Hasan al-Askari
Hasan al-Askari (d. 874) was the eleventh imam of the Twelver (Ithna Ashari) Shia Islam, a significant branch of Shia Islam that believes in a line of twelve imams. He was a key figure in the religious and political landscape of his time and left a lasting legacy on Shia theology and jurisprudence.
Etymology
The name “Hasan” (حسن) in Arabic means “handsome” or “good.” The epithet “al-Askari” (العسكري) is derived from the Arabic word “askar” (عسكر), meaning “military,” and it refers to his settlement in Samarra, a garrison town.
Biography
Hasan al-Askari was born in Medina in 846 CE and became the imam following the death of his father, Ali al-Hadi, in 868 CE. Unlike some of his predecessors, Hasan al-Askari lived a life of strict seclusion as he was kept under constant surveillance by the Abbasid caliphate. The Abbasid rulers saw the Shia imams as both religious and political threats.
He is believed to have left a son named Muhammad al-Mahdi, who is the twelfth imam of the Twelvers and is anticipated to be the Mahdi, a messianic figure in Shia Islam. Hasan al-Askari’s death occurred in 874 CE in Samarra, Iraq, where he is buried beside his father, Ali al-Hadi.
Contributions to Twelver Shia Islam
Despite his relative seclusion and the surveillance he was under, Hasan al-Askari continued the work of his predecessors in guiding the Shia community, both spiritually and doctrinally. He wrote extensive theological treatises and maintained correspondence with his followers to guide them in religious praxis and socio-political matters.
Context and Importance
Hasan al-Askari’s time as the imam was marked by political turbulence and state persecution. His adherence to a life of piety and his commitment to maintaining Shia teachings under difficult conditions contributed to shaping the Twelver Shia doctrine, particularly in the realm of occultation and the role of the imam.
Key Terms
- Imam: In Shia thought, an imam is a divinely appointed leader of the Muslim community who is considered to be infallible.
- Twelvers: A branch of Shia Islam which believes in a succession of twelve imams, starting with Ali ibn Abi Talib and culminating with the Mahdi.
Arabic and Turkish Translations
- Arabic: الحسن العسكري
- Turkish: Hasan El-Askari
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “Shi’ism” by Heinz Halm - An extensive look into the history and development of Shia Islam, including the lives of the twelve imams.
- “The Occultation of the Twelfth Imam” by Jassim M. Hussain - A detailed exploration of the twelfth imam’s occultation and the preceding historical context.
- “The History of al-Tabari: Vol. 34, Incipient Decline: The Caliphates of al-Wathiq, al-Mutawakkil, and al-Muntasir” translated and annotated by Joel L. Kraemer - Provides historical context around the period of Hasan al-Askari’s life.
Takeaways and Conclusion
Hasan al-Askari, the eleventh imam of the Twelver Shia community, played a critical role in sustaining and guiding his followers during a period of intense political scrutiny and hardship. His seclusion did not deter him from influencing Shia religious thought and ensuring the continuation of the Shia tradition, especially in promoting the doctrine of the awaited Mahdi.
His legacy remains essential in the narratives and theological constructs of the Twelver Shia Islam, symbolizing steadfastness and unwavering devotion to religious duties amid adversities.
