Salamun alaykum,
Imam for 6 years:
Today we are celebrating the birth anniversary of our eleventh Imam Hasan
al Askari a.s. He was born, in Madina, on 10 th Rabi ul Thani 232 A.H. He led
the Ummah for six years; being the shortest duration of Imamat among all
the 12 Imams. During his lifetime, the Imam faced intense scrutiny and
restrictions imposed by the oppressive Abbasid tyrant rulers. Despite these
difficult circumstances, he continued to guide the community. A key way
through which the Imam communicated secretly with the faithful believers
was through Risala; letters offering counsel and instructions.
Message from the Imam:
In one of his Risala- message- to the faithful believers, Imam Hasan Al
Askari a.s. advised, “I command you to practice Taqwa (God consciousness)
, to work hard for sake of Allah, to speak the truth only, to return the
deposits to their rightful owners- whether they are pious or sinful-, to
prostrate yourselves before Allah for long periods and to treat your
neighbours courteously. These are the very teachings brought by (Prophet)
Muhammad……”
Can we do it?
If we ask ourselves honestly, “Are we following the Imam’s instructions?”,
our responses might vary:
“Yes, I try.”
“Not always.”
“Sometimes it is a struggle.”
“At times I get distracted by Shayṭān...”
Yet, the real question remains: Can we try to fulfil them all?
Yes, we can do it:
In reality, we do observe prayers, strive hard and display good etiquettes
such as hard work, truthfulness, honesty, trustworthiness, courtesy, and
good social conduct. Aren’t we able to smoothly discharge them without a
second thought? With deeper reflection to our daily living, one would find
that we are already performing many of the deeds mentioned. Indeed, we
3 rd October, 2025
Issue No: 477 9 th Rabi’ al Thaani, 1447 A.H.
are able to smoothly discharge them without a second thought. Hasn’t this
become our natural behaviour? Like a duck gliding effortlessly on water!
To have developed a natural behaviour of fulfilling these excellent qualities
did not require superhuman efforts. Therefore, the Imam’s message is not
something impossible. Rather it is achievable and practical.
How do we achieve this?
The key lies in developing the right mindset. To consciously direct oneself
towards achieving these merits. This results to having an impact on our
deeds. By being conscious and determined to act upon the instructions one
will be achieving success in becoming a Muslim devoted to the message of
Noble Prophet Muhammad s.a.w.w.
Reflect:
Living according to these principles in not merely having good character; it is
a manifestation of our commitment to wilayah- Divine leadership- of the
Imam.
As we celebrate the auspicious occasion of birth of our eleventh Imam Hasan
al Askari who was born on 10 th Rabi ul Thani 232 A.H. will you strive in doing
your utmost to emulate these qualities?
Be determined. Keep on trying. In striving to lead our lives as per the
message, we have been assured of Divine help from Allah SWT as
mentioned in Noble Quran:
“We shall certainly guide those who strive hard for Us to Our ways…”
(Sura Al Ankabut 29:69)
Heartiest Felicitations on the Happy and Auspicious Occasion of the Birth
Anniversary of our 11 th Imam Hasan Al Askari (A.S.)
Khushali Mubarak.
Wa ma tawfiqi illa billah.
With salaams and duas,
Fazle Abbas
Sheikh Fazle Abbas Datoo BA(Hons),Cert. Ed.(DTLLS)
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Resident Alim
Wessex Shia Ithna Asheri Jamaat