On the occasion of the martyrdom of Imam Hasan al-Askari (AS), a mourning ceremony was held at the Islamic Centre of England with the participation of a number of Shia Muslims residing in London.
The event, held on 31 August 2025 in three languages—Persian, English, and Arabic—featured a speech in Persian by Hujjat al-Islam wal-Muslimeen Seyed Hashem Moosavi, Imam of the Islamic Centre of England. He spoke about the most difficult responsibility of Imam Hasan al-Askari (AS), saying:
“The Imamate of this noble Imam took place during one of the darkest and most repressive periods of Islamic history. His unique and critical mission was to prepare the Ummah for the era of occultation.”
Imam of the Centre noted that the main challenge of the Imam’s era was the shift in the style of leadership—from direct connection between the Imam and the people to the period of occultation—amidst the tyranny of the Abbasid rulers. He added that Imam Hasan al-Askari (AS) addressed this challenge through measures such as: direct introduction of the Awaited Imam (may Allah hasten his reappearance), clarifying the theological foundations of occultation, strengthening and expanding the system of representation (wakālah), emphasising faith, patience, and expectation, and warning against spiritual orphanhood while stressing the role of scholars.
Seyed Hashem Moosavi further stated:
“As a result of these strategic measures, the Islamic community did not collapse, thanks to the prior introduction of Imam al-Mahdi (may Allah hasten his reappearance), and the path of Imamate continued. Furthermore, groundwork was laid for the Minor Occultation, which accustomed the Ummah to the concept of special deputation, and eventually, the model of the Major Occultation was established, shaping a lasting intellectual framework. Reliance on just jurists as the general deputies of the Imam, referring to traditions for solving issues, and preserving the spirit of awaiting the reappearance—all have their roots in the efforts of Imam Hasan al-Askari (AS).”
He stressed that the martyrdom of Imam Hasan al-Askari (AS) was not merely the end of a blessed life, but the beginning of a divine test for the true followers of the Ahl al-Bayt (AS):
“What we know today as the dynamic and living school of Shi‘ism owes much to the wisdom, sacrifices, and strategic planning of this oppressed Imam.”
Highlighting the necessity of maintaining a bond with the Imam, Seyed Hashem Moosavi added:
“Since the true orphan is the one who is cut off from the Imam, the importance of connecting with the Imam of our time (may Allah hasten his reappearance), recognising him, and striving to follow him becomes ever clearer. Our religious sources and transmitted supplications emphasise creating and maintaining a spiritual link with the Imam. Thus, praying for his reappearance, recognising his signs, and adhering to the authentic teachings conveyed through his general deputies—the qualified jurists—can rescue us from this spiritual orphanhood and guide us towards perfection.”
Also addressing the gathering in English, Hujjat al-Islam wal-Muslimeen Saeed Sobhani said:
“The life of Imam Hasan al-Askari (AS) was truly exceptional. Not only did he live during the harshest period of suppression, but in just six short years of his Imamate he undertook remarkable efforts, such as preparing people for Imam al-Mahdi (AS) from a very young age and confronting deviant sects.”
Delivering a lecture in Arabic, Hujjat al-Islam wal-Muslimeen Ghiyath Al-Tu‘meh highlighted Imam Hasan al-Askari’s (AS) efforts to refute the claims of deviant sects, expose the lies of those who falsely claimed affiliation with them, and guide his companions to write works exposing contradictions while presenting a positive image of the Ahl al-Bayt (AS) based on Qur’an and authentic narrations.
The ceremony concluded with elegies and laments in Persian and Arabic by eulogists of the Ahl al-Bayt (AS) in mourning for the martyrdom of the eleventh radiant star of Imamate and Wilayah, Imam Hasan al-Askari (AS).
