alAbidin

Al-Abidin, also transliterated al-ʿĀbidīn or al-Abidin, is an Arabic term used as both a kunya and a nisba meaning “the worshippers” or “the devout.” It derives from the Arabic root ʿābid (worshipper) with the plural form ʿābidīn, with the definite article al- producing al-ʿābidīn, commonly rendered in English as al-Abidin. As an epithet, it conveys piety and devotion in Islamic culture.

In Islamic history, the epithet appears in the name of Ali ibn Husayn Zayn al-Abidin (c. 657–713), who is also known as Imam Sajjad. He is regarded as the fourth Imam in Shia Islam and a respected figure in early Islamic history for his piety and leadership. The title Zayn al-Abidin means “ornament of the worshippers,” highlighting his reputation for devout worship and spiritual devotion. His prayers and supplications are collected in the well-known work Sahifa Sajjadiya.

In modern usage, al-Abidin functions as a surname or given name across the Arabic-speaking and broader Muslim world. Variants in transliteration, such as Zayn al-Abidin or Zain al-Abidin, reflect pronunciation differences. The name continues to appear in personal names, religious literature, and as part of the names of institutions or organizations that emphasize devotion and worship.