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Imams of the Shi'a: Difference between revisions
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{{about|the twelve Imams of Shi'a|the principle of Shi'a school|Imamate}} | {{about|the twelve Imams of Shi'a|the principle of Shi'a school|Imamate}} | ||
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[[image:Al-Baqi' before being demolished.jpg|thumbnail|220px|right|The tomb of four Imams of Shi'a in [[Maqbarat al-Baqi']] before its destruction in [[21 April]] 1926. The bodies of [[Imam al-Hasan (a)]], [[Imam al-Sajjad (a)]], [[Imam al-Baqir (a)]], and [[Imam al-Sadiq (a)]] are buried in this tomb.]] | [[image:Al-Baqi' before being demolished.jpg|thumbnail|220px|right|The tomb of four Imams of Shi'a in [[Maqbarat al-Baqi']] before its destruction in [[21 April]] 1926. The bodies of [[Imam al-Hasan (a)]], [[Imam al-Sajjad (a)]], [[Imam al-Baqir (a)]], and [[Imam al-Sadiq (a)]] are buried in this tomb.]] | ||
[[File:The graves of four Imams of Shi'a in al-baqi' after the destruction.jpg|thumbnail|220px|The graves of four Imams of Shi'a in al-Baqi' after the destruction. The graves from left to right belong to 1. [[Imam al-Sadiq (a)]], 2. [[Imam al-Baqir (a)]], 3. [[Imam al-Sajjad (a)]], 4. [[Imam al-Hasan (a)]], 5. [[al-'Abbas b. 'Abd al-Muttalib]].]] | [[File:The graves of four Imams of Shi'a in al-baqi' after the destruction.jpg|thumbnail|220px|The graves of four Imams of Shi'a in al-Baqi' after the destruction. The graves from left to right belong to 1. [[Imam al-Sadiq (a)]], 2. [[Imam al-Baqir (a)]], 3. [[Imam al-Sajjad (a)]], 4. [[Imam al-Hasan (a)]], 5. [[al-'Abbas b. 'Abd al-Muttalib]].]] | ||
'''Imams (a) of Shi'a''' are twelve men from the progeny of the [[Holy Prophet (s)]] who are, according to [[Shi'a]] teachings, successors of the Prophet (s) and the guardians and leaders of the society after the Prophet (s). The first Imam (a) is [[Imam 'Ali (a)]] and the other Imams (a) are his | '''Imams (a) of Shi'a''' are twelve men from the progeny of the [[Holy Prophet (s)]] who are, according to [[Shi'a]] teachings, successors of the Prophet (s) and the guardians and leaders of the society after the Prophet (s). The first Imam (a) is [[Imam 'Ali (a)]] and the other Imams (a) are his and [[lady Fatima (a)|lady Fatima's (a)]] sons and grandsons. | ||
These Imams (a) are appointed by [[God]] and have [[divine knowledge]], [[infallibility]] and the right of [[intercession]] [for people] and one can get closer to God through making [[tawassul]] to them. Imams (a) have the political leadership of the society | These Imams (a) are appointed by [[God]] and have [[divine knowledge]], [[infallibility]] and the right of [[intercession]] [for people] and one can get closer to God through making [[tawassul]] to them. In addition to religious authority, Imams (a) have the political leadership of the society. [[Verse]]s of [[the Qur'an]] have discussed the issue of [[imamate]] without mentioning the names of the Imams (a); such as the verses of [[Uli al-Amr Verse|Uli al-Amr]], [[Tathir Verse|Tathir]], [[al-Wilaya Verse|al-Wilaya]], [[al-Ikmal Verse|al-Ikmal]], [[al-Tabligh Verse|al-Tabligh]] and [[Al-Sadiqin verse|al-Sadiqin]]. | ||
