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Imam al-Hasan al-Mujtaba (a) (Arabic: {{ia|إمام الحسن المجتبی}}) was the son of Amir al-Muʾminin [['Ali b. Abi Talib (a)]], the second Imam of the [[Shi'a]] and the fifth caliph of the Muslims. He is described as the one who most resembled [[the Prophet (s)]], a devout worshipper and ascetic, and it is reported that several times in his life he gave away all or half of his wealth in charity. After the martyrdom of Imam 'Ali (a), he assumed the caliphate by the people's allegiance, but in 41/661, due to divisions in his army, he was compelled to accept peace with [[Mu'awiya b. Abi Sufyan]], who claimed the caliphate and had advanced with a large army from Syria toward Iraq.
'''Imam al-Hasan al-Mujtaba (a)''' (Arabic: {{ia|إمام الحسن المجتبی}}) was the son of Amir al-Muʾminin [['Ali b. Abi Talib (a)]], the second Imam of the [[Shi'a]] and the fifth caliph of the Muslims. He is described as the one who most resembled [[the Prophet (s)]], a devout worshipper and ascetic, and it is reported that several times in his life he gave away all or half of his wealth in charity. After the martyrdom of Imam 'Ali (a), he assumed the caliphate by the people's allegiance, but in 41/661, due to divisions in his army, he was compelled to accept peace with [[Mu'awiya b. Abi Sufyan]], who claimed the caliphate and had advanced with a large army from Syria toward Iraq.


He is reported to have gone on hajj several times on foot. After his martyrdom, his body was buried in the [[cemetery of al-Baqi']], beside [[Fatima bt. Asad]]. Later, [[Imam 'Ali b. al-Husayn (a)]] and [[Imam al-Baqir (a)]] were also buried there, and a magnificent dome was eventually built over their graves.
He is reported to have gone on hajj several times on foot. After his martyrdom, his body was buried in the [[cemetery of al-Baqi']], beside [[Fatima bt. Asad]]. Later, [[Imam 'Ali b. al-Husayn (a)]] and [[Imam al-Baqir (a)]] were also buried there, and a magnificent dome was eventually built over their graves.
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==Birth and Childhood==
==Birth and Childhood==


Imam al-Hasan was born in the middle of the month of [[Ramadan]]<ref>Tarikh Madinat Dimashq, vol. 13, p. 167; al-Irshad, vol. 2, p. 5.</ref> of 3/625<ref>Tarjama al-Imam al-Hasan min al-Tabaqat al-Kubra, p. 98; Ansab al-Ashraf, vol. 3, p. 219; I'lam al-Wara, vol. 1, p. 402.</ref> in [[Medina]]. Most sources describe him as the closest in appearance to [[the Prophet (s)]]. According to a report, the Prophet (s) described al-Hasan (a) as the most similar to him in character, disposition, and physical appearance.<ref>al-Tabaqat al-Kubra, al-Khamisah, vol. 1, p. 245; al-Isti'ab, vol. 1, p. 384.</ref> He lived seven years during the lifetime of the Prophet (s).<ref>Manaqib Āl Abi Talib, vol. 3, p. 175.</ref> Among his epithets are Sibt al-Nabi, al-Sayyid, al-Zaki, al-Mujtaba, al-Taqi, al-Wali, and al-Tayyib.<ref>Kashf al-Ghumma, vol. 2, p. 141; Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 43, p. 255.</ref>
Imam al-Hasan was born in the middle of the month of [[Ramadan]]<ref>''Tārīkh madīnat Dimashq'', vol. 13, p. 167; ''Al-Irshād'', vol. 2, p. 5.</ref> of 3/625<ref>''Tarjimat al-Imām al-Ḥasan min al-ṭabaqāt al-kubrā'', p. 98; ''Ansāb al-ashrāf'', vol. 3, p. 219; ''Iʿlām al-warā'', vol. 1, p. 402.</ref> in [[Medina]]. Most sources describe him as the closest in appearance to [[the Prophet (s)]]. According to a report, the Prophet (s) described al-Hasan (a) as the most similar to him in character, disposition, and physical appearance.<ref>''Al-Ṭabaqāt al-kubrā'', al-khamisa, vol. 1, p. 245; ''al-Istīʿāb'', vol. 1, p. 384.</ref> He lived seven years during the lifetime of the Prophet (s).<ref>''Manāqib Āl Abī Ṭālib'', vol. 3, p. 175.</ref> Among his epithets are Sibt al-Nabi, al-Sayyid, al-Zaki, al-Mujtaba, al-Taqi, al-Wali, and al-Tayyib.<ref>''Kashf al-Ghumma'', vol. 2, p. 141; ''Bihār al-anwār'', vol. 43, p. 255.</ref>


==After the Prophet (s)==
==After the Prophet (s)==
He witnessed the events and incidents of the era of the first three caliphs. Some reports mention his and his brother [[Imam al-Husayn]]'s presence in certain conquests, such as in North Africa and Tabaristan,<ref>al-Kāmil fī al-Tārīkh, vol. 3, p. 6.</ref> although historical evidence indicates that he did not participate in these campaigns.<ref>See: al-Ḥayāt al-siyāsiyyah li-l-Imām al-Ḥasan, pp. 114–130.</ref> During the siege of [['Uthman]], he used to visit 'Uthman's house at his father's request.<ref>Murūj al-dhahab, vol. 2, p. 344; al-Imāmah wa al-siyāsah, vol. 1, p. 44; al-Ṭabarī, vol. 4, pp. 388–389.</ref> Another significant event of this period was when Imam al-Hasan (a), alongside his father, escorted [[Abu Dharr]] before his exile.<ref>Ansāb al-ashrāf, vol. 5, p. 543; al-Yaʿqūbī, vol. 2, p. 172.</ref>
He witnessed the events and incidents of the era of the first three caliphs. Some reports mention his and his brother [[Imam al-Husayn]]'s presence in certain conquests, such as in North Africa and Tabaristan,<ref>''Al-Kāmil fī l-tārīkh'', vol. 3, p. 6.</ref> although historical evidence indicates that he did not participate in these campaigns.<ref>See: ''Al-Ḥayāt al-sīyāsīyya li-l-Imām al-Ḥasan'', pp. 114–130.</ref> During the siege of [['Uthman]], he used to visit 'Uthman's house at his father's request.<ref>''Murūj al-dhahab'', vol. 2, p. 344; ''Al-Imāma wa l-sīyāsa'', vol. 1, p. 44; ''Tārīkh al-Ṭabarī'', vol. 4, pp. 388–389.</ref> Another significant event of this period was when Imam al-Hasan (a), alongside his father, escorted [[Abu Dharr]] before his exile.<ref>''Ansāb al-ashrāf'', vol. 5, p. 543; ''Tārīkh al-Yaʿqūbī'', vol. 2, p. 172.</ref>


