LIFEOFIMAMMAHDIAllamaBaqirSharifal-Qarashi-XKP

Published:2016Tag(s):islam

1ChapterPREFACE

IntheNameofAllah,theBeneficent,theMerciful

AndcertainlyWewroteintheBookafterthereminderthatasfortheland,Myrighteousservantsshallinheritit.(21/105)AllahhaspromisedtothoseofyouwhobelieveanddogoodthatHewillmostcertainlymakethemrulersintheearthasHemaderulersthosebeforethem,andthatHewillmostcertainlyestablishforthemtheirreligionwhichHehaschosenforthem,andthatHewillmostcertainly,aftertheirfear,givethemsecurityinexchange;theyshallserveMe,notassociatingaught

withMe;andwhoeverisungratefulafterthis,theseitiswhoarethetransgressors.(24/55)

2ChapterDEDICATION

TothedesignerofthehumancivilizationthatisestablishedontheUnityofAlmightyAllah…To

the redeemer of human volition and thought… To the Seal of the Prophets and theMaster of allbeings;theHolyProphetMuhammad—peacebeuponhimandhisHousehold…IdedicatethissurveyontheSealofhisSuccessors,theReviverofhisFaith,andtheresuscitatorofhisMission:Imamal-Mahdi,peacebeuponhimwhoshallfilltheearthwithjusticeandrighteousnessafteritwillbefilledwithinjusticeandprejudice.IthushopeforacceptancesothatIwillkeepitasreservoirforthedayonwhichIshallmeetAlmightyAllah.

OmyMaster!Thewholeworld is lookingforward toreceivingyourdelightfuladventso thatyoushallraisethestandardofjustice,veryhighandfluttering;andyoushallspreadsecurityandluxuryoverthepeoplesoftheworldandtheinhabitantsofthisglobe;andyoushallsavehumanbeingsfromthedoomsof theoppressorsandthepersecutionsof theterrorists;andyoushallfoldthefrivolouspolitical regimes that have violated all the sanctities of Almighty Allah, abused all human rights,transmuted the earth into hell, and exhausted the fortunes of the peoples on making destructiveweaponsthataredestroying“thecropsandthecattle”whilemillionsofpeoplearestarving!

OMyMaster!O thehopeof theweakand the torturedon this earth!Toyouare the eyesof thesepeopleturningandforyouaretheydesiringsothatyoushallsavethemfromtheirbitteractualities,establishsocialjusticeintheirlands,anddistributetherichesofAlmightyAllahamongthemfairlyinorder thathungeranddeprivationwillno longersnapat thebodyofanyoneunderyourauthority;rather everybodywill live as exactly as Almighty Allah wants for them to live with comfort andopulence;neitherattackedbyhumilitynorfearinganymeekness,noranticipatinganypartiality.

OMyMaster!Ethicshavecollapsed,virtueshavebeeneliminated,humanracehavefallendowntoabaseless, lowly level as honesty has disappeared, fabrication has prevailed, hypocrisy has becomecommon,socialrelationshavevanished,andmanhasnolongerplayedhisrolethatAlmightyAllahwanted for him—to act asHis representative on this earth by following the right and seeking thejustice.

Consequently,humanityisaspiringafteryourarrivalandhopingforyourgovernmentsoastosavethemfromthishorriblecollapsethatispreparingfortherevivalofthejunglelaw.

O My Master! The laws of Islam have been frozen, its commandments have been impeded, andnothingofithasremainedexceptthename.HereitiscryingforyouraidsothatyoumayreinforceitsmarksandbringbackitssignssothattheworldwillflourishwiththejusticeofIslam,thefearfulwillbesecured,andtheenfeebledwillbedelightedbyitslaws.

3ChapterFOREWORD

InTheNameOfAllah,TheBeneficent,TheMerciful

WeShiasarecaughtintheclutchesofthehopesofhumanityandwearebeinggrindedbetweentheoppressors.Thereforeoursightsarefullytrainedontheadventofagreatsaviorsothathecomestoestablishthedivinerule,asnooneisneedlessofitandthereisnoinjusticeinit.