In some [[narration]]s from the Prophet (s), the qualities, the names and the number of Imams (a) have been mentioned; such as [[Hadith al-Thaqalayn]], [[Hadith of Manzila]], [[Hadith of Safina]], [[Hadith of Yawm al-Dar]], [[Hadith of Madinat al-'Ilm]], [[Hadith al-Tayr al-Mashwiy]], [[Hadith al-Rayat]], [[Hadith al-Kisa']], [[Hadith of Jabir]] and [[Hadith of the Twleve Caliphs]]. According to these narrations, all of Imams (a) are from [[Quraysh]] and they are the [[Ahl al-Bayt (a)]] (household) of the Prophet (s) and the last Imam (a) is the [[Imam al-Mahdi (a)|Promised Mahdi (aj).]] | In some [[narration]]s from the Prophet (s), the qualities, the names and the number of Imams (a) have been mentioned; such as [[Hadith al-Thaqalayn]], [[Hadith of Manzila]], [[Hadith of Safina]], [[Hadith of Yawm al-Dar]], [[Hadith of Madinat al-'Ilm]], [[Hadith al-Tayr al-Mashwiy]], [[Hadith al-Rayat]], [[Hadith al-Kisa']], [[Hadith of Jabir]] and [[Hadith of the Twleve Caliphs]]. According to these narrations, all of Imams (a) are from [[Quraysh]] and they are the [[Ahl al-Bayt (a)]] (household) of the Prophet (s) and the last Imam (a) is the [[Imam al-Mahdi (a)|Promised Mahdi (aj).]] | ||
Also, there are many hadiths from the Prophet (s) in [[:Category:Hadith collections|hadith references]] about the imamate of Imam Ali (a) who is the first Imam (a). Also, there are hadiths from the Prophet (s) and Imam Ali (a) which have explicitly mentioned the imamate of [[Imam al-Hasan (a)|the second Imam (a)]]. Afterwards, every Imam (a) explicitly has introduced the Imam (a) after himself. According to these explicit mentioning, Imams (a) and the caliphs after the Prophet (s) are | Also, there are many hadiths from the Prophet (s) in [[:Category:Hadith collections|hadith references]] about the imamate of Imam Ali (a) who is the first Imam (a). Also, there are hadiths from the Prophet (s) and Imam Ali (a) which have explicitly mentioned the imamate of [[Imam al-Hasan (a)|the second Imam (a)]]. Afterwards, every Imam (a) explicitly has introduced the Imam (a) after himself. According to these explicit mentioning, Imams (a) and the caliphs after the Prophet (s) are twelve. | ||
== Position among Shi'a == | == Position among Shi'a == | ||
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The belief in the imamate of the Twelve Imams (a) is among fundamental beliefs of the [[Twelver Shi'a]] and many reports from the [[the Prophet (s)|Holy Prophet (s)]] and Imams (a) in available [[hadith]]s references support it. Shi'a exegetes and theologians believe that the [[Qur'an|Holy Qur'an]] has referred to this belief<ref>Nasir Makarim Shirazi, ''Payam-i Qur'an''. vol. 9, p. 182 ff</ref> implicitly in the [[Uli al-Amr Verse|Uli l-Amr]], [[al-Tathir verse|al-Tathir]], [[Al-Wilaya Verse|al-Wilayah]], [[Al-Ikmal Verse|al-Ikmal]], [[al-Tabligh Verse|al-Tabligh]], and [[Al-Sadiqin Verse|al-Sadiqin]] verses. | The belief in the imamate of the Twelve Imams (a) is among fundamental beliefs of the [[Twelver Shi'a]] and many reports from the [[the Prophet (s)|Holy Prophet (s)]] and Imams (a) in available [[hadith]]s references support it. Shi'a exegetes and theologians believe that the [[Qur'an|Holy Qur'an]] has referred to this belief<ref>Nasir Makarim Shirazi, ''Payam-i Qur'an''. vol. 9, p. 182 ff</ref> implicitly in the [[Uli al-Amr Verse|Uli l-Amr]], [[al-Tathir verse|al-Tathir]], [[Al-Wilaya Verse|al-Wilayah]], [[Al-Ikmal Verse|al-Ikmal]], [[al-Tabligh Verse|al-Tabligh]], and [[Al-Sadiqin Verse|al-Sadiqin]] verses. | ||
