Question

Was Sayyiduna Hasan’s (radiyallahu ‘anhu) name ‘Harb’ which means war?

 

Answer

Imams Ahmad, Ibn Hibban and other Muhaddithun have recorded this narration.

The narration states that when Hasan (radiyallahu ‘anhu) was born, Sayyiduna ‘Ali (radiyallahu ‘anhu) named him ‘Harb.’ When Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) heard this, he changed his name to Hasan. Then when Husayn (radiyallahu ‘anhu) was born, Sayyiduna ‘Ali (radiyallahu named him ‘Harb’ as well. Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) changed his name as well to Husayn.

(Musnad Ahmad, vol. 1 pg. 98, Sahih Ibn Hibban; Al Ihsan, Hadith: 6958)

 

Also see here

 

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.

 

Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala

 

Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar