The view common people have towards one who isolates himself from society and
devotes his life solely to performing his religious rituals, such as praying,
ablution (Wudu), supplicating, Hajj, etc, is a stranger to the society. Such a
person cares nothing about his materialistic and social life, and spends his
life in worship. The life of Imam Sajjad (a.s) however, contradicts this view.
Despite his long unique prayers and supplications, Imam Sajjad (a.s) was never
ignorant of his society, its needs, and the realities of the time. In fact, in
regards to interactions with society, he was a role model in the social and
moral duties.
Mohammad Is’haq narrates: Many of the poor citizens of Medina had experienced
the generosity and kindness of Imam Ali ibn al-Hussein. Yet, they never found
out it was the Imam as he would visit them during the nights, until Ali ibn
al-Hussein (a.s) passed away, and that anonymous man never came to them any
more. It was then that they found out that that anonymous helper was Imam Zein
al-'Abedin (AS).
Abu Hamzah al-Thomali also narrates: During the night, Imam Zein al-'Abedin (a.s)
would carry food on his shoulders for the poor and needy people. He would say,
‘Giving charity in secret will subside the anger of Allah.’ Ibn Sa'ad who
died around 200 A.H. has narrated:
There were many poor people who would come to the Imam for help, and before they
even asked for anything, the Imam would give them what they wanted. Imam Sajjad
(AS) would then say, ‘Giving charity is received by Allah before it is
received by the poor.’
It was from the examples mentioned above that when the Imam was martyred, and
some were helping in washing his body (giving him Ghusl), they noticed the
wounds on his shoulder and back. They asked about it, and found out that the
wounds were the result of carrying the food for the poor.’
* Sourced: Sibtayn.com