The shahadat of Imam Hasan Al Askari took place on 8th Rabi’ al Awwal 260 A.H. at young age of 28 years. He had served as Imam for the shortest period of 6 years.

As the hujjatullah- Divine authority- on this earth a primary role of the Imams is to be at the helm of wilayah- divinely appointed leadership- of the community and mankind. In addition, an essential role was to present to the community and mankind the next Imam after his passing way from this mortal abode.  

Generally, as is evident from both historical and contemporary events that succession to leadership is not a smooth process. Haven’t there been coups, bloodshed, violence and ruthless grabbing of power?  So too the Abbasid rulers acted their maximum check on the 11th Imam so as to identify his heir. Severe methods of repression such as placing the Imam under strict surveillance, detention in dungeons, sanctions and threats against the shias were in practice. 

What strategy does the 11th Imam utilize to strengthen the community for adhering wilayah of his heir; the 12th Imam? 

 “Those who do hasanah (good deeds) will be rewarded with better than their deeds and they shall be secure on the day of extreme horror.  

(Sura An Naml 27:28)

Once the 11th Imam Hasan al Askari a.s. was asked what does hasanah in the verse mean….? 

Imam replied by quoting his forefathers upto Amiral Muminin a.s. ,” hasanah means recognition of the wilayah (Imam and his obedience) and love for us the Ahlul Bayt….”

Two outcomes of this ayah prepare the community to be steadfast to wilayah: 

The reward is much greater than the deed itself and that one is protected from the terror of the terrible moments of the final day. Thus, for the community to be protected from the painful moments there is need for one to recognize wilayah and have love of Ahlul Bayt.

The 11th Imam in conveying this teaching is not only underscoring the importance of adherence to wilayah of the Imam, but also emphasizing that whatever the challenges, trying times one does need to identify the Imam and hold onto him. 

In these challenging moments of Ghaybatul Kubra where the environment is not only hostile from sources without, but also doubts are infected from within, then how then does one put into action this aya 28 of Sura An Naml 27:28? For the outcome of denying this teaching, refer verse 29 of Sura An Naml. 

On the 1st of Rabi-ul Awwal 260 A.H. the Abbbasi Ruler Mu'tamad arranged for Imam to be poisoned in prison and then sent him home. Imam was in great pain and difficulty for 8 days. On the 8th of Rabi-ul Awwal 260 A.H. at the age of 28 years, Imam submitted to martyrdom.

Wa ma tawfiqi illa billah

With salaams and duas,

Sheikh Fazle Abbas Datoo
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Resident Alim
Wessex Shia Ithna Asheri Jamaat