# Biography of Imam Hasan al-Askari (AS): From Birth to Martyrdom  


## Introduction  

Imam Hasan al-Askari (AS), the 11th Shia Imam, was born in Medina in 232 AH (846 CE) and was martyred in 260 AH (874 CE). Living under severe oppression by the Abbasid caliphs, he played a crucial role in preserving and spreading Shia Islam. This article explores his life, teachings, miracles, and his role in preparing for the occultation of Imam Mahdi (AJ).  


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## Birth & Lineage  

- Birth: 8th Rabi al-Thani, 232 AH in Medina  

- Father: Imam Ali al-Hadi (AS), the 10th Shia Imam  

- Mother: Hadithah (or Salil), a pious and knowledgeable lady  

- Titles:  

  - Al-Askari (due to forced residence in Samarra’s military quarter)  

  - Al-Zaki (The Pure)  

  - Al-Hadi (The Guide)  


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## Early Life & Education  

Imam Hasan al-Askari (AS) grew up in Medina under the guidance of his father, Imam al-Hadi (AS), mastering Islamic sciences, theology, and Quranic exegesis. Even as a child, his wisdom and piety were evident.  


### Life Under Abbasid Surveillance  

In 233 AH, Caliph Al-Mutawakkil forced Imam al-Hadi (AS) to move to Samarra (the Abbasid capital) to restrict his influence. Imam Hasan al-Askari (AS) also lived there under strict watch, earning his title "Al-Askari" (from *Askar*, meaning military quarters).  


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## Imamate (254–260 AH): Leadership Under Oppression  

After Imam al-Hadi’s (AS) martyrdom in 254 AH, Imam Hasan al-Askari (AS) became Imam at age 22. His imamate coincided with tyrannical Abbasid rulers like Al-Mu’tazz, Al-Muhtadi, and Al-Mu’tamid, who brutally suppressed Shia Muslims.  


### How He Guided the Shia Community  

1. Secret Network of Representatives (Wikala): He communicated with Shias through trusted deputies across the Muslim world.  

2. Hidden Letters & Codes: To avoid detection, he sent encrypted messages.  

3. Training Scholars: He mentored key figures like Uthman ibn Sa’id al-Amri (the first deputy of Imam Mahdi).  

4. Miracles: He performed miracles (like healing the sick) to prove his divine leadership.  


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## Preparing for the Occultation of Imam Mahdi (AJ)  

A major mission of Imam al-Askari (AS) was preparing Shias for the era of occultation (ghayba). He gradually revealed Imam Mahdi’s (AJ) birth to trusted followers but kept it hidden due to Abbasid threats.  


### The Birth of Imam Mahdi (AJ)  

Imam Mahdi (AJ) was born in Samarra on 15th Sha’ban, 255 AH, but only a few close companions knew. Imam al-Askari (AS) occasionally showed his son to key followers to confirm his existence before the Major Occultation.  


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## Martyrdom  

The Abbasid caliph Al-Mu’tamid, fearing Imam al-Askari’s (AS) influence, poisoned him. He was martyred on 8th Rabi al-Awwal, 260 AH and buried in Samarra (Iraq).  


### After His Martyrdom  

- The Minor Occultation (Ghaybat al-Sughra) began, with Imam Mahdi (AJ) guiding Shias through four appointed deputies.  

- The Shia community continued to thrive despite Abbasid persecution.  


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## Ethical & Intellectual Legacy  

- Worship: Known for long prayers and fasting.  

- Knowledge: He taught Quranic interpretation, hadith, and theology.  

- Combatting Deviations: He refuted extremist sects like the Ghulat (exaggerators) and Sufi extremists.  


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## Wisdom & Sayings  

- "Control anger with silence."  

- "Friendship with a fool brings disgrace."  

- "Humility is a blessing no one envies."  


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## Conclusion  

Imam Hasan al-Askari (AS), despite his short life, safeguarded true Islam under extreme oppression and laid the groundwork for Imam Mahdi’s (AJ) occultation. His life teaches us patience, strategic leadership, and unwavering faith.  


✧ Ziyarat of Imam Hasan al-Askari (AS) ✧  

*"Peace be upon you, O Friend of Allah and His Proof! Peace be upon you, O Light of Allah by whom the guided find light..."*