During Imam ‘Ali’s political leadership...

During Imam ‘Ali’s political leadership, Imam Hassan supported the establishment of justice with sacrifice and relentless effort. Before Imam ‘Ali was martyred, he said: “My son, the Messenger of God had commanded me to have you carry out my will (as successor), and turn my books and weapon over to you – just as he had me carry out his will (as successor) and turned his books and weapon over to me….

And so Imam Hassan carried on as both the spiritual and political leader, in the midst of threats and conspiracies far and wide. Mu’awiyah, the leader of the misinformation, hate, and, not to mention, military campaigns against Imam ‘Ali was now focused on Imam Hassan. (4) Ceasefire with Mu’awiyah Imam Hassan’s army was not in the state to fight another war. Different groups within the military were divided on their loyalties.

Some fought alongside Imam Hassan simply because he opposed Mu’awiyah – they felt little devotion to Imam Hassan in any case. Others were Imam Hassan’s supporters out of blind loyalty to their tribal chiefs who had pledged allegiance to the Imam. Then there were the few who followed Imam Hassan with the awareness that he was the true successor to the . (5) But the vast majority of Imam Hassan’s military did not have the will and determination to mend the wrongs enacted by Mu’awiyah.

Indeed, at one point, one of the officers appointed by Imam Hassan led a division of 12,000 troops. Soon after, Imam Hassan received news that this officer had been bribed and turned over – along with 8,000 troops – to Mu’awiyah’s camp. (6) Imam Hassan was left with a military of shaken morale, subsequent betrayals within his own camp, and a ruthless enemy waiting to take advantage of the situation.

Imam Hassan knew that the best way to preserve the message of and minimize the loss of life was by agreeing to a treaty with Mu’awiyah. When Imam Hassan was questioned about his decision, he said. “By God, I have not submitted the authority to him (Mu’awiyah). However, I have not found supporters. If I had supporters, I would have fought him day and night until God judges between us. But I knew the people of Kufah (the governing city at the time) and their predicament.