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Imam Hasan Askari
Imam Hasan al-Askari, the eleventh was born in Medina in 846. His real name was Hasan ibn Ali ibn Muhammad. Hasan al Askari was the direct descendent of Prophet Muhammad. His father was Imam Ali Naqi a.k.a. al-Hadi.
The Abbasid Caliphs always felt the popularity of the members of the Prophet’s family as a direct threat to their rule. As a result of their insecurity, when he was four, his father was arrested by the Caliph and they were sent to Samara. He spent his entire life in either house arrest or in prison. His title Askari is derived from the Arabic word askar meaning Soldier, because of his house arrest was in the military garrison of Samarra, Iraq. The capital was moved from Baghdad to Samarra when the Assassins were targeting high officials in Baghdad. Samarra was a garrison town about 60 miles north of Baghdad. The weather is also nicer in Samarra compared to Baghdad.
He was very knowledgeable and despite being confined to house arrest for most of his life, was able to teach others about Islam, and even compiled a commentary on the Quran that would be used by later scholars.
Imam Hasan al-Askari died at the young age of 28 in 874 allegedly by poison. Hasan's funeral was attended by many people, including the Abbasid caliph Al-Mutamid who is believed to be the one behind his poisoning.
Imam Hasan al-Askari is buried next to his father in Samarra, their shrine is known as Askarayn.
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