The Luminary of Basra
Abu Sa'id al-Hasan ibn Yasar al-Basri [quddisa sirruhu], a towering figure among the Tabi'in, a scholar, ascetic, and a luminous exemplar of piety, passed away in 110 AH (728 CE). Born in 21 AH (642 CE) in Medina, Hasan al-Basri’s life was steeped in the sacred atmosphere of Islam's formative years.
His father, Yasar—previously known as Fayruz— had been brought to Medina as a captive during the conquest of Iraq. His mother, Khayra, served as a freedwoman and attendant of Umm Salama [radiyallahu anha], the noble wife of the Messenger of Allah [sallallahu alayhi wa sallam]. It was in this spiritually rich environment that Hasan al-Basri grew up, nurtured by Umm Salama’s wisdom and presence.
It is narrated that as an infant, Hasan occasionally cried while his mother was busy with her duties. Umm Salama [radiyallahu anha], out of compassion, would cradle him. Remarkably, though she was no longer nursing, a few drops of milk would flow by Allah's will, sustaining the infant. The immense spiritual blessings and virtues that adorned Hasan throughout his life were often attributed to these sacred drops of milk.
A Prophetic Benediction
One day, Hasan al-Basri was brought before the Messenger of Allah [sallallahu alayhi wa sallam] in the house of Umm Salama. The Prophet [sallallahu alayhi wa sallam] prayed for him, bestowing blessings that bore fruit throughout his life. It is said that every grace Hasan found stemmed from this divine supplication.
Reflections by the Grave
Once, as Hasan al-Basri stood by a grave after a burial, he sat down, overwhelmed with emotion. He wept until the soil beneath him turned to mud. Then, addressing those gathered, he said:
"O people! The beginning and end of every soul is this grave. Look! The final station of this world is the grave, and the first station of the Hereafter is the grave. This narrow resting place is the threshold of the eternal abode. Why do you trust a world whose culmination is this? Why do you neglect preparing for an existence that begins here? O heedless ones! When your beginning and end are marked by this pit, prepare for what lies beyond."
His words struck such a profound chord that everyone present wept until their faces bore the same pallor.
The Mark of Repentance
As a young man, Hasan once committed a sin. Stricken by remorse, every time he donned a new garment, he would inscribe the memory of that sin on its collar. Whenever he saw it, he would weep so bitterly that he often lost consciousness.
Wisdom of the Heart
Malik ibn Dinar once asked Hasan al-Basri,
- What is the punishment for a scholar?
- The death of the heart, replied Hasan.
- And what causes the heart’s death?
- Love of the world and greed for it.
A Stern Reminder
To his companions, Hasan once remarked:
"You resemble the Companions of the Messenger of Allah [sallallahu alayhi wa sallam]." Overjoyed by this comparison, they beamed with pride. However, Hasan continued, “I mean only in appearance and mannerisms, not in substance. Had you seen the Companions, you would have thought them mad. Had they seen you, they would not have considered any of you to be true believers. They advanced swiftly on the path to Allah, like galloping horses or soaring birds. But we are like weary donkeys, stuck and motionless.”
Gems of Wisdom
"The knowledge that benefits a person is one rooted in sincerity, deeds marked by excellence, and contentment supported by patience. If one possesses these three traits, what harm can the world bring to them?"
"Sheep are more responsive than humans; a shepherd’s call distracts them from grazing, but the divine words of Allah fail to deter humans from their whims."
"Those who mingle with corrupt people will inevitably harbor suspicion toward the righteous."
"The people of true hearts are those who habitually remain silent. They speak only when their hearts stir with truth, and their words flow as a reflection of the soul’s illumination."
"If I were assured that no hypocrisy resides within me, it would be more beloved to me than all the treasures of this world."
"The backbiting of three types of individuals bears no sin: one who indulges in their desires, a flagrant sinner, and a tyrannical ruler."
"If you wish to know how the world will be after your passing, observe how it is after the death of others."
"When advising others, first act upon that advice yourself."
"A person who carries others’ words to you will also carry your words to others."
His Supplication
Hasan al-Basri [once prayed:
"O Allah! You have blessed me with Your bounties, yet I have failed to show gratitude. You have tested me with trials, yet I have not shown patience. Despite my ingratitude, You did not withdraw Your blessings. Despite my impatience, You did not perpetuate my trials. O Allah! What comes from You is naught but mercy."