According to Twelver Shi'a beliefs, the [[imamate]] of the Twelve Imams (a) began with demise of the Holy Prophet (s) in 11/632 and the imamate of [[Imam 'Ali (a)]] and have continued until now without interruption. Since 260/874 | According to Twelver Shi'a beliefs, the [[imamate]] of the Twelve Imams (a) began with demise of the Holy Prophet (s) in 11/632 and the imamate of [[Imam 'Ali (a)]] and have continued until now without interruption. Since 260/874, after [[Imam al-'Askari (a)|Imam al-'Askari's (a)]] demise and transition of imamate to his son, [[Imam al-Mahdi (aj)]], the imamate turned from apparent state to occultation and the long term imamate of Imam al-Mahdi’s (aj) has been in [[Occultation of Imam al-Mahdi (aj)|occultation]]. | ||
Shi'a believe that Imams (a) are [[infallible]] and have [[ | Shi'a believe that Imams (a) are [[infallible]] and have [[knowledge of the unseen]];<ref>''Tarjuma-yi al-mizan''. vol. 13, p. 474</ref> and also believe that one can get close to [[God]] through making [[tawassul]] to them. Visiting the graves of Imams (a) is among Shi'a traditions and they are known to have the position of making [[shafa'a]] (intercession).<ref>Al-Tusi, ''al-Tibyan fi tafsir al-Qur'an''. vol. 1, p. 214</ref> | ||
==Proofs of Imamate== | ==Proofs of Imamate== | ||
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About the explicit mentioning of the Twelve Imams (a), there are works such as [[Ibn 'Ayyash al-Jawhari]]'s ''[[Muqtadab al-athar]]'' (d. [[401]]/1010) and [[al-Khazzaz al-Qummi]]'s ''[[Kifayat al-athar]]'' (late 4th/10th century) in which their authors have made efforts to collect narrations about the explicit mentioning of the Twelve Imams (a) from different [[Shi'a]] and [[Sunni]] sources. | About the explicit mentioning of the Twelve Imams (a), there are works such as [[Ibn 'Ayyash al-Jawhari]]'s ''[[Muqtadab al-athar]]'' (d. [[401]]/1010) and [[al-Khazzaz al-Qummi]]'s ''[[Kifayat al-athar]]'' (late 4th/10th century) in which their authors have made efforts to collect narrations about the explicit mentioning of the Twelve Imams (a) from different [[Shi'a]] and [[Sunni]] sources. | ||
In addition to the books of [[nusus]] (explicit references), other works under the general title of "Dala'il al-Imama" (proofs for [[imamate]]) about the Imams' (a) acts of wonder and [[miracle]]s can be mentioned such as ''Dala'il al-imama'' attributed to [[Ibn Rustam al-Tabari]] (printed 1383/1963, [[Najaf]]), or works under the general title of "al-Wasiyya" which explain the transmission of deputyship in the chain of the Twelve Imams (a) such as [[al-Mas'udi]]'s ''Ithbat al-wasiyya'' (printed Najaf, [[Haydariyyah library]]). {{citation needed}} | In addition to the books of [[nusus]] (explicit references), other works under the general title of "Dala'il al-Imama" (proofs for [[imamate]]) about the Imams' (a) acts of wonder and [[miracle]]s can be mentioned such as ''Dala'il al-imama'' attributed to [[Ibn Rustam al-Tabari]] (printed 1383/1963, [[Najaf]]), or works under the general title of "al-Wasiyya" which explain the transmission of deputyship in the chain of the Twelve Imams (a) such as [[al-Mas'udi]]'s ''[[Ithbat al-wasiyya li l-Imam 'Ali b. Abi Talib (by al-Mas'udi)|Ithbat al-wasiyya]]'' (printed Najaf, [[Haydariyyah library]]). {{citation needed}} | ||
