Let’s learn about Imam Hasan (A S) · Let’s learn about Imam Hasan (AS) 2 For my grandchildren Muhammad Ali Nur -Fatima Sakina Zahra Zahra Aadil Fatimah Mehdi And many more to

Let’s learn about Imam Hasan (AS)

1

Let’s learn aboutImam Hasan (AS)

Written for childrenBy Sakina Hasan Askari


1

Let’s learn aboutImam Hasan (AS)

Written for childrenBy Sakina Hasan Askari


2

For my grandchildrenMuhammad AliNur -FatimaSakina Zahra

ZahraAadil

FatimahMehdi

And many more to comeInshaAllah

This book is to help youlearn about

Imam Hasan (AS)

About the AuthorSakina Hasan Askari (nee Sakina Nurul HasanJafri) completed her M.A. (English) withhonours from Osmania University, Hyderabad,India. She then obtained M.A. in EnglishLiteraturefrom the University of Leeds, U.K. Shetaught for many yearswithin the U.K. schoolsystem and is a prolific author. Raising herchildrenand grandchildren in the West, she had felt a needforbooks for children to learn about Islam.


3

Contents

Introduction 4Titles 6Birth 8Childhood 10Life in Madinah 25Brave in Battle 32Khilafat 39Muawiya’s Revolt 45Peace Treaty 57Return to Madinah 65Poisoned 72Burial in Baqee 79Sayings 82Salams ya Imam 83Wordsearch 84Lessons we learn 85Do you remember 86


4

Introduction

Imam Hasan (AS) is our secondof twelve Imams. He is thefirst grandson of the HolyProphet Muhammad (SAW), andHadhrat Khadija (AS). He is theeldest son of our first Imam Ali(AS) and Hadhrat Fatimah(AS), the only daughter of theProphet of Islam. He is one ofthe holy 5 Panjatan and the 14infallible Masoomeen.

No one was ever named Hasanbefore him. The Holy Prophetsaid he was named Hasanbecause it was through divinefavour (ihsan) that the heavens


4

Introduction

Imam Hasan (AS) is our secondof twelve Imams. He is thefirst grandson of the HolyProphet Muhammad (SAW), andHadhrat Khadija (AS). He is theeldest son of our first Imam Ali(AS) and Hadhrat Fatimah(AS), the only daughter of theProphet of Islam. He is one ofthe holy 5 Panjatan and the 14infallible Masoomeen.

No one was ever named Hasanbefore him. The Holy Prophetsaid he was named Hasanbecause it was through divinefavour (ihsan) that the heavens


5

and earth stood. Hasan isderived from the word ihsan,which means to do good.

Being Allah’s guardian (wali), herepresents all the beautifulattributes of Allah. ImamHasan was given divineknowledge and is, like all theTwelve Holy Imams, the mine ofAllah’s Knowledge. He is theguide who shows us the RightPath and was the most piousamong the people of his time.He was always ready toestablish justice and invitedpeople to Allah’s religion. He isthe faithful trustee of Allahand was killed as a martyr.


6

Titles

Imam Hasan has many titles,which show his virtues. Hiskuniyat was Abu Muhammad.Some of his titles are:Mujtaba(the Chosen one)Kareem(the Generous)Zaki(the Pure)Taqui(the Pious)Naseh(the Adviser)Tayyib(the Generous)Ameen(the Trusted)Hadi(Rightly Guided)Mahdi (Pure Guide)

He was very intelligent and ahadees says, “If intellect couldbe represented in human form


6

Titles

Imam Hasan has many titles,which show his virtues. Hiskuniyat was Abu Muhammad.Some of his titles are:Mujtaba(the Chosen one)Kareem(the Generous)Zaki(the Pure)Taqui(the Pious)Naseh(the Adviser)Tayyib(the Generous)Ameen(the Trusted)Hadi(Rightly Guided)Mahdi (Pure Guide)

He was very intelligent and ahadees says, “If intellect couldbe represented in human form


7

it would be al Hasan.” The HolyProphet loved him dearly andsaid “Whoever loves him hasloved me. Whoever hates himhas hated me.”

Imam Hasan and Imam Husaintogether are the Abnaa’ana(our sons). Other titles forthem areSibtayn (Prophet’s sons).Hasanayn (Hasan and Hussain)Raihanatayn (fragrant flowers).Shiblayn (Lions)Sayyidu Shabaabi ahl iljannah, (Masters of the Youthof Paradise).The Holy Prophet said, “Theyare Imam whether they sit orthey stand.”


8

Birth

The fragrance of Paradise wasfelt in the air. Imam Hasan(AS) was born on 15 Ramadhan3 A.H. in Madinah. His motherHadhrat Fatimah Zahra (AS)and father Imam Ali (AS) werevery happy.

When he was born, Allahrevealed to Jibraeel, “A son isborn to Muhammad, thereforedescend and give him myblessings and say “Surely Ali isto you as Haroon was to Moosaso give him (the newborn baby)the name of Haroon’s son,Shabbar. ”Jibraeel brought a


8

Birth

The fragrance of Paradise wasfelt in the air. Imam Hasan(AS) was born on 15 Ramadhan3 A.H. in Madinah. His motherHadhrat Fatimah Zahra (AS)and father Imam Ali (AS) werevery happy.

When he was born, Allahrevealed to Jibraeel, “A son isborn to Muhammad, thereforedescend and give him myblessings and say “Surely Ali isto you as Haroon was to Moosaso give him (the newborn baby)the name of Haroon’s son,Shabbar. ”Jibraeel brought a


9

white silk scarf with the nameembossed on it.

The holy Prophet Muhammad(SAW) took Hasan in his arms,kissed and hugged him. Then herecited the azaan in the baby’sright ear and iqama in his leftear. On the seventh day, he hadthe aqeeqa when his hair wasshaven. Goats were sacrificedand money and the meat givento the midwife and the poor.There was great joy in theProphet’s household.


9

white silk scarf with the nameembossed on it.

