Imam Hassan (as): Patience, Devotion, and Faith 

Imam Hassan (as), the second Imam for Shia Muslims, was the son of Imam Ali (as) and Lady Fatima and the first grandson of Prophet Muhammad (saww).  

Revered for his intellect, patience, and devotion to protecting the religion, Imam Hassan’s role in both the legacy of Ahlul Bayt as well as leading the community of believers continues to be a lesson for us all.  

Imam Hassan: The Birth and Beginning 

Born to Imam Ali and Lady Fatima on the 15^th of Ramadan, 40 AH or 625 AD, Imam Hassan was welcomed into the world with the faith and love from not only his noble parents but from his grandfather the holy Prophet Muhammad (saww) as well.  

The name Hassan was chosen by the Prophet himself, and according to hadith, was chosen by Allah’s command.  Imam Hassan came to be known by numerous other titles, such as Sayyid Shabab Ahl Al-Janna (The Master of the Youths of Paradise), Rayhanat Nabi Allah (The Flower of the Prophet of Allah), and Al-Sibt (The Grandson). 

Raised within the holy household of the Prophet, Imam Hassan used to attend the sessions and lectures of Prophet Muhammad from an early age, and used to return home to retell what he learned to his mother, Lady Fatima (sa). 

Life and Imamate 

During the Caliphate of Imam Ali (as), Imam Hassan stood by his side in support during this five-year period – it is reported that when the believers pledged their allegiance to Imam Ali, Imam Hassan stood at the minbar at his father’s request and gave a rising speech to the followers of Ahlul Bayt. 

During the Battle of Jamal, it is reported that Imam Hassan – together with Ammar ibn Yassar and Qays ibn Sa’d bin Ubada – were tasked with calling for the people of Kufa to join Imam Ali’s army. Imam Hassan is said to have given numerous speeches in and around Kufa in support of his father Imam Ali.  

It is also reported by Nasr ibn Muzahim that during the Battle of Siffin, Imam Hassan not only was tasked with delivering sermons to the people in support of Imam Ali but was also tasked alongside his brother Imam Hussain (as) with leading the right wing of the army. 

Imam Hassan also participated in the Battle of Nahrawan, where afterwards Imam Ali appointed him with commanding an army of ten thousand troops to confront Mu’awiya [Ibn Abī l-Ḥadīd, Sharḥ Nahj al-balagha, vol. 7, p. 93-94; Qundūzī, Yanābīʿ al-mawadda, vol. 3, p. 444]. 

Imam Hassan’s Imamate, beginning after the tragic martyrdom of his father, Imam Ali (as), lasted for ten years until his own fateful martyrdom.  

While many believers faithfully pledged allegiance to Imam Hassan, many others did not – especially in Sham, where Mu’awiya was attempting to gain control of the caliphate.  

Despite eventually signing a peace treaty with Mu’awiya, who would go on to break the conditions of the treaty, Imam Hassan faced numerous hardships from those who opposed the message of the Prophet and of his holy household, the Ahlul Bayt.  

Imam Hassan, despite facing opposition, was the leader of the intellectual, scientific, and religious growth of the Muslim community – famously stating: “Think, because thinking is the life of the heart of a man who sees and is the key to doors of wisdom.” [Musnad al-Imam al-Hasan (a) p:718]. 

It has been reported by Ibn Sa’d, Al-Baladhuri, and Ibn Asakir that Imam Hassan would perform morning prayers in the mosque of the Prophet, continuing to worship and sit in prayer until sunrise. After this, other worshippers would gather around him – and he would discuss their topics or concerns, responding to the questions of those who came to him for answers. He would repeat the very same thing after noon prayers as well.  

Martyrdom and Legacy  

Imam Hassan (as) was tragically martyred by poison, and although the date is slightly contested, most report his passing to have happened in 50 AH, or 670 AD in Medina.  

He left behind a legacy of immense strength – teaching the community of believers on the importance of faith, patience, humbleness, and generosity – all while protecting the holy household of the Prophet Muhammad.  

The Prophet is reported to have said about Imam Hassan: “He is the master of the youth of Paradise and the Proof of God upon the ummah … He who follows him is of me and he who disobeys him is not of me” [Ḥimawī Shāfiʿyī, Farāʾid al-samṭayn, vol. 2, p. 35].  

Here at The Zahra Trust, we continue to strive in the legacy of Imam Hassan through charitable acts of aid, education, and generosity – to learn more about what we do and how you can personally contribute, click here.