He has been characterized as follows...

He has been characterized as follows: Having whitish countenance mixed with a light shade of red, black eyes, flat cheeks, a bushy beard, dense curly hair, silvery neck, a proportionate stature, broad shoulders, large bones, a narrow waist, a medium height – neither too tall, nor too short – a handsome face regarded as among the most good looking and charming. lbn Sa‘d is quoted as saying that al-Hasan and al-Husayn (as) used to dye their hair black.

Human Perfections In his human perfections, Imam al-Hasan (as) was a reminder of his father and a replica of his honorable grandfather. During the lifetime of the Prophet (S), al-Hasan (as) and his brother were close to him.

Sometimes, he would let them ride on his back, and he would kiss and caress them.[^3] The Holy Prophet is quoted as saying about Imam al-Hasan (as) and Imam al-Husayn (as): “These two sons of mine are Imams whether they are sitting or standing (referring to the fact that in any case and condition they are Imams). Imam al-Hasan (as) performed Hajj pilgrimage as many as twenty five times on foot, while fine horses were being led behind.

Whenever he remembered death and grave, he would weep and as he recalled that he would stand trial on the Judgment Day he would let out such a loud cry that he would fall unconscious; when he was reminded of Paradise and Hell, he would writhe like a snake-bitten one. He would ask for Paradise from God and seek His protection from the Fire. When he performed ablution and stood up for saying prayers, his body would start trembling and his face would turn pale.

Three times he shared his property with God [i.e. gave part of it away for the cause of Allah] and two times gave up all his wealth in the way of Allah. It is said that, Imam al-Hasan (as) was the most pious and the most heedless of his time toward the worldly ornaments. In his inner disposition and nature lay the topmost indications of humanity.

Whoever saw him would regard him as great, whoever associated with him was treated with kindness and whoever, whether friend and foe, heard his talk or sermons, would simply become all ears until he ended his speech. Muhammad b. Ishaq said: “No one, except the Messenger (S), was superior to Hasan b. ‘Ali (as) in status, nobility, and eminence.