The holy Prophet Muhammad(SAW) took Hasan in his arms,kissed and hugged him. Then herecited the azaan in the baby’sright ear and iqama in his leftear. On the seventh day, he hadthe aqeeqa when his hair wasshaven. Goats were sacrificedand money and the meat givento the midwife and the poor.There was great joy in theProphet’s household.


10

Childhood

Imam Hasan grew up inMadinah. He was hardly oneyear old when his brother ImamHussain was born. They lovedeach other very much. Soonthey were blessed by thearrival of two loving sisters,Hadhrat Zainab and HadhratUmm Kulsoom.

Loved by the ProphetThe holy Prophet Muhammad(SAW) loved Imam Hasan verymuch. He would carry ImamHasan (AS) on his shoulder andsay “O Allah, I love him, so lovehim.” When people praised how


10

Childhood

Imam Hasan grew up inMadinah. He was hardly oneyear old when his brother ImamHussain was born. They lovedeach other very much. Soonthey were blessed by thearrival of two loving sisters,Hadhrat Zainab and HadhratUmm Kulsoom.

Loved by the ProphetThe holy Prophet Muhammad(SAW) loved Imam Hasan verymuch. He would carry ImamHasan (AS) on his shoulder andsay “O Allah, I love him, so lovehim.” When people praised how


11

wonderful a ride the baby had,the Prophet would say “Youshould rather say what awonderful rider is on myshoulder.”

When Imam Hasan entered themasjid as the Prophet wasdelivering his sermon, theProphet would stop, get downfrom the pulpit, pick him up andcontinue his sermon. The peopleoften heard him say “Hasan andHusain are the Masters of theYouth ofParadise.” Hecalled them“my fragrantroses fromthis world.”


12

Praised in the QuranThe Sura Dahr (76:1-31) wasrevealed in their praise, whenImam Hasan (AS) and hisbrother Imam Hussain (AS)joined their parents and Fizzato keep a fast for three days tofulfil a vow. They gave food tothe orphan, the destitute andthe captive, while remaininghungry themselves. This act ofself denial was done with such apure spirit that Allah himselfpraised the effort.

In the event of the Kisa, welearn from Hadhrat Fatimahherself that Imam Hasan wasthe first to enter the Kisa withhis grandfather. After greeting


13

his mother, he told her that hecould sense the sweetfragrance of his grandfatherProphet Muhammad (SAW).When he approached theblanket and asked permission toenter, the Prophet allowed himto come and addressed him as“my son and the master of myfountain”. When all the five ofthe Panjatan were gathered,Allah sent the Ayat e Tatheer(33:33) to declare their purity.


14

The Holy Prophet took Ali,Fatima, Hasan and Hussain withhim to the field of Mubahilawhen the Christians fromNajran were called for achallenge (3:61). Only the

Truthful ones were to be takenalong. The people realised thatAllah had chosen the Panjatanfor this honour and saved Islamthrough them. They are the


15

Qurba whose love is incumbenton believers (42:32).

From a very early age, ImamHasan would repeat Quranicayaat to his mother as soon asthey were revealed to hisgrandfather. One day hisfather Imam Ali wanted to hearhim repeat the ayat. He sat inseclusion waiting to listen.Imam Hasan came home, sat onhis mother’s lap and startedreciting. But he felt a presenceand stopped. “O mother” he said“I feel as if my father iswatching me.” Imam Ali cameout and took his young son in hisarms and kissed him proudly.


16

Once ImamHasan and hisyoungerbrother ImamHusain cameto theirmother andshowed theirhandwriting.They wanted her to decide whowas better. She looked at theirwork and both were perfect.She took out her necklace,which had seven beads and said“Whoever collects more beadswill be the winner.” As theyeach picked three each andwere going to the last one, theseventh bead split in two.


17

Amr bil MaroofEven from a young age, theyoung sons of Ali and Fatimahshowed how to teach the rulesof Islam and explain the creedin a beautiful manner. Whenthey saw an old man performingthe wudhu incorrectly, theywent up to him and asked him ifhe would decide who of the twobrother’s wudhu was better.

As the old man watched them


17

Amr bil MaroofEven from a young age, theyoung sons of Ali and Fatimahshowed how to teach the rulesof Islam and explain the creedin a beautiful manner. Whenthey saw an old man performingthe wudhu incorrectly, theywent up to him and asked him ifhe would decide who of the twobrother’s wudhu was better.

As the old man watched them


18

perform the wudhu in the samemanner as each other, herealised his own error andthanked them for showing himthe correct method. ImamHasan and Imam Hussainshowed us that Amr bil Maruf,enjoining the good, should bedone politely and kindly.

During his childhood, ImamHasan was a witness to thebravery of his father, when hedefended Muslims in manybattles. Ali was the hero of theBattles of Badr, Uhud, Khandaq,Khaiber and Hunayn. ImamHasan saw how his grandfatherMuhammad negotiated peace atHudaibiya. He was present at


19

the conquest of Makkah whenold enemies were spared if theyaccepted Islam. He saw hismother Fatimah being regardedwith honour and respect by theProphet himself.

After the final Hajj attendedby thousands of Muslims, ImamHasan saw his father Ali beingnamed as successor to theProphet at Ghadeer. Themessage of Islam wascompleted with the declarationof “Mun kunto Maulahu fa hazaAliyyun Maulahu.” All thosepresent were called to acceptAli as the successor (wasi) ofthe Prophet of Islam.


20

How did life change for thechildren of Fatimah?When Imam Hasan was aboutseven years old, his deargrandfather the holy ProphetMuhammad (SAW) breathed hislast. The year was 11 A.H.Madinah changed.