Weareconvincedoftheageofjusticeinwhichinjustice,oppressionandslaverywouldbeeradicatedandhewouldspreadlove,loftymorals,equalityandsacrificeamongthepeople,andintheshadeofsuch agovernment thosepowerswouldbedestroyed and suppressedwhoplaywithhuman life orthosewhospreaddestructionontheearth.

WearepresentintheageofthatdivinejustoneandtheAwaitedone,whoistheHaibatullah(aweofAllah),agiftandagreatbountyofAllahforthehumanity.Thatawaitedleader,whoisthehopeforthedeprivedonesand thehelplessandwhowouldbestowthemmercyanddistributegoodnessanddivinebountiesamongthem.

WeliveduringtheageofthetwelfthImamfromtheImamsofAhleBaytwhoisalsoknownastheQaim-e-AaleMuhammad,whomtheAlmightyAllahhaspreparedfor thereformationoftheworldandchangingofthesystemofthecorruptedrulersoftheworldwhohavepushedthepeopleintotheworstcircumstances.

TheAlmightyAllahhascreatedtheholypersonalityofImamMahdi(a.s)fortheloftiestaimsandthegreatestreformationofhumansociety.Thusitishimwhowouldfilltheearthwithjusticeandequityafteritwouldhavebeenfilledwithinjusticeandoppression.

TheKindLordhasselectedhimfromamongthesaintsforsuchaloftypurpose,becausetheheartandtheoriginalessence(teenat)oftheHisEminenceispurerandcleanerthanallthepeopleandfromtheaspectof insightand intelligence is themostdominantonebecausehe is froma family,which theAlmightyAllahhashonoredandkeptawayfromallsortsofuncleannessandbestoweditwithpurityandchastity.

He,thePromisedMahdi, is themostimportantreligiousfactandtheclearestoftheIslamicbeliefs.IndeedtheHolyProphetofIslam(a.s)didnotsayanythingofhisownandinthesamewayaretheImamsofMuslimsand leadersofMuslimUmmahwhoare the treasuresofPropheticsciencesandexponentsofPropheticwisdom.TheyhaveallconveyedthegoodnewsoftheexistenceandadventoftheMahdi.Reports and traditions of these great personalities in the terminology of the science ofnarrators (Ilme Rijal) are not ‘solitary narrations’ that could be doubted or refuted and finally

discredited. Rather, these reports, in the terminology of the science of narrators are known as‘Mutawatir ’ (widely narrated) and reach to the level of certainty, and scholars and experts oftraditionshavecertifiedthemandguaranteedtheirveracity.Allofthemhaveincludedthesetraditionsintheircollections,writingsandhistories.‘Tawatur ’(widelynarrated)andcertaintyinthesereportshasreachedtothelimitthatdoubtandmisgivingaboutthemislikedoubtinganecessaryprincipleoffaith, because it is narrated from theHoly Prophet (a.s) that he said: “Onewho disbelieved in theadventofMahdiisadisbeliever.”

The perfect intellect, absolutely believes in the existence of the PromisedMahdi and the AwaitedImam and that hewould surely reappear. Because reason dictates that it has to be thus and it is aconfirmed matter and no kind of intellectual proof goes against it, because these traditions arementionedundersuchdiscussionsinthehistoryoftheHolyProphet(a.s),hispracticeandalsothatofhishonorablesuccessorsthattheyhaveremovedeverykindofdoubtanduncertaintyandveryclearlythroughout his life he issued sayings regarding the confirmed reappearance for the eradication ofinjustice and oppression and for infusing fresh life into the religion of Islam and its completereformationandwell-being.

In addition to these reports and narrations, all divine religions and sects are unanimous that areformerwouldsurelyarrivetoestablishtruthandajustrule,andwhowoulddestroyallcorruptionsandevils.