Proving the imamate of the Twelve Imams (a) based on hadith has also been a focus of Twelver Shi'a theologians and many important theological works have been dedicated to this topic.<ref>Al-Sharif al-Murtada. ''al-Dhakhira fi 'ilm al-kalam'', p. 502-503; Al-Hilli, ''Kashf al-murad fi tajrid al-i'tiqad'', p. 314</ref> Among the most famous of these [[hadith]]s are [[Hadith al-Thaqalayn]], [[Hadith al-Manzila]], [[Hadith al-Safina]], [[Hadith Yawm al-Dar]], [[Hadith Madinat al-'Ilm]], [[Hadith al-Tayr al-Mashwiy]], [[Hadith al-Rayat]], [[Hadith al-Kisa']], [[Hadith of Jabir]], and [[Hadith of the Twleve Caliphs]]. | |||
===Hadith of the Twelve Caliphs=== | ===Hadith of the Twelve Caliphs=== | ||
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In addition to Shi'a hadiths, there are certain hadiths narrated in Sunni sources referring to twelve caliphs or imams after the [[the Prophet (s)|Holy Prophet (s)]]. During the 1st/7th century, there are hadiths narrated from some of the [[Companions|Companions of the Prophet (s)]], giving the good news about twelve imams (a) after the Prophet (s) which were being circulated in various meetings. Among those hadiths, the hadith narrated by [[Jabir b. Samura]] which is mentioned in both ''[[Sahih al-Bukhari]]'' and ''[[Sahih Muslim]]'' is the most famous one. In this hadith, it is mentioned that emirs (imams or caliphs) after the Prophet (s) are 12 from [[Quraysh]].<ref>see: al-Bukhari, ''Sahih al-Bukhari''. vol. 8, p. 127; Muslim b. al-Hajjaj, ''Sahih Muslim''. vol. 3, p. 1452-1453; Abu Dawud. ''Sunan''. vol. 4, p. 106</ref> This hadith which is among the most famous hadiths in the Islamic world, was first mentioned in Sunni sources and then in Shi'a sources.<ref>cf. al-Nu'mani, ''al-Ghayba'', p. 62; al-Shaykh al-Saduq, ''al-Khisal'', p. 469 ff; al-Khazzaz al-Qumi, ''Kifayat al-athar'', p. 49 ff; Ahmad b. A'yyash al-Jawhari,. ''Muqtadab al-athar'', p. 4</ref> | In addition to Shi'a hadiths, there are certain hadiths narrated in Sunni sources referring to twelve caliphs or imams after the [[the Prophet (s)|Holy Prophet (s)]]. During the 1st/7th century, there are hadiths narrated from some of the [[Companions|Companions of the Prophet (s)]], giving the good news about twelve imams (a) after the Prophet (s) which were being circulated in various meetings. Among those hadiths, the hadith narrated by [[Jabir b. Samura]] which is mentioned in both ''[[Sahih al-Bukhari]]'' and ''[[Sahih Muslim]]'' is the most famous one. In this hadith, it is mentioned that emirs (imams or caliphs) after the Prophet (s) are 12 from [[Quraysh]].<ref>see: al-Bukhari, ''Sahih al-Bukhari''. vol. 8, p. 127; Muslim b. al-Hajjaj, ''Sahih Muslim''. vol. 3, p. 1452-1453; Abu Dawud. ''Sunan''. vol. 4, p. 106</ref> This hadith which is among the most famous hadiths in the Islamic world, was first mentioned in Sunni sources and then in Shi'a sources.<ref>cf. al-Nu'mani, ''al-Ghayba'', p. 62; al-Shaykh al-Saduq, ''al-Khisal'', p. 469 ff; al-Khazzaz al-Qumi, ''Kifayat al-athar'', p. 49 ff; Ahmad b. A'yyash al-Jawhari,. ''Muqtadab al-athar'', p. 4</ref> | ||
In a lower level, a hadith narrated from [[Ibn Mas'ud]] can be mentioned which implies that the number of caliphs after the Prophet (s) are 12 as the same number of the | In a lower level, a hadith narrated from [[Ibn Mas'ud]] can be mentioned which implies that the number of caliphs after the Prophet (s) are 12 as the same number of the chiefs of [[Banu Israel]].<ref>see: Ahmad b. Hanbal. ''Musnad Ahmad''. vol. 1, p. 398-406; Al-Hakim al-Naysaburi, ''al-Mustadrak 'ala al-sahihayn''. vol. 4, p. 501; cf. al-Nu'mani, ''al-Ghayba'', p. 74-75; al-Khazzaz al-Qumi, ''Kifayat al-athar'', p. 33 ff; Ahmad b. A'yyash al-Jawhari,. ''Muqtadab al-athar'', p. 3</ref> Sunni scholars give a different interpretation of these 12 imams and introduce people other than the Imams (a) of Shi'a. | ||