One day Imam Hasan saw AbuBakr sitting on the Prophet’spulpit. Hewent nearand said,”Get downfrom myfather’spulpit.This isn’tyour


21

place.” Hearing this Abu Bakrcame down. When some peoplecomplained to Imam Ali aboutImam Hasan rebuking Abu Bakr,and blamed Imam Ali for it, thelatter reminded them how closehis grandsons were to theProphet. He said “All of you,the people of Madinah, arewitness that Hasan would passby the ranks of men duringsalat and reach the Prophet ofAllah. He would then climb uponhis back in the state of sajda.“

But, alas, people turned againstthe Holy Household and choseto forget their duty towardsthem. Imam Hasan was awitness to the terrible events


22

that followed. He saw that hisfather’s rights were ignored.He saw that his mother was notallowed to weep for her fatherand had to go to Baqee tomourn. He found that herproperty of Fadak was deniedto her and taken away. Fire wasbrought to the door.

Loss of his dear motherTragedy struck when he saw


23

that his mother was crushedbetween the wall and the door.She lost her unborn baby andfainted as she fell. She wasattacked in her own house andhe saw his father dragged awayby his enemies. She fell ill anddid not live for long.

She died leaving her four youngchildren behind. He and hisbrother Hussain suffered theloss of their mother, as didtheir younger sisters, Zainaband Umm Kulsoom.

Imam Hasan was very sad.When he saw her lifeless, hewept. He kissed her and cried,”O mother speak to me before


24

my spirit leaves my body.” Hisbrother Hussain was in tears,”O mother I am your sonHussain. Speak to me before myheart breaks and I die.”

Imam Ali lifted his sons up andhugged them in deep sorrow.The angels wept to see theseorphans weep. Life was hardwithout the loving presence oftheir mother.


25

Life in Madinah

During the years that followed,Imam Hasan was taken care ofby his father Imam Ali, whofilled his mind with knowledgeand his heart with the love ofAllah. He was taught todedicate his life to serve themessage of Islam. He grew upto be strong in his faith andnoble in his ways.

For the next twenty- five yearsImam Hasan, like his fatherImam Ali, stayed aloof fromthe affairs of the government.But whenever Islam was indanger, the Ahlebayt always


25

Life in Madinah

During the years that followed,Imam Hasan was taken care ofby his father Imam Ali, whofilled his mind with knowledgeand his heart with the love ofAllah. He was taught todedicate his life to serve themessage of Islam. He grew upto be strong in his faith andnoble in his ways.

For the next twenty- five yearsImam Hasan, like his fatherImam Ali, stayed aloof fromthe affairs of the government.But whenever Islam was indanger, the Ahlebayt always


26

came to the rescue. Theycontinued to teach and explainverses from the Quran andsolved many problems. Whendelegations came looking foranswers to questions ofknowledge, it was only theAhlebayt who could fulfil theneed. Many a time Imam Hasangave the answers to queriesbrought to Madinah.

Many lands were conquered andwealth poured into Madinah.The Ahlebayt aimed to teachthe people to build a society,where prosperity is sharedamong all. Many companions didnot know what to do and built


27

large houses for themselveswith stables and servants.

Imam Ali and his family formeda Trust that was used to helpthose in need. Many newconverts were helped. Everyevening food was served tomany who were not able toprovide for themselves. Fortheir own personal use, ImamAli and his sons continued tolive in a small house and eatvery simple food.

His generosityOne day he saw a poor slave boysharing his food with a hungrydog. The boy would eat a morseland give a morsel to the dog.


28

When he was asked why, theslave replied, ”I am ashamed ofeating myself and not giving thedog anything.” The Imam askedhim to wait where he was, untilhe came back. He went to themaster of the slave and not onlyfreed the boy from slavery butgave him an orchard. Soon hereturned and told the boy that

not only was he free but nowthe owner of the garden he hadbeen working in.


29

His pietyImam Hasan performed theHajj twenty five times. ImamZain-ul-abideen (AS) said aboutImam Hasan, “Whenever hewent for Hajj, he went on footand sometimes even barefoot.When he stood for his prayershis limbs trembled before HisLord.” While performing thewudhu, he would go pale.

Helping the poor and needyHe was extremely generous andgave away all his funds in theway of Allah. No one went awayfrom his door empty handed. Hesat down with the poorest ofpoor when they invited him toshare food with them.


30

One day a stranger came toMadinah and when he wasoffered the same dried breadthat Imam Ali was eating, foundit too hard to chew. When hewent to the tablespread ofImam Hasan, he startedcollecting morsels in a bag as heate his food. Imam Hasanenquired ”Brother you can eatas much as you like. Why areyou collecting more?” The mansaid he had just seen someonewho wasbreakingbread thatwas veryhard anddry andwanted to


31

take it to him. Imam Hasansmiled and said “Don’t you knowthat he is my father who hasalways eaten so. He provides allthis for others.”

Even today, visitors still eat atthe "Dastarqan" of Imam Hasanin the Masjid e Hasan in

Madinah.


32

Brave in Battle

How did he help his father?Imam Hasan’s role during thelifetime of his father shows hiscomplete obedience to ImamAli. When people acceptedImam Ali as the apparentKhalifa after twenty-five longyears, Imam Hasan played acrucial role and supported himin every way. He would guidepeople and explain his father’sviews and opinion.

In the campaigns of the Battlesof Jamal, Siffeen and Nahrwanthat were forced on Imam Alisoon after he became Khalifa,


32

Brave in Battle

How did he help his father?Imam Hasan’s role during thelifetime of his father shows hiscomplete obedience to ImamAli. When people acceptedImam Ali as the apparentKhalifa after twenty-five longyears, Imam Hasan played acrucial role and supported himin every way. He would guidepeople and explain his father’sviews and opinion.

In the campaigns of the Battlesof Jamal, Siffeen and Nahrwanthat were forced on Imam Alisoon after he became Khalifa,


33

Imam Hasan took part fully. Henever felt any fear and alwayssupported the Truth.

Before the Battle of Basra,Imam Ali sent his son ImamHasan and his companion AmmarYasir to Koofa to recruit peopleto join forces. Imam Hasandelivered a sermon in themasjid e Koofa and managed toconvince nearly 10,000 peopleto join him.

