Introduction

According to the narrations of Al-Tabarsi and Ibn al-Athir, Imam Ali ibn Musa al-Rida (AS) was martyred on the last day of Safar, 203 AH, after being poisoned with grapes offered to him by the Abbasid caliph, al-Ma’mun. He was fifty-five years old at the time of his passing. He was buried in the house of Hamid ibn Qahtabah in the village of Sanabad, located in the city of Tus. This site already contained the tomb of the Abbasid ruler Harun al-Rashid, who had been buried there previously.

— Mafatih al-Jinan, p. 578

Acts for the 28th of Safar (Martyrdom Anniversary)

The 28th of Safar marks the passing of the Prophet Muhammad and the martyrdom of Imam Hasan. Recommended acts for this day typically include:

• Observing mourning (azadari) and holding condolence assemblies (majalis)
• Reciting relevant ziyarat (visitation prayers) specific to the Prophet and Imam Hasan. The Mafatih provides extensive sections on various ziyarat
• Fasting is also recommended on this day in some narrations

Acts for the Last Wednesday of Safar

While some specific practices for the “last Wednesday of Safar” are mentioned in other scholarly works like Zad al-Ma’ad (before Mafatih al-Jinan became widespread), the standard Mafatih focuses more on the date-specific events (like the 28th).

However, the generally recommended practices often cited in this context by various scholars include:

• Giving a significant amount of charity (sadaqah) to ward off calamities
• Reciting certain prayers, such as a four-rak’ah prayer with specific surahs (Surah al-Kawthar, al-Ikhlas, al-Falaq, and an-Nas)
• Reciting verses like “And Allah has full power and control over His affairs; but most among mankind know it not” (Quran 12:21) a specific number of times

These specific acts are found in supplementary sources and are intended to seek protection from the afflictions believed to descend during this period.

The Demise of the Holy Prophet (PBUH)

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) passed away on the 28th of Safar in the year 11 AH (632 CE) in the city of Medina. His death occurred after a prolonged illness, during which he repeatedly emphasized the importance of holding fast to the Qur’an and his family, known as the Ahl al-Bayt (AS).

The Prophet’s passing was not only a personal loss for the Muslim community but also a critical turning point that determined the future of leadership in Islam. Despite his clear instructions regarding the succession of Imam Ali (AS) at Ghadir Khumm, political disputes arose immediately after his death, leading to divisions within the Muslim community.

The demise of the Prophet was not just the departure of the Messenger of Allah; it signified the beginning of an era in which the Ahl al-Bayt faced marginalization and persecution. The grief of this day, therefore, is intertwined with the realization of the challenges and trials that the Prophet’s family endured in preserving the true message of Islam.

The Martyrdom of Imam Hasan al-Mujtaba (AS)

The 28th of Safar is also remembered as the day of the martyrdom of Imam Hasan ibn Ali (AS), the beloved grandson of the Prophet and the second Imam. Imam Hasan was born in 3 AH and grew up under the care of the Prophet for about eight years. He inherited the noble qualities of his grandfather, including compassion, patience, and generosity.

Imam Hasan assumed the leadership of the Muslim ummah after the martyrdom of his father, Imam Ali (AS), in 40 AH. His imamate was marked by intense political unrest due to the rise of Muawiya, the governor of Syria, who sought to undermine the authority of the rightful Imam. To prevent widespread bloodshed among Muslims, Imam Hasan signed a peace treaty with Muawiya under strict conditions, which Muawiya later violated.

Despite his efforts to safeguard the unity of the Muslim community and uphold Islamic values, Imam Hasan became the target of political conspiracies. Ultimately, he was poisoned by his own wife, Ju’da bint al-Ash’ath, at the instigation of Muawiya, in 50 AH. The Imam endured severe pain for several days before succumbing to martyrdom on the 28th of Safar. His funeral was marred by political hostility, as his burial in the Prophet’s Mosque was opposed, leading to his interment in the Baqi’ cemetery in Medina.

Religious and Spiritual Significance

The 28th of Safar is a day of profound mourning and reflection. Commemorative gatherings are held worldwide to recount the virtues of the Prophet and Imam Hasan, as well as to highlight the lessons their lives offer. These commemorations serve multiple purposes:

• Preserving Historical Memory: They remind the community of the sacrifices made by the Prophet and his family to protect the integrity of Islam
• Moral and Spiritual Inspiration: The patience of Imam Hasan and the unwavering principles of the Prophet are seen as guiding lights for Muslims facing moral and social challenges
• Strengthening the Bond with Ahl al-Bayt: Mourning these tragedies reinforces the connection between Shia Muslims and the Prophet’s household, as emphasized in the Qur’an and Hadith

Last Day of Safar – A’maal

1. Fasting (Roza)

It is recommended (mustahab) to fast on the last day of Safar.

This fast is a means of:

• Protection from calamities
• Removal of sorrow
• Seeking Allah’s mercy at the close of a month associated with trials

2. Four Rak’at Prayer

Offer 4 rak’at (two prayers of two rak’at each):

In each rak’at:

• Surah al-Fatihah – 1 time
• Surah al-Kawthar – 3 times
• Surah al-Ikhlas – 3 times

After completing the prayer, recite:

• Salawat (Durood) on Muhammad (PBUH) and Aal-e-Muhammad
• Seek forgiveness (Istighfar)

3. Du’a for Protection

Recite the following dua (as narrated in Mafatih):

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّ مَا يَنْزِلُ فِي هَذَا الْيَوْمِ

Meaning:

O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the evil that may descend on this day.

This dua is for safety from misfortune and unseen trials.

4. Charity (Sadaqah)

Give sadaqah according to your capacity. Even a small amount is recommended to:

• Repel hardships
• Begin the coming month with blessings

5. Ziyarat & Remembrance

• Recite Ziyarat of the Holy Prophet or Imam Hasan al-Mujtaba (AS)
• Remember the hardships faced by Ahlul Bayt (AS), especially during Safar

Contemporary Observance

Today, millions of Muslims across the globe commemorate this day with mourning processions, recitations of elegies, and acts of charity. In cities such as Karbala, Najaf, Qom, and Mashhad, pilgrims gather in large numbers to pay tribute at the shrines of the Ahl al-Bayt. Many believers also fast on this day as a mark of respect and engage in prayers seeking proximity to Allah through the remembrance of His chosen ones.

Conclusion

The 28th of Safar stands as a solemn reminder of the immense hardships endured by the Prophet of Islam and his pure progeny. It is not merely a historical date; it is a symbol of patience, faith, and devotion in the face of injustice and adversity. For Muslims, mourning on this day is both an expression of love for the Ahl al-Bayt and a commitment to uphold their teachings in daily life. Through reflection and remembrance, this day continues to strengthen the spiritual and ethical foundations of the community.