===During the Caliphate of Imam 'Ali (a)===
===During the Caliphate of Imam 'Ali (a)===
Imam al-Hasan (a) spent thirty years of his life alongside his father [[Imam 'Ali (a)]]. On the eve of the [[Battle of Jamal]] he was dispatched by Imam 'Ali (a) to [[Kufa]] as his representative to mobilize the people.<ref> al-Jamal, pp. 132, 175.</ref> He also took part in the [[Battle of Siffin]]. In the [[Battle against the Khawarij]], in addition to delivering sermons in support of his father, he was present on the battlefield.<ref> Hayat al-Imam al-Hasan ibn 'Ali, vol. 1, pp. 481–486.</ref>
Imam al-Hasan (a) spent thirty years of his life alongside his father [[Imam 'Ali (a)]]. On the eve of the [[Battle of Jamal]] he was dispatched by Imam 'Ali (a) to [[Kufa]] as his representative to mobilize the people.<ref>''Al-Jamal'', pp. 132, 175.</ref> He also took part in the [[Battle of Siffin]]. In the [[Battle against the Khawarij]], in addition to delivering sermons in support of his father, he was present on the battlefield.<ref>''Hayāt al-Imām al-Ḥasan b. ʿAlī'', vol. 1, pp. 481–486.</ref>


Imam 'Ali (a) had numerous endowments in Medina and its surroundings, which after his martyrdom were administered first by Imam al-Hasan (a), then by his brother al-Husayn (a).<ref> Tahdhib al-Ahkam, vol. 9, pp. 145–148.</ref> Administration of these endowments was later inherited by the [[Banu al-Hasan]] and [[Banu al-Husayn]].<ref> Ilal al-Sharai, vol. 1, p. 230; al-Irshad, vol. 2, p. 21; Kashf al-Ghummah, vol. 2, p. 199.</ref>
Imam 'Ali (a) had numerous endowments in Medina and its surroundings, which after his martyrdom were administered first by Imam al-Hasan (a), then by his brother al-Husayn (a).<ref>''Tahdhīb al-aḥkām'', vol. 9, pp. 145–148.</ref> Administration of these endowments was later inherited by the [[Banu l-Hasan]] and [[Banu l-Husayn]].<ref>''ʿIlal al-sharāʾiʿ'', vol. 1, p. 230; ''Al-Irshād'', vol. 2, p. 21; ''Kashf al-ghumma'', vol. 2, p. 199.</ref>


==Imamate and Caliphate of Imam al-Hasan (a)==
==Imamate and Caliphate==
After being struck, [[Imam 'Ali (a)]] appointed his son al-Hasan (a) as imam,<ref> Kashf al-Ghummah, vol. 2, pp. 153–154; Musnad al-Imam al-Mujtaba, p. 36.</ref> and al-Hasan assumed leadership for approximately six months. The pledge of allegiance to Imam al-Hasan (a) occurred on the 21st of Ramadan, in the year 40/661, following the martyrdom of his father.<ref> al-Irshad, vol. 2, p. 9. </ref>
After being struck, [[Imam 'Ali (a)]] appointed his son al-Hasan (a) as imam,<ref>''Kashf al-ghumma'', vol. 2, pp. 153–154; ''Musnad al-Imām al-Mujtabā'', p. 36.</ref> and al-Hasan assumed leadership for approximately six months. The pledge of allegiance to Imam al-Hasan (a) occurred on the 21st of Ramadan, in the year 40/661, following the martyrdom of his father.<ref>''Al-Irshād'', vol. 2, p. 9. </ref>


[[Mu'awiya b. Abi Sufyan|Mu'awiya]], the governor of Syria who claimed the caliphate, upon hearing of the people’s pledge, openly declared rebellion and refused to acknowledge Imam al-Hasan as caliph.<ref> al-Yaqubi, vol. 2, p. 214; Sharh Nahj al-Balagha, vol. 16, p. 31.</ref> Imam al-Hasan (a)’s first action after taking charge was to organize an army to confront Mu'awiya.<ref> al-Mustadrak ala al-Sahihayn, vol. 3, pp. 174–176. </ref> In response, Mu'awiya marched with sixty thousand men against him.<ref> al-Futuh, vol. 4, p. 286; Maqatil al-Talibiyyin, pp. 34–35.</ref> He spread rumors claiming that Imam al-Hasan intended to make peace,<ref> al-Yaqubi, vol. 2, p. 214.</ref> while at the same time bribing some of al-Hasan’s commanders.<ref> Ansab al-Ashraf, vol. 3, p. 38.</ref> As a result of these rumors, al-Hasan’s camp was looted, and he was wounded in “Sabat.”<ref> Ansab al-Ashraf, vol. 3, p. 35; al-Irshad, vol. 2, p. 12.</ref>
[[Mu'awiya b. Abi Sufyan|Mu'awiya]], the governor of Syria who claimed the caliphate, upon hearing of the people's pledge, openly declared rebellion and refused to acknowledge Imam al-Hasan as caliph.<ref>''Tārīkh al-Yaʿqūbī'', vol. 2, p. 214; ''Sharḥ nahj al-balāgha'', vol. 16, p. 31.</ref> Imam al-Hasan (a)'s first action after taking charge was to organize an army to confront Mu'awiya.<ref>''Al-Mustadrak ʿalā l-ṣaḥīḥayn'', vol. 3, pp. 174–176. </ref> In response, Mu'awiya marched with sixty thousand men against him.<ref>''Al-Futūḥ'', vol. 4, p. 286; ''Maqātil al-Ṭālibīyyīn'', pp. 34–35.</ref> He spread rumors claiming that Imam al-Hasan intended to make peace,<ref>''Tārīkh al-Yaʿqūbī'', vol. 2, p. 214.</ref> while at the same time bribing some of al-Hasan's commanders.<ref>''Ansāb al-ashrāf'', vol. 3, p. 38.</ref> As a result of these rumors, al-Hasan's camp was looted, and he was wounded in “Sabat.”<ref>''Ansāb al-ashrāf'', vol. 3, p. 35; ''Al-Irshād'', vol. 2, p. 12.</ref>


