The 15th of Ramadhan marks the birthday of Hasan ibn Ali, son of Ali ibn Abi Talib and Lady Fatima, the daughter of Prophet Muhammad.

As the second Shiite Imam and Caliph of Iraq, Hasan ibn Ali was widely known for his piety, generosity, bravery in battle, and diplomatic leadership.

He was also widely recognized for his charitable nature and selflessness, and is said to have given away his entire wealth multiple times to help those in need. He never turned away a beggar and often prioritized the well-being of others over his own comfort.

While Hussain ibn Ali’s uprising against Yazid ibn Muawiya is well known, many forget that the leadership of Hasan ibn Ali in face of Yazid’s father, Muawiya ibn Abu Sufyan, was just as critical in preserving Islam for generations to come.

This is particularly relevant in light of Saudi Arabia’s latest drama series hailing Muawiya as a hero and founder of the Umayyad dynasty.

The series, which reportedly cost $100 million to produce, was filmed in Tunisia and has aired in the Saudi-owned MBC Network during Ramadhan.

It sparked global controversy from both Shiite and Sunni audiences, and was banned by Egypt’s Al-Azhar University, the leading religious institution for Sunni Islam. The series was also banned in Iraq and Iran.

Political Strife of the Time

Muawiya was a figure who initially opposed Islam and the holy Prophet, but later embraced the religion and was appointed as the governor of Syria by the second caliph, Umar ibn al-Khattab.

His parents, Abu Sufyan and Hind bint Utbah, were known adversaries of Islam during its early years. Under the rule of the third caliph, Uthman ibn Affan, who was from the same Umayyad clan, Muawiya’s influence in Syria grew.

After Uthman was assassinated by rebels, Ali ibn Abi Talib was elected as the next caliph. Muawiya opposed this election and refused to pledge loyalty to Ali, accusing him of being complicit in Uthman’s death, and demanded retribution.

This led to the Battle of Siffin, which resulted in significant casualties and caused political fragmentation. As Ali ibn Ali Talib’s forces were gaining the upper hand, Muawiya’s army raised copies of the Quran on their spears, calling for arbitration.

This act caused division within Ali ibn Abi Talib’s army, as many saw it as a plea for peace. Ali was forced to halt the battle and agree to negotiations.

The Battle of Siffin led to the rise of the Kharijites, a faction that later assassinated Ali ibn Abi Talib in 661 AD.

After Ali ibn Abi Talib’s passing, Muawiya seized control of Egypt and declared himself caliph, establishing Damascus as his capital.

Conflict Between Muawiya and Hasan ibn Ali

Hasan ibn Ali became caliph after his father, Abi ibn Abi Talib. Seeking to consolidate his own power, Muawiya launched a military campaign into Iraq, where Hasan’s caliphate was based.

Hasan ibn Ali’s followers and some commanders, however, betrayed him after being bribed by Muawiya, and there was little guarantee they would stand firm in a prolonged conflict. This left him with only a handful of sincere followers and a significantly weakened army.

Recognizing the threat to the Muslims and a potentially compromised future for Islam, Hasan ibn Ali opted for a peace treaty rather than prolonged conflict.

The Peace Treaty 

Islamic principles allow for peace treaties in situations where military strength is insufficient to ensure the safety of the Muslim community.

Hasan ibn Ali, following the precedent set by his grandfather, the Prophet Muhammad, negotiated a peace treaty similar to the Treaty of Hudaybiyah.

Key terms of the treaty included the following:

1. Muawiya would not appoint a successor, leaving the caliphate to be determined through consultation.
2. The safety of all Muslims, including Hasan ibn Ali’s followers, was to be ensured.
3. The Shia and supporters of Ali ibn Abi Talib would be protected and not subjected to persecution.

Muawiya publicly agreed to these conditions and pledged to rule without deception.

Muawiya Violates the Peace Treaty

Historical sources, including ones documented among Sunni historians and scholars, indicate that Muawiya later violated the terms of the treaty.

He executed several of Ali’s companions, appointed his son Yazid as his successor despite the agreement, and engaged in policies that marginalized and persecuted Hasan ibn Ali’s followers, including the practice of publicly cursing Ali bin Abi Talib. 

Several prominent Sunni scholars have drawn attention to Muawiya’s corruption.

Scholars such as Abu Hanifa, Ibn Kathir, and Imam al-Suyuti have documented Muawiya’s deviations from the peace treaty and his role in fostering political discord. Historical works like Tarikh al-Tabari provide detailed accounts of the treaty violations and the political turmoil that ensued.

Imam al Suyuti and Ibn Abi al-Hadid have also criticized Muawiya’s insistence on his son, Yazid’s succession, which was against the treaty terms and led to the rule of one of the most corrupt leaders in Islamic history.

The Legacy of Hasan ibn Ali

Hasan ibn Ali recognized that a diplomatic approach was necessary to prevent further bloodshed among Muslims, and to expose Muawiya’s true ambitions and unjust rule. Over time, Muawiya violated the treaty, proving Hasan ibn Ali’s foresight correct.

Muawiya’s actions paved the way for the eventual downfall of the Umayyad dynasty. Many political and religious figures, including the wives of the Prophet Muhammad, later voiced criticism of Muawiya.

Muawiya’s decision to appoint Yazid as his successor led to further unrest, culminating in the Battle of Karbala. In this battle, Hasan ibn Ali’s younger brother, Hussain ibn Ali, along with his family and companions, were killed, an event that remains a defining moment in Islamic history.

Despite modern attempts to portray him favorably, many historians continue to view Muawiya’s rule as one driven by political ambition rather than adherence to Islamic principles.

In taking a stance against Muawiya, Hasan ibn Ali played a critical role in the preservation of Islam at one of the most divisive periods in Islamic history.