Biography of Imam Hasan al-Mujtaba (A)
1. Introduction
Imam Hasan al-Mujtaba (A) is the second Imam of Shia Muslims, the first son of Imam Ali (A) and Lady Fatimah (S), and the beloved grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). He is remembered in Islamic history for his kindness, generosity, patience, and commitment to peace. His life combined moments of joy with the Prophet, leadership during times of political turmoil, and immense patience in the face of betrayal and hostility.
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2. Birth and Naming
Imam Hasan (A) was born in the middle of Ramadan, 3 AH (March 625 CE) in Medina. When the Prophet Muhammad heard of his birth, he came to the house of Ali and Fatimah, took the newborn in his arms, recited the call to prayer (Adhan) in his right ear and the commencement (Iqama) in his left ear, and named him “Hasan” by divine command.
This was the first time the name “Hasan” had been used among the Arabs, and it was chosen by God.
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3. Childhood with the Prophet
Imam Hasan (A) grew up in a deeply spiritual environment. He and his younger brother Imam Husayn (A) were the dearest children to the Prophet. The Prophet would carry them on his shoulders, embrace them warmly, and even interrupt his sermons to greet them when they entered the mosque.
He would often say:
> “Hasan and Husayn are the leaders of the youth of Paradise.”
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4. Moral Character
From an early age, Imam Hasan became known for his calmness, patience, and generosity. He never responded to insults with anger, and even towards his enemies, he showed forgiveness and dignity. These qualities would later define his historic peace treaty with Muawiya.
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5. Presence in Important Events
Imam Hasan (A) took part in significant events during the Prophet’s life:
Event of Mubahala – In the mutual prayer with the Christians of Najran, the Prophet took Hasan and Husayn (A) as his “sons.”
Verse of Purification (Ayah al-Tathir) – He was among the five purified ones.
Prayers and journeys – The Prophet often took him along, teaching him faith and values from childhood.
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6. After the Prophet’s Passing
When the Prophet passed away, Imam Hasan (A) was about seven years old. His childhood after this event was filled with grief. He witnessed the deprivation of his parents’ right to leadership and stayed by his father’s side, learning from Imam Ali’s wisdom and guidance.
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7. During Imam Ali’s Caliphate
When Imam Ali (A) became caliph, Imam Hasan was one of his closest advisors and strongest supporters. In the battles of Jamal, Siffin, and Nahrawan, Imam Hasan played a key role in leadership and inspiring the Muslim army with powerful speeches calling for justice and truth.
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8. Beginning of His Imamate
After Imam Ali’s martyrdom in 40 AH (661 CE), Imam Hasan (A) became the second Shia Imam and caliph of the Muslims. People in Kufa pledged allegiance to him. However, his rule faced serious challenges:
Disloyalty among some commanders and tribes.
Military pressure from Muawiya in Syria.
Exhaustion of the people after years of war.
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9. Conflict with Muawiya
Muawiya refused to accept Imam Hasan’s leadership and prepared for war. Imam Hasan organized a large army, but on the way, he faced betrayal from within. Some commanders secretly wrote to Muawiya, offering to surrender. The army’s morale was collapsing.
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10. The Peace Treaty
Seeing the danger of total military defeat and the loss of Muslim lives, Imam Hasan (A) chose to make peace with Muawiya. Though painful for many supporters, the Imam saw it as the only way to protect Islam and the Shia community.
The main conditions of the peace treaty included:
1. Muawiya must rule according to the Qur’an and Sunnah.
2. Leadership would return to Imam Hasan after Muawiya’s death.
3. The safety of Shia followers must be guaranteed.
4. Public insults against Imam Ali (A) should stop.
Sadly, Muawiya broke most of these conditions after gaining power.
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11. Life After the Treaty
After the peace treaty, Imam Hasan (A) returned to Medina. He focused on teaching, guiding the community, and helping the poor. He became famous for his generosity, and it is reported that he gave away all his wealth to the needy several times in his life.
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12. Martyrdom
The hostility of the Umayyads never ceased. Muawiya saw Imam Hasan as a major obstacle to making his son Yazid the next ruler. According to historical accounts, he arranged for Ja’dah, the wife of Imam Hasan and daughter of Ash’ath, to poison him.
After several days of illness, Imam Hasan (A) was martyred on 28th Safar, 50 AH (670 CE) at the age of 47.
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13. Burial
Imam Hasan wished to be buried beside the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), but the Umayyads prevented it. He was instead buried in Jannat al-Baqi cemetery in Medina, where his grave remains a site of visitation for Muslims worldwide.
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14. Legacy
Imam Hasan (A) stands as a timeless role model of patience, generosity, and moral leadership. His life teaches that victory is not always on the battlefield—sometimes it is in preserving faith and unity through peace. His wise sayings, gentle manners, and humble lifestyle continue to inspire both Muslims and non-Muslims.
15. Summary of His Qualities
Titles: Al-Mujtaba, Master of the Youth of Paradise, The Generous of Ahl al-Bayt.
Notable Traits: Patience, generosity, commitment to peace.
Historical Role: Second Shia Imam, peacemaker with Muawiya to protect Islam.
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