Imam Hasan al-Askari (peace be upon him)

Imam Hasan ibn Ali al-Askari (peace be upon him) was the eleventh Imam in the blessed lineage of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them). He lived during one of the most difficult and restrictive periods of Islamic history, under constant surveillance by the Abbasid rulers. Despite severe oppression, Imam al-Askari preserved the true teachings of Islam and prepared the groundwork for the era of Imam al-Mahdi (peace be upon him).

Birth and Family Lineage

Imam Hasan al-Askari was born in Medina in 232 AH. His father was Imam Ali al-Hadi (peace be upon him), and his mother was Lady Hudayth or Susan, known for her purity and faith. He was raised in a house of knowledge, worship, and spiritual nobility, connecting directly to the lineage of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family).

Why “al-Askari”?

The title “al-Askari” comes from the Arabic word “Askar”, meaning “military camp.” This is because Imam al-Askari was forcibly moved by the Abbasid caliphs to the garrison town of Samarra, where he lived under strict house arrest, cut off from his followers.

Life Under Abbasid Tyranny

Imam al-Askari lived under constant surveillance, with Abbasid rulers fearing his influence. His movements were limited, his house monitored, and his contact with followers restricted. Despite these difficulties:

He maintained secret communication with his Shia followers.He educated a select group of students through letters and trusted representatives.He preserved the spiritual and intellectual heritage of the Ahl al-Bayt.

Even his enemies admitted to his piety, knowledge, and noble character.

His Character and Teachings

Imam al-Askari was known for:

Unmatched worship and devotionExtreme humility and patienceGenerosity to the poor and needyDefense of the weak and oppressed

Among his famous sayings:

“Humility is a blessing which no envy touches.”

And:

“The best of manners is to avoid what God has forbidden.”

He emphasized good character, sincerity in worship, and staying firm on the path of justice even in difficult times.

The Preparation for Imam al-Mahdi

A unique aspect of Imam al-Askari’s mission was to prepare the Shia community for the occultation (ghaybah) of his son, Imam al-Mahdi (peace be upon him).

He worked silently to build a network of trusted agents (wakil system) to safeguard the leadership of the community during the difficult times ahead.

Martyrdom

At the age of 28 years, Imam Hasan al-Askari was poisoned by the Abbasid ruler al-Muʿtamid and attained martyrdom in 260 AH in Samarra (Iraq).

He was buried next to his father, Imam Ali al-Hadi (peace be upon him), in Samarra, where the holy shrine of al-Askariyyain stands as a symbol of faith and patience.

Legacy

Despite his short life, Imam al-Askari:

Preserved the pure teachings of Islam.Strengthened the underground network of Shia scholarship.Secured the continuity of divine guidance through his son, Imam al-Mahdi (peace be upon him).Left behind a legacy of patience, dignity, and silent resistance against injustice.

Imam Hasan al-Askari (peace be upon him) is a timeless symbol of faith under oppression, knowledge in silence, and leadership in hardship.

Though confined by tyrants, his teachings spread across generations. Though his movement was hidden, his light remained strong, preparing the path for the final Imam, the awaited savior of humanity.

: Haidar Mohammed