Birth and Childhood of Imam Hassan (a.s.):
In the mid of the month of Ramadan, the 3rd year of Hijrah, a son was born in the small mud house of Hazrat Ali (a.s.). The Prophet Muhammad (saw), on behalf of Almighty God, named him Hassan. Imam Hassan (a.s.) was brought up in the lap of his father Hazrat Ali (a.s.) and mother Fatima Zahra (s.a.) and learnt lessons from the school of his grandfather Prophet Muhammad (saw).
Imam Hassan (a.s.) had a great worth and status in the eyes of the Prophet Muhammad (saw). Such as, one day he Prophet Muhammad (saw) was on the tribune, delivering a speech to the people, he heard the voice of his weeping. He came down from the tribune, went to calm him down, and then returned to his place. When the people asked him the reason for this act. He (saw) said, "Whenever I hear the voice of his weeping I get restless". The Prophet Muhammad (saw), having offered his prayer along with the people, would lift Imam Hassan (a.s.) into his lap and would say, "Whosoever loves me, must love this child as well". Sometimes, he (saw) lifted this child upon his shoulder and said, "It is hoped that God will purify this Ummah through him". Or he would say, "Whosoever loves Hassan (a.s.) and Hussain (a.s.) he loves me and whosoever nurses grudge and has enmity against them has enmity with me". "Hassan (a.s.) and Hussain (a.s.) are the two chiefs of the youths of the paradise". Then Prophet Muhammad (saw) said, Hassan (a.s.) and Hussain (a.s.) are the two earrings of the Empyrean, paradise of God takes pride and potentates due to them.
Awareness and Courtesy of Imam Hassan (a.s.):
One day, an old man was performing ablution. His ablution was futile and invalid. Imam Hassan (a.s.) ought to make him aware of his fault but how? If he said to him you are wrong possibly his heart might break and he got annoyed and did not accept it. He along with Imam Hussain (a.s.) decided to create a scene and ask the old man to make the judgment. Imam Hassan (a.s.) addressed Imam Hussain (a.s.) and said, "I perform a better ablution as compared to yours." Imam Hussain (a.s.) said "I perform it better than you do." Both of them approached the old man and said, "You come and see our ablution and decide who performs a better ablution." Both of them got busy with performing ablution and ended it in a correct and nice way. The old man understood what was the secret of their act and became aware that they meant him to find out his fault, in this way. So he said to them "The ablution performed by both of you is correct, I am an old man, who did not know how to perform the ablution correctly. You made me aware about my fault. I am much thankful to you."
Piety and Purity of Imam Hassan (a.s.):
Imam Hassan (a.s.) was the most pious, devout and ascetic worshiper and adorer of God. Whenever he went to Mecca for pilgrimage, he would go walking on foot. Whenever he performed ablution or stood for his prayers he saw himself in the court of God and his body started trembling he said, "The time has come for me to submit the deposit of God to Him."
When he came to mosque, he would raise his head, in the prayer place, towards the sky and say, "Oh God this is your guest standing in your court. Your defaulter servant has come towards you. And he hopes that you will forgive his bad deeds, by virtue of your kindness and forgiveness."
The Fortitude and Forbearance of Imam Hassan (a.s.):
One day he was crossing a street riding a horse. On the way he came across a man who was one of the friends of "Muawiyah". When that man knew he was Imam Hassan (a.s.) he started using an un-respectful language. Imam Hassan (a.s.) stopped and listened to him and then facing him said, "I think you are a traveler and stranger and not a local person. You have been provoked by the enemies about us and their false words about us have made you cynical and pessimistic about us. If you have a need I may fulfill that need. If you are hungry, I will order to feed you. If you require a dress and clothes, I will order to dress you up. If you don't have residence to live in I will take you along with me to my house and extend hospitality and give you treatment. When that disrespectful person heard those words from the Imam (a.s.), he got very much ashamed and repented. He was so upset and uneasy about what he had done that he started weeping and apologized and said, "The words of your enemies had affected me. Before this (event) you and your father were the greatest enemies of mine among all the people. But now that I have witnessed this courtesy of yours, you are the most respectful and gracious to me among all the people.
I became aware that you are a family who has the capability of becoming the heirs of the Prophet Muhammad (saw). Till the time I am living I will be a friend and devotee of you and would defend your right. So he did what he had said.
The Charity and mercifulness of Imam Hassan (a.s.):
1. A person came to Imam Hassan (a.s.) and said "poverty and bad luck is torturing me. You are a family of chastity, purity and infallibility. Get me saved from this cruel enemy?" Hazrat Imam Hassan (a.s.) called his servant and said, "How much money do you have available?" He replied "five thousand Dinnars" He said, "Give all of this money to this man so that it may become the capital of his business and life and he may relieve himself off and get rid of poverty and resource less ness.
2. One day, Imam Hassan (a.s.) went to the house of God. In the very condition when he was busy praying he heard a man addressing his God and saying, "Oh God, I need ten thousand Dirhams to get it shaped as the capital of my life and you the merciful one give me this boon and blessing". The moment Imam Hassan (a.s.) returned back, he sent the said amount for him.