Alsotheruleandsystemofthisholypersonalitywouldbesuchthatnothingasgreatandasperfecthadeverbeenpresenton the faceof the earth throughouthistory in thedestinyof thehumanity. Itwouldbemuchhigherandexalted.Inadditiontothishisruleandrulershipwillhavesuchprogressashumancivilizationhasneverseenanywherepreviously.

Ifwe desire to study the life history of ImamMahdi (a.s)with all its characteristics and differentaspects on the basis of philosophical arguments, it would necessitate thatwe associatewith it andbringfaithuponit.BecausetheAlmightyAllahhasalwayscontinuedHisGraceuponHiscreaturesandthisshallneverbestoppedbyHim.HehasbestowedbountyuponHisservantsthatshallneverbestoppedfromthem.Hebroughtthemfromnon-existenceintoexistenceandcreatedtheminthebestoftheformsandmadehimsuperiortomostofthecreaturesandcommandedtheangelstoprostratebefore their father,Adam,andgave theSunand theMoon in theircontrolandprovided themwitheverythingtheyareinneedof.

The greatest grace and bestowal of Allah upon His servants is that He has kept them away fromdeviation andmisguidance. For their guidanceHe sent great prophets like Ibrahim,Musa, Isa andMuhammad(a.s)atthetimewhenhumanitywassunkinignorance,crimesandevils.TheAlmightyAllahsays:

“Andyouwereonthebrinkofapitoffire,thenHesavedyoufromit.”[1]

HisEminence,AmirulMo-mineen(a.s)hasdescribedthesociety,whichwasfilledwithallevilwhentheHolyProphet(a.s)announcedhisprophethoodinthefollowingwords:

“Allah sent the Prophet when the mission of other prophets had stopped and the people were inslumberforalongtime.Evilswereraisingheads;allmatterswereunderdisruptionandinflamesof

wars,whiletheworldwasdevoidofbrightness,andfullofopendeceitfulness.Itsleaveshadturnedyellowandtherewasabsenceofhopeaboutitsfruits.”[2]

In the same way the reappearance of the Qaim of AaleMuhammad would occur at a time whenhumanityandhumanbeingswouldbeundertheyokeofinjusticeandoppression,undergoingpainsandcalamitiesandtastingthebitternessofoppressionandfalsehood.Thatisthetimewhenthemostkind Lord would save humanity through the great reformer, His Eminence, theMahdi. He wouldestablishpeaceandjusticeandprovideallkindsofcomfortsandgoodthingstothehumanity,whichiseagerlywaitingforhisadventandhewouldspreadallthesegoodthingsamongthem.

Thebirth,occultationandreappearanceofHisEminence,Mahdi(a.s)resemblesthevariousaspectsofthegreatdivineMessengersandsocialreformersoftheearth.TheconcealedbirthofImamMahdi(a.s)closelyresemblesthebirthofProphetMusa(a.s)becauseinthecaseofMusa(a.s)thePharaohhad

[1]SurahAaleImran3:103

[2]NahjulBalagha

appointedfemalespiestoinformhimaboutthebirthofmalechildrentoeverywomansothattheycouldbemurdered.Ifthenewbornwerefemaleitwasofnoconcern.ThiswassobecauseastrologershadpredictedtoPharaohthathispowerandkingdomwouldbebroughttoendthroughayoungmanwhowouldbeborninthatsameperiod.

InthesamewaywastheincidenceoftheconceptionandbirthofHisEminence,Mahdi,theawaitedone,thatthemostWiseLordkepthimconcealedbecausetheAbbasidetyrantswereinsearchofhimsothatassoonasheisbornheshouldbemurdered.SomuchsothatthehouseofImamHasanAskari(a.s)wassurroundedbythesecurityforcesandfilledwithmaleandfemaleinformerssothattheymayidentifythenewbornchildofImamHasanAskari,whoaccordingtothesayingsoftheHolyProphet(a.s)wouldbethelastCaliph.ThustheAbbasidesmayputanendtohislifeimmediately.TheAbbasiderulershadbecomecertainthattheirpowerandkingdomwouldbedestroyedthroughsuchapersonality.Thusthroughanymeansheshouldbecapturedandkilledlikehisforefathers.

