Shiite Muslims commemorate birth anniversary of Imam Hasan al-Askari (peace be upon him)

Shiite Muslims commemorate birth anniversary of Imam Hasan al-Askari (peace be upon him)
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Shiite Muslims and followers of Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them) around the world are commemorating the blessed birth anniversary of Imam Hasan al-Askari (peace be upon him), the 11th Imam of the Shiite Muslims, with celebrations and religious gatherings on the occasion of the fourth of Rabi‘ al-Thani.

Imam Hasan al-Askari (peace be upon him) was born on the fourth of Rabi‘ al-Thani in 232 AH in the holy city of Medina. He was the son of Imam Ali al-Hadi (peace be upon him), and his mother was the noble lady Hudayth, also known in historical sources by names including Salil, Sawsan, and Jadda.

The Imam was known by the kunyah Abu Muhammad and the titles al-Askari and al-Zaki. He was born during the reign of the Abbasid caliph al-Mutawakkil, and later moved with his father to Samarra after Imam al-Hadi (peace be upon him) was forcibly transferred from Medina to the Abbasid military city.

Imam Hasan al-Askari (peace be upon him) became known as “al-Askari” due to his residence in the area of Samarra known as al-‘Askar. Throughout his life, he faced strict surveillance and restrictions from Abbasid rulers, who closely monitored his activities.

Despite these pressures, Imam Hasan al-Askari (peace be upon him) continued his role of religious guidance through a structured network of representatives and correspondence with followers. Among his prominent representatives was Uthman ibn Sa‘id, who later became the first special deputy of Imam al-Mahdi (may Allah hasten his reappearance).

Shiite communities mark the Imam’s birth anniversary by holding celebrations, religious programs, and gatherings honoring his life, teachings, and role in preserving the message of Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them).

Imam Hasan al-Askari (peace be upon him) was martyred on the eighth of Rabi‘ al-Awwal in 260 AH at the age of 28 in Samarra. He was buried beside his father, Imam Ali al-Hadi (peace be upon him), and their shrine, known today as the Holy Shrine of Imamayn al-Askariyayn, remains one of the important pilgrimage sites for followers of Ahl al-Bayt in Iraq.