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• 6 Rabi I 1447

The Representative of the Supreme Religious Authority in Europe Offers Condolences to the Islamic World on the Martyrdom of the Eleventh Imam, Imam Hasan al-Askari (P), and Congratulates the Believers on the Commencement of the Imamate of the Twelfth Imam He states:
• Imam al-Askari (P) served as a vigilant and faithful guardian of Islamic doctrine during a time plagued by intellectual, social, and political turmoil. He defended the religion, responded to doubts, exposed innovations, outlined the path of devotion to the Imamate, and prepared the groundwork for the occultation of the Awaited Imam al-Mahdi (P).

The eighth of Rabiʿ al-Awwal marks the martyrdom anniversary of the Eleventh Imam, Imam Hasan al-Askari (P). On this sorrowful occasion, mourning gatherings are held throughout the Islamic world to commemorate his painful martyrdom.
Like his purified forefathers, Imam al-Askari (P) dedicated his life to the defense of religion and preservation of the Divine Law, despite enduring intense restrictions, imprisonment, surveillance, and constant pressure from oppressive authorities. He remained a steadfast protector and sincere defender of Islamic belief.
His contributions can be summarized as follows:

1. Refuting Intellectual and Doctrinal Doubts During his era, various speakers and emerging intellectual currents raised complex questions concerning God's oneness, attributes, predestination, and prophethood, along with rising atheistic tendencies. Historical records document Imam al-Askari’s clear, rational, and well-reasoned responses to such challenges. He wrote letters to his followers, clarifying sound beliefs and emphasizing that reason and innate human nature affirm God’s oneness and justice, and that Islamic law aligns with sound reason.
He (P) stated: “Access to God is only attained through sound intellect, beneficial knowledge, and sincere action.” Here, the Imam (P) connected correct belief with practical conduct, rejecting fruitless argumentation. Historical sources have preserved this dimension of his intellectual leadership, affirming his vital role in guiding the faithful through times of ideological confusion.

2. Exposing Innovations and Misrepresentations Imam al-Askari (P) confronted deviant beliefs and attempts to distort Islam, such as exaggerated views (ghuluw) regarding the Imams, or denials of their legitimate authority. Following the method of Imams al-Baqir and al-Sadiq (P), he warned that extremists are fabricators who pose a greater threat to the Ummah than external enemies.
He also countered jurisprudential distortions that sought to undermine the Prophet’s tradition. He asserted that the teachings of the Prophet (P) are the supreme source and that the Imams of Ahl al-Bayt (P) are their natural successors in explaining belief and practice.
He clarified the correct meanings of Qur’anic verses, warning against distorted interpretations by deviant groups seeking to exploit scripture to justify their ideological corruption.

3. Establishing the Imamate as a Fortress of Belief The Imam (P) recognized that intellectual deviation could not gain traction if the Ummah remained firmly aligned with the path of the Imamate. Therefore, he focused on explaining that the "Sunnah" (Prophetic tradition) means the sayings, actions, and affirmations of the infallible Imam when issuing religious rulings—and that obedience to the Imam is tantamount to obedience to God and His Messenger.
Moreover, he prepared his followers for the occultation of his son, Imam al-Mahdi (P), whom God concealed from the oppressive rulers. This preparation was a form of safeguarding Islam, ensuring the continuity of Divine leadership that protects the religion even in the Imam’s absence.

4. Defending Islam Through Exemplary Conduct Imam al-Askari’s (P) defense of the faith was not limited to words—it was manifest in his personal piety and moral character. Even his enemies testified to his asceticism and devotion. It is reported that one of his prison guards remarked: “We have never seen anyone like this man in his prayer and humility.” Through such noble behavior, Imam al-Askari (P) demonstrated that Islam is not a slogan but a way of life, offering a practical rebuttal to atheists and skeptics who questioned religion’s capacity to lead society.

Imam al-Askari (P) remained steadfast in his mission until he was martyred on a day like this. His funeral prayer was led by his son, the Awaited Imam al-Mahdi (P), who then buried him in his current resting place in Samarra, beside his father, Imam al-Hadi (P).
Thus came the end of the Era of Direct Presence, and the Imamate of the Twelfth Imam commenced on the ninth of Rabiʿ al-Awwal, as he assumed the Divine role of leadership at the age of six.
This Imam, for whom the world awaits, will—as the Prophet (P) foretold—fill the earth with justice and equity as it had been filled with tyranny and oppression.
We ask Al-Might Allah to make us among his supporters, helpers, and those who pave the way for his global mission, and to grant us His mercy, compassion, prayers, and blessings.