Chapter 8: Prominent Figures During Al-Hasan’s Caliphate
The situation of the Muslims after the death of Ali ibn Abi Talib was difficult because of the ongoing conflict with Mu’awiyah ibn Abi Sufyan.
Allegiance was sworn to Al-Hasan ibn Ali as the new Caliph in the year 40 AH and he did not have much time to implement changes, so he kept the governors whom his father had appointed during his Caliphate.
The only change he made was in Kufa, where he appointed al-Mughirah ibn Nawfal to replace Hani ibn an-Nahka’i, who had joined Mu’awiyah.
Sa’d ibn Ma’sud al-Thaqafi remained governor of Mada’in, as he was appointed by Ali, and Al-Hasan kept him in that position until the Caliphate transitioned to Mu’awiyah.
According to some reports, Abdullah ibn Abbas had been appointed as governor of Basra by Ali ibn Abi Talib and he continued in this role until the peace treaty was concluded with Mu’awiyah.
After this, he withdrew from political affairs, leaving Basra and travelling to Makkah, where he dedicated his time to teaching and seeking knowledge.
Among the most prominent figures during Al-Hasan’s Caliphate were his brother Al-Husayn ibn Ali, Qays ibn Sa’d ibn Ubadah, Ubaydullah ibn Abbas and Abdullah ibn Ja’far ibn Abi Talib.