Hasan bin Ali (rtam) was the son of the Messenger of Allah’s (saw) daughter Fatima (rtaf). He had a great fortune from his name (which means ‘good’), as he was of good character, good form, well spoken whenever he spoke, and he gave well whenever he gave. It was the Prophet (saw) himself, who named him ‘Hasan’ – a name that nobody else had ever had before him.
In childhood, Hasan (rtam) spent much time with the Prophet (saw) and played with him often. He used to call him: “Oh, my father,” even in the presence of his real father Ali (rtam). Hasan (rtam) used to climb on the Prophet’s (saw) back, when he prostrated in prayers, but the Prophet (saw) was always very patient with him. The Prophet (saw) used to kiss Hasan (rtam) frequently and carry him on his shoulder. Ibn Abbas (rtam) said that once the Messenger of Allah (saw) came out carrying Hasan on his shoulder and a man said: “Oh, boy, what an excellent mount you are riding.” The Prophet (saw) then answered: “And an excellent rider is he.” (At-Tirmidhi)
The Prophet (saw) loved Hasan (rtam) so dearly that he used to say to his companions:
“Whoever loved me, he should love him [Hasan]; let those who are present inform those who are not.”
And it was not difficult for the companions to follow this order, because even by his facial features and outward appearance, Hasan (rtam) looked very much like the Prophet (saw). When the Prophet (saw) passed away, the eyes of companions would always fill with tears, when they would see Hasan (rtam), because his appearance reminded them of his grandfather.
Adapted for “Hiba” from “Child Companions around the Prophet (saw)” published by “Darussalam”.
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