In such circumstances he was compelled to make peace. When asked about the reason, Imam al-Hasan (a) explained that it was due to the people’s greater desire for peace, their aversion to war, and above all, the preservation of his Shi'a.<ref> Akhbar al-Tiwal, p. 220. </ref>
In such circumstances he was compelled to make peace. When asked about the reason, Imam al-Hasan (a) explained that it was due to the people's greater desire for peace, their aversion to war, and above all, the preservation of his Shi'a.<ref>''Akhbār al-ṭiwāl'', p. 220. </ref>


He handed the caliphate to Mu'awiya under conditions: that Mu'awiya would not appoint a successor,<ref> al-Istiab, vol. 1, pp. 385–387. </ref> that the next caliph would be chosen by a council of Muslims,<ref> al-Istiab, vol. 1, pp. 386–387. </ref> that Muslims and the Shi'a would remain safe, and that no plot would be hatched against the Ahl al-Bayt.<ref> al-Futuh, vol. 4, pp. 290–291.</ref>
He handed the caliphate to Mu'awiya under conditions: that Mu'awiya would not appoint a successor,<ref>''Al-Istīʿāb'', vol. 1, pp. 385–387. </ref> that the next caliph would be chosen by a council of Muslims,<ref>''Al-Istīʿāb'', vol. 1, pp. 386–387. </ref> that Muslims and the Shi'a would remain safe, and that no plot would be hatched against the Ahl al-Bayt.<ref>''Al-Futūḥ'', vol. 4, pp. 290–291.</ref>


==Virtues and Merits==
==Virtues and Merits==
Imam al-Hasan (a) was regarded as the most devout, ascetic, and virtuous person of his time.<ref> al-Am'Ali, p. 244; Uddat al-Dai, p. 139.</ref> He became renowned for his generosity, patience, and forbearance. Because of this, he was called “Karim Ahl al-Bayt.” He is reported to have given away half of his wealth, and in some accounts even all of it, in charity two or three times.<ref> Ansab al-Ashraf, vol. 3, p. 9; al-Wafi bil-Wafayat, vol. 12, p. 68; Sharh al-Akhbar, vol. 3, p. 113; Manaqib Aal Abi Talib, vol. 3, p. 180. </ref>
Imam al-Hasan (a) was regarded as the most devout, ascetic, and virtuous person of his time.<ref>''Al-Amālī'', p. 244; ''ʿUddat al-dāʿi'', p. 139.</ref> He became renowned for his generosity, patience, and forbearance. Because of this, he was called “Karim Ahl al-Bayt.” He is reported to have given away half of his wealth, and in some accounts even all of it, in charity two or three times.<ref>''Ansāb al-ashrāf'', vol. 3, p. 9; ''Al-Wāfi bi-l-wafayāt'', vol. 12, p. 68; ''Sharḥ al-akhbār'', vol. 3, p. 113; ''Manāqib Āl Abī Ṭālib'', vol. 3, p. 180. </ref>


==Pilgrimage==
==Pilgrimage==
Both Sunni and Shi'a sources narrate that Imam al-Hasan (a) performed many pilgrimages to Mecca on foot.<ref> Ansab al-Ashraf, vol. 3, p. 9; al-Wafi bil-Wafayat, vol. 12, p. 67; Uddat al-Dai, p. 139. </ref> It is reported that he walked to hajj twenty-five times.<ref> Shadharat al-Dhahab, vol. 1, p. 242.</ref> He explained that walking expressed greater humility on the way to the House of God.<ref> al-Aimma al-Ithna Ashar, p. 64. </ref>
Both Sunni and Shi'a sources narrate that Imam al-Hasan (a) performed many pilgrimages to Mecca on foot.<ref>''Ansāb al-ashrāf'', vol. 3, p. 9; ''Al-Wāfi bi-l-wafayāt'', vol. 12, p. 67; ''ʿUddat al-daʾī'', p. 139. </ref> It is reported that he walked to hajj twenty-five times.<ref>''Shadharāt al-dhahab'', vol. 1, p. 242.</ref> He explained that walking expresses greater humility on the way to the House of God.<ref>''Al-Aʾimma al-Ithnā ʿAshar'', p. 64. </ref>


==Wives==
==Wives==
The names of his wives as mentioned in historical sources include: Umm al-Haqq, daughter of Talha b. 'Ubayd Allah; Hafsa, daughter of Abd al-Rahman b. Abi Bakr; Hind, daughter of Suhayl b. 'Amr;<ref> Ansab al-Ashraf, vol. 3, pp. 20–22.</ref> and Ja'da, daughter of al-Ash'ath b. Qays.<ref> Sulh al-Imam al-Hasan, p. 38. </ref> According to al-Shaykh al-Mufid,<ref> al-Irshad, vol. 2, p. 20.</ref> Umm Bashir, daughter of 'Uqba b. 'Amr, and Khawla, daughter of Manzur al-Fazari, were also among his wives. Some early sources list his wives as numbering ten,<ref> al-Tabaqat al-Kubra, vol. 5, pp. 244–245. </ref> while others expand the figure to eleven.<ref> Sharh Nahj al-Balagha, vol. 16, p. 21.</ref> There are also exaggerated reports mentioning an unverified larger number of marriages.<ref> Ansab al-Ashraf, vol. 3, p. 25; Qut al-Qulub, vol. 2, p. 471. </ref>
The names of his wives as mentioned in historical sources include: Umm al-Haqq, daughter of Talha b. 'Ubayd Allah; Hafsa, daughter of Abd al-Rahman b. Abi Bakr; Hind, daughter of Suhayl b. 'Amr;<ref>''Ansāb al-ashrāf'', vol. 3, pp. 20–22.</ref> and Ja'da, daughter of al-Ash'ath b. Qays.<ref>''Ṣulḥ al-Imām al-Ḥasan'', p. 38. </ref> According to al-Shaykh al-Mufid,<ref>''Al-Irshād'', vol. 2, p. 20.</ref> Umm Bashir, daughter of 'Uqba b. 'Amr, and Khawla, daughter of Manzur al-Fazari, were also among his wives. Some early sources list his wives as numbering ten,<ref>''Al-Ṭabaqāt al-kubrā'', vol. 5, pp. 244–245. </ref> while others expand the figure to eleven.<ref>''Sharḥ nahj al-balāgha'', vol. 16, p. 21.</ref> There are also exaggerated reports mentioning an unverified larger number of marriages.<ref>''Ansāb al-ashrāf'', vol. 3, p. 25; ''Quwwat al-qulūb'', vol. 2, p. 471. </ref>


