Az Zubayr, Iraq
Coordinates: 30.384156, 47.698779
Imam Hasan al-Basri رضي الله عنه in Sunni Islam, was an early Muslim preacher, ascetic, theologian, exegete, scholar, judge, and Sufi Mystic.
Born in Medina in 642, Imam Hasan رضي الله عنه belonged to the second generation of Muslims, all of whom would subsequently be referred to as the tabiʿun in Sunni Islamic piety.
Imam Hasan رضي الله عنه rose to become one of “the most celebrated” of the tabiʿun.
Great Patriarch of early Sufism
Imam Hasan رضي الله عنه, revered for his austerity and support for “renunciation” (zuhd), preached against worldliness and materialism during the early days of the Umayyad Caliphate, with his passionate sermons casting a “deep impression on his contemporaries.”
His close relationships with several of the most prominent companions of the prophet Muhammad ﷺ only strengthened his standing as a teacher and scholar of the Islamic sciences.
The particular disciplines in which he is said to have excelled included exegesis (tafsir) of the Quran, as well as theology and Sufism.
Regarding the last of these, it is important to note that Imam Hasan رضي الله عنه became a tremendously important figure in the development of Sufism with his name occurring “in many mystical silsilas (chains of teachers and their disciples) going back to Hz. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in the writings of Sunni mystics from the ninth-century onwards.
In the words of one scholar, Imam Hasan رضي الله عنه stands as the “great patriarch” of early Sufism.
As scholars have noted, very few of Imam Hasan’s رضي الله عنه original writings survive, with his proverbs and maxims on various subjects having been transmitted primarily through oral tradition by his numerous disciples.
Traditionally, Imam Hasan رضي الله عنه has been commemorated as an outstanding figure by all the Sunni schools of thought.
Mausoleum of Imam al-Hasan of Basra رضي الله عنه
The Mausoleum of Imam Hasan al-Basri رضي الله عنه is a historic shrine in Basra commemorating the renowned master. The mausoleum is located in the Zubayr district where many cemeteries are situated.
The mausoleum contains the tomb of Imam Hasan al-Basri رضي الله عنه and Imam ibn Sirin رحمة الله عليه, and the building is topped with a tower decorated by engravings.
The tower was built in 1185 by the 34th Abbasid Caliph Al-Nasir, constructed in Seljuk architectural style, with the lower part of the tower having larger diameter than the upper part.
At the northern part of the tomb, there are two pillars with plaster paintings.
Next to the tomb is a room containing the grave of Al-Naqib family, as well as Imam ibn Sirin رحمة الله عليه, who died one hundred day after the death of Imam Hasan رضي الله عنه. The shrine of Imam Hasan رضي الله عنه is made of marble stones. A small prayer room also serves as a mosque.
