I implore Thee in the name of Muhammad and Ali and Fatima...

I implore Thee in the name of Muhammad and Ali and Fatima and HASAN and HUSAIN (to accept my repentance)'". Then he asked: "What about 'and He completed them?'". The Imam answered: "It means that He completed them up to the QA'IN AL-MAHDI, twelve Imams, nine of them being the offspring of HUSAIN (AS)". The traditions in praise of Imam HASAN (AS) and Imam HUSAIN (AS) are numerous.

These are excerpts of the sayings (AHADITH) of the holy Prophet of Islam (p): HASAN and HUSAIN are the chieftains of the youths of Paradise. They both are the decoration of Heaven. Both are my two bouquets. Lord! They are dear unto me; so hold them dear too. These and many other traditions indicate the greatness of Imam HASAN (AS) and Imam HUSAIN (AS).

According to the common customs of the world, the lineage or descent is traced through male children, but the Prophet explicitly indicated that his grandsons could be rightfully called his own sons. Another tradition which is unanimously acknowledged by the traditionalists of all Muslim sects affirms that the Prophet said: "God defines everyone's children as his offspring; in my case, He has defined Ali's sons as my own".

In view of the above, the Prophet looked after the instruction of these two children with special care. The two brothers were undoubtedly rendered sanctified and infallible through AYAT AT-TATHIR (holy QUR'AN, 33:33). Both brothers, even while still children, were miniature models of the Prophet's own conduct and behavior. The Prophet, explaining their characteristics, said: "HASAN possesses my majesty and grandeur of leadership, while HUSAIN has inherited my courage and generosity".

The word "leadership" represents and reflects a number of manly qualities. One of them was demonstrated by the Messenger himself, as commanded by God, even during Imam HASAN'S childhood, when he carried him to take part in the MUBAHALA, i.e. the spiritual contest with the YEMENITE Christians based on the asserting of one's own truthfulness and calling for the Lord's curse on the liars.

This also shows that under God's guidance, the Prophet intended his progeny to carry on his sacred mission after his death. The Prophet passed away on the 28th of SAFAR (or on the 12th of RABI' AL-AKHIR according to other traditions) of the year 11 A.H. (May 25, 632 A.D) and Imam HASAN (AS) was deprived of his cherishing love. After three months, he had to suffer the calamity of the death of his dear mother.