Iranians mourn martyrdom anniv. of Imam Hasan al-Askari

In solemn processions, Iranians across the country have marked the anniversary of the martyrdom of Imam Hasan al-Askari, the 11th infallible Shia Imam.

Imam Hasan al-Askari, whose father was Imam Ali al-Hadi (AS), was born in Medina in 846 AD. He became the Shia Imam following the martyrdom of his father in 868 AD at the age of 21.

During his Imamate, Imam Hasan al-Askari endured many hardships and persecutions at the hands of the Abbasid caliphs, who feared his influence and popularity among the people.

Martyrdom of Imam Hasan al-Askari

Imam Hasan al-Askari passed away in Samarra, Iraq, on the 8th of Rabi al-Awwal, 874 AD, after being poisoned by the Abbasid caliph al-Mu'tamid. He was 28 years old at the time of his martyrdom.

The martyrdom of Imam Hasan al-Askari was a great loss for the Shia Muslims. He was a scholar, a jurist, and a spiritual guide who left behind a legacy of knowledge and piety.

Imam Hasan al-Askari's shrine in Samarra is a major pilgrimage site for Shia Muslims from around the world.

Every year, on the anniversary of his martyrdom, Shia Muslims around the world hold mourning ceremonies and commemorate his life and sacrifice.

In Iran, these ceremonies are particularly elaborate and involve large processions of mourners who march through the streets, beating their chests in grief and chanting elegies.

This year, due to the coronavirus pandemic, many of these ceremonies were held online or in small gatherings.

Despite the restrictions, however, Shia Muslims in Iran and around the world continue to mourn the martyrdom of Imam Hasan al-Askari and to commemorate his legacy.