Hasan al-Askari

Imam Hasan al-Askari (December 6, 846 - January 4, 874), was the eleventh Shia Imam. His given name was Hasan ibn Ali ibn Muhammad.

Death

Hasan died at the young age of 27 on January 4, 874, by poison. He left only one son, Muhammad al-Mahdi who was five at the time of Hasan's death (although many Sunni muslims deny his existence). Hasan's funeral was attended by many people, including the Abbasid caliph Al-Mu'tamid who had actually killed him. It is related in Shia sources that when Hasan's brother, Jafar, was getting ready to lead the funeral prayer, Hasan's son approached and told him "set aside uncle, only an Imam can lead the funeral prayer of an Imam". Jafar stepped aside, and the prayer was led by the five-year old son. It is then reported that this boy disappeared, eluding the Abbasids who were sent to find him. The Shia believe that he, Muhammad al-Mahdi, is the Mahdi; a very important figure in Islamic teaching who is believed will reappear at the end of time to fill the world with justice, peace and to establish Islam as the global religion.

Related Topics:
Muhammad al-Mahdi - Al-Mu'tamid - Shia - Mahdi

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Hasan al-Askari is buried next to his father in Sammara. Their mausoleum is a very important site for Muslims, particularly for the Shia.

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