==Children==
==Children==
Some sources record fifteen children for him,<ref> Tazkirat al-Khawas, p. 194; al-Irshad, vol. 2, p. 20. </ref> while others mention four sons and two daughters.<ref> al-Tabaqat al-Kubra, vol. 5, pp. 244–245. </ref> His lineage continued through his sons al-Hasan and Zayd. All of al-Hasan’s children stood alongside [[Imam al-Husayn (a)]] on the day of [[Ashura]].<ref> al-Majdi fi Ansab al-Talibiyyin, p. 19; Musnad al-Imam al-Shahid, vol. 2, p. 107.</ref>
Some sources record fifteen children for him,<ref>''Tazkirat al-khawāṣṣ'', p. 194; ''Al-Irshād'', vol. 2, p. 20. </ref> while others mention four sons and two daughters.<ref>''Al-Ṭabaqāt al-kubrā'', vol. 5, pp. 244–245. </ref> His lineage continued through his sons al-Hasan and Zayd. All of al-Hasan's children stood alongside [[Imam al-Husayn (a)]] on the day of [[Ashura]].<ref>''Al-Majdī fī ansāb al-Ṭālibīyyīn'', p. 19; ''Musnad al-Imām al-Shahīd'', vol. 2, p. 107.</ref>


Later, the al-Hasanid branch of the [['Alids]] became among the chief rivals of the [[Abbasid dynasty]]. Notable figures such as Muhammad<ref> al-Tabari, vol. 7, p. 552.</ref> and Ibrahim,<ref> al-Tabaqat al-Kubra, vol. 5, pp. 439–441.</ref> sons of Abd Allah b. al-Hasan,<ref> al-Fakhri, p. 164.</ref> and al-Husayn b. 'Ali b. al-Hasan (known as the [[Martyr of Fakhkh]])<ref> al-Tabari, vol. 8, pp. 192–205.</ref> (d. 169/786), revolted against the Abbasid rule.
Later, the al-Hasanid branch of the [['Alids]] became among the chief rivals of the [[Abbasid dynasty]]. Notable figures such as Muhammad<ref>''Tārīkh al-Ṭabarī'' vol. 7, p. 552.</ref> and Ibrahim,<ref>''Al-Ṭabaqāt al-kubrā'', vol. 5, pp. 439–441.</ref> sons of Abd Allah b. al-Hasan,<ref>''Al-Fakhrī'', p. 164.</ref> and al-Husayn b. 'Ali b. al-Hasan (known as the [[Martyr of Fakhkh]])<ref>''Tārīkh al-Ṭabarī'' vol. 8, pp. 192–205.</ref> (d. 169/786), revolted against the Abbasid rule.


In the second half of the 4th/10th century, the [[Hasanid Sharifs]] succeeded in establishing an emirate in [[Mecca]], which lasted until the domination of the [[House of Saud]].
In the second half of the 4th/10th century, the [[Hasanid Sharifs]] succeeded in establishing an emirate in [[Mecca]], which lasted until the domination of the [[House of Saud]].


==Martyrdom==
==Martyrdom==
According to the most famous report, Imam al-Hasan (a) was poisoned and martyred on the 28th of Safar, in the year 50/670.<ref> Kashf al-Ghummah, vol. 2, p. 205; Translation of al-Tabaqat al-Kubra: al-Imam al-Hasan, p. 91.</ref> Other reports cite the years 47/667,<ref> al-Bad wa al-Tarikh, vol. 5, p. 74. </ref> or 49/669,<ref> al-Yaqubi, vol. 2, p. 225; Tarikh Madinat Dimashq, vol. 7, p. 122. </ref> or even the 7th of Safar.<ref> al-Durus al-Sharaiyya, vol. 2, p. 7. </ref> According to the well-known narrative, Ja'da, one of his wives, poisoned him at the instigation of Mu'awiya.<ref> al-Bidaya wa al-Nihaya, vol. 8, p. 43; Ibn Khaldun, vol. 2, p. 649.</ref>
According to the most famous report, Imam al-Hasan (a) was poisoned and martyred on the 28th of Safar, in the year 50/670.<ref>''Kashf al-ghumma'' vol. 2, p. 205; ''Tarjima al-Imām al-Ḥasan min al-ṭabaqāt al-kubrā'', p. 91.</ref> Other reports cite the years 47/667,<ref>''Al-Badʾ wa l-tārīkh'', vol. 5, p. 74. </ref> or 49/669,<ref>''Tārīkh al-Yaʿqūbī'', vol. 2, p. 225; ''Tārīkh madīnat Dimashq'', vol. 7, p. 122. </ref> or even the 7th of Safar.<ref>''Al-Durūs al-sharʿiyya'', vol. 2, p. 7. </ref> According to the well-known narrative, Ja'da, one of his wives, poisoned him at the instigation of Mu'awiya.<ref>''Al-Bidāya wa l-nihāya'', vol. 8, p. 43; ''Tārīkh Ibn Khaldūn'', vol. 2, p. 649.</ref>