Battle of BasraHe was a standard bearer inthe Battle of Basra (also calledJamal) leading the right wing ofthe army. Ayesha, the Prophet’swidow, bore enmity to Imam Ali


34

and came on her camel to stirpeople to rebel against theImam. She came out to thebattlefield trying to encourage

people to fight against theImam. Many Muslims keptcoming before her camel andwere getting killed. Imam Alisent his son to fell the camel.This ended the Battle of theCamel. Ayesha still refused toleave but Imam Hasan was able


35

to persuade her to go back toMadinah.

Moving to KoofaIn 36 A.H. Imam Ali decided tomake Koofa the capital city. Itwas more central and suited tothe changed conditions of thetime. He moved there fromMadinah and the Ahlebayt wentwith him. Imam Hasan alsomoved to Koofa with his father.

Within a year of moving toKoofa, Imam Ali had to counterMuawiya’s rebellion. Muawiyahad been the governor of Syriasince the time of Umar who hadappointed him. Imam Ali triedto convince Muawiya to stop him


36

from creating discord amongMuslims. He refused to give uphis plans and in the end, ImamAli had to face Muawiya’s armyin battle at Siffeen.

Battle of SiffeenThe Battle of Siffeen tookplace near Raqqa, on the banksof the river Euphrates. ImamHasan took an active andleading role as a commander inthe battle. He was ready to giveup his life to defend the truemessage of Islam.

Just as victory was close forImam Ali, Muawiya adopted atrick. The Syrian army raisedthe Quran on spears and


37

shouted for surrender. Thearmy clamoured for the battleto stop. They did not listen toImam Ali’s advice.

Later when people wronglyblamed Imam Ali for theoutcome, Imam Hasan was sentto explain what had happened.He was able to clarify andanalyse what had happened andhow the verdict was based onopinion and not justice. The twomen from both armies hadjudged according to their whimsand not the Book of Allah.

Battle of NahrwanNext came the Battle ofNahrwan, when the Kharijites


38

rebelled against Imam Ali andrefused to obey him. ImamHasan supported his father andplayed a major role in thebattle.

After the battle, Imam Hasanreturned to Koofa with hisfather. But Imam Ali was notallowed to govern for long. AKharijite, Ibn Muljim, struckImam Ali’s head with a poisonedsword. The Imam was attackedwhile he was leading the Fajrprayer in the masjid e Koofa.Imam Ali lived for only two daysafter the fatal attack on hishead and died on 21 Ramadhan40 A.H.


39

Khilafat

As the Imam and KhalifaImam Ali announced ImamHasan to be the next Imam. Hesaid “O my son, the Messengerof Allah ordered me to informand hand over my books andweapons to you exactly as hetold me his last will and gave mehis books and weapons. Heordered me to order you to givethem to your brother Hussainwhen death approachesyou.”The line of 12 Imamscontinued through ImamHussain. Imams are appointedby Allah.


39

Khilafat

As the Imam and KhalifaImam Ali announced ImamHasan to be the next Imam. Hesaid “O my son, the Messengerof Allah ordered me to informand hand over my books andweapons to you exactly as hetold me his last will and gave mehis books and weapons. Heordered me to order you to givethem to your brother Hussainwhen death approachesyou.”The line of 12 Imamscontinued through ImamHussain. Imams are appointedby Allah.


40

Imam Ali then asked all hischildren, noblemen of the Shia

and his family to bear witnessto his will.


41

Imam Hasan (AS) stood up andpraised his father, andreminded people of his merits“This night a man has died whothe first Muslims did notoutrun with good deeds nor didthe last ones catch up with himin pleasing acts.”He wept as herecalled his father’s divinequalities.

Introducing himself, ImamHasan reminded people who hewas: “I am the (grand) son ofthe one who brought the goodnews. I am the (grand) son ofthe warner. I am the (grand)son of the man who with Allah’spermission, summoned thepeople to Allah.


42

I am the (grand) son of thelight, which shone out to theworld. I am of the House fromwhom Allah has sent away allrijs and purified thoroughly. Iam from the House for whomAllah has required (mawadat)love in His Book. When Allahthe Most High said Say I do notask you for any reward exceptlove for my kin whoever earnsgood will increase good forhimself. (33:33) The good islove for us, the House. “

Imam Hasan showed his closerelationship to the HolyProphet and referred to theQuranic verses of Purity and


43

love of Ahlebayt (Mawadat),made compulsory for believers.

Ibn Abbas stood up and said“People, this is the son of yourProphet, the successor of yourImam. So pledge allegiance tohim.”Peoplerushed andpledged theirallegiance toImam Hasan astheir Khalifa.He was acknowledged as theruler of Koofa and all the citiesof the Iraq, Hejaz and Iran.

He took a pledge from thepeople that they that that theywould support him in both war


44

and peace. He declared theQuran and Sunnah as the basisof the allegiance. He raised thesalary of the soldiers to revivethe morale of the Iraqi army.Koofa remained united.

The news soon spread. ButMuawiya in Syria did notacknowledge the Imam. Hecelebrated the news that ImamAli was killed but was angry tolearn that Imam Hasan hadbeen declared his successor.Having misguided a wholegeneration of men before,Muawiya now planned rebellionagainst Imam Hasan.


45

Muawiya’s Revolt

Who was Muawiya?Muawiya was the son of AbuSufyan from the Bani Ummaya,who had long been an enemy ofIslam and the Holy Prophet.They came under the banner ofIslam only to save their ownskin. Now they planned todestroy the fabric of Islamfrom within. Muawiya’s intensemalice and his lust for powerand wealth guided his actions.

He sent spies to Iraq, speciallyKoofa and Basra, to incitepeople against Imam Hasan. He


45

Muawiya’s Revolt

Who was Muawiya?Muawiya was the son of AbuSufyan from the Bani Ummaya,who had long been an enemy ofIslam and the Holy Prophet.They came under the banner ofIslam only to save their ownskin. Now they planned todestroy the fabric of Islamfrom within. Muawiya’s intensemalice and his lust for powerand wealth guided his actions.

