The late founder of the Islamic Republic highly appreciated efforts rendered by Imam Hasan ('a) for growth of the Islamic society from various perspectives in history.
Imam Hassan ('a) was extremely generous and gave away all his funds in the way of Allah. No one went away from his door empty-handed. He sat down with the poorest of the poor when they invited him to share food with them. He was always hospitable and provided food for poor people.
Imam Hassan's (A) Imamate Era
The Holy Imam (as) helped his father throughout his life until Imam Ali (as) was martyred when the Holy Imam (as) was 37 years old. At this age, he inherited his father and became the guardian of Ahlul Bayt and the Shia. In his well-known will, Imam Ali (as) appointed him as the next Imam.
The martyrdom of Imam Ali (as) on the 21st of Ramadan month, 40 A.H. marked the beginning of Imam Hassan's (as) Imamat. The Muslims pledged their allegiance to him and finalized the formality of Bay'at (Oath of Allegiance). No sooner had he taken the reins of leadership in his hands than he had to meet the challenge of Muawiya bin Abu Sufyan, the governor of Syria, who began trying to undermine his authority.
Imam Hassan’s Character
In human perfection, Imam Hassan was reminiscent of his father and a perfect example of his noble grandfather. As long as the prophet was alive, he and his brother were always in the company of the Prophet who even sometimes would carry them on his shoulders.
Both Sunni and Shiite sources have transmitted this saying of the Holy Prophet concerning Imam Hassan and Imam Hussein, "These two children of mine are Imams whether they stand up or sit down" (an allusion to whether they occupy the external function of the caliphate or not).
As the ingredients of the characters of the two Imams were the same, they were singular in their behavior, march, steps and goals, which were Islamic in their entirety.
The excellent preparation which was provided for the grandson of the Holy Prophet (pbuh), helped his spiritual entity to sublimate. His closeness to Allah, and his attachment to Him was a source of awe and respect.
Imam al-Sadiq (as) said, "Hassan bin Ali (as) was certainly the truest worshipper, ascetic and merited man among the people of his time."
Imam Hassan's Modesty
- It is reported that he once chanced upon some poor men who put a few crumbs of bread on the ground in front of them, which they had earlier picked up from the road. They were eating them. They invited him to eat with them. He accepted the invitation and said: "Certainly Allah does not like the proud." Having finished eating with them he invited them to his house. He showered them with money, fed and clothed them.
- It is reported that he was sitting in some place. When the Imam (as) rose to go, a poor man came in. The Imam greeted him and spoke kindly to him. "You have come at the time when I was taking leave," he said to the man. "Do you permit me to go?" "Yes, O son of the Messenger of Allah," replied the man.
Imam Hassan's Kindness to the Wrongdoers
A man, imbued with hatred and spite against the family of the Messenger of Allah (pbuh), by Mu’awiyah bin Abi-Sufyan, once saw the Imam on horseback. He at once emitted a series of curses! Imam Hassan (a.s.) did not put in a word of protest or interruption. When the man finished, Imam Hassan (as) approached him with a tender smile. He said to him, "O old man! I think you are a stranger here. Maybe you mistook me for someone else? If you propitiate us, we will satisfy you. If you ask us, we will give you what you need. If you ask our advice, we will guide you. If you ask us to give you a ride, we will take you with us. If you are hungry, we will satisfy you. If you are naked, we will clothe you. If you are in need, we will make you rich. If you are a refugee, we will give you lodgings. If you have a request, we will grant it. If you join your luggage to ours, and be our guest until the time of your travel, it will be more useful to you, because we have a spacious place, a good social position, and a vast amount of money."