Hussain (as) at Karbala.

He said:

“I am the son of the one who was smeared in blood and sand. I am the son of the one who was lamented upon by the genie (jinn) in the darkness of the night. I am the son of the one who was mourned upon by the birds.”

These words revealed the immense significance of Aba Abdillah’s (as) sacrifice. His martyrdom was not simply a historical tragedy; it was an event that caused grief throughout creation.

Imam al-Baqir (as) is reported to have said:

“Mankind, jinn, birds and the beasts all shed tears and cried over (the killing of) Hussain ibn Ali (as).” (Kamil al-Ziyarat, ch.26, h.1)

As Imam Sajjad (as) continued speaking, the emotions of those present began to change. The people who had once accepted Yazid’s (la) narrative began to understand the reality of Karbala.

Concerned that the gathering could turn against him, Yazid (la) ordered the mu’azzin to call the adhan to interrupt the sermon.

“Is Muhammad (saww) My Grandfather or Yours?

When the mu’azzin reached the words, “I bear witness that Muhammad (saww) is the Messenger of Allah (swt),” Imam Sajjad (as) used that moment todeliver one of the most powerful parts of his sermon.

He said:

“I ask you, by this very Muhammad (saww), remain silent for a moment.”

The Imam (as) then turned towards Yazid (la) and said:

“O Yazid (la)! This Honorable and Noble Messenger (saww), is he my grandfather or yours? If you say he is your grandfather, then the entire world knows you lie. And if you say he is my grandfather, then why did you kill my father with tyranny, plunder his belongings, and captivate his womenfolk?”

This question exposed the contradiction in Yazid’s (la) actions.

The Prophet (saww) whose name was being announced in the adhan was the grandfather of Imam Hussain (as), the same person whose family had been harmed and imprisoned.

Through this moment, Imam Sajjad (as) forced the audience to confront the truth.

A question of love, loyalty, and justice

Imam Zain al-Abideen (as) continued addressing the people:

“By Allah (swt)! There is none except myself upon this earth whose grandfather is the Prophet of Allah (saww). Why did these men kill my father with tyranny and arrest us, similar to the Romans?”

His words highlighted the injustice committed against the family of the Prophet (saww).

Allah (swt) says:

“(O Muḥammad [saww], say to your followers,) ‘I do not ask of you any reward for it (i.e., the task of conveying Allah’s [swt] message to you) except love for (my) near relatives.” (42:23)

Imam Sajjad (as) reminded the people that true love for the Prophet (saww) must include love and respect for his family.

Worship cannot hide injustice

Imam Sajjad (as) then challenged Yazid’s (la) actions by saying:

“O Yazid (la)! You do this and then say that Muhammad (saww) is the Messenger of Allah and turn your face towards the Qibla (in prayers)? Woe be to you on that day when my Grandfather and Father will be enraged with you.”

The Imam (as) reminded everyone that Islam is not limited to outward acts of worship. Faith must be accompanied by justice, sincerity, and obedience to Allah (swt).

The lasting message of Imam Sajjad’s (as) sermon

Imam Sajjad (as) stood before Yazid (la) as a captive, yet his words carried the strength of truth.

His sermon preserved the message of Karbala and ensured that the sacrifice of Imam Hussain (as) would continue to guide generations. It showed that truth can remain powerful even when faced with oppression.

Today, millions continue to remember Imam Hussain (as) during Arbaeen, carrying forward a legacy of devotion, sacrifice, and service.

Let your giving walk beside them this Arbaeen

Millions journey towards Aba Abdillah (as), and countless individuals and communities dedicate themselves to supporting this extraordinary movement.

Your support can help serve those who walk in remembrance of Imam Hussain (as) and assist the communities who dedicate their time and resources to serving zuwar.

Through initiatives to support zuwar and The Zahra Trust mowkeb, you can help continue the movement of Hussain (as) and support the journey of devotion.

Let your giving walk beside them this Arbaeen.

Frequently asked questions

Where was Imam Sajjad's (as) sermon delivered?

Imam Sajjad's (as) sermon was delivered in Yazid’s (la) court in Shaam, which is present-day Damascus, after the captives of Karbala were taken there from Kufa.

Why was Imam Sajjad's (as) sermon important for the people of Shaam?

Many people in Shaam had only been exposed to Yazid’s (la) version of events. The sermon revealed the true identity of the Ahlulbayt (as) and helped people understand the reality of Karbala.

What impact did the sermon have on the audience?

The sermon changed the atmosphere in Yazid’s (la) court and caused many people to reconsider what they had previously been told about Imam Hussain (as) and his family.

Is Imam Sajjad's (as) sermon recorded in Shia sources?

Yes. The sermon is recorded in sources including Nafasul Mahmum by Shaykh Abbas Qummi, which references works such as Bihar al-Anwar and Kamil-I Baha’i.

What was the main message of Imam Sajjad's (as) sermon?

The sermon defended the honor of the Ahlulbayt (as), exposed the injustice of Karbala, and reminded people of the importance of standing with truth.

How does Imam Sajjad's (as) sermon remain relevant today?

The sermon continues to inspire believers because it demonstrates courage, patience, and the responsibility to preserve truth in every generation.