==Tomb==
==Tomb==
In accordance with his will (“Bury me beside my grandfather”), the Ahl al-Bayt attempted to bury him beside the grave of the Prophet (s). However, the [[Umayyads]], led by [[Marwan b. al-Hakam]], the governor of Medina,<ref> al-Wafi bil-Wafayat, vol. 12, pp. 68–69. </ref> together with [[A'isha]],<ref> Tazkirat al-Khawas, p. 193. </ref> prevented them. The [[Banu Hashim]] prepared to resist, but [[Imam al-Husayn (a)]], honoring his brother’s will, refrained. Thus, al-Hasan was buried in [[al-Baqi cemetery]].<ref> Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 44, p. 134.</ref>
In accordance with his will (“Bury me beside my grandfather”), the Ahl al-Bayt attempted to bury him beside the grave of the Prophet (s). However, the [[Umayyads]], led by [[Marwan b. al-Hakam]], the governor of Medina,<ref>''Al-Wāfi bi-l-wafayāt'', vol. 12, pp. 68–69. </ref> together with [[Aisha]],<ref>''Tazkirat al-khawāṣṣ'', p. 193. </ref> prevented them. The [[Banu Hashim]] prepared to resist, but [[Imam al-Husayn (a)]], honoring his brother's will, refrained. Thus, al-Hasan was buried in [[al-Baqi cemetery]].<ref>''Biḥār al-anwār'', vol. 44, p. 134.</ref>


Imam al-Hasan (a) was laid to rest in the al-Baqi cemetery, near his grandmother [[Fatimah bt. Asad]] and the Prophet’s uncle [['Abbas b. 'Abd al-MutTalib|'Abbas]]. Later, a dome was erected over their resting places along with those of [[Imam al-Sajjad (a)]] and [[Imam al-Baqir (a)]], described as the tallest structure in Medina.<ref> Ibn Jubayr, Rihlah, p. 155; Madinah Shinasi, p. 326; al-Iqd al-Thamin, vol. 3, p. 396.</ref> In 495/1101-02, [[Majd al-Mulk al-Baravistani]], vizier of the Seljuk ruler Barkiyaruq, sent an architect from Qom to build the dome over Imam al-Hasan’s shrine.<ref> al-Kamil fi al-Tarikh, vol. 10, p. 352.</ref> This dome was destroyed on the 8th of Shawwal, 1343/1925, by Saudi Wahhabi forces.<ref> Tarikh Haram Aimmat al-Baqi wa Athar Ukhra fi Madinah al-Munawwarah, p. 51.</ref>
Imam al-Hasan (a) was laid to rest in the al-Baqi cemetery, near his grandmother [[Fatimah bt. Asad]] and the Prophet's uncle [['Abbas b. 'Abd al-MutTalib|'Abbas]]. Later, a dome was erected over their resting places along with those of [[Imam al-Sajjad (a)]] and [[Imam al-Baqir (a)]], described as the tallest structure in Medina.<ref>Ibn Jubayr, ''Riḥla'', p. 155; ''Madīna shināsī'', p. 326; ''Al-ʿIqd al-thamīn'', vol. 3, p. 396.</ref> In 495/1101-02, [[Majd al-Mulk al-Baravistani]], vizier of the Seljuk ruler Barkiyaruq, sent an architect from Qom to build the dome over Imam al-Hasan's shrine.<ref> ''Al-Kāmil fī al-tārīkh'', vol. 10, p. 352. </ref> This dome was destroyed on the 8th of Shawwal, 1343/1925, by Saudi Wahhabi forces.<ref>''Tārīkh ḥaram Aʾimmat al-Baqīʿ wa āthār ukhrā fī Madīna al-munawwara'', p. 51.</ref>
 
==Notes==
{{notes}}
 
==References==
{{ref}}
* ''Al-Aʾimma al-ithnā ʿashar'': Shams al-Dīn Muḥammad b. Ṭūlūn (d. 953 AH), ed. Ṣalāḥ al-Dīn al-Munajjid, Qom, al-Raḍī.
* ''Al-Akhbār al-ṭiwāl'': Aḥmad b. Dāwūd al-Dīnawarī (d. 282 AH), ed. ʿAbd al-Munʿim ʿĀmir, Qom, al-Raḍī, 1412 AH.
* ''Al-Amālī'': al-Ṣadūq (d. 381 AH), Qom, al-Biʿtha, 1417 AH.
* ''Al-Badʾ wa l-tārīkh'': al-Muṭahhar b. Ṭāhir al-Maqdisī (d. 355 AH), Beirut, Dār Ṣādir, 1903 CE.
* ''Al-Bidāya wa l-nihāya'': Ismāʿīl b. ʿUmar b. Kathīr (d. 774 AH), Beirut, Dār al-Fikr, 1407 AH.
* ''Al-Durūs al-sharʿiyya'': al-Shahīd al-Awwal (d. 786 AH), Qom, Nashr Islāmī, 1412 AH.
* ''Al-Futūḥ'': Aḥmad b. Aʿtham al-Kūfī (d. 314 AH), ed. ʿAlī Shīrī, Beirut, Dār al-Aḍwāʾ, 1411 AH.
* ''Al-Imāma wa l-siyāsa'': Ibn Qutayba al-Dīnawarī (d. 276 AH), ed. Ṭāhā Muḥammad al-Zaynī, Muʾassisat al-Ḥalabī.
* ''Al-Irshād'': al-Mufīd (d. 413 AH), Beirut, Dār al-Mufīd, 1414 AH.
* ''Al-Jamal wa al-nuṣra li-Sayyid al-ʿItra'': al-Mufīd (d. 413 AH), Qom, Maktabat al-Dāwarī.
* ''Ansāb al-ashrāf'': al-Balādhurī (d. 279 AH), ed. Muḥammad Ḥamīd Allāh, Egypt, Dār al-Taʿāruf, 1959 CE.
* ''Biḥār al-anwār'': Muḥammad Taqī al-Majlisī (d. 1110 AH), Beirut, Dār Iḥyāʾ al-Turāth al-ʿArabī, 1403 AH.
* ''ʿIlal al-sharāʾiʿ'': Muḥammad b. ʿAlī b. Bābawayh al-Ṣadūq (d. 381 AH), ed. Baḥr al-ʿUlūm, Najaf, al-Maktaba al-Ḥaydarīyya, 1385 AH.
* ''Iʿlām al-warā'': al-Ṭabrisī (d. 548 AH), Qom, Āl al-Bayt:, 1417 AH.
* ''Sharḥ nahj al-balāgha'': Ibn Abī l-Ḥadīd (d. 656 AH), ed. Muḥammad Abū l-Faḍl, Dār Iḥyāʾ al-Kutub al-ʿArabiyya, 1378 AH.
* ''Tahdhīb al-aḥkām'': al-Ṭūsī (d. 460 AH), ed. Mūsawī and Ākhūndī, Tehran, Dār al-Kutub al-Islāmīyya, 1365 SH.
* ''Tārīkh-i ḥaram-i Aʾimma-yi Baqīʿ (a) wa āthār-i dīgar dar Madīna al-munawwara'': Muḥammad Ṣādiq Najmī, Tehran, Mashʿar, 1386 Sh.
* ''Tarjima al-Imām al-Ḥasan min al-ṭabaqāt al-kubrā'': Ibn Saʿd (d. 230 AH), ed. ʿAbd al-ʿAzīz al-Ṭabāṭabāʾī, Qom, Muʾassasat Āl al-Bayt:, 1416 AH.
* ''ʿUddat al-dāʿī wa najāḥ al-sāʿī'': Ibn Fahd al-Ḥillī (d. 841 AH), ed. Aḥmad Muwaḥḥid Qumī, Dār al-Kutub al-Islāmī.
{{end}}

