To mark the auspicious anniversary of the birth of the eleventh radiant star in the sky of Imamate and Wilayah, Imam Hasan al-ʿAskari (as), a grand celebration was held at the Islamic Centre of England with the participation of Shia Muslims residing in London from various backgrounds.
The event took place on Wednesday, 1st October 2025, in an atmosphere filled with joy and devotion. Reciters and eulogists of the Ahlulbayt (as) presented a variety of performances, including poetry and songs of praise in both Persian and Arabic, filling the gathering with happiness and spiritual warmth.
In the lecture segment, Hujjat al-Islam wal-Muslimeen Seyed Saeed Khalkhali, speaking in both Arabic and Persian, elaborated on religious teachings. He highlighted the lofty status of the mother of Imam Hasan al-ʿAskari (as) in nurturing her son and her pivotal role in guiding the community. Quoting Imam Hadi (as), he said:
“This noble lady was full of piety, knowledge, and patience. During the period when Imam Hasan al-ʿAskari (as) was imprisoned, she bore the great responsibility of responding to people’s religious questions and safeguarding the presence of Imam al-Mahdi (as).”
He then referred to the difficult and oppressive conditions during the short period of Imam Hasan al-ʿAskari’s (as) Imamate, adding:
“The will of the Eleventh Imam remains a guiding light for Shia Muslims until the Day of Judgement. It encompasses three key principles: firstly, the emphasis on piety and good conduct even towards non-Muslims; secondly, the call for positive engagement with followers of other faiths, upholding honesty and respecting the rights of others; and thirdly, the reminder that Shias should be an honour to the Ahlulbayt (as), not a cause of embarrassment.”
Also addressing the gathering in English, Hujjat al-Islam Ali Hadi Shabbiri expounded upon the life and virtues of Imam Hasan al-ʿAskari (as). Referring to the intense surveillance and pressure of the Abbasid regime, he stated:
“The Abbasids knew that his son would be the awaited Saviour, Imam al-Mahdi (A), and therefore, the Imams after Imam al-Ridha (as) were subjected to greater restrictions and had their lives tragically shortened.”
He further emphasised:
“One of Imam al-ʿAskari’s (as) most important teachings was steadfastness in piety, honesty, trustworthiness, and good character. He warned that the followers of the Ahlulbayt (as) must never bring shame upon them but instead be reflections of their nobility and ethics.”
In conclusion, Hujjat al-Islam Shabbiri remarked:
“During the period of occultation, our foremost duty is to strengthen our knowledge and recognition of Imam al-Mahdi (as), remain firm in faith, and pray for steadfast hearts. In today’s world, we must attract hearts to the love of the Ahlulbayt (as) through logic, compassion, and good morals—not through harshness or argument.”
