Salam and congratulations to you all on the Wiladat of Imam Hasan (AS). The oldest child of Imam Ali and Bibi Fatimah was Imam Hasan, who was born on the 15th of Ramadan in the year 3AH. When Imam Hasan (AS) was born and the Holy Prophet received word that a grandson had been born, he went to Bibi Fatima’s home, picked up the infant in his arms, recited the Azan and Iqama, and announced, “This is a beautiful child; I name him Hasan. He will protect Muslims and Islam from those who would destroy it”. According to scholars, he resembled his grandfather, the Holy Prophet, both physically and spiritually. The noble stand of Imam Hasan’s (AS) younger brother, Imam Hussain (AS) was made possible by Imam Hasan’s (AS) life. They were two sides of the same coin, one on living the Jihad of peace and the other the Jihad of martyrdom. They both lived out their lives to the fullest, fighting for good and denying evil under the guidance of their blessed grandfather. The prophet has stated that “Hasan and Hussain are the Masters of the Youths in Paradise.”. Imam Hasan and Hussain submitted to Allah’s (swt) commandments and happily thanked their creator in both good times and bad, setting an example for us of appropriate behavior in both peace and war.
Imam Hasan had access to a variety material goods and could have lived a life of luxury, but instead he used everything for the benefit of the underprivileged. Because of his politeness and humility, he never hesitated away from joining the beggars in Medina’s alleyways and on its major streets to respond to some of their questions about religion. He never allowed the poor and the humble to feel inferior to him when they visited his home because of his friendly disposition and hospitality.
Like other members of the Ahlul bayt, Imam Hasan (as) example serves as a sign and a reminder that although the Household of the Prophet will face challenges, they do so in total submission to Allah (swt) and His laws. A famous saying of Imam Hasan is “In regard to the world be as if you were going to live forever. With respect to the Hereafter, be as if you were going to die tomorrow.”