Latest revision as of 10:38, 30 September 2025

Imam al-Hasan al-Mujtaba (a) (Arabic: إمام الحسن المجتبی) was the son of Amir al-Muʾminin 'Ali b. Abi Talib (a), the second Imam of the Shi'a and the fifth caliph of the Muslims. He is described as the one who most resembled the Prophet (s), a devout worshipper and ascetic, and it is reported that several times in his life he gave away all or half of his wealth in charity. After the martyrdom of Imam 'Ali (a), he assumed the caliphate by the people's allegiance, but in 41/661, due to divisions in his army, he was compelled to accept peace with Mu'awiya b. Abi Sufyan, who claimed the caliphate and had advanced with a large army from Syria toward Iraq.

He is reported to have gone on hajj several times on foot. After his martyrdom, his body was buried in the cemetery of al-Baqi', beside Fatima bt. Asad. Later, Imam 'Ali b. al-Husayn (a) and Imam al-Baqir (a) were also buried there, and a magnificent dome was eventually built over their graves.

Birth and Childhood

Imam al-Hasan was born in the middle of the month of Ramadan[1] of 3/625[2] in Medina. Most sources describe him as the closest in appearance to the Prophet (s). According to a report, the Prophet (s) described al-Hasan (a) as the most similar to him in character, disposition, and physical appearance.[3] He lived seven years during the lifetime of the Prophet (s).[4] Among his epithets are Sibt al-Nabi, al-Sayyid, al-Zaki, al-Mujtaba, al-Taqi, al-Wali, and al-Tayyib.[5]

After the Prophet (s)

He witnessed the events and incidents of the era of the first three caliphs. Some reports mention his and his brother Imam al-Husayn's presence in certain conquests, such as in North Africa and Tabaristan,[6] although historical evidence indicates that he did not participate in these campaigns.[7] During the siege of 'Uthman, he used to visit 'Uthman's house at his father's request.[8] Another significant event of this period was when Imam al-Hasan (a), alongside his father, escorted Abu Dharr before his exile.[9]

During the Caliphate of Imam 'Ali (a)

Imam al-Hasan (a) spent thirty years of his life alongside his father Imam 'Ali (a). On the eve of the Battle of Jamal he was dispatched by Imam 'Ali (a) to Kufa as his representative to mobilize the people.[10] He also took part in the Battle of Siffin. In the Battle against the Khawarij, in addition to delivering sermons in support of his father, he was present on the battlefield.[11]

Imam 'Ali (a) had numerous endowments in Medina and its surroundings, which after his martyrdom were administered first by Imam al-Hasan (a), then by his brother al-Husayn (a).[12] Administration of these endowments was later inherited by the Banu l-Hasan and Banu l-Husayn.[13]

Imamate and Caliphate

After being struck, Imam 'Ali (a) appointed his son al-Hasan (a) as imam,[14] and al-Hasan assumed leadership for approximately six months. The pledge of allegiance to Imam al-Hasan (a) occurred on the 21st of Ramadan, in the year 40/661, following the martyrdom of his father.[15]

Mu'awiya, the governor of Syria who claimed the caliphate, upon hearing of the people's pledge, openly declared rebellion and refused to acknowledge Imam al-Hasan as caliph.[16] Imam al-Hasan (a)'s first action after taking charge was to organize an army to confront Mu'awiya.[17] In response, Mu'awiya marched with sixty thousand men against him.[18] He spread rumors claiming that Imam al-Hasan intended to make peace,[19] while at the same time bribing some of al-Hasan's commanders.[20] As a result of these rumors, al-Hasan's camp was looted, and he was wounded in “Sabat.”[21]

In such circumstances he was compelled to make peace. When asked about the reason, Imam al-Hasan (a) explained that it was due to the people's greater desire for peace, their aversion to war, and above all, the preservation of his Shi'a.[22]

He handed the caliphate to Mu'awiya under conditions: that Mu'awiya would not appoint a successor,[23] that the next caliph would be chosen by a council of Muslims,[24] that Muslims and the Shi'a would remain safe, and that no plot would be hatched against the Ahl al-Bayt.[25]

Virtues and Merits

Imam al-Hasan (a) was regarded as the most devout, ascetic, and virtuous person of his time.[26] He became renowned for his generosity, patience, and forbearance. Because of this, he was called “Karim Ahl al-Bayt.” He is reported to have given away half of his wealth, and in some accounts even all of it, in charity two or three times.[27]

Pilgrimage

Both Sunni and Shi'a sources narrate that Imam al-Hasan (a) performed many pilgrimages to Mecca on foot.[28] It is reported that he walked to hajj twenty-five times.[29] He explained that walking expresses greater humility on the way to the House of God.[30]

Wives

The names of his wives as mentioned in historical sources include: Umm al-Haqq, daughter of Talha b. 'Ubayd Allah; Hafsa, daughter of Abd al-Rahman b. Abi Bakr; Hind, daughter of Suhayl b. 'Amr;[31] and Ja'da, daughter of al-Ash'ath b. Qays.[32] According to al-Shaykh al-Mufid,[33] Umm Bashir, daughter of 'Uqba b. 'Amr, and Khawla, daughter of Manzur al-Fazari, were also among his wives. Some early sources list his wives as numbering ten,[34] while others expand the figure to eleven.[35] There are also exaggerated reports mentioning an unverified larger number of marriages.[36]

Children

Some sources record fifteen children for him,[37] while others mention four sons and two daughters.[38] His lineage continued through his sons al-Hasan and Zayd. All of al-Hasan's children stood alongside Imam al-Husayn (a) on the day of Ashura.[39]

Later, the al-Hasanid branch of the 'Alids became among the chief rivals of the Abbasid dynasty. Notable figures such as Muhammad[40] and Ibrahim,[41] sons of Abd Allah b. al-Hasan,[42] and al-Husayn b. 'Ali b. al-Hasan (known as the Martyr of Fakhkh)[43] (d. 169/786), revolted against the Abbasid rule.

