Imam Hasan al-ʿAskari عليه السلام
الحَسَن العَسْكَرِيّ
The eleventh Imam, lamp of Samarra, who prepared the Ummah for the long, hidden dawn that would follow him.
Imam Hasan al-ʿAskari عليه السلام
Most of his Imamate passed under intense surveillance. He spoke through trusted messengers, taught through letters, and quietly raised his son — the awaited Imam — out of sight of those who feared his birth.
Quiet preparation
Choose one inner habit you want for the next year — and take its smallest first step today.
Family connections
Son of Imam ʿAli al-Hadi (ع). Father of Imam al-Mahdi (عج).
Major life events
- 232 AHBorn in Madinah
- 254 AHAssumed the Imamate
- 255 AHBirth of his son, the awaited Imam (عج)
- 260 AHMartyred by poison; buried in Samarra
Important narrations
“Worship is not abundant prayer and fasting — it is abundant reflection upon Allah's command.”
“Two qualities have nothing above them: belief in Allah, and benefit to the brethren.”
Duas connected to them
O Allah, You are the light of the heavens and the earth — let me see by Your light, walk by Your light, and return to You by Your light.
Attributed · Bihar al-Anwar
Their light in the Book of Allah
His letters explained the Qur'anic verses on patience, the Hidden Imam, and the trustworthiness of Allah's promise — preparing hearts for the time of occultation.
قُل لَّا أَسْأَلُكُمْ عَلَيْهِ أَجْرًا إِلَّا الْمَوَدَّةَ فِي الْقُرْبَىٰ
“Say: I do not ask of you any reward for it except love of those near of kin.”
The Prophet ﷺ asks for no payment for his message — only that the Ummah love his near family. Love for the Ahlulbayt (ع) is the reward of prophethood.
إِنَّمَا يُرِيدُ اللَّهُ لِيُذْهِبَ عَنكُمُ الرِّجْسَ أَهْلَ الْبَيْتِ وَيُطَهِّرَكُمْ تَطْهِيرًا
“Allah only wishes to remove all impurity from you, O People of the House, and to purify you with a thorough purification.”
Allah testifies to the purity of the Ahlulbayt (ع). The grammar shifts in the middle of the verse — singling them out — and the Prophet ﷺ gathered Ali, Fatima, Hasan, and Husayn (peace be upon them) under his cloak when this was revealed.
Important places
- Madinah · birthplace
- Samarra · his shrine, beside his father
A lesson for children
Imam al-ʿAskari said true worship is thinking deeply about what Allah wants from us. Wonder is worship.
With gratitude
- al-Kafi
- Tuhaf al-ʿUqul
- Bihar al-Anwar
Continue Your Journey
Continue Your Journey
Soft suggestions to keep walking quietly, at your own pace.