He sent spies to Iraq, speciallyKoofa and Basra, to incitepeople against Imam Hasan. He


46

used threats and bribes tomake people support him.

Imam Hasan wrote to Muawiyaadvising him to “Desist fromfalsehood and further revoltand pay allegiance to me likethe masses have done. As youare well aware that I amentitled to Khilafat much morethan you in the eyes of theAlmighty Allah. So you shouldfear Him and abandon revolt.Do not shed the blood ofMuslims.”

Muawiya had no scruples and hisaim was to create discord andwiden differences. He wantedto destroy the unity of Muslims


47

and incited people to mischiefand rioting. Unable to force thegrandson of the Prophet toresign, Muawiya decided toattack Iraq with a huge army of60,000 men.

Preparing for WarImam Hasan did not want tobegin the war but realised thathe has to face the challenge ofMuawiya’s invading forces. Heurgently ordered all hisgovernors to prepare for war.People were asked to assemblein the main masjid of Koofa.Imam Hasan delivered apowerful sermon exhortingpeople to prepare for jihad. He


48

said “You should all join thearmy” and reminded them,“We are that party of Allahthat is always successful. Weare the two most valuablethings that the Holy Prophetleft after him. Therefore Opeople, submit to me assubmission to us is thesubmission to Allah and theHoly Prophet.”

When he finished speaking,there was silence and peoplewent quiet. They were tired ofwar. Only a few devotedcompanions of the Imam wereready to support him.


49

Altogether Imam Hasan had20,000 soldiers against morethan 60000 Syrian soldierswith Muawiya. But even withinhis smaller army, there weredifferent groups of men.

There were Shias whowere devoted to him andready to sacrificeeverything.

There were those thatfollowed their tribal leaderwho could be bribed byMuawiya.

There were self seekerswho were interestedmainly in the war booty.

There were the Kharijiteswho were Imam Ali’senemies but had joined


50

Imam Hasan (AS) to fightagainst Muawiya.

Then there were peoplewho did not belong to anygroup; but they could notbe trusted.

With such a mixed group ofsoldiers in his army, ImamHasan had to fight a war thatwas imposed on him.

The Imam went with a smallarmy towards a place calledNakhaila. He camped there forten days, waiting for more mento join him, but very few did. AsMuawiya advanced, the Imamsent 12,000 men under hiscousin, Ubaidullah ibn Abbas,towards the northern border of


51

Iraq with detailed directions.The Imam’s war tactics weredefensive. His successdepended on the vanguardbrigade. Ubaidullah ibn Abbasadvanced towards Maskin andfaced the Syrian army, whichattacked them and forced themto retreat.

Muawiya’s TacticsMuawiya realised that ImamHasan was serious about anarmed struggle. So he startedto plan cunning tactics. He sentseveral false messages sayingthat Imam Hasan (AS) wasoffering peace. Muawiya thentried to bribe the Imam’scommanders and was able to


52

bribe Ubaidullah, who left theImam taking 8000 soldiers withhim.

Muawiya then started acampaign of propaganda andrumour. Qais continued to fightthe Syrians with great courageand ability, but was worriedabout the welfare of ImamHasan, who was at Madain.

Muawiya sent a delegation toMadain, intent on creating morediscord in the Imam’s army.They spread false rumours thatthe Imam had agreed to stopthe battle and that Qais hadbeen killed. The army panicked


53

and started to run. There wasconfusion everywhere.The Kharijites at this momenttook advantage and attackedthe camp of the Imam himself.Imam Hasan immediately stoodup saying “Verily there is nopower and strength exceptAllah”, drew his sword and rodehis horse.

While he was passing through, aman ambushed and attacked theImam with a dagger. The injurywas severe as the dagger wentthrough to the bone. The woundon his thigh caused heavy bloodloss. His devoted Shias tookhim to the governor’s house,


54

where physicians attended tohis wound.

While the Imam was recoveringthere was more betrayal asmore soldiers from his armyjoined Muawiya. Some wereeven ready to hand him over.The Iraqi army lost their will tofight.

Imam Hasan (AS) called hisofficers and leaders and said tothem, “O men of Iraq, whataction remains that you havenot taken against me! By Allahyou have not done this for thefirst time but on a day inSiffeen you had forced myfather to accept arbitration. “


55

Then Imam Hasan gave asermon to the people:“By Allahneither had we any doubt aboutfighting the Syrians norremorse because it was we whohad fought the Syrians withconfidence and humility. Whenyou were marching to Siffeenyour religion had dominatedyour worldly feelings; but todaythe worldly benefits areuppermost in your mind. So ifyou decide to fight till death,then we will again attackMuawiya till he returns to theRight Path. But if you chooseworldly life then we will accepthis offer and get protection foryou.”


56

Hearing this, the peopleshouted “Life Life”. ImamHasan saw that the people didnot obey or help him and thathis army was no longer ready tofight Muawiya, so he acceptedthe peace offer.


57

Peace Treaty

Muawiya handed a blank paperwith his seal and sent a

message to ImamHasan saying thatthe Imam couldname anyconditions. TheImam preparedthe terms, which

were as follows:

1. Muawiya will act accordingto the Holy Book of Allah,the Sunnah of the Prophet

2. Muawiya will have no rightto nominate anyone after


57

Peace Treaty

Muawiya handed a blank paperwith his seal and sent a

message to ImamHasan saying thatthe Imam couldname anyconditions. TheImam preparedthe terms, which

were as follows:

1. Muawiya will act accordingto the Holy Book of Allah,the Sunnah of the Prophet

2. Muawiya will have no rightto nominate anyone after


58

him and Khilafat willreturn to Hasan after him.

3. The life, property andhonour of the people willbe safe throughout Syria,Iraq, Hejaz and Yemen.

4. The companions and Shiasof Imam Ali (AS) will beprotected and their lives,honour and property willremain safe.

5. Muawiya will not cause anyharm to Imam Hasan, hisbrother Hussain andanyone from the family ofthe Prophet


59

6. Cursing and abuse ofImam Ali will be stopped

The terms of the treaty showthat the first condition was theideal goal of the Imam. Thesecond condition taok awayMuawiya ‘s right of nominatinganyone after him. The thirdcondition would restore peaceand protect the people fromoppression. The fourth wouldgive Shias complete protection.The fifth would preventconspiracy against the family ofthe Prophet. The next move wasto stop the abuse of Imam Ali.

