MCQ Detailed View

Hazrat Hasan ibn Ali (R.A), the beloved grandson of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and the elder son of Hazrat Ali (R.A) and Hazrat Fatimah (R.A), served as the Khalifa (Caliph) of the Muslims for a short but significant period of 12 months after the martyrdom of his father in the year 40 AH (661 CE).

Following the tragic martyrdom of Hazrat Ali (R.A), the people of Kufa pledged allegiance to Hazrat Hasan (R.A). At that time, the Muslim Ummah was divided between supporters of Hazrat Hasan (R.A) and those of Ameer Muawiyah (R.A), who was based in Syria. Despite being young, Hazrat Hasan (R.A) showed great political wisdom and love for the unity of the Ummah. Rather than continue a war that would shed more Muslim blood, he chose to hand over the leadership to Ameer Muawiyah (R.A) through a peace treaty in the year 41 AH.

This peaceful transition marked the end of the rightly guided Khilafat period (Al-Khulafa-ur-Rashidun) and began the Umayyad rule under Ameer Muawiyah (R.A). Hazrat Hasan (R.A) is praised for his role in bringing unity and avoiding conflict at a time of tension and division.

His decision fulfilled the prophecy of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, who once said: “This son of mine is a Sayyid (leader), and perhaps Allah will bring reconciliation through him between two great groups of Muslims.” (Sahih Bukhari)

Key Facts:

• Khilafat Period: 12 months (661 CE / 40–41 AH)


• Age at Khilafat: Around 37 years


• Major Decision: Peace treaty with Ameer Muawiyah (R.A)


• Result: End of internal Muslim conflict and civil war


• Legacy: Sacrificed power for the unity and peace of the Ummah


• Hadith Reference: Sahih Bukhari, the Prophet ﷺ praised Hasan’s role in reconciliation

Hazrat Hasan’s (R.A) short Khilafat may have lasted only one year, but its historical impact is deep. His leadership showed maturity, patience, and genuine concern for the Muslim community.