Birth of Imam Hassan al-Askari (as)

The Imam of the Military Camp

Imam Hassan al-Askari (a.s.) was born on the 8th of Rabi' al-Thani 232 AH. He is titled 'Al-Askari' because he was forced to live his entire Imamate in a military camp (Askar) in Samarra under severe restrictions. (Source: Al-Irshad)

Preparation for the Occultation

Despite being heavily guarded and largely inaccessible to the general public, Imam al-Askari (a.s.) successfully guided his followers through written correspondence and a well-organized network of deputies. His most critical mission was to protect his son, Imam al-Mahdi (a.t.f.s.), from the Abbasids who sought to kill the promised savior, and to prepare the Shia community for the era of occultation (Ghaybah).

Aamal for 8th Rabi' al-Thani

This day is a joyful occasion as it heralds the birth of the father of the awaited Mahdi. Recommended acts include fasting, reciting his Ziyarat, and praying for the hastening of the reappearance of his holy son.