Chapter 21: Life After the Reconciliation
Al-Hasan’s Life in Madinah After the Reconciliation
After handing the Caliphate over to Mu’awiyah ibn Abi Sufyan, Al-Hasan ibn Ali left Kufa and along with his close companions and the tribe of Banu Hashim, he returned to Madinah.
The tribe of Banu Hashim were greatly respected, and Mu’awiyah ibn Abi Sufyan held them in high regard.
Madinah at that time was home to many of the Prophet’s companions who were scholars and among them, were the Tabi’un who had studied under the companions.
The main concern of the residents of Madinah was to teach and narrate the Hadiths they had memorised directly from the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Among those present in Madinah were: Abdullah ibn Umar, Abdullah ibn Abbas, Abu Hurayrah, Abu Sa’id al-Khudri and Jabir ibn Abdullah.
The city enjoyed peace and the residents devoted themselves to narrating Hadith and explaining the Quran.
Al-Hasan’s Lack of Interest in Worldly Gain:
Al-Hasan ibn Ali turned away from worldly status and material possessions, knowing how insignificant they truly were, and his focus was on seeking the pleasure of Allah SWT.
Allah SWT placed great love and respect for him in the hearts of people as the Muslims held him in very high esteem, even though he did not seek this status.
Al-Hasan ibn Ali became a model of selflessness, because he put the interests and unity of the Ummah ahead of his own authority during a difficult period.
When some of his followers objected to his peace agreement with Mu’awiyah, Al-Hasan explained his reasons to them and their pressure did not change his decision-making, which was based on what he believed was correct and most pleasing to Allah SWT.