He was given the title, Imam al-Askari, because he was forced to reside in Samarra which was also known as "'Askar" (a military camp or town). His other titles include Ibn al-Rida (a), al-Hadi, al-Naqi, al-Zaki, al-Rafiq and al-Samit.
Imam al-Askari (a) was martyred and his shrine is in Samarra in Iraq.