Al-Hasan ibn Ali ibn Abi Talib By Dr. Ali Mohammad al-Sallabi

Al-Hasan ibn Ali ibn Abi Talib (may Allah be pleased with him) was the grandson of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) through his daughter Fatimah and his cousin Ali. He grew up in the household of prophethood, was loved deeply by the Prophet who carried him on his shoulders and called him a leader of the youth of Paradise, and he later became the fifth caliph of the Muslims — before making the decision that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) had foretold: yielding the caliphate to Muawiyah for the unity of the ummah.

Al-Hasan ibn Ali ibn Abi Talib by Dr. Ali Muhammad as-Sallabi traces his full life — his upbringing in the Prophet's household, his position among the Companions, the trials of his era, and the historic decision that defined his legacy and fulfilled the prophecy of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him).

What This Book Covers

His Upbringing in the Prophet's Household

Al-Hasan grew up at the knee of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and was among the most beloved of people to him. The Prophet described al-Hasan and al-Husayn as the leaders of the youth of Paradise, and al-Hasan's early formation under the prophethood shaped the character he would demonstrate throughout his life.

His Caliphate and the Fulfilled Prophecy

Following the assassination of his father Ali, al-Hasan was given the pledge of allegiance as caliph. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) had prophesied that this grandson would bring about reconciliation between two great groups of Muslims — and so it was. Al-Hasan's willingness to yield the caliphate to Muawiyah ibn Abi Sufyan, ending the civil strife, was a demonstration of his understanding that the unity of the Muslim community outweighed his own claim to authority.

His Character and Piety

Al-Hasan was known for his generosity, his worship, and his deep attachment to the Qur'an. His life demonstrates that true strength sometimes looks like yielding — and that genuine concern for the ummah can require sacrifice of the highest personal station.

About the Author

Dr. Ali Muhammad as-Sallabi is a contemporary scholar and historian whose biographies of the early Muslim figures are among the most comprehensive available in English, grounded in the classical sources throughout. Published by International Islamic Publishing House (IIPH).

Who This Book Is For

Muslims who want to know the members of the Prophet's household as the Sunnah presents them — with love, accuracy, and without the distortions of Shi'ite or anti-Islamic narratives. Essential for anyone studying the early history of Islam, the era of the Companions, or seeking role models from the generation closest to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him).

Continue Reading

His father's life is covered in Ali ibn Abi Talib (2 Volumes), and the same author's series covers Abu Bakr as-Siddeeq, Umar ibn al-Khattab and Uthman ibn Affan. Browse all his titles in the Dr. Ali Mohammad al-Sallabi collection or the full Seerah and biography collection.