==Introducing the Imams (a) of Shi'a== | ==Introducing the Imams (a) of Shi'a== | ||
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[[File:Imam Ali (a)-2.jpg|300px|thumbnail|right|The [[shrine of Imam 'Ali (a)]] in [[Najaf]], [[Iraq]].]] | [[File:Imam Ali (a)-2.jpg|300px|thumbnail|right|The [[shrine of Imam 'Ali (a)]] in [[Najaf]], [[Iraq]].]] | ||
{{main|Imam 'Ali (a)}} | {{main|Imam 'Ali (a)}} | ||
Imam Ali (a), was son of [[Abu Talib]], uncle of [[the Prophet (s)]] and an important leader of [[Banu Hashim]]. Abu Talib adopted the Holy Prophet (s) in his childhood and raised him in his house. He was alive until after beginning of [[ | Imam Ali (a), was son of [[Abu Talib]], uncle of [[the Prophet (s)]] and an important leader of [[Banu Hashim]]. Abu Talib adopted the Holy Prophet (s) in his childhood and raised him in his house. He was alive until after beginning of the [[Bi'tha|Prophet's (s) mission]] and supported the Prophet (s) and protected him against the threats posed by [[Arab]] disbelievers and especially [[Quraysh]].<ref>Tabataba'i, ''Shi'a dar Islam'', p. 199</ref> | ||
====At the time of the Prophet (s)==== | ====At the time of the Prophet (s)==== | ||
{{Shi'a-Vertical}} | {{Shi'a-Vertical}} | ||
'Ali (a), | 'Ali (a), (based on the most famous reports), was born ten years before the beginning of the Prophet's (s) mission. Six years after the famine which struck [[Mecca]] and its suburbs, 'Ali (a) moved to the house of the Prophet (s) following the Prophet's (s) request and since then was adopted and raised by him (s).<ref>Tabataba'i, ''Shi'a dar Islam'', p. 199</ref> | ||
At the beginning of the Prophet's (s) mission, when he (s) | At the beginning of the Prophet's (s) mission, when he (s) returned from the [[cave of Hira]] to his house, 'Ali (a) and [[Khadija bt. Khuwaylid|Khadija (s)]], the wife of the Prophet (s) accepted [[Islam]] as the first Muslims. At the beginning of the Prophet's (s) public mission, at the event of [[Yawm al-Dar]], 'Ali (a) was the first and only person who expressly announced his [[faith]] in that gathering. He (a) never worshiped anything other than One [[God]].<ref>Tabataba'i, ''Shi'a dar Islam'', p. 199-200</ref> | ||
'Ali (a) always accompanied the Prophet (s) until the Prophet (s) emigrated from [[Mecca]] to [[Medina]] and on the eve of his [[immigration]], when disbelievers besieged the house of the Prophet (s) and rushed in to kill him in his bed, 'Ali (a) slept in the Prophet's (s) bed to save the Prophet's (s) life and the Prophet (s) went to Medina.<ref>Tabataba'i, ''Shi'a dar Islam'', p. 200</ref> The [[cause of the revelation]] of the [[al-Ishtira' verse]] is this sacrifice. | 'Ali (a) always accompanied the Prophet (s) until the Prophet (s) emigrated from [[Mecca]] to [[Medina]] and on the eve of his [[immigration]], when disbelievers besieged the house of the Prophet (s) and rushed in to kill him in his bed, 'Ali (a) slept in the Prophet's (s) bed to save the Prophet's (s) life and the Prophet (s) went to Medina.<ref>Tabataba'i, ''Shi'a dar Islam'', p. 200</ref> The [[cause of the revelation]] of the [[al-Ishtira' verse]] is this sacrifice. | ||
