Origins & Early Life

Abi Sa'id al-Hasan ibn Yasar al-Basri (642 CE – 15 October 728) was an early Medieval Muslim preacher, ascetic, theologian, exegete, scholar, and judge. Born in Medina in 642 CE, Hasan belonged to the second generation of Muslims, all of whom would subsequently be referred to as the tabi'un in Sunni Islamic piety. He became one of "the most celebrated" of the tabi'un, enjoying an "acclaimed scholarly career and an even more remarkable posthumous legacy in Islamic scholarship." Hasan, revered for his austerity and support for "renunciation" (zuhd), preached against worldliness and materialism during the early days of the Umayyad Caliphate, with his passionate sermons casting a "deep impression on his contemporaries." His close relationships with several of the most prominent companions of Muhammad only strengthened his standing as a teacher and scholar of the Islamic sciences. The particular disciplines in which he is said to have excelled included exegesis (tafsīr) of the Quran, whence his "name is invariably encountered in" classical and medieval commentaries on the scripture, as well as theology.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Hasan became an important figure to the later founders of Sufism with his name occurring...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Bilal ibn Rabah — Contemporary (Died in 642) (642): Pioneering Muslim companion, first mu'azzin, and symbol of early African faith.
• Khalid ibn al-Walid — Contemporary (Died in 642) (642): Pivotal 7th-century Arab military commander, 'Sword of God'
• Oswald of Northumbria — Contemporary (Died in 642) (642): Saintly King of Northumbria, credited with unifying the region and promoting Christianity.
• Heraclius — Contemporary figure (Died in 641) (641): Byzantine Emperor who successfully defended the Empire against the Persians and early Arab forces.
• Musa ibn Nusayr — Contemporary figure (Born in 640) (640): Key Umayyad commander who conquered the Maghreb and Iberia for the Caliphate.
• Umar — Contemporary figure (Died in 644) (644): Second Rightly Guided Caliph, known for massive Islamic expansion and governance.
• Umar ibn Abi Rabi'ah — Contemporary figure (Born in 644) (644): Master poet of the Quraysh tribe, renowned for love poetry and originating the ghazel form.
• Abu Ubayda ibn al-Jarrah — Contemporary figure (Died in 639) (639): Pious Companion and Military Commander of the Prophet Muhammad
• Huineng — Contemporary figure (Born in 638) (638): Semi-legendary Sixth Patriarch of Chan Buddhism, founder of Sudden Enlightenment.
• Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan — Contemporary figure (Born in 646) (646): Fifth Umayyad Caliph who consolidated Islamic rule and reformed the state.
• 642 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 642
• 728 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 728