Imam al-Hasan b. Ali al-Askari (a): Difference between revisions

Many [[hadith]]s have been narrated from Imam al-Askari (a) on different topics such as [[exegesis]] of the [[Qur'an]], [[ethics]], [[fiqh]], [[theology]], [[supplication]]s, and [[Ziyarah]]s.

===Fiqh ===

In [[hadith]] studies, one of the titles mentioned for Imam al-Hasan al-'Askari (a) is "faqih",<ref>See: Ṭurayḥī, ''Jāmiʿ al-maqātil'', p. 185.</ref> with which he (a) was especially known to his companions. Some of his hadiths are about [[fiqh]] and its different branches. Since organization of religion regarding fiqh was made previously at the time of Imam al-Sadiq (a) and was then developed toward its perfection, Imam al-Hasan al-'Askari (a) mostly discussed about secondary issues which came up or were for some reason critical at his time such as the beginning of the month of [[Ramadan]] and the discussions about [[Khums]].<ref>Pākatchī, "Ḥasan ʿAskarī, Imām", p. 630.</ref>

[[Sa'd b. 'Abd Allah al-Ash'ari]], among famous Shi'a scholars who probably had met Imam al-'Askari (a) said, "In [[Sha'ban]] of 278/891 – 18 years after demise of Imam al-'Askari (a), we were in a meeting where Ahmad b. 'Ubayd Allah b. Khaqan was there, whose father was a trustworthy minister of Abbasids who was in charge of taking the tax of [[Qom]] and was an enemy of [[descendants of the Prophet (s)]]. The discussion was led to where [[Talibids]] of [[Samarra]], their religion, and their position before the caliph were mentioned. Ahmad said, "I had not seen an [['Alawi]] like al-Hasan b. 'Ali al-'Askari (a) in Samarra who would be known among his relatives with dignity, modesty, intelligence, and honor and would be so honorable before Sultan and [[Banu Hashim]], as they know him superior to the elderly and even commanders, ministers and secretaries. Once I was standing beside my father when he sat to meet with people. One of the doorkeepers came and said, Ibn al-Rida [i.e. Imam al-'Askari (a)] is standing at the door.' My father loudly said, 'Let him in!'. When he (a) entered and my father saw him, went forth to him with some steps -which I had not seen he would ever do even for commanders and princes. When my father reached him [Imam (a)] hanged his hand on his [Imam's (a)] neck and kissed his face and forehead; then, took his hand and placed him in his own seat. My father sat in front of him and began speaking with him. In his speech, he addressed him [Imam (a)] in a manner which implied respect and frequently said, "My father and mother be sacrificed for you…". At night, I went to my father and asked him, 'O father! Who was that man you respected and venerated him so much and even said you would sacrifice your father and mother for?' He said, 'He (a) was Imam of [[Rafidi]]s.' Then, he became silent. After a moment, he continued, 'my son! If one day caliphate goes out of the hands of the [[Abbasids]], among Banu Hashim, there is no one competent to take it except him. He (a) deserves to have the position of caliphate due to his merits, dignity, piety, worship, and good manner. If you saw his father. He (a) was a very noble, wise, benevolent, and meritorious.' Hearing these words, I became so angry; however, I was curious to know him. I asked everyone from [[Banu Hashim]], secretaries, judges, scholars of [[fiqh]] and even common people about him and found him extremely great, noble and superior to others among the descendants of the [[Prophet (s)]]. Everyone said, 'He (a) is Imam of Rafidis.' Since then, he (a) became more important in my mind because friends and enemies of him admired him well."