His Birth and Upbringing

• Imam Hasan Al-Basri was born in 129 AH, between Mecca and Medina, in the village of Al-Abwa.

• He was raised in Medina during the time of Caliph Umar ibn Al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him).

• Imam Hasan Al-Basri is considered one of the foremost imams among the Tabi’in (successors), as many scholars and jurists learned from him. He excelled in the sciences of jurisprudence, hadith, exegesis, and linguistics.

Imam of Asceticism and Piety

• Imam Hasan Al-Basri was a model of piety and asceticism in this world.

• He was known for his extreme humility and piety, not concerned with accumulating wealth or worldly possessions.

• He was renowned for his pure heart, and he constantly advised people to renounce the world and embrace asceticism.

His Sermons

• In one of his letters to Caliph Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz, Imam Hasan Al-Basri wrote: “Know that reflection leads to good and acting upon it, and regret over evil leads to abandoning it. What perishes, even if abundant, does not compare to what remains, even if it is scarce.”

• He warned against the false allure of the world, describing it as “like a snake,” soft to the touch but its venom kills.

His Wisdom and Sayings

• Imam Hasan Al-Basri said: “I have never seen certainty without doubt, more similar to doubt without certainty, except for death.”

• He also said: “Whoever wears wool out of humility for Allah, He will increase the light in his sight and heart.”

• He would instruct his students, saying: “The people of piety have signs by which they are recognized: honesty in speech, fulfillment of promises, maintaining family ties, and mercy towards the weak.”

His Miracles

• Imam Hasan Al-Basri was known for many miracles, including his foresight of future events, such as his prediction about rulers who had not yet appeared, and his insight about the fate of Caliph Al-Mansur.

• He was considered one of the great scholars who influenced his followers, and he had the ability to uncover hidden matters, earning him respect among the scholars and jurists of his time.

His Death

• Imam Hasan Al-Basri passed away in the month of Rajab in 110 AH in the city of Basra.

• He passed away after fainting and upon regaining consciousness, he said: “You have awakened me from gardens, rivers, and a noble abode.”

• He fainted once again shortly before his death, with many of his followers witnessing his funeral, which was attended by the people of Basra.

His Scientific and Mystical Legacy

• Imam Hasan Al-Basri is considered one of the cornerstones of Sufism in Islam, and he served as a teacher and guide for the Sufi community.

• He transmitted much wisdom and inspired the Islamic ummah with many sayings and sermons that aimed to elevate spiritual awareness and guide individuals towards righteousness.

• His legacy in religious sciences was not limited to jurisprudence and hadith, but also included spiritual guidance that laid the foundation for early Sufi schools.