Imam Hasan al-Askari (846-874 AD) was the eleventh of the Twelve Imams in Shia Islam, and the son of the tenth Imam, Ali al-Hadi. He was born in Medina, present-day Saudi Arabia, and lived during the 9th century. He was known for his knowledge, piety, and devotion to God, and was respected by both Shias and Sunnis of his time.
His father, Imam Ali al-Hadi, was imprisoned by the Abbasid Caliphate, and Imam Hasan al-Askari was also kept under close watch by the authorities. As a result, his Imamate was mostly hidden and he did not have much opportunity to openly propagate his beliefs. However, he continued to guide and teach his followers through secret correspondence.
Imam Hasan al-Askari was the father of the Twelfth and the last Imam of Shia Muslims, Imam Mahdi, who is also known as the “Hidden Imam” and is believed by Shias to be still alive in occultation. Many Shia Muslims believe that Imam Mahdi will return as a savior figure at the end of times to bring justice and peace to the world.
Imam Hasan al-Askari died in 874 AD and was buried in the city of Samarra, in present-day Iraq.
