On the auspicious birth anniversary of Imam Hassan al-Askari (as), Khamenei.ir publishes excerpts from Ayatollah Khamenei's statements about this noble Imam:
The Shias system spread extensively during the time of Imam Hassan Al-Askari
At the time of Imam Redha, Imam Jawad, Imam Hadi and Imam Hassan al-Askari (pbut), the Shia communications were more extensive than any other time. At no other time were Shia relations and the spread of Shiite system across the World of Islam as extensive as during the time of these three Imams. The presence of lawyers, representatives (nawwabs) and all that is narrated about Imam Hadi and Imam Hassan al-Askari—for instance someone brought money to the Imam and the Imam designated what the money would be spent on—are indicative of the same fact. That is to say, despite being under custody, at the times of these two noble Imams in Samarra as well as Imam Jawad and Imam Redha (though differently), communications with the people expanded. These communications and relations were also present before Imam Ridha, however, Imam Ridha’s moving to Khorasan was very influential on the matter.
August 09, 2005
Different routs, same goal
Imam Sadeq, Imam Hadi and Imam Hassan al-Askari (pbut) fought and sacrificed their lives for the resistance. This path leads to a clear goal. They migh have taken different routes on this path, but they all lead to the same destination.
September 21, 2001
Everyone has acknowledged Imam al-Askari's (as) virtues, even his enemies
These days belong to Imam Hassan al-Askari (a.s.), who can be the role model for all believers, especially for young people. Everybody including his supporters, Shia Muslims, his opponents, those who do not believe in him and everybody else has acknowledged his virtues, his knowledge, his piety, his purity, his infallibility, his courage against his enemies, and his patience and steadfastness in the face of hardships.
When this great man was martyred, he was only 28 years old. In the glorious history of Shia Islam, there is no shortage of such people. With all those virtues and spiritual characteristics, the father of our dear Imam of the Age was only 28 years old when he was poisoned by his enemies. He is a role model: the youth feel that they have a perfect role model in front of their eyes. Imam Muhammad al-Jawad (a.s.) was martyred when he was 25 and Imam Hassan al-Askari (a.s.) was martyred when he was 28 years old.
We are not the only ones who believe in their virtues and greatness, rather their virtues have been acknowledged even by their enemies and those did not believe in their imamate.
Leader’s Speech to Families of Martyrs and War Veterans; February 29, 2012.