3. A poor and distressed man came to Imam Hassan (a.s.) and recited a rhyme meaning thereby, "I am left over with nothing, not even a single dirham. You can perceive my condition fully well and know it. I have nothing left with me to sell except my honor. I know you are the purchaser and buyer of it." The Imam Hassan (a.s.) at once called his servant and said, "Whatever money you have got with you, give it to this man."
The servant gave ten thousand Dirhams to him. Hazrat Imam Hassan (a.s.) asked the servant to make excuse as well, because, he did not possess more than that amount to be given out to him. He advised him to take that money and use it for his life and running the wheels of it and possibly getting rid of poverty and distress.
These few stories exhibit this fact that in the same way Imam Hassan (a.s.) was thoughtful and consider ant about the dooms day of the people, he was careful and considering about their Worldly affairs, for, the World is connected and patched up with the justice day. And the hunger and poverty stricken man cannot think about his dooms day. We must fully know that the Imam's helps and aids to the people as were not of the sort to encourage people about begging. Instead, these were extended in a manner to extend job and activity chances for them.
Imam Hassan's (a.s.) Caliphate:
On the 21st night of the Ramadan of 40th Hijra his father Hazrat Ali ibn-e-Abi Talib (a.s.) passed away making all the people sorrowful and grieved. Imam Hassan (a.s.) who was 27 years of age came along with the people to the mosque and climbed the tribune and said, "Last night, a man, who was unique in knowledge piety, conduct and character among the previous ages people as well those to come in future, has gone out of you. He participated the battles along with the Prophet Muhammad (saw) and strived hard to guard Islam. A person who was the thorn of the eyes of the enemies and the fruit of the heart of friends. And he did not spare and accumulate anything from the wealth of the world for himself, except for seven hundred Dirhams by which he wanted to provide a servant for his family."
At this moment, the Imam (a.s.) wept bitterly and the people too wept. Then he spoke about himself. So that the people may know that the Imamate has been handed over to him and that people might not go astray and did not get misled. He said, "I am the son of the Prophet Muhammad (saw), Ali (a.s.) and Fatima (s.a.). I am the flame of the lighted lamp of Prophet hood. The families from which God has driven the dirt, contamination and pollution away.
Then Abdullah Ibn-e-Abbas stood up and said "Oh people this is the son of the Prophet Muhammad (saw) and your Imam, beware, that he is the right heir and successor of Hazrat Ali (a.s.). So take the oath of allegiance and loyalty for him".
People moved in shape of groups towards Imam Hassan (a.s.) and took the oath of allegiance for him. Imam Hassan (a.s.) made it a condition that they would fight anyone against whom he fought and whenever he deemed it fit to make peace, they would also accept it. All of them accepted it, and willingly agreed and submitted to his Imamate.
The Conspiracies of Muawiyah:
Muawiyah had established a government and dominion in Syria and for years he had played tricks with cunning ways and means against Hazrat Ali (a.s.). He killed the friends of Hazrat Ali (a.s.) and brought into existence the perverted group and sect of Khwaraj Now, when he heard that people, after the martyrdom of Hazrat Ali (a.s.), took oath of allegiance to elect Imam Hassan (a.s.) for the caliphate post as the successor of the Prophet Muhammad (saw). This thing was very hard for him to tolerate. He sent spies to Kufa and Basra to find out and get him informed about what was going on. And thereafter, they may plot and hatch conspiracies against Imam (a.s.) if they deem fit and suitable they might start subversion and sabotage and create chaos, and disorder.
Imam Hassan (a.s.) gave the order that the spies should be arrested and killed. Then he wrote a letter to Muawiyah: "Oh Muawiyah! You send spies and set your hands upon subversion? I presume that you intend to fight a war and you like war. If it is so, then I am also ready for it and the war is at hand. Do wait "Insha Allah".
Muawiyah! I am surprised over you that you are the candidate for a job, which you don't deserve and are not worthy for it. Neither you have any superiority in the religion nor you have left any good effect, mark or impression from yourself as a monument and memorial. Muslims have taken oath of allegiance for me (caliphate). It would be to the interest and benefit of Islam that you too accept this act (caliphate) like the rest of the Muslims. Oh Muawiyah! Do not move the untrue and illusive (Batil) ahead, and you also take the oath and allegiance of faithfulness to me like the others, and do consider the blood of the Muslims respect worthy. If you do not accept my advice and wish to create disorder and chaos and spill the blood of Muslim I will quickly attack you along with the other Muslims, and will put you on trial.
Muawiyah in reply to the Imam Hassan (a.s.) wrote:
In the same way as Abu Bakr, due to his experience and expertise took the caliphate from Hazrat Ali (a.s.), I am more deserving than you and have more experience and it is better that you be my follower so that you get the caliphate after myself, and I will give you, whatever is the income of Iraq.
Muawiyah not only denied and turned his face from taking the oath of allegiance, he also sent spies to kufa to martyr the Imam Hassan (a.s.). Thus the Imam Hassan (a.s.) was forced to wear armored Jacket under his clothes and then stand for offering the prayers. Once when one of the agents of Muawiyah threw an arrow towards him the arrow got ineffective due to the armored Jacket and so the Imam Hassan (a.s.) remained safe.
