Imam Hassan and Imam Hussein (peace be upon them) and their approach to societal peace

Abstract

This research addresses one of the important aspects of the lives of the Imams of Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them), with particular focus on Imam al-Hasan and Imam al-Husayn (peace be upon them). This aspect is tolerance and social peace. The Holy Qur’an and the Prophet’s Sunnah (peace be upon him and his family) strongly emphasize the promotion of tolerance and the preservation of social harmony, a path that was consistently followed by both Imams (peace be upon them).

From this perspective, and given its significance in the lives of Muslims in general, this concise study is entitled:

“Imam al-Hasan and Imam al-Husayn (peace be upon them) and Their Approach to Social Peace.”

The research is divided into two sections. The first section examines Imam al-Hasan (peace be upon him) and the principle of peaceful tolerance, while the second section discusses Imam al-Husayn (peace be upon him) and his approach to peaceful tolerance. The study relies on a number of primary sources in its analysis.

The findings of this brief research indicate that Imam al-Hasan (peace be upon him) followed the approach of the Prophet (peace be upon him and his family) in the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah, as well as the path of Imam Ali (peace be upon him) when he accepted arbitration during the Battle of Siffin. In accordance with this methodology, Imam al-Hasan (peace be upon him) agreed to conclude a peace treaty in order to prevent the shedding of Muslim blood. Likewise, Imam al-Husayn (peace be upon him) acted with the same spirit when he called upon his supporters during the Battle of Karbala to adhere to tolerance, forgiveness, benevolence, and compassion. All of this stemmed from the guidance of the Holy Qur’an, as stated in the verse: “But if you pardon and overlook and forgive, then indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.” (Qur’an 64:14).