In the second half of the 4th/10th century, the Hasanid Sharifs succeeded in establishing an emirate in Mecca, which lasted until the domination of the House of Saud.

Martyrdom

According to the most famous report, Imam al-Hasan (a) was poisoned and martyred on the 28th of Safar, in the year 50/670.[44] Other reports cite the years 47/667,[45] or 49/669,[46] or even the 7th of Safar.[47] According to the well-known narrative, Ja'da, one of his wives, poisoned him at the instigation of Mu'awiya.[48]

Tomb

In accordance with his will (“Bury me beside my grandfather”), the Ahl al-Bayt attempted to bury him beside the grave of the Prophet (s). However, the Umayyads, led by Marwan b. al-Hakam, the governor of Medina,[49] together with Aisha,[50] prevented them. The Banu Hashim prepared to resist, but Imam al-Husayn (a), honoring his brother's will, refrained. Thus, al-Hasan was buried in al-Baqi cemetery.[51]

Imam al-Hasan (a) was laid to rest in the al-Baqi cemetery, near his grandmother Fatimah bt. Asad and the Prophet's uncle 'Abbas. Later, a dome was erected over their resting places along with those of Imam al-Sajjad (a) and Imam al-Baqir (a), described as the tallest structure in Medina.[52] In 495/1101-02, Majd al-Mulk al-Baravistani, vizier of the Seljuk ruler Barkiyaruq, sent an architect from Qom to build the dome over Imam al-Hasan's shrine.[53] This dome was destroyed on the 8th of Shawwal, 1343/1925, by Saudi Wahhabi forces.[54]

Notes

  1. ↑ Tārīkh madīnat Dimashq, vol. 13, p. 167; Al-Irshād, vol. 2, p. 5.
  2. ↑ Tarjimat al-Imām al-Ḥasan min al-ṭabaqāt al-kubrā, p. 98; Ansāb al-ashrāf, vol. 3, p. 219; Iʿlām al-warā, vol. 1, p. 402.
  3. ↑ Al-Ṭabaqāt al-kubrā, al-khamisa, vol. 1, p. 245; al-Istīʿāb, vol. 1, p. 384.
  4. ↑ Manāqib Āl Abī Ṭālib, vol. 3, p. 175.
  5. ↑ Kashf al-Ghumma, vol. 2, p. 141; Bihār al-anwār, vol. 43, p. 255.
  6. ↑ Al-Kāmil fī l-tārīkh, vol. 3, p. 6.
  7. ↑ See: Al-Ḥayāt al-sīyāsīyya li-l-Imām al-Ḥasan, pp. 114–130.
  8. ↑ Murūj al-dhahab, vol. 2, p. 344; Al-Imāma wa l-sīyāsa, vol. 1, p. 44; Tārīkh al-Ṭabarī, vol. 4, pp. 388–389.
  9. ↑ Ansāb al-ashrāf, vol. 5, p. 543; Tārīkh al-Yaʿqūbī, vol. 2, p. 172.
  10. ↑ Al-Jamal, pp. 132, 175.
  11. ↑ Hayāt al-Imām al-Ḥasan b. ʿAlī, vol. 1, pp. 481–486.
  12. ↑ Tahdhīb al-aḥkām, vol. 9, pp. 145–148.
  13. ↑ ʿIlal al-sharāʾiʿ, vol. 1, p. 230; Al-Irshād, vol. 2, p. 21; Kashf al-ghumma, vol. 2, p. 199.
  14. ↑ Kashf al-ghumma, vol. 2, pp. 153–154; Musnad al-Imām al-Mujtabā, p. 36.
  15. ↑ Al-Irshād, vol. 2, p. 9.
  16. ↑ Tārīkh al-Yaʿqūbī, vol. 2, p. 214; Sharḥ nahj al-balāgha, vol. 16, p. 31.
  17. ↑ Al-Mustadrak ʿalā l-ṣaḥīḥayn, vol. 3, pp. 174–176.
  18. ↑ Al-Futūḥ, vol. 4, p. 286; Maqātil al-Ṭālibīyyīn, pp. 34–35.
  19. ↑ Tārīkh al-Yaʿqūbī, vol. 2, p. 214.
  20. ↑ Ansāb al-ashrāf, vol. 3, p. 38.
  21. ↑ Ansāb al-ashrāf, vol. 3, p. 35; Al-Irshād, vol. 2, p. 12.
  22. ↑ Akhbār al-ṭiwāl, p. 220.
  23. ↑ Al-Istīʿāb, vol. 1, pp. 385–387.
  24. ↑ Al-Istīʿāb, vol. 1, pp. 386–387.
  25. ↑ Al-Futūḥ, vol. 4, pp. 290–291.
  26. ↑ Al-Amālī, p. 244; ʿUddat al-dāʿi, p. 139.
  27. ↑ Ansāb al-ashrāf, vol. 3, p. 9; Al-Wāfi bi-l-wafayāt, vol. 12, p. 68; Sharḥ al-akhbār, vol. 3, p. 113; Manāqib Āl Abī Ṭālib, vol. 3, p. 180.
  28. ↑ Ansāb al-ashrāf, vol. 3, p. 9; Al-Wāfi bi-l-wafayāt, vol. 12, p. 67; ʿUddat al-daʾī, p. 139.
  29. ↑ Shadharāt al-dhahab, vol. 1, p. 242.
  30. ↑ Al-Aʾimma al-Ithnā ʿAshar, p. 64.
  31. ↑ Ansāb al-ashrāf, vol. 3, pp. 20–22.
  32. ↑ Ṣulḥ al-Imām al-Ḥasan, p. 38.
  33. ↑ Al-Irshād, vol. 2, p. 20.
  34. ↑ Al-Ṭabaqāt al-kubrā, vol. 5, pp. 244–245.
  35. ↑ Sharḥ nahj al-balāgha, vol. 16, p. 21.
  36. ↑ Ansāb al-ashrāf, vol. 3, p. 25; Quwwat al-qulūb, vol. 2, p. 471.
  37. ↑ Tazkirat al-khawāṣṣ, p. 194; Al-Irshād, vol. 2, p. 20.
  38. ↑ Al-Ṭabaqāt al-kubrā, vol. 5, pp. 244–245.
  39. ↑ Al-Majdī fī ansāb al-Ṭālibīyyīn, p. 19; Musnad al-Imām al-Shahīd, vol. 2, p. 107.
  40. ↑ Tārīkh al-Ṭabarī vol. 7, p. 552.
  41. ↑ Al-Ṭabaqāt al-kubrā, vol. 5, pp. 439–441.
  42. ↑ Al-Fakhrī, p. 164.
  43. ↑ Tārīkh al-Ṭabarī vol. 8, pp. 192–205.
  44. ↑ Kashf al-ghumma vol. 2, p. 205; Tarjima al-Imām al-Ḥasan min al-ṭabaqāt al-kubrā, p. 91.
  45. ↑ Al-Badʾ wa l-tārīkh, vol. 5, p. 74.
  46. ↑ Tārīkh al-Yaʿqūbī, vol. 2, p. 225; Tārīkh madīnat Dimashq, vol. 7, p. 122.
  47. ↑ Al-Durūs al-sharʿiyya, vol. 2, p. 7.
  48. ↑ Al-Bidāya wa l-nihāya, vol. 8, p. 43; Tārīkh Ibn Khaldūn, vol. 2, p. 649.
  49. ↑ Al-Wāfi bi-l-wafayāt, vol. 12, pp. 68–69.
  50. ↑ Tazkirat al-khawāṣṣ, p. 193.
  51. ↑ Biḥār al-anwār, vol. 44, p. 134.
  52. ↑ Ibn Jubayr, Riḥla, p. 155; Madīna shināsī, p. 326; Al-ʿIqd al-thamīn, vol. 3, p. 396.
  53. ↑ Al-Kāmil fī al-tārīkh, vol. 10, p. 352.
  54. ↑ Tārīkh ḥaram Aʾimmat al-Baqīʿ wa āthār ukhrā fī Madīna al-munawwara, p. 51.

