Imam al-Hasan al-Mujtaba (a): Difference between revisions

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>

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>

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 '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>

==Imamate and Caliphate of Imam al-Hasan (a)==

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>

[[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>

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>

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>

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>