What did Imam Sajjad (as) say to Yazid?

After enduring the tragedy of Karbala, captivity, and unimaginable loss, Imam Zain al-Abideen (as) finally stood before Yazid (la) in Shaam with permission to speak.

The family of Imam Hussain (as) had been taken from Karbala to Kufa and then brought before Yazid’s (la) court as captives. Many of those gathered had only heard the official narrative, one that concealed the truth and misrepresented the family of the Prophet (saww).

When Imam Sajjad (as) addressed the crowd, he transformed the atmosphere. With dignity, wisdom, and unwavering faith, he revealed the identity of the Ahlulbayt (as), honoured the sacrifice of Imam Hussain (as), and dismantled the false narrative surrounding Karbala.

Recorded in sources such as Nafasul Mahmum by Shaykh Abbas Qummi, Imam Sajjad's (as) sermon was far more than a response to Yazid (la). It was a declaration of truth, a defence of the Ahlulbayt (as), and a message that continues to inspire generations.

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

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

He then began revealing his lineage and reminding the people of Shaam who truly stood before them.

The divine qualities and virtues of the Ahlulbayt (as)

Imam Sajjad (as) introduced himself by describing the qualities Allah (swt) had bestowed upon his family:

“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’.”

The Imam (as) reminded the people that the family before them was the very household chosen by Allah (swt) to preserve the message of Islam.

By mentioning the Prophet (saww), Imam Ali (as), Hamza, Jafar, Imam Hassan (as), Imam Hussain (as), and Imam Mahdi (ajtfs), he restored their rightful place in the hearts of those who had been taught otherwise.

This was not simply a family introduction. It was a public correction of history.

A lineage rooted in Hajj and Me’raj

Imam Sajjad (as) then continued by highlighting his connection to some of Islam’s most sacred acts of worship.

He declared:

“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.”

These words connected the Ahlulbayt (as) to the foundations of worship, reminding the audience that their family was inseparable from the message brought by Prophet Muhammad (saww).

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)

While Yazid (la) relied upon political authority, Imam Sajjad (as) reminded the people that true leadership is measured through devotion to Allah (swt) and faithfulness to His guidance

The martyr mourned by all of creation

The Imam (as) then turned the attention of the gathering towards the suffering of his father, Imam Hussain (as).

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 reflected the magnitude of Karbala. The martyrdom of Aba Abdillah (as) was not only mourned by people, but by creation itself.

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)

The crowd became deeply moved as the reality of Karbala unfolded before them. Concerned that public opinion was shifting, Yazid (la) instructed the mu’azzin to begin the adhan in an attempt to interrupt the sermon.

"Is the Messenger of Allah (saww) My Grandfather or Yours?"

As the adhan continued and the mu’azzin proclaimed, “I bear witness that Muhammad (saww) is the Messenger of Allah (swt),” Imam Sajjad (as) seized the moment.

He turned to the caller and said:

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

He then turned to Yazid (la) and asked:

“O Yazid (la)! This Honourable 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?”

With one question, Imam Sajjad (as) exposed the contradiction in Yazid’s (la) claims.

How could someone profess loyalty to the Prophet (saww) while persecuting his family?

The people witnessing the exchange were left to confront a truth they could no longer ignore.

Can love for the Prophet (saww) exist without his family?

Imam Zain al-Abideen (as) continued with words filled with grief:

“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?”

The Imam (as) reminded the audience that those standing before them were not rebels, but the descendants 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)

His words challenged the people to reflect on whether genuine love for the Prophet (saww) could ever be separated from love and respect for the Ahlulbayt (as).

Faith requires justice

Imam Sajjad (as) concluded his address to Yazid (la) with a powerful warning:

“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) demonstrated that outward acts of worship cannot erase injustice. True faith is reflected through sincerity, justice, and obedience to Allah (swt).

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

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

His sermon preserved the message of Karbala, defended the honour of the Ahlulbayt (as), and ensured that future generations would understand what had truly taken place.

Today, that message continues to inspire millions who remember Imam Hussain (as) during Arbaeen and strive to uphold the values of sacrifice, justice, and devotion.

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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, present-day Damascus, after the captives of Karbala were brought there from Kufa.

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

Many people had only heard Yazid’s (la) account of Karbala. The sermon revealed the truth about the Ahlulbayt (as) and corrected the false narrative surrounding the tragedy.

What impact did the sermon have on the audience?

The sermon deeply affected those who heard it, leading many to question Yazid’s (la) version of events and recognize the injustice committed against Imam Hussain (as).

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

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

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

The sermon affirmed the status of the Ahlulbayt (as), exposed oppression, and preserved the truth of Karbala for future generations.

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

Its message of courage, justice, patience, and unwavering commitment to truth continues to inspire believers around the world.