Al-Hasan

Al-Hasan al-Basri, whose full name was Abu Sa'id al-Hasan ibn Abi al-Hasan Yasar al-Basri, was one of the greatest Tabi'i scholars and spiritual figures in Islamic history. He was born in Medina in 21 AH, the son of a freed slave, and spent his early life in the household of Umm Salama (RA) — one of the Mothers of the Believers — which gave him access to the companion generation in the most intimate way. He narrated from many companions including Anas ibn Malik, Abu Huraira, and Aisha. He later settled in Basra and became its undisputed leading scholar in hadith, tafsir, legal opinion, and — above all — spiritual and moral guidance. His sermons and sayings on death, the afterlife, and the dangers of the worldly life are among the most powerful in Islamic literature. He was also a teacher of Tawus ibn Kaysan, Qatada ibn Di'ama, and many others. He passed away in Basra in 110 AH.