28 Safar is observed by Shia Muslims following Fiqah e Jafria as a day of Shahadat (martyrdom) — marking the demise of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in 11 A.H., and, in popular tradition, the poisoning-martyrdom of his grandson Imam Hasan ibn Ali (a.s.), the second Imam. The day is marked with majalis, Ziyarat, and mourning rituals across the Shia world.
What Happened on 28 Safar?
According to widely held Shia historical narrations, two major tragedies are remembered on this date:
1. The Demise of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
The Holy Prophet (PBUH) passed away on 28 Safar, 11 A.H., in Medina. His departure marked the end of divine prophethood and left the Muslim Ummah without its final messenger — a loss remembered as one of the greatest tragedies in Islamic history.
2. The Shahadat of Imam Hasan (a.s.)
The same date is also observed in popular Shia tradition as the Shahadat of Imam Hasan ibn Ali (a.s.), the elder grandson of the Prophet (PBUH) and the second Imam according to Fiqah e Jafria. Tradition holds he was poisoned on the instructions of Muawiyah ibn Abi Sufyan, through his wife Ja’da bint al-Ash’ath, after spending his Imamat working toward peace within the Ummah following the Battle of Siffin.
Note on dates: Some historical accounts place Imam Hasan’s martyrdom on 7 Safar. 28 Safar mourning gatherings, however, are widely observed in popular Shia tradition alongside the commemoration of the Prophet’s demise.
The Legacy of Imam Hasan (a.s.)
Imam Hasan (a.s.) is remembered for:
- Wisdom and patience in leading the Ummah during a politically turbulent era
- The peace treaty with Muawiyah, made to preserve Muslim unity and prevent civil war
- Generosity, earning him the title “Karim Ahl al-Bayt” (the Generous One of the Prophet’s Household)
- Close resemblance to the Prophet (PBUH) in character, appearance, and conduct
His life is studied as part of Ahlulbayt (a.s.) history within our Fiqah e Jafria: Namaz, Ahkaam & Wajibaats course, alongside the essential religious rulings every practising Shia Muslim needs to know.
How Do Shia Muslims Observe 28 Safar?
- Majalis (mourning gatherings): Scholars and Zakireen recount the events of the day and their lessons
- Noha and Matam: Elegies recited in remembrance of the Ahlulbayt’s sacrifices
- Ziyarat: Special texts recited for the Prophet (PBUH) and Imam Hasan (a.s.)
- Sadaqah (charity): Given in the name of the Ahlulbayt (a.s.)
- Quran Khwani: Quran recitation dedicated to the Prophet (PBUH) and his grandson
Lessons for Muslims Today
- The value of sacrifice for the sake of Islam and the Ummah’s unity
- Patience during hardship, following the example of Imam Hasan (a.s.)
- Love for the Ahlulbayt (a.s.) as commanded by the Prophet (PBUH) himself
- Continuity of prophetic guidance through the Imams
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened on 28 Safar according to Shia belief? 28 Safar marks the demise of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and, in popular tradition, the Shahadat of Imam Hasan ibn Ali (a.s.), the second Imam.
Why was Imam Hasan (a.s.) martyred? According to Shia historical accounts, Imam Hasan (a.s.) was poisoned by his wife Ja’da at the instigation of Muawiyah ibn Abi Sufyan.
How do Shia Muslims mourn on 28 Safar? Through majalis, noha, Ziyarat, charity, and Quran Khwani dedicated to the Prophet (PBUH) and Imam Hasan (a.s.).
Is 28 Safar the same as 7 Safar for Imam Hasan’s martyrdom? Historical accounts differ — some place it on 7 Safar — but 28 Safar mourning gatherings are widely observed in popular Shia tradition alongside the Prophet’s demise.
Does Mehdi Quran Center teach Islamic history alongside Quran classes? Yes. Our Fiqah e Jafria course covers Ahlulbayt (a.s.) history as part of a complete Jafria curriculum, alongside Quran Reading with Tajweed and Basic Qaida.
Learn More at Al Mehdi Online Quran Center
At Al Mehdi Online Quran Center, we’ve taught Quran and Islamic studies according to Fiqah e Jafria and Ahlulbayt (a.s.) teachings since 2012. Our qualified male and female tutors teach:
- Quran Reading with Tajweed
- Basic Qaida Reading with Tajweed
- Fiqah e Jafria: Namaz, Ahkaam & Wajibaats
Explore more history and observances on our blog, including our article on the Chehlum of Imam Hussain (a.s.).
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