Hasan al-Askari, eleventh of the Twelve Imams (b. 846)

Hasan ibn Ali al-Askari (Arabic: ٱلْحَسَن ٱبْن عَلِيّ ٱلْعَسْكَرِيّ, Ḥasan ibn ʿAlī al-ʿAskarī), born circa 846 CE (232 AH) and passing away in 874 CE (260 AH), holds a pivotal position in Islamic history. He was a distinguished Muslim scholar and is revered as the eleventh Imam in Twelver Shia Islam, following his esteemed father, Ali al-Hadi. His profound legacy extends beyond Twelver Shia, as he is also considered an important figure by many Sunni-Sufi traditions.

Appellations and Their Significance

Imam Hasan al-Askari was known by several significant appellations that shed light on his identity and lineage. He was often referred to as Abu Muhammad, an honorific meaning 'father of Muhammad,' which alludes to his son, the awaited Imam Mahdi. Another title, Ibn al-Ridha, translates to 'son of al-Ridha,' connecting him directly to his renowned grandfather, Imam Ali al-Ridha, the eighth Imam.

His most widely recognized epithet, 'al-Askari,' is directly linked to the city of Samarra, where he spent most of his life. Samarra was not merely a city; during the Abbasid Caliphate, it served as a significant military encampment and garrison town. The Arabic word 'Askar' (عسكر) translates to 'military' or 'army,' hence 'al-Askari' denotes 'the one from the military cantonment' or 'the one associated with the army quarter.' This appellation subtly highlights the restrictive and supervised environment in which he lived.

His Central Role in Twelver Shia Islam

In Twelver Shia Islam, the Imams are regarded as divinely appointed spiritual and temporal leaders, believed to be infallible and direct successors to the Prophet Muhammad through his daughter Fatimah and son-in-law Ali ibn Abi Talib. As the eleventh Imam, Hasan al-Askari's role was critical in preserving and transmitting the sacred knowledge and guidance of the Ahl al-Bayt (the household of the Prophet). He succeeded his father, Imam Ali al-Hadi, continuing the unbroken chain of religious authority and spiritual leadership that is fundamental to Twelver doctrine.

Importance Beyond Twelver Shia: A Sunni-Sufi Perspective

Beyond his central role in Twelver Shia theology, Imam Hasan al-Askari is also highly regarded as an important figure among many Sunni-Sufis. His lineage, tracing back to the Prophet Muhammad, and his profound scholarly contributions are widely respected across various Islamic schools of thought. He is often recognized within numerous Sufi orders as a revered scholar and a link in spiritual chains (silsilas), emphasizing his universal appeal as a learned and pious personality from the Prophet's family.

Life Under Abbasid Scrutiny and Confinement

Imam Hasan al-Askari's life was marked by considerable hardship and political surveillance. Living in Samarra, the heart of the Abbasid Caliphate's military might, he was under constant observation by the ruling authorities. For much of his brief life, he endured periods of house arrest or direct imprisonment by successive Abbasid caliphs. This severe restriction stemmed from the caliphs' deep-seated fear of the immense spiritual influence wielded by the Imams, especially given the widespread prophecies among Shia Muslims regarding the advent of a divinely guided leader (the Mahdi) from his lineage, who would ultimately establish global justice.

Marriage and the Anticipated Succession

He was married to Narjis Khatun, a respected figure also referred to in historical records by other names such as Sawsan or Mariam. It is through this blessed union that the Twelver Shia believe their twelfth and final Imam, Hujjat-Allah al-Mahdi, was born. The birth and subsequent 'occultation' (Ghaybah) of Imam al-Mahdi are central tenets of Twelver Shia eschatology, signifying a period of divine hiddenness before his destined reappearance at the end of time.

His Demise and Sacred Burial Place

Tragically, Imam Hasan al-Askari's life was cut short. According to significant Shia historical accounts, he was poisoned at the young age of 28. These sources attribute his martyrdom to the direct orders of the Abbasid caliph Al-Mu'tamid, who perceived the Imam's spiritual authority and the widespread anticipation of his successor as a direct threat to his political rule. He was laid to rest in Samarra, Iraq, alongside his esteemed father, Imam Ali al-Hadi. Their shared shrine, known as the Al-Askari Shrine, is a profoundly sacred pilgrimage site for millions of Muslims worldwide, revered for its historical and spiritual significance.

The Awaited Imam Mahdi and His Universal Mission

The Twelver Shia community holds a profound belief in the imminent succession of Imam Hasan al-Askari's son, Hujjat-Allah al-Mahdi. They venerate him as the twelfth and final Imam, who entered a state of 'Major Occultation' (Ghaybah al-Kubra) and is believed to be living in divine concealment until the appointed time of his reappearance. This reappearance, known as Dhuhur, is anticipated to usher in an era of unparalleled global justice, peace, and righteousness, where he will eliminate oppression and fill the world with equity, fulfilling numerous prophetic traditions and establishing the ultimate divine government on Earth.

Frequently Asked Questions about Imam Hasan al-Askari

Who was Imam Hasan al-Askari?
Imam Hasan al-Askari was a prominent Muslim scholar and the eleventh Imam in Twelver Shia Islam, born in 846 CE and passing away in 874 CE. He was the son of Imam Ali al-Hadi and the father of the awaited Imam Mahdi.
Why is he called 'al-Askari'?
He is called 'al-Askari' because he lived most of his life in Samarra, which was a military garrison town (Askar) during the Abbasid Caliphate. This appellation reflected the heavily supervised environment he lived in.
What was his significance to Twelver Shia Muslims?
For Twelver Shia Muslims, he is the eleventh in a line of twelve divinely appointed Imams, serving as a vital link in the chain of spiritual leadership and sacred knowledge from the Prophet Muhammad. He is also revered as the father of their final Imam, Hujjat-Allah al-Mahdi.
Was Imam Hasan al-Askari persecuted?
Yes, he spent much of his life under house arrest or in prison under the Abbasid Caliphate, who feared his influence and the prophecies regarding his successor. Shia sources indicate he was poisoned by the orders of Caliph Al-Mu'tamid.
Who is Imam al-Mahdi in relation to Hasan al-Askari?
Imam al-Mahdi is the son of Imam Hasan al-Askari. Twelver Shia Muslims believe he is the twelfth and final Imam, currently in occultation, and will reappear at the end of time to establish global justice and peace.