Inthesameway,ImamMahdi(a.s)resemblesthegreatProphetIsa,thesonofMaryam(a.s)inthematterthathespokeassoonashewasborn.Whenhewasbornfromthewombofhismother,Maryam,agroupofpeoplegatherednearherandaccusedherofunchastity.Maryampointedtowardshernewbornchild.TheAlmightyAllahmadethenewbornIsatospeakinthecradleandhesaid:

“SurelyIamaservantofAllah;HehasgivenmetheBookandmademeaprophet;andHehasmademeblessedwhereverImaybe,andHehasenjoinedonmeprayerandpoor-ratesolongasIlive…”[1]

[1]SurahMaryam19:30-31

WhentheMasteroftheAge,ImamMahdi(a.s)wasborn,herecitedthefollowingverseofQuran:

“AndWedesiredtobestowafavoruponthosewhoweredeemedweakintheland,andtomakethemtheImamsandtomakethemtheheirs.”[1]

HisEminence,theAwaitedImam,wasnotsimilartotheprophetsinonlytheseaspects.Hewashavingsimilarityinmoreimportantaspectslikechangingthesocietyandtakingtheethicsofthesocietytoagreatheightandalsotodestroyevil;reformationofthesociety,andcrystallizationinproperwayofthethoughtsandviewsofthepeopleandtosuppressanddestroyinjusticeandoppression.

HisEminence,Mahdi,theAwaitedonefulfillsthesamefunctionthatthegreatMessengersoftheLordhadperformed.Onthebasisofthis,hewoulderadicateinequityandoppressionandestablishjustice,truthandbrotherhoodamongthepeople.

Inmyview,noothertopicofdiscussion,exceptthesubjectofthePromisedImamisaccordedmoreimportanceandsignificanceinthewritingsofscholarsandresearchers.Scholars,biographersandresearchershavediscussedalltheaspectsoftheImamonthebasisofQuranandtraditions.TheyhavestudiedandwrittenuponalltheaspectsconnectedwiththesignsandpropheciesconnectedwiththereappearanceoftheAwaitedImam.ItisnecessarytomentionthatbooksofAhleSunnatscholarswrittenonImamMahdi(a.s)exceedthosewrittenbyShiascholars.Wewouldmentionalistof50suchbooksintheforthcomingpages.ThesubjectofImamMahdi(a.s)reachestosuchalimitofcertaintyamongMuslimsthattoharboranydoubtaboutitislikedoubtingintheestablishedprinciplesoffaith.Suchthatreasonandcommonsensedonotsupportitandlogicdoesnotacceptit.

[1]SurahQasas28:5

Inanycase,tosayanythingindenialoftheholyexistenceofHisEminence,Mahdi(a.s)isasignofdeficientintelligenceandsuperficialthinking.However,thecauseandthephilosophyofdenialofthoselikeIbneKhaldun,KasrawiMajoosiandAhmadAminMisriisduetotheenmityanddeephatredofthesepeoplewiththeImamsofAhleBayt(a.s).Allthesewritershavebeendisrespectfultothesehonorablepersonalitiesandguidesofhumanity.However,thereadersofbookswrittenbythesewritersdonotconsiderthemtobeseriousandreliableandthatwhatevertheyhavewrittenaboutthereformersofthecommunityandImamsofMuslims,hasnoscholarlyvalueandauthenticitybecausetheywritethusonlyduetotheirmaliceandbigotry.