The Imam explained his reasonsfor entering into the treaty


60

with Muawiya: “I have kept thewelfare of the Muslim Ummahin view. My action is for yourbenefit and it would safeguardyou.” Had he not entered thetreaty there would have beenmass killings.

Muawiya breaks the termsMuawiya had accepted all theconditions but had no intentionof keeping to the agreed terms.Soon after signing the treatyhe declared:“All of theseconditions are under my foot.And from now on I will not fulfilanything.” He boasted that hehad taken what he had takenfrom both Imam Ali and ImamHasan.”


61

In reply the Imam said “O youwho mention Ali, I am Hasanand Ali is my father. You areMuawiya and your father wasSaqr. My mother was Fatimahand your mother was Hind. Mygrandfather was the Apostle ofAllah and your grandfather wasHarb. My grandmother was

Khadija and your grandmotherwas Futayla. May Allah cursehim who tries to reduce ourreputation and diminish ournobility, who does evil against


62

our antiquity and yet who hasbeen ahead of us in unbelief andhypocrisy.”

A strategic decisionThe Peace Treaty, like theTreaty of Hudaibiya, was astrategic decision, whichremoved the veil fromMuawiya’s face and showedeveryone that he was ahypocrite. It became apparentthat Muawiya had usurped theauthority though he had noknown merit in religion.Muawiya‘s true aims wereexposed.

The Imam explained that aKhalifa is one who abides by the


63

Sunnah of the Prophet andmakes obedience to Allah hisway of life. “One who oppressespeople and chooses thepleasures of this world is not aKhalif but a monarch.” Peoplewere now able to distinguishbetween Khilafat and monarchy.

Imam Hasan followed theexample of his grandfatherProphet Muhammad (SAW) whohad made peace with theMeccans at Hudaibiya. Hecopied his father Ali who hadshowed patience when he wasdenied his rights. Imam Hasan,like them, supported the Truth,not to win victory for himselfbut to protect Islam.


64

Our fourth Imam describes thePeace Treaty as “better thanwhat the sun shines upon.”Imam Hasan said “I am an Imamappointed by Allah” and himselfcompared it to the greaterwisdom of Prophet Khizr whohad knowledge of the future.Imam Hasan set the stage forKarbala.


65

Return to Madinah

A quiet but active lifeImam Hasan and his brotherImam Husain with the Holyhousehold moved back toMadinah, the city of theirgrandfather. His house becamethe centre for people to learnabout the true teachings ofIslam. He continued to educate,enlighten, interpret and explainthe Commandments of Allah.

The Imam was a mirror of hisgrandfather’s good qualities andexplained Islamic rulings. Heeducated the people to follownoble traits and revived the


65

Return to Madinah

A quiet but active lifeImam Hasan and his brotherImam Husain with the Holyhousehold moved back toMadinah, the city of theirgrandfather. His house becamethe centre for people to learnabout the true teachings ofIslam. He continued to educate,enlighten, interpret and explainthe Commandments of Allah.

The Imam was a mirror of hisgrandfather’s good qualities andexplained Islamic rulings. Heeducated the people to follownoble traits and revived the


66

Sunnah of the Prophet. He waskind to the poor and deprivedand gave shelter to the widowsand the orphans.

Imam’s patience and virtueMuawiya continued to spreadfalse rumours about the Imamand the family of the Prophet.When a man from Syria visitedMadinah, he saw a man whosebeauty astonished him. Butwhen he learned that it wasHasan ibn Ali, he startedshouting abuse at the Imam,“Curse be upon you and yourfather”

Imam Hasan didn’t say anythingrude. He greeted him cordially


67

and asked him kindly if heneeded anything. “I see you area stranger in town. Should youneed a ride, we will provide youwith one. Should you have anyneeds, we will fulfil them foryou. If you need any help, wewill help you.“

Imam Hasan showed that hismanners were like the goodmanners of his grandfather.Hearing this, the man feltashamed and started toapologise saying, “You areindeed Allah’s Hujjat. Yourexcellent manners have mademe admire you. I will neverleave you and always serve you,Master”.


68

People learned good moralsfrom the Imam. They alsogained deep knowledge and agreat number of scholarslearned from him. He createdawareness among the ummahabout the Rights of the holyAhlulbayt. The falsehood ofMuawiya was exposed andshowed people how theUmmayad were not fit to rule.The movement of Imam Hasangained strength.

Muawiya visited Yathrib andwas jealous, when he saw howpeople loved and admired theImam. He summoned the Imamto Damascus.


69

The generous son of FatimahMuawiya called the Imam to hiscourt when he was distributinggifts to everyone. He wanted toboast about his wealth and showthe people that he was the onewho was giving the Imamexpensive gifts.

When the Imam came, Muawiyasaid “O the son of the Prophet.You came last hoping thatnothing was left for me to giveyou and then you would tellpeople I was a miser.” He calledhis treasurer and asked him tofind out the total value of giftsdistributed that day and bringits equal value. He gave theamount to Imam Hasan saying


70

“This is the gift from me, theson of Hind.

Muawiya wanted to show offhow rich he was. As the Imamgot ready to leave, one ofMuawiya’s servants brought theImam’s shoesto him out ofrespect. TheImam, as away ofthanking theservant, gavehim all the gifts that Muawiyahad given him, to the servant.

Then he turned to Muawiyasaying, “This is the gift fromme, the son of Fatimah.”


70

“This is the gift from me, theson of Hind.

Muawiya wanted to show offhow rich he was. As the Imamgot ready to leave, one ofMuawiya’s servants brought theImam’s shoesto him out ofrespect. TheImam, as away ofthanking theservant, gavehim all the gifts that Muawiyahad given him, to the servant.