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====After the Prophet (s)==== | ====After the Prophet (s)==== | ||
On the day the Holy Prophet (s) passed away, 'Ali (a) was 33 years old. He (a) was superior to anyone in all religious merits and was distinguished among the companions and | On the day the Holy Prophet (s) passed away, 'Ali (a) was 33 years old. He (a) was superior to anyone in all religious merits and was distinguished among the companions and on several occasions, such as the [[event of Ghadir]], when the Prophet (s) introduced him as the [[caliph]] after himself, but people him aside from [[caliphate]] with the excuse that he (a) was young and had spilled much blood in the battles of the Prophet (s) which had earned him numerous enemies. Thus he was completely removed from all public affairs. After some objections, he (a) was isolated for 25 years (which lasted to the end of caliphate of the third caliph). During these 25 years he compiled the [[Holy Qur'an]] and trained some individuals. After [[the Third Caliph]] was killed, people gave allegiance to 'Ali (a) and chose him as the caliph.<ref>Tabataba'i, ''Shi'a dar Islam'', p. 201</ref> | ||
He (a) was engaged in three wars during his caliphate which lasted almost | He (a) was engaged in three wars during his caliphate which lasted almost four years and nine months: | ||
# [[The Battle of Jamal]]: Some of the [[companions of the Prophet (s)]] who were led by [['A'isha]], [[Talha]], and [[Zubayr]] used the pretext of claiming the blood of the Third Caliph and rebelled and waged the battle of Jamal near [[Basra]]. | # [[The Battle of Jamal]]: Some of the [[companions of the Prophet (s)]] who were led by [['A'isha]], [[Talha]], and [[Zubayr]] used the pretext of claiming the blood of the Third Caliph and rebelled and waged the battle of Jamal near [[Basra]]. | ||
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# [[The Battle of Nahrawan]]: The last great mischief of his time was the battle with [[Khawarij]]. | # [[The Battle of Nahrawan]]: The last great mischief of his time was the battle with [[Khawarij]]. | ||
Most of time of his caliphate was spent | Most of the time of his caliphate was spent to solve internal conflicts. Soon afterwards, he was hit on the head at the dawn of [[19 Ramadan|19th of Ramadan]] [[40]]/661 in the [[Mosque of Kufa]] when he was praying and passed on in the eve of [[21 Ramadan|21st of the same month]].<ref>Tabataba'i, ''Shi'a dar Islam'', p. 201-202</ref> | ||
====Merits==== | ====Merits==== | ||
As witnessed in the history and reported by his friends and enemies, [[Imam 'Ali (a)]] did not lack anything in human perfections and in Islamic merits, he was a perfect exemplar of the Holy Prophet's (s) education.<ref>Tabataba'i, ''Shi'a dar Islam'', p. 202</ref> | As witnessed in the history and reported by his friends and enemies, [[Imam 'Ali (a)]] did not lack anything in human perfections and in Islamic merits, he was a perfect exemplar of the Holy Prophet's (s) education.<ref>Tabataba'i, ''Shi'a dar Islam'', p. 202</ref> | ||
