Birth Anniversary of Imam Hasan al-Askari (p), 1447 A.H.

Wednesday, October 1st, 2025, is the 8th of Rabi al-Akhir, 1447 A.H., which marks the birth anniversary of Imam Hasan al-Askari (p)

The Quiet Dangers That Break the Soul

In every age, human beings have struggled with two deep desires: the need to talk about others and the thirst for recognition. At first, they seem small, almost harmless, a whispered word about someone’s mistake, a quiet craving for people to notice and admire us. But these subtle habits can carve cracks in the soul, cracks that widen until they lead us far from God.

Imam Hasan al-Askari (p) gave us a warning that pierces across time “Beware of spreading information about people and seeking leadership, for these two call you toward destruction” [Tuhaf al-‘Uqul, p. 487].

The Weight of Words

When we speak about others, whether their faults, their private lives, or their struggles, we may not realize how heavy those words become in the sight of God. What feels like casual conversation can ruin reputations, break trust, and plant seeds of bitterness that last for years. Worse still, every word leaves an imprint on our own hearts. With each careless tongue, our soul grows harder, less sensitive to mercy, and more distant from God.

The Subtle Trap of Recognition

The desire for leadership is not always about titles or power. Sometimes it shows up as the quiet need to be admired, followed, or obeyed. We want our voice louder, our opinion dominant, our presence recognized. But Imam al-Askari (p) reminds us that this thirst for attention does not uplift the spirit. It leads us to destruction. True honor lies in humility before God, not in chasing the fleeting approval of people.

A Mirror for Our Times

Today, in an age of social media, the Imam’s words ring even louder. We scroll through feeds filled with exposed flaws and curated self-images, where gossip spreads like fire and the chase for likes feels endless. How many times do we share something just to be seen? How often do we join in speaking about someone else when silence would have been closer to God?

The Path Back to God

The antidote lies in awareness and restraint. Before our words leave our lips, we must ask: Will this bring me closer to God, or will it break another’s dignity? Before seeking recognition, we must remember that God is the only One whose gaze matters. For in the end, the only recognition that saves is God’s, and the only words that endure are those that heal.

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For more information on Imam Hasan al-Askari (p), click here.

(Click here to learn about varying dates for Islamic events.)