Then he turned to Muawiyasaying, “This is the gift fromme, the son of Fatimah.”


71

Muawiya increased his hostilepolicy towards the Imam andhunted down the Shias andkilled them. He resorted toterror, making them homeless,cutting off their income andtearing down and burning theirhouses.

Money was handed to triballeaders to bring them undercontrol. Righteous and noblemen were put in prison anddisgraced. Imam Ali was cursedfrom the pulpits as a ritual.False traditions praising theUmayyads were invented andlinked to the Prophet. Thisplayed a vital role in misguidingpeople.


72

Poisoned

During the ten years of hisImamat, Imam Hasan lived inconditions of extreme hardshipwith no security even in his ownhouse. Imam Hasan, thefragrant flower of the Prophet,was a thorn in the heart ofMuawiya, who was determinedto kill him.

Breaking every term of thetreaty Muawiya now wanted tomake Yazeed his successor. Butwith Imam Hasan alive, he couldnot. He therefore planned tomurder Imam Hasan throughpoison.


72

Poisoned

During the ten years of hisImamat, Imam Hasan lived inconditions of extreme hardshipwith no security even in his ownhouse. Imam Hasan, thefragrant flower of the Prophet,was a thorn in the heart ofMuawiya, who was determinedto kill him.

Breaking every term of thetreaty Muawiya now wanted tomake Yazeed his successor. Butwith Imam Hasan alive, he couldnot. He therefore planned tomurder Imam Hasan throughpoison.


73

More than fiveattempts weremade to poisonImam Hasan.When the

effects of the poison wouldshow, the Imam would go to hisgrandfather’s grave of hisgrandfather’s grave, and prayfor shifa (healing). FinallyMuawiya sent a very strongpoison to Joda, the wicked wifeof the Imam, with a promise of100,000 dirhams, if she gave itto Imam Hasan. It was the 28th

of Safar, 50 A. H. The Imamwas forty-seven years old. Jodabetrayed the Imam and addedthe poison to his water.


74

As soon as the Imam drank thewater he feltimmense painand was sick.He began tovomit bloodand pieces ofhis liver fellinto thebowl. He saidto her “it is apity that youhave beenveryunfaithful. But remember, thepurpose for which you havedone this you would neverachieve”.


75

He called for his brotherHussain and told him: “I havebeen given poison three timesbefore; but never like this time.I will die on this day. Mybrother, I am leaving you andmeeting my Lord. I have beengiven poison to drink, and havespewed my liver into the basin.I am aware of the person whopoisoned me. I will oppose himbefore Allah, the Great andAlmighty."

Then he said: “I leave my familyand children in your care.” Hehugged his son Qasim and hisother children, soon to beorphaned. He left behindfifteen children, both male and


76

female. His wife Umm Farwawept to see him in such pain.Turning to his brothers, ImamHasan continued, "Bury me withmy grandfather, the Apostle ofAllah, for I am worthier of himand his family,(than others). Ifthey prevent you from doing so,then do not shed your bloodeven into the cupping-glass in(carrying out) my command, andbury me near my grandmotherFatimah bint Asad in Baqee.

He then gave Imam Hussain(AS) his heirlooms and thethings, which Imam Ali(AS) hadpassed down to him. He said, “Hussain ibn Ali will be the Imamafter my death and after my


77

soul has departed from mybody.”

Imam Hussain was very sad ashe watched his brother leavehim forever. He wept but ImamHasan reminded him that hewould suffer even moretragedy.“La Yauma ka-yaumekaya Ababdillah. There is no daylike your day, ya Aba abdillah.”

His progenyOn the day of Ashoor, four ofImam Hasan’s sons took part inthe battle with Imam Hussain.His son Qasim fought bravelyagainst Yazid’s army, but wastrampled under the hooves ofhorses. His son Abu Bakr was


78

martyred in Karbala. His sonAbdullah was the last Hashimiyouth who rushed out from thetent to defend his uncle ImamHussain. Hasan ibn Hasan(known as Hasan Muthanna)fought gallantly and wasseverely injured. He was takenwounded from the battlefieldto Koofa and later returned toMadinah. One of Imam Hasan’sdaughters Fatimah was marriedto our fourth Imam Zain-ul-Abideen (AS) and became themother of the fifth ImamMuhammad Baqir (AS).

Many members of Imam Hasan’sprogeny were killed by Mansoorthe Abbasid ruler.


79

Burial in Baqee

Imam Hasan, the symbol ofpeace, passed away leaving hischildren and family in deepmourning. With great sadness,Imam Hussain arranged for hisbrother Imam Hasan’s burialand offered the funeralprayers.

But when the funeral processionwas being taken towards theHoly Prophet’s grave, it wasstopped. Marwan supported byAisha would not allow it. Shemounted a mule and came tosupport the Banu Umayya.


79

Burial in Baqee

Imam Hasan, the symbol ofpeace, passed away leaving hischildren and family in deepmourning. With great sadness,Imam Hussain arranged for hisbrother Imam Hasan’s burialand offered the funeralprayers.

But when the funeral processionwas being taken towards theHoly Prophet’s grave, it wasstopped. Marwan supported byAisha would not allow it. Shemounted a mule and came tosupport the Banu Umayya.


80

Arrows rained down on thecoffin.

Many people gathered togetherwith Imam Hussain (AS) andsaid to him: "Leave us with thechildren of Marwan. ByAllah(SWT), they are, with us,nothing but an itching of thehead."

Imam Hussain (AS) said: `ByAllah (SWT), if there had beenno injunction to me from ImamHasan (AS) to preventbloodshed and that I should noteven pour blood into a cupping-glass in (carrying out) hiscommand, you would have knownhow the swords of Allah (SWT)


81

would have taken their toll fromyou.”Nearly 70 arrows were pulled

out from the coffin. ImamHasan (AS) then was buried inBaqee beside his grandmotherFatimah bint-e-Asad (AS).

