Martyrdom Anniversary of Imam Zayn al-Abidin (p), 1448 A.H.

Friday, July 10th, 2026, is the 25th of Muharram, which marks the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Zayn al-Abidin (p)

The Mercy That Never Closes Its Door

In moments of weakness, many of us wonder whether we have strayed too far, sinned too much, or failed too often to deserve God’s mercy. Imam Zayn al-Abidin (p) offers a comforting reminder that replaces despair with hope and invites every believer to return to their Lord with confidence.

Imam Zayn al-Abidin (p) is reported to have said: “It is not odd how a person receives salvation [on the Day of Judgment]; what is odd is how a person receives damnation in spite of God’s all-embracing mercy “(Al-Tabrasi, Alam al-Wara bi-Alam al-Huda, vol. 1, p. 489).

At first glance, we may think that salvation is difficult and that punishment is the expected outcome. Imam Zayn al-Abidin (p) turns that assumption on its head. He teaches us that God’s mercy is so vast, so constant, and so encompassing that the truly surprising outcome is not salvation. It is choosing a path that distances us from that mercy.

Every day, God gives us opportunities to return to Him through repentance, prayer, good deeds, acts of kindness, and sincere faith. Even when we fall into sin, He invites us back. The Quran repeatedly reminds us that God is the Most Merciful, the All-Forgiving, and that He loves those who repent.

This saying is not meant to make us complacent. Rather, it inspires hope while reminding us of our responsibility. We should never despair of God’s mercy, but neither should we take it for granted. The path to salvation begins with turning our hearts toward Him and striving to live according to His guidance.

---

For more information about Imam Zayn al-Abidin (p) click here.