AhlulBayt

Imam Hassan ibn Ali, Al Mojtaba (A.S.)

The Consistent and the Compassionate One

Imam Hassan Al- Mujtaba (AS), the second Infallible Imam of the Prophet’s Household, was born on Tuesday, 15th Ramadan 3 AH at Medina. His father’s name is Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib, and his mother is Fatima [Daughter of the Holy Prophet (SAW)].

He is the eldest grandson of the Holy Prophet (SAW) and resembled him the most. He is said to have been a ruler of mild disposition who never lost his composure and who was generous and pious. Out of piety he made 25 Hajj pilgrimages to Mecca on foot. He was extremely generous. It is reported that he twice gave all his wealth to the poor. He was so eager to pray and God-fearing that his whole body shivered when he was performing ablutions before prayer.

His dedication in helping the poor and accepting their invitations was known to all.
The Holy Prophet (SAW) described Imam Hassan (AS) and his younger brother Imam Hussain (AS) in the following ways.

Hassanain means Hassan and Hussain.
Sebtain means two sons of the Prophet (SAW).
Sheblain: two lions.
Sayyedain: two masters or two chiefs.
Raihanatain: two fragrant flowers.
Imamatain: two leaders or Imams.

The Holy Prophet (SAW) had immense love for Hassan (AS) and Hussain (AS). He used to say: Hassan (AS) and Hussain (AS) are the masters of the youth of Paradise.

The Imam’s Peace Treaty

One of the most important of the many unforgettable historical events in the life of Imam Hassan (AS) was his Peace Treaty, which was a rational, logical, and political action which saved the blood of thousands of Muslims, as predicted by the Holy Prophet (SAW).

Describing all the details of the Peace Treaty is outside of the scope of this article, yet some points should be noted. Imam Hassan (AS) was chosen to be caliph (political leader) after the martyrdom of Imam Ali (AS), but faced the insolent opposition of Muawiyah, the insurgent governor of Syria. Soon the war fought against Imam Ali (AS) was waged again for power and the caliphate, and the armies of Imam Hassan (AS) and Muawiyah arrayed themselves for battle.

Imam Hassan (AS) examined the condition of his army and saw the unconcealed treachery of most of his commanders. A call to end hostilities between his forces and Muawiyah’s forces was accepted mutually. He sacrificed his own right to the caliphate by signing a conditional treaty, with conditions in the interest of Islam. Thus, he entirely devoted himself to his more important task of religious guidance of Muslims as their divinely appointed Imam.

In fact, there were two essential reasons that led to his abdication in Muawiyah’s favor. First, even though his forces fought against Muawiyah, they had neither unity nor honor. A great number of them were bribed and purchased by Muawiyah.

Because of this and for many other reasons, Imam Hassan (AS) decided to end the dispute so that the perverse personality of Muawiyah and his evil designs would be revealed to the people beyond doubt and so that they would understand the true nature of the regime of the Umayyads. He knew that this understanding would prepare the way for the revolution led by Imam Hussein (AS).

Hence, Imam Hassan (AS) signed a Peace Treaty with Muawiyah to protect the foundation of Islam from annihilation and laid down certain points which Muawiyah quickly accepted but never intended to adhere to. Thus Imam Hassan (AS) signed the Peace Treaty, saving the blood of thousands of Muslims.
Imam Hassan Mujtaba (AS), the second Infallible Imam, was poisoned by Joda, the daughter of Ashas, in a plot devised by Muawiyah.

His high morality and exceptional character were revealed through his generosity and piety.

Imam Hassan’s (AS) sayings:

Do not strain and struggle in seeking livelihood and wealth, the struggle of the triumphed-one. Nor be totally dependent on destiny, the dependence of the submissive and the passive one. Indeed, working for the sake of life’s favors is from the reported deeds -”Sunnah” (from the actions of the Messenger SAW) - but modesty in one’s wants and desires is from chastity. And chastity is never a cause for turning away wealth; nor thrift and greed is a cause for drawing life’s favors. As wealth is pre-divided; and being greedy is being ugly.
He also (AS) said:
The sharpest of all sights is what was directed to penetrate and view that which is good; and the keenest of all hearings is that which understood and embraced wise reminders.
The most whole of all hearts is that which was cleansed from the questionably bad (cleansed from the bad and going further to clean it from the questionably bad - “Shubohat”).
Active approach is founded on the spirit to reach and accept the better opinion and solution.
ar is the one which listens to good advice and follow it, receiving its benefit; and the purest of hearts is the one which is free of doubt and suspicious ancial matters, and fulfilling one’s obligations to all.

---

Source: “Tuhaf Al-Uqool A’nn Aal War-Rasool” from Imam Reza.net