Story No. 453 – Imam Hasan al-Askari (as) and Knowledge of Noble Qur’an
Almighty Allah (SWT) says: “… Then the male shall have the like of the portion of two females …” (Noble Qur’an 4:176)
A person well known for his knowledge and virtues came to Imam Hasan Askari (as) and asked, “Women are naturally weaker than men. Then why is it that they are given one share in inheritance? And men, despite their strength are given two shares? Justice demands that it should be on the contrary”.
Imam Hasan Askari (as) said, “You have seen apparent weakness of women but have not reflected on the duties of men and women. The difficulties of men are much more than those of women. Jihad is incumbent on men and not on women; the responsibility of earning livelihood rests on men and not on women; the maintenance of women is on men. Then in such circumstances if the share of men is double, is it against justice and equity?”
Once somebody asked Imam Hasan Askari (as), “Whom does the verse refer to: ‘Nay! These are clear communications in the breasts of those who are granted knowledge; and none deny Our communications except the unjust.’ (Noble Qur’an 29:49)?” Imam Hasan Askari (as) replied, “It refers to us – the Ahlul Bayt”.