Alas, the Wahhabis destroyedhis grave, when the tombs ofthe Holy Ahlebayt in Jannat ulBaqee were razed to the groundin 1925.


81

would have taken their toll fromyou.”Nearly 70 arrows were pulled

out from the coffin. ImamHasan (AS) then was buried inBaqee beside his grandmotherFatimah bint-e-Asad (AS).

Alas, the Wahhabis destroyedhis grave, when the tombs ofthe Holy Ahlebayt in Jannat ulBaqee were razed to the groundin 1925.


82


83

Sayings

Teach your knowledge to othersand try to learn the knowledgeof others. Whoever loves thematerial world, the fear of thehereafter goes out from hisheart. Treat others similar tothe way you would like them totreat you. I wonder at theperson who is careful aboutwhat goes in his stomach butnot careful about what goesinto his intellect. Verily thebest of the best is the bestmanners. There is no day likeyour day ya Abaabdillah.


83

Sayings

Teach your knowledge to othersand try to learn the knowledgeof others. Whoever loves thematerial world, the fear of thehereafter goes out from hisheart. Treat others similar tothe way you would like them totreat you. I wonder at theperson who is careful aboutwhat goes in his stomach butnot careful about what goesinto his intellect. Verily thebest of the best is the bestmanners. There is no day likeyour day ya Abaabdillah.


84

Salams yaImam

Salam O the son of the ProphetSalam O son of Ali theCommander of the FaithfulSalam O son of FatimahSalam O the Light of AllahSalam O the Beloved of AllahSalam O Trustee of AllahSalam O the Path of AllahSalam O supporter of theReligion of AllahSalam O pure masterSalam Abu Muhammad Hasanson of AliAllah’s mercy and blessings beon you


84

Salams yaImam

Salam O the son of the ProphetSalam O son of Ali theCommander of the FaithfulSalam O son of FatimahSalam O the Light of AllahSalam O the Beloved of AllahSalam O Trustee of AllahSalam O the Path of AllahSalam O supporter of theReligion of AllahSalam O pure masterSalam Abu Muhammad Hasanson of AliAllah’s mercy and blessings beon you


85

Wordsearch

F W S G R A M M A D I N A HI D A H A S A N M A M I B EZ A K I K U L S O O M D D SZ J A M A L S A W R A F U AA U H N A H R W A N Y A L NA L I H A B U M K C M T L BB T Q A Y S U S M A N I A AA A A N E E F I S Z L M H NT T S U A B A N I A Z A L IJ H I K A Z J S L Y I H J UU E M U H A M M A D S N O MM E H I K H A D I J A F D AI R W K A Y I W A U M V A YH A R B A I S H A S A Q R A

HASAN HUSSAIN MUHAMMAD ALI FATIMAHZAINAB KUSOOM KHADIJA MADINAH KOOFAZAKI MUJTABA NASEH MUBAHILA TATHEERFIZZA QASIM ABDULLAH UMM FARWAMUAWIYA AISHA HARB SAQRSIFEEN JAMAL NAHRWAN


85

Wordsearch

F W S G R A M M A D I N A HI D A H A S A N M A M I B EZ A K I K U L S O O M D D SZ J A M A L S A W R A F U AA U H N A H R W A N Y A L NA L I H A B U M K C M T L BB T Q A Y S U S M A N I A AA A A N E E F I S Z L M H NT T S U A B A N I A Z A L IJ H I K A Z J S L Y I H J UU E M U H A M M A D S N O MM E H I K H A D I J A F D AI R W K A Y I W A U M V A YH A R B A I S H A S A Q R A

HASAN HUSSAIN MUHAMMAD ALI FATIMAHZAINAB KUSOOM KHADIJA MADINAH KOOFAZAKI MUJTABA NASEH MUBAHILA TATHEERFIZZA QASIM ABDULLAH UMM FARWAMUAWIYA AISHA HARB SAQRSIFEEN JAMAL NAHRWAN


86

Lessons we learn

Imam Hasan was kind even tothose who were rude to him.He was always hospitable andprovided food for the poor.He faced his enemies bravelyand was ready to stand up forthe Truth.He was ready to make peace toprevent bloodshed of theMuslims.The Imam spread knowledgeand trained people along theRight Path.He made decisions for thegreater benefit of Islam,rather than his own personalgain.


86

Lessons we learn

Imam Hasan was kind even tothose who were rude to him.He was always hospitable andprovided food for the poor.He faced his enemies bravelyand was ready to stand up forthe Truth.He was ready to make peace toprevent bloodshed of theMuslims.The Imam spread knowledgeand trained people along theRight Path.He made decisions for thegreater benefit of Islam,rather than his own personalgain.


87

Do you Remember

How was Imam Hasan related tothe Prophet?Who are his parents?When and where was he born?Name 3 of his titles.Name 2 verses where Allahpraises him in the Quran.How did his life change afterthe Prophet?How did he help the poor?How do we know he was brave?Why was Muawiya jealous?What was the Peace Treaty?Who poisoned Imam Hasan?Why was he buried in Baqee?


87

Do you Remember

How was Imam Hasan related tothe Prophet?Who are his parents?When and where was he born?Name 3 of his titles.Name 2 verses where Allahpraises him in the Quran.How did his life change afterthe Prophet?How did he help the poor?How do we know he was brave?Why was Muawiya jealous?What was the Peace Treaty?Who poisoned Imam Hasan?Why was he buried in Baqee?


88

Title Let’s learn about Imam HasanAuthor Sakina Hasan AskariPublisher Salman Publications

Hyderabad, India.Pages 88CopiesISBN

Copies Available fromwww.Shiabooksforchildren.comEmail bibiapa202@ gmail.comEmail [email protected] Book Centre00914024560156/9348496898www.salmanbookcentre.com

Documents

Let’s learn about Imam Hasan (A S) · Let’s learn about Imam Hasan (AS) 2 For my grandchildren Muhammad Ali Nur -Fatima Sakina Zahra Zahra Aadil Fatimah Mehdi And many more to