ShiasandfollowersofAhleBayt(a.s)havebeenunjustlymadethebuttsofcriticismandallegationsthroughouttheagesduetotheirbeliefintheAwaitedImam,maythesoulsoftheworldsbesacrificedonhim.Allegationsoffalsehoodandlieshavebeenassociatedwiththem.Forexample,theysay:TheShiasbelieveinanImamwhodisappearedfromthecellarofhishouseinSamarrahandtheyawaitforhimtoemergefromthatsamecellar.

Andtheysay:TheShiasgatherinaparticularcellarinBabylonandawaitthereappearanceofthatImamfromthatsamecellar.

ThesekindsoffoolishallegationsaremadeagainsttheShias.

ItisdefinitethatthebeliefoftheShiasandfollowersoftheschoolofAhleBayt(a.s)inthematteroftheAwaitedImamandtheuniversalreformerislikealltheirprinciplesofbelief,cleanandpureand

asclearandilluminatedastheshiningsun.ItisbasedontherespectedIslamictextsandteachingsoftheImamsofguidanceofAhleBaytoftheMessenger(a.s).TheAlmightyAllahhaskeptthemawayfromeveryimpurityanddirtandbestowedonthempurityandsanctity.ThanksbetoAllah,ourbeliefisnottakenfromtheliars,forgersanddeviatedpersons.

Thereisnokindofdeficiency,deviation,falsehoodormisguidanceinthebeliefsoftheShiasanditisinnowayagainsttherulesofnatureandnaturalaspects.RatherthefollowersofAhleBayt(a.s),allofthemtogetherbelieveinallthatisacceptedbylogic,argumentativeproof,natureandrealizationandallthehumansocietyinalltheagesareunanimousuponit.

ShiasbelievethatwhentheAbbasidtyrantssurroundedtheImamandwantedtoputanendtohislife,hedisappearedjustlikehisgrandfather,theMessengerofAllah(a.s)whenhewassurroundedbytheQuraishinhishouse.Heappointedhissuccessorandthegateofthecityofhisknowledge,HisEminence,AmirulMomineen(a.s)inhisplaceandescapedtoYathrib(Medina)frombetweenthem.Ali(a.s)sleptonthebedoftheMessengerofAllah(a.s)andtheQuraishwerenotabletoperceiveit.

Shiashaveclearlyannouncedtheirbeliefandtheycontinuetodoso,thatthereappearanceoftheMasteroftheAgewillnotbefromthecellarofSamarrah.RathertheplaceofreappearanceofHisEminenceistheHolyMeccaandtheHonorableKa’baanditshallbeonacleardayjustashisrespectedgrandfatherhadrisenupfromthisholyland.Weshalldiscussthisaspectinthecomingpages.

PeopleaskregardingthewisdomandphilosophyofoccultationoftheAwaitedImamthatwhydoestheImamnotmeettheShiasandotherpeopleduringtheperiodofoccultation.WhyhedoesnotparticipateintheaffairsoftheworldaInmyview,theAlmightyAllahonthebasisofhiddenwisdomhaskeptconcealedthetruewisdomandsecretofoccultationfromthepeoplelikeHehasreservedthesecretoftheNightofPower,theDayofJudgmentandthetimeofFridaywhenprayersareacceptedandtheformandappearanceofthespiritandplaceofthebirthoftheProphetofAllah,MusaIbneImranwaskeptsecret.TheoccultationandreappearanceofHisEminence,ImamMahdi(a.s)isalsointhesameway.Itisanacceptedfact

thatlimitedhumanunderstandingisnotcapabletofullyrealizetheaffairsofthegreatcreatoroftheuniverseandexistence.TheOmnipotentLordhasmadeapparenttheexistenceandtheuniverseanddesignedasystemforcontrollingandrunningthem.Wehumansdonothaveanyknowledgeaboutthesesystemsandrules.However,theWiseLordpossessesperfectknowledgeaboutHiscreationandhastruewisdomabouteverythingwhilemansometimesunderstandsHiswisdomandphilosophybutmostofthetimeheishelplesstoperceivethem.