References

  • Al-Aʾimma al-ithnā ʿashar: Shams al-Dīn Muḥammad b. Ṭūlūn (d. 953 AH), ed. Ṣalāḥ al-Dīn al-Munajjid, Qom, al-Raḍī.
  • Al-Akhbār al-ṭiwāl: Aḥmad b. Dāwūd al-Dīnawarī (d. 282 AH), ed. ʿAbd al-Munʿim ʿĀmir, Qom, al-Raḍī, 1412 AH.
  • Al-Amālī: al-Ṣadūq (d. 381 AH), Qom, al-Biʿtha, 1417 AH.
  • Al-Badʾ wa l-tārīkh: al-Muṭahhar b. Ṭāhir al-Maqdisī (d. 355 AH), Beirut, Dār Ṣādir, 1903 CE.
  • Al-Bidāya wa l-nihāya: Ismāʿīl b. ʿUmar b. Kathīr (d. 774 AH), Beirut, Dār al-Fikr, 1407 AH.
  • Al-Durūs al-sharʿiyya: al-Shahīd al-Awwal (d. 786 AH), Qom, Nashr Islāmī, 1412 AH.
  • Al-Futūḥ: Aḥmad b. Aʿtham al-Kūfī (d. 314 AH), ed. ʿAlī Shīrī, Beirut, Dār al-Aḍwāʾ, 1411 AH.
  • Al-Imāma wa l-siyāsa: Ibn Qutayba al-Dīnawarī (d. 276 AH), ed. Ṭāhā Muḥammad al-Zaynī, Muʾassisat al-Ḥalabī.
  • Al-Irshād: al-Mufīd (d. 413 AH), Beirut, Dār al-Mufīd, 1414 AH.
  • Al-Jamal wa al-nuṣra li-Sayyid al-ʿItra: al-Mufīd (d. 413 AH), Qom, Maktabat al-Dāwarī.
  • Ansāb al-ashrāf: al-Balādhurī (d. 279 AH), ed. Muḥammad Ḥamīd Allāh, Egypt, Dār al-Taʿāruf, 1959 CE.
  • Biḥār al-anwār: Muḥammad Taqī al-Majlisī (d. 1110 AH), Beirut, Dār Iḥyāʾ al-Turāth al-ʿArabī, 1403 AH.
  • ʿIlal al-sharāʾiʿ: Muḥammad b. ʿAlī b. Bābawayh al-Ṣadūq (d. 381 AH), ed. Baḥr al-ʿUlūm, Najaf, al-Maktaba al-Ḥaydarīyya, 1385 AH.
  • Iʿlām al-warā: al-Ṭabrisī (d. 548 AH), Qom, Āl al-Bayt:, 1417 AH.
  • Sharḥ nahj al-balāgha: Ibn Abī l-Ḥadīd (d. 656 AH), ed. Muḥammad Abū l-Faḍl, Dār Iḥyāʾ al-Kutub al-ʿArabiyya, 1378 AH.
  • Tahdhīb al-aḥkām: al-Ṭūsī (d. 460 AH), ed. Mūsawī and Ākhūndī, Tehran, Dār al-Kutub al-Islāmīyya, 1365 SH.
  • Tārīkh-i ḥaram-i Aʾimma-yi Baqīʿ (a) wa āthār-i dīgar dar Madīna al-munawwara: Muḥammad Ṣādiq Najmī, Tehran, Mashʿar, 1386 Sh.
  • Tarjima al-Imām al-Ḥasan min al-ṭabaqāt al-kubrā: Ibn Saʿd (d. 230 AH), ed. ʿAbd al-ʿAzīz al-Ṭabāṭabāʾī, Qom, Muʾassasat Āl al-Bayt:, 1416 AH.
  • ʿUddat al-dāʿī wa najāḥ al-sāʿī: Ibn Fahd al-Ḥillī (d. 841 AH), ed. Aḥmad Muwaḥḥid Qumī, Dār al-Kutub al-Islāmī.
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