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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books The Fourteen Luminaries of Islam The Thirteenth Infallible, Hadhrat Imam al-Hasan al-‘Askari, The Eleventh Imam Imam al-Hasan al-‘Askari (as) was born in Medina in 232/846. His dignified mother, Susan or Salil, was a competent and virtuous woman who took extreme care to rear her son, the Hujja (proof) of Haqq as he really deserved. This pious lady accompanied Imam al-‘Askai (as) to Samarra and passed away there.

The patronymic of Imam al-Hasan al-‘Askari (as) was Abu Muhammad. Countenance and Conduct of Imam al-Hasan ‘Askari (a.s.) The eleventh Imam had a swarthy face and a moderate stature. He also had black curved eyebrows, large eyes and a broad forehead, as well as large and bright white teeth. He had a mole on his right cheek. Imam al-Hasan al-‘Askari (as) was attractively eloquent and of a divine and dignified personality, and was a matchless interpreter of the Holy Qur’an.

In his short life, he clarified the straight path of the (as) and the appropriate way of interpreting the Qur’an to the people and particularly to his noble companions. The Period of His Imamate In general, the 29 year life-span of Imam al-Hasan al-‘Askari (as) is divided into three periods: The first period consisted of 13 years which was spent in Medina. The second period included 10 years in Samarra before Imamate. The third period covered the six years of the Imamate of his Holiness.

The Imamate period of his Holiness was contemporary with the superficial authority of the Abbasids, who imitated Harun in their ambitions to acquire and wield power. During his six years of Imamate, Imam al-Hasan al-‘Askari (as) spent three years in prison. His jailor, Salih b. Wasif, assigned two tyrannical retainers over him so that he could further persecute him.

The two retainers, however, closely observing the state and the manners of the holy Imam (as), were impressed by that noble Imam (as) and treated him in a peaceful and decent manner. When asked about the Imam (as)'s state, these retainers said the prisoner fasted during the day and was engaged in prayers and supplications to his Beloved Allah all night long till dawn, not speaking to others.

‘Ubayd Allah Khaqan, vizier to the Abbasid Mu‘tamid, with all his arrogance, would always rise to his feet whenever he met Imam al-‘Askari (as) and would offer him his own seat to sit on.