Meet Hasan al-Askari, the 11th Imam

Who was Hasan al-Askari?

Hasan al-Askari (846-874 CE) was the 11th Imam of Shia Islam, known for his piety and scholarship. Born in Medina, he spent his early life in Samarra, Iraq, where his father, Imam Ali al-Hadi (827-868 CE), had been exiled by the Abbasid caliphs.

In 868 CE, Hasan al-Askari succeeded his father as Imam, assuming leadership of the Shia community at a turbulent time. The Abbasid caliphs continued to persecute Shia Muslims, forcing Hasan al-Askari to remain in hiding and communicate with his followers through trusted intermediaries.

The Martyrdom of Hasan al-Askari

Hasan al-Askari's reign as Imam was short-lived. In 874 CE, he was poisoned by the Abbasid caliph, al-Mu'tamid (870-892 CE), at the young age of 28. He was buried in the Shrine of Imam Ali al-Hadi in Samarra, Iraq, where his shrine became a major pilgrimage site for Shia Muslims.

Legacy of Hasan al-Askari

Hasan al-Askari is revered by Shia Muslims as a pious and learned scholar. He is also known for his role in transmitting the hadiths (traditions) of the Prophet Muhammad (570-632 CE) and the Shia Imams. Hasan al-Askari's writings, including his treatise on Shia theology, continue to be studied by Shia scholars today.

Importance in Shia Islam

Hasan al-Askari holds a significant position in Shia Islam as the father of Muhammad al-Mahdi (869-941 CE), the 12th and final Imam. Shia Muslims believe that Muhammad al-Mahdi is the promised Mahdi who will return at the end of time to establish justice and peace on earth.