Hasan ibn Ali

Hasan ibn Ali (625-670 CE) was the elder grandson of the Prophet Muhammad through his daughter Fatimah and his son-in-law Ali ibn Abi Talib. The Prophet named him Hasan and performed the aqiqah for him. He held Hasan in the highest regard, saying, 'Hasan and Husain are the leaders of the youth of Paradise.' The Prophet's deep love for his grandsons was well known, and he would carry them on his shoulders and interrupt his sermons to pick them up when they stumbled.

After the assassination of Ali ibn Abi Talib in 40 AH (661 CE), Hasan was recognized as caliph by the people of Iraq. However, recognizing the danger of further bloodshed among the Muslims, Hasan chose to abdicate the caliphate in favor of Muawiyah ibn Abi Sufyan in 41 AH (661 CE). This act of statesmanship united the Muslim community and fulfilled the Prophet's prophecy: 'This son of mine is a leader (sayyid), and perhaps Allah will make peace between two great groups of Muslims through him.' The year of the abdication became known as Am al-Jamaah (the Year of Unity).

Hasan retired to Medina, where he lived a life of worship, generosity, and scholarship. He was renowned for his resemblance to the Prophet in both appearance and character. He was known for performing the Hajj pilgrimage on foot numerous times and for his extraordinary generosity, reportedly giving away half his wealth to the poor on multiple occasions. He passed away in Medina in 50 AH (670 CE) and was buried in the Baqi cemetery.