Biography of Imam Hassan ibn Ali (as)

His Early Life

Imam Hasan ibn Ali (as) was born on the 15th of Ramadan, 3 AH, in Madinah, Hejaz. He was the first child of Ali (a) and Fatima (a) and the first grandson of the Prophet (s). He was the second Imam and the fifth caliph of the Muslim community for seven months.

The Prophet Muhammad (sawa) named him al-Hasan based on Allah’s will. Imam Hasan (as) had many titles, but was commonly known by titles such as Mujtaba (The Chosen One) and Karim e Ahlulbayt (The Generous One of the Prophet’s Family). Imam Hasan (as) was one of the People of the Cloak, a group mentioned in the Verse of Purity (Qur'an 33:33), which highlights their esteemed spiritual status. Additionally, the Quranic verses 76:8, 42:23, and 3:61 were revealed concerning Imam Hasan (as), his parents, and his brother, further emphasizing their spiritual and moral significance.

Spiritual Reverence and Pilgrimage

Imam Hasan (as) demonstrated remarkable devotion throughout his life. He performed the Hajj pilgrimage twenty-five times, often barefoot, illustrating his humility and dedication. 

When Imam Hasan (as) stood for prayer, his entire being would tremble with a profound sense of Allah’s majesty and awe. This visible manifestation of his deep reverence and fear of the Divine highlighted his immense piety and the sincerity of his devotion. The trembling of his body was not merely a physical reaction but a testament to the intensity of his spiritual connection and his consciousness of standing before the Creator. Such profound humility and fear of Allah encapsulated the Imam's unwavering commitment to his faith and the immense respect he held for the sacred act of worship.

Death and Martyrdom

Imam Hasan (as) passed away on the 7th of Safar, 50 AH, in Baqi’, Madinah, in the Hejaz region. His death was the result of poisoning by his wife, Ja’da, which marked a tragic end to his life. His martyrdom was a significant loss to the Muslim community and is remembered with profound respect and sorrow.