The Turkish newspaper Yeni Mesaj published an article on the Treatise on Rights by Imam Ali ibn Al-Hussain, Imam Zayn Al-Abidin (peace be upon him), under the title “The Treatise on Rights: A Scientific Uprising.” The article described the treatise as a profound intellectual work that could only emerge through the Imam’s wisdom and careful methodology.

The article stated that the Treatise on Rights is a comprehensive scientific and intellectual compilation conveyed through the articulation of ideas. It explained that had Imam Al-Sajjad (peace be upon him) acted openly and confrontationally, as his father Imam Hussain (peace be upon him) had done, the legacy of his imamate and knowledge might have been lost. Therefore, discretion and concealment were necessary to ensure the transmission of knowledge during that critical period.

The article further noted that the treatise is closely connected to the supplications of Imam Zayn Al-Abidin (peace be upon him), though it does not encompass all of his prayers. As a spiritual leader who embodied the highest levels of worship, moral conduct, and sincerity, the Imam educated and guided the nation through supplication, in a manner suited to the circumstances of his time. In this way, the treatise also served as a vehicle for expressing political and social guidance that could not be presented openly under the oppressive rule of the Umayyads. These supplications played a vital role in teaching the people their religion and shaping their social life.

The article added that although the primary aim of these prayers was to teach servitude and worship, they also included political themes that the Imam regarded as essential. In light of the people’s stance during the tragedy of Karbala, Imam Zayn Al-Abidin (peace be upon him) prioritized caution and wisdom, even as his foremost duty remained the prevention of deviation within the religion.

The newspaper emphasized that Imam Zayn Al-Abidin (peace be upon him) drew lessons from his father during a period when society was not yet prepared to bear open resistance. He therefore chose to educate those who understood and protected his mission, a step the article described as an act of profound prudence. Until the foundations of awareness were firmly established, he fulfilled his duty of guidance and warning through supplication. Open confrontation, the article argued, would have jeopardized the transmission of the knowledge of the imamate at a time when Islamic values were being violated, moral corruption had reached its peak, and the return to sincere reliance upon God was urgently needed.

In these supplications, the article observed, the servant’s relationship with God is presented in its most complete form. They teach Islamic values, emphasize the importance of never despairing of God’s mercy, and show how to turn toward Him with a heart overflowing with love. An examination of these prayers reveals a language of deep affection, resembling a lover calling upon his beloved, where fear and hope coexist. The article cited one of the Imam’s supplications as an example:

“O my God! Bless Muhammad and the family of Muhammad, fill my heart with Your love, occupy it with Your remembrance, and make it yearn for Your obedience…”

Sabah Al-Taliqani