Hazrat Hasan Basri: The Saint of Piety and Wisdom
Hazrat Hasan Basri (642–728 CE) was one of the greatest early Islamic scholars, ascetics, and Sufi mystics. He was known for his deep knowledge, piety, wisdom, and powerful sermons that inspired both rulers and common people. As one of the Tabi’un (the generation that followed the Companions of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ), Hasan Basri had the privilege of learning directly from many of the Prophet’s close companions. His teachings laid the foundation for later Islamic spirituality and Sufism.
Early Life and Background
Hazrat Hasan Basri was born in Madina in the year 642 CE, during the caliphate of Hazrat Umar ibn Khattab (RA). His father, Yasar, was a freed slave of Hazrat Zayd ibn Thabit (RA), a companion of the Prophet ﷺ. His mother, Khayrah, was also a freed slave of Hazrat Umm Salama (RA), one of the wives of the Prophet ﷺ.
Since his mother served in the household of Umm Salama (RA), Hasan Basri had the opportunity to grow up in the presence of the Prophet’s family and companions. He was blessed with wisdom from a young age, and his strong intellect allowed him to absorb knowledge quickly.
As a child, he was taken to Basra, Iraq, where he spent most of his life. Basra was a major center of Islamic scholarship and governance at the time. There, he studied under the most renowned scholars and developed a reputation for his deep knowledge and ascetic lifestyle.
Education and Knowledge
Hazrat Hasan Basri studied Islamic sciences, including:
- Quranic interpretation (Tafsir)
- Hadith (Prophetic traditions)
- Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence)
- Spiritual purification (Tazkiyah al-Nafs)
He learned from great companions such as Hazrat Ali (RA), Hazrat Abdullah ibn Mas’ud (RA), Hazrat Anas ibn Malik (RA), and Hazrat Abdullah ibn Abbas (RA). These interactions deeply shaped his understanding of Islam and spirituality.
Hasan Basri was known for his vast knowledge, eloquence, and ability to explain complex religious matters in simple words. His students included many later scholars, including Imam Abu Hanifa, the founder of the Hanafi school of thought.
His Role in Society
Hasan Basri was not only a scholar but also a spiritual guide, preacher, and reformer. He fearlessly spoke the truth, even in front of rulers, and criticized the corruption and materialism of his time.
- He served as a judge and advisor under the Umayyad Caliphate but remained critical of its excesses and injustices.
- He preached about piety, humility, and sincerity, warning people against hypocrisy and worldly attachments.
- He encouraged self-reflection and urged people to purify their hearts.
One of his famous statements is:
“The life of this world is like a snake—soft to the touch but deadly in poison. So be cautious of it.”
Key Teachings of Hasan Basri
Hasan Basri’s teachings revolved around piety, repentance, reliance on Allah, and preparing for the Hereafter. Some of his core teachings include:
1. The Shortness of Life and Preparing for the Hereafter
Hasan Basri constantly reminded people that life is short and that they should focus on good deeds. He said:
“O son of Adam, you are nothing but a collection of days; whenever a day passes, a part of you has gone.”
2. The Importance of Repentance (Tawbah)
He emphasized turning back to Allah before it is too late:
“The world is only three days long: Yesterday, which has gone and will never return; today, which is here but will not last; and tomorrow, which is uncertain whether you will reach it or not.”
3. True Faith is in Action
Hasan Basri was against empty religiosity. He believed that faith is not just about words but about actions. He said:
“Faith is not about wishing; rather, it is what settles in the heart and is confirmed by actions.”
4. Avoiding Hypocrisy and Showing Off (Riya)
He warned against insincere worship and the dangers of showing off in religion. He said:
“Woe to those who pretend to be righteous in front of people but are wicked when alone.”
5. Love for Allah and Detachment from the World
Hasan Basri believed that true success lies in loving Allah and not becoming attached to material wealth. He said:
“Whoever loves the world, the fear of the Hereafter leaves his heart.”
His Relationship with Rulers
Unlike many scholars who sought the favor of rulers, Hasan Basri fearlessly criticized unjust rulers.
One famous story tells of when the Umayyad governor of Basra, Hajjaj ibn Yusuf, asked him:
“Why do people dislike me?”
Hasan Basri boldly replied:
“Because you have ruined their lives, so they fear you will ruin their afterlife as well.”
Despite his criticisms, he remained respected because of his wisdom and fairness. Many rulers sought his advice, but he never compromised his principles.
His Ascetic Lifestyle
Hasan Basri practiced extreme simplicity and detachment from worldly pleasures. Even though he had access to wealth and power, he lived modestly, often fasting and engaging in night prayers.
He said:
“By Allah, I have seen people who cared less for the material world than you care for dirt beneath your feet.”
His lifestyle reflected his deep faith and understanding that true wealth is in the heart, not in possessions.
Famous Sayings of Hasan Basri
- “Do not be deceived by the sins you see going unpunished. The punishment might come later, or worse, it might come in the Hereafter.”
- “The believer in this world is like a stranger—he does not get attached to it.”
- “When death comes, it does not ask if you are ready.”
- “The one who truly fears Allah will always feel like he has fallen short, no matter how much he prays.”
- “Avoid the company of bad people, for they steal your time and corrupt your heart.”
Death and Legacy
Hazrat Hasan Basri passed away in Basra in 728 CE at the age of 86. His funeral was attended by thousands, as people mourned the loss of one of the greatest scholars and spiritual leaders of early Islam.
His legacy continued through:
- His students, including great scholars of Islam.
- His teachings, which influenced later Sufi masters like Rabia Basri, Junaid Baghdadi, and Imam Ghazali.
- His books and wisdom, which continue to be read and studied.
Even today, his words guide seekers of truth, reminding them of the importance of sincerity, humility, and preparing for the Hereafter.
Conclusion
Hazrat Hasan Basri was a true model of Islamic wisdom, humility, and spirituality. His fearless speech against injustice, his deep knowledge, and his ascetic lifestyle made him one of the most respected figures in Islamic history.
His teachings continue to inspire Muslims worldwide, reminding them that true success lies not in wealth or power but in faith, sincerity, and closeness to Allah.
As he beautifully said:
“O people! Do not be deceived by this world, for it is temporary. Work for your Hereafter, for it is everlasting.”