There were many different ways I could have gone into the speech, which made it difficult to write. But with some help, thankfully I was able to write it and also have it recorded. I've attached the video and the transcript; I hope people can take something or another away from it.
The video is a little cut off from the beginning due to some phone issues (but the transcript is under as it is - it may vary slightly but overall the same speech & same ideas). I also used some hadiths, which are highlighted in red. Please leave some feedback if you can!
The Forgotten Imam (AS)
Bismillāhir-rahmānir-rahīm.
Maulana Rizvi; my respected scholars and
elders; and my dear brothers & sisters; Salaamun Alaikum. My name is
Mohammad Zahid. I want to thank the Masumeen Management Committee and the
Masumeen Youth Committee for giving me this opportunity.
Generally when we think of the Ahlul Bayt
(AS), we think of their importance. For example, Rasoolullah (SAW) is the final
Prophet of Allah (SWT) and who brought Islam; Imam Ali (AS) is successor of the
Prophet (SAW) and the Commander of the Faithful; Bibi Fatimah Az-Zahra (AS) is
leader of the women of the universe; and Imam Hussain (AS) is the king of
martyrs who saved Islam. But the one person who is often overlooked is the
second Imam, Imam Hassan (AS). It is quite a tragedy that he is so overlooked
when there are so many important lessons we can take away from his life. And
especially for us youth, there are so many examples we can learn from his life.
I’ll admit that I won’t be able to do justice in this speech because of limited
time. However, I will try my best to touch up on some important lessons we can
take from the life of Imam Hassan (AS).
The first lesson that we can take away from
Imam Hassan’s (AS) life is taking of responsibility. This lesson shows up in at
least two crucial points in the life of Imam Hassan (AS).
The first point came at the age of 8 when he
lost two of the biggest influences in his life: his grandfather, the Holy
Prophet (SAW); and his mother, Bibi Fatimah (AS). Despite losing these two, and
that too at such a young age, Imam Hassan (AS) was able to remain patient. In
fact, he had to assume a father-figure & parent-figure role to his younger
siblings, Imam Hussain (AS), Bibi Zainab (AS), and Umm Kulthum (AS). This in
itself is a lesson as it shows that age is of no real concern in order to
assume responsibility; as long as one has the mental capability and maturity, they
can take on responsibility.
The second point came after the martyrdom of
Amir ul-Momimeen (AS). At this point, Imam Hassan (AS) had a greater challenge
as now he had to assume responsibility of the Muslim Ummah and at a time where
Muawiya (L/A) was unjustly trying to take away his (the Imam’s) right. I will
go over that point in a few moments.
But overall, these two points show that
despite the challenges, Imam Hassan (AS) remained patient and took on the
responsibility that was required. Often when we are faced with challenges, we
tend to try and run away from them; and this leads to more challenges. We
should instead take responsibility and face these challenges. Even when there
aren’t challenges, we should look to take on responsibility in all different
aspects of our lives, whether it be at school, work, or at home.
The second lesson we can take away
from Imam Hassan’s (AS) life is the concept of leadership. Rasoolullah (SAW)
has said that “Hassan and Hussain are the Masters of the Youth of Paradise.”
This hadith shows the leadership that has been bestowed upon Imam Hassan (AS). Prior
to becoming the Imam, Imam Hassan (AS) played a vital role in Imam Ali’s (AS)
army during the battles of Jamal, Siffin, and Nahrawan. Not only was he the
flag-bearer during all three of the battles, but he also defended the right of
Imam Ali (AS) against his enemies.
After the death of Amir ul-Momineen (AS),
Imam Hassan (AS) then became the Imam. Along with being the religious leader of
the Muslim Ummah, Imam Hassan (AS) was also to be the next Caliph & thus a
political leader as well. Due to the treacheries of Muawiya (L/A) and the lack
of support from people who claimed to be his followers though, Imam Hassan (AS)
had to give up his right as being the Caliph and signed into the peace treaty
with Muawiya (L/A). He still remained as the Imam as that was an appointment
from Allah (SWT).
This shows that leadership does not to be
fulfilled in only a religious way, but that leadership roles can be fulfilled
in all aspects. With all the negative portrayal of Islam, it is extremely
crucial for us to take more of a leadership role in media and politics. If we
take on these, then we can influence the image that is being painted about us
to show what the truth is about our beautiful and perfect religion.
The final lesson I will mention that we can
take away from Imam Hassan’s (AS) life is that of decision-making. As soon as
Imam Hassan (AS) became the Imam, Muawiya (L/A) wanted to go to war. Imam
Hassan (AS) was willing to fight; however a lot of his companions were tired of
fighting after having fought 3 battles on the side of Imam Ali (AS). Imam
Hassan (AS) was still willing to fight with 20,000 men against Muawiya’s (L/A)
army of 76,000. But the next factor that hindered this was the fact a good
portion of Imam Hassan’s (AS) army was easily bribed and switched sides based
on this. This reduced the army down even further to 8,000 but Imam Hassan (AS)
was still willing to fight. Muawiya (L/A) then spread a rumour saying that Imam
Hassan (AS) did not want to fight; because of this, Imam Hassan (AS) was
attacked by people in his own army; specifically the Kharijites, the same
people who opposed Imam Ali (AS) after Siffin. Not knowing who to trust and not
having an army that would be able to survive, Imam Hassan (AS) had signed the
peace treaty with Muawiya (L/A).
Why did Imam Hassan (AS) make this
decision? Because Imam Hassan (AS) knew what his objectives were & was also
farsighted. Imam Hassan (AS) knew that Muawiya (L/A) would not comply with the
treaty that was signed. And when Muawiya (L/A) would break the treaty, it would
show to the Ummah that Imam Hassan (AS) was truthful and on the right path
while Muawiya (L/A) was a liar and on the wrong path.
This is one lesson we need to focus
on. Very often, we let our egos get in the way of decision-making and forget
what our overall objectives are. We also become very stubborn and go with a ‘my
way or the highway’ approach instead of being farsighted and determining what
is the best course of action to take. If we set our egos aside, especially when
it comes to issues with the community, then not only will we be able to meet
our objectives but we will also be able to improve and strengthen our
community.
To
conclude, I want to re-iterate that there are many lessons we can take away
from the life of Imam Hassan (AS). He was oppressed in his life and still is
oppressed today. I urge myself firstly, and everybody as well to learn more about
his life; especially about the peace treaty that was signed.
For my fellow youth, I urge you all to take
the lessons I mentioned and apply them in your life. Imam Ali (AS) has said,
“Hours of leisure pass away like summer-clouds, therefore do not waste
opportunity of doing good.” There is a lot of apathy in our community. Our
community cannot go on without you being involved. I was somebody who wasn’t
involved for quite a while for personal reasons and it left a huge void. Do not
make that same mistake. Be a part of the community. Take responsibility; take
on leadership roles. When the Masumeen Youth Committee is looking for new
members, take a step forward and join. Help build our community to please Imam
Hassan (AS) and prepare for the Imam of our time, the 12th Imam
(AS).
Imam Hassan (AS) has said, “Allah
provides everything to one who worships Allah.” These are the types of
opportunity available to serve and worship Allah (SWT). And our goal in life is
to get as close to Him as we can. Thank you all once again. Wasalaam.
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