During the period of Ghaibat, it is the responsibility of every being, rather of every believer, that he establishes a spiritual contact with the Imam of the Age (a.t.f.s.). When a person acquires the recognition of the Imam, a unique relationship is established wherein the heart, as per its capacity becomes a reflection of the characteristics and ethics of the Imam (a.t.f.s..).
Allah the Almighty informs us in the Holy Quran,'O those who believe! Be patient and enjoin patience amongst one another and remain in contact. And be careful of your duty to Allah lest you succeed.'(Surah Ale Imran (3): 200)
The above verse has been explained by the Holy Imams (a.s.) in various exegesis of the Holy Quran thus - O those who believe! Remain patient and steadfast during the period of Ghaibat of the Imam of the Age; be steadfast upon the right path as compared to your enemies and remain in contact with the awaited Imam. Obey the laws and regulations of Islam as laid down by Allah for surely in it is your success.(Tafseer al-Burhaan by Sayed Haashem al-Bahraani (r.a.) under the aforementioned verse)
Some people harbour the misconception that since we are living our lives in the period of the major occultation, it is impossible to maintain 'contact' with the Imam and there is no way by which we can have a relationship with the Imam of the Age (a.t.f.s.). It is important that we clarify this point over here.
As regards the traditions that are available on this matter, it is true that during the period of the major occultation, the person who claims that he can meet the Hidden Imam (a.t.f.s.) whenever he desires is a liar. It is equally true, however, that during this period there are numerous instances of people having been blessed by a visit from the Imam (a.t.f.s.), either in person or through a spiritual experience like a dream.
A little attention to this point will clarify all doubts about the matter of contact with the Hidden Imam (a.t.f.s.). For surely this grace - the opportunity to meet the Hidden Imam (a.t.f.s.) - is a direct consequence of the love and benevolence of the Imam (a.t.f.s.) himself.
Secondly, it is not necessary that contact be maintained only by regular meetings in person. A relationship need not be established only through physical contact. Rather, a relationship through spiritual means can also be defined as a contact. In reality, it is the establishment of this spiritual relationship that confirms the distinguished status of a believer.. And this is the relationship that every believer can establish and through which he attains such heights of recognition and eminence that he always perceives himself to be in the honoured presence of the Holy Imam (a.t.f.s.) and conducts himself and his affairs as if he is constantly under the watchful eyes of the Imam (a.t.f.s.). We have the example of Sayyed Ibne Taoos (r.a.) who narrates in the 'Supplication on the Day of Friday':
'O Allah, I seek nearness to You through a sincere heart (I consider myself lowly before your Might and Majesty), and to your representative - Imam-e-Zamana (a.t.f.s.) through an obedient body (my body is subservient to the commands of the Imam and I seek benefit from the parts of my body such that the Imam is pleased with my actions) and to the Holy Imams (a.s.) through a humble heart (I prefer them over myself and seek obedience to them)." (Jamaal al-Usboo', pg. 152)
Sayyed Ibne Taoos (r.a.) has drawn our attention to establishing a relation with the Imam of the Age (a.t.f.s.) and even guided us along this path. He outlines how one should present his questions before the Imam (a.t.f.s.) and seek a response from him. In his advice to his son, he (r.a.) mentions:
'O my son, if ever you are presented with a difficulty, the solution of which you desire to seek from Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.), may our lives and souls be sacrificed upon him, then remember the tradition reported by Muhammed Ibn Yaqub Kulaini (r.a.): One day a person came to Abul Hasan (a.s.) and asked him, "If a person wishes to place his desires before his Imam, just as he would place it before Allah, then what should he do?" Imam (a.s.) replied, "If he has any desire, then he must bring it to his lips (he must express his desire); he will receive the reply for it."
It is necessary to clarify the above statement of the Imam. The statement indicates in a simple manner that if one has any needs then he must present it through the medium of prayers and tawassul (seeking help through the mediation of the Imam). It is true that the Imam (a.s.) is aware of the deepest secrets of our heart; nevertheless, he (a.s.) prefers that his followers put forth their desires verbally and express their helplessness with sincerity.
The absolute contact of Sayyed Ibne Taoos (r.a.) and his nearness to Imam (a.t.f.s.) was such that the latter (a.t.f.s.), with his benevolence and special grace, had blessed him with deep knowledge and hidden insights. Sayyed Ibne Taoos (r.a.) continued to bask in the shade of Imam's (a.t.f.s.) generosity till the end of his life. Such was the perfection of his recognition that Sayyed Ibne Taoos (r.a.), while speaking to his son about the conditions of the reappearance of the Imam (a.t.f.s.) quotes the following verse and says:"Allah preserves whatever He wishes. And obliterates what He wishes"(Surah Ra'ad (13): 39)
'If the above verse were not present in the Holy Quran, I would have informed you easily about the day and the time of Imam's (a.t.f.s.) reappearance, may our lives be sacrificed upon him!'
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