In knowledge, 'Ali (a) was the most knowledgeable person among the companions of the Holy Prophet (s) and all other Muslims. He (a) was the first Muslim who used reasoning in his scientific opinions and made philosophical discussions in theological teachings and spoke about the | In knowledge, 'Ali (a) was the most knowledgeable person among the companions of the Holy Prophet (s) and all other Muslims. He (a) was the first Muslim who used reasoning in his scientific opinions and made philosophical discussions in theological teachings and spoke about the interior of [[the Qur'an]] and to preserve its exterior, he (a) established the rules of Arabic syntax and was the most competent Arab in speech.<ref>Tabataba'i, ''Shi'a dar Islam'', p. 202-203</ref> | ||
In bravery, he (a) was an exemplar and in piety and | In bravery, he (a) was an exemplar and he was unique in piety and worshiping God. There are many stories about him showing mercy to his subordinates and showing sympathy and generosity towards the poor.<ref>Tabataba'i, ''Shi'a dar Islam'', p. 204-205</ref> | ||
===Imam al-Hasan (a)=== | ===Imam al-Hasan (a)=== | ||
{{main|Imam al-Hasan (a)}} | {{main|Imam al-Hasan (a)}} | ||
Imam al-Hasan al-Mujtaba (a) and his brother [[Imam al-Husayn (a)]] were two sons of [[Imam 'Ali (a)]] and [[Lady Fatima (s)]]. [[The Prophet (s)]] frequently is quoted saying, "al-Hasan (a) and al-Husayn (a) are my children".<ref>Tabataba'i, ''Shi'a dar Islam'', p. 205</ref> | Imam al-Hasan al-Mujtaba (a) and his brother, [[Imam al-Husayn (a)]], were two sons of [[Imam 'Ali (a)]] and [[Lady Fatima (s)]]. [[The Prophet (s)]] frequently is quoted saying, "al-Hasan (a) and al-Husayn (a) are my children".<ref>Tabataba'i, ''Shi'a dar Islam'', p. 205</ref> | ||
Imam al-Hasan (a) was born [[3]]/625 in [[Medina]] | Imam al-Hasan (a) was born in [[3]]/625 in [[Medina]]. When he was 7 years old, he lost his grandfather, the Holy Prophet (s), and soon afterwards he lost his mother, lady Fatima (s).<ref>Tabataba'i, ''Shi'a dar Islam'', p. 205</ref> | ||
After the [[martyrdom]] of his father, he became the [[Imam]] following the [[God]]'s | After the [[martyrdom]] of his father, he became the [[Imam]] following the [[God]]'s commmand and the will of Imam 'Ali (a) and for six months, he managed Muslims' affairs as the [[caliph]] of Muslims. During his caliphate, [[Mu'awiya]] who was a great enemy of 'Ali (a) and his family and had fought for years (seeking caliphate firstly through claiming revenge for the Third Caliph's death and then overtly claiming caliphate itself), moved his army towards [[Iraq]] which was the capital of Imam al-Hasan's (a) caliphate and waged a war against him. | ||
Mu'awiya gradually | Mu'awiya gradually lured commanders of Imam al-Hasan's (a) army by giving them substantial amounts of money and tempting offers and made Imam's (a) army revolt against him so he (a) had to make [[The Peace Treaty of Imam al-Hasan (a)|peace with Mu'awiya]] and to hand the caliphate to Mu'awiya under the conditions that after the death of Mu'awiya, caliphate would return to Imam al-Hasan (a) and that his family and followers would be safe from any type of harm or offence.<ref>Tabataba'i, ''Shi'a dar Islam'', p. 205-206</ref> | ||
At the beginning of his caliphate, Mu'awiya broke his promise for observing the conditions. During | At the beginning of his caliphate, Mu'awiya broke his promise for observing the conditions. During Mu'awiya's caliphate which lasted 10 years, Imam al-Hasan (a) lived having great hardships and not being safe even in his own house. He was finally poisoned and [[martyr]]ed in [[50]]/670 by his wife who was encouraged by Mu'awiya.<ref>Tabataba'i, ''Shi'a dar Islam'', p. 206-207</ref> | ||
===Imam al-Husayn (a)=== | ===Imam al-Husayn (a)=== | ||