Get to know: Imam Hasan & Imam Husayn

Hasan Ibn Ali

Hasan was the first son of Fatima [RA] and Ali [RA]. He was born on 15th Ramadhan 3AH in Madinah. Muhammad [SWS] called adhan in his ear, and gave the baby his first feed – a date that he (Prophet Muhammed [SWS]) himself chewed first. An Aqiqah party was thrown on his 7th day of birth. Baby Hasan’s head was shaved, the hair was weighed and an amount of silver equal to the hair weight was donated. Hasan resembled our beloved Prophet Muhammad [SWS] very much. Hasan was only 7 or 8 years old when Muhammad [SWS] passed away. Within another 6 months, his mother, Fatima [RA] also died.

During Hasan’s time Abu Bakr Siddique [RA], Umar Ibn Al Khattab [RA], Uthman [RA] and his father Ali [RA] lead the Muslims. During Uthman’s [RA] time, Hasan participated in the battle in 30 AH with Tabaristan (i.e present day Iran). Hasan also participated with his father in the battles of Camel and Siffin.

Appointed to protect Uthman [RA]: Hasan and Husayn were appointed by their father to protect Uthman [RA]. While Hasan and Husayn were doing their duty, the enemies could not enter the house of Uthman [RA] from the door where these brothers were guarding.

But unfortunately, the enemies were able to enter the house by jumping over the walls from the other side of the house and were able to assassinate Uthman [RA].

Hasan as Caliph: After the assassination of his father Ali [RA], Hasan took charge of Caliphate. He was the 5th Caliph of Muslims. His reign was not as outstanding (remarkable) as the reigns as earlier Caliphates.

Husayn Ibn Ali:

He was the second son of Fatima[RA] and Ali [RA]. He was born on 3rd Shaban, 4 AH. Like his elder brother, Husayn was also a source of happiness to his family and Rasoolullah [SWS]. Muhammad [SWS] did the same sunan (sunnah) of welcoming a new born with Husayn similar to his older brother. Husayn also resembled closely to Prophet Muhammad [SWS].

Children, as Trial: Muhammad [SWS] was once delivering the Friday sermon when he saw Hasan, Husayn crawling towards him. Muhammad [SWS] came down the pulpit (minbar) and carried the 2 children. He [SWS] then returned to the pulpit and said, "Allah is indeed right when He says",

Your wealth and your children are but a trial, and Allah has with Him a great reward. ~Surah At- Taghabun 64:15

Even Prophet [SWS] could not resist to pick them up while delivering sermon.

These two brothers are referred as Hasanayn. Both the brothers spent most of their time in remembrance of Allah. They were known to help people in times of difficulty. All the 4 Caliphs and people of Madinah respected and treated them with love. These two brothers were fortunate to be trained and cared under Muhammad [SWS] himself. Their household valued the poor people and helped them as much as they can. The credit goes to their mother who taught them to have moral character. The whole family of our beloved Prophet Muhammad [SWS] made countless sacrifices for Islam. This household embraced Islam first, hence they had to suffer a lot for the sake of their religion.

They were treated with great respect and love by other Muslims. Their mother is the leader of women in paradise.

Hasan was poisoned by one of his family members. He was buried in Jannatul Baqi in Madinah.

Husayn died in the battle of Karbala in Iraq on 10 Muharram 61 AH. He was buried there in Karbala, Iraq.

Hasan and Husayn are the leaders of the Youth in Paradise. May Allah have mercy upon them both.