Searchforrecognitionandknowingthesignsofthereappearancehasbeengivenutmostimportanceandarrangementsmadeforthesame.Inmyview,suchelaboratearrangementshowsthatpeoplearefedupwiththesystemscreatedbyhumanbeings.Theircriesandprotestshaverisenupgreatly,whilethesesystemsandkingdomshaveconsidereditpermissibletotormentandoppressthepeople.Theyhaveputthepeopleandtheworldinmischiefanddestruction.ItisherethatpeopleoftheworldaredesirousofthecommandofAllahandadivinegovernmentsothatpoliticalandsocialjusticemaybeaccordedtothemandthattheymaybesavedfromtheattackofthosewhodoastheylike.NumerousreportsandnarrationsrecordedinbooksofhistoryandtraditionsfromtheMessengerofAllah(a.s)andImamsofguidancementionandexplainthesignsofreappearanceofImamMahdi(a.s).

Inthisbook,weshallstudyinbriefthespecialcharacteristicsofImamMahdi(a.s)especiallythoseloftyqualitiesthatarespiritualandmoral.Doubtlesslythesequalitiesarepermanentandeverlastingandwerepresentinhisforefathersandancestors,allofwhomweresourcesofgoodandbeneficialtopeopleofallcommunitiesandsocieties.

ThemostapparentandobviousqualityoftheImamsoftheMuslimswasthattheywerethedestroyersandcrushersofoppressionsandfalsedeities.

HisEminence,AmirulMomineen(a.s),thechiefandtheseniormemberofthepurifiedprogenyoftheMessengerofAllah(a.s)hassaid:“ThestrongoneinmyviewisweaktillItakefromhimtherightandtheweakoneisstronginmyviewtillIobtainhisrightforhim.”

Thesameblessedqualityandpersonalcharacteristicinitsbestformispresentinhis(grand)son,theAwaitedImam.Inthelightofthewidelyrelatedreports,whenImamMahdi(a.s)wouldreappearhewouldspreadjusticeanddestroyinjusticeandoppression.Hewouldlaythefoundationofthecentersofjusticeandequalityandshakeupthethroneofrebellionandoppression.

Inthisbook,asectionisdevotedtothetorturesandpressureswitnessedbytheSayyideldersandtheirfollowersatthehandsofthetyrannicalrulersandoppressorsoftheirtime.Theserulersdealtveryharshlywiththesenoblesoulsandevenusedtoburythemaliveandraisewallsoverthem.Theyusedtodrowntheiryoungchildrenbythrowingthemintotheriver.

Somuchso,ministersonspecialoccasionsandforflatteryandgainingproximitywiththecaliphs,usedtopresenttheheadsoftheSayyidsandShiastotheoppressiverulers.InotherwordsthetorturesoftheoppressorsontheImamsofguidanceandtheirShiaswereoftheworstkind.

ThetimeandplaceofthereappearanceofImamMahdi(a.s)isdiscussedinthisbookinthelightoftraditionalreports.TheplaceofreappearanceofImamMahdi(a.s)istheHolyMecca,theMasjidulHaramandatthesanctifiedKa’ba.ItisthatsameHouseofAllah,HajjtowardswhichAllahmadeobligatoryonthepeople.Itisthatholyplacefromwherewouldberaisedthecallofjusticeandtruthbythedivinepromisedoneandreachtheearsofthepeopleoftheworld.Inthesameway,thisbookhasexplainedthemethodandpoliciesoftheImam(a.s)andactivitiesoftheMasteroftheAge.Weshallalsoexplainthesystemofhisgovernmenttosomeextent.

Whenthatdivinepersonalityreappears,hewouldestablishpeace,comfortandprosperityforthepeopleandestablishjusticeamongthem.Suchakindofjusticeashadneverbeenwitnessedintherules(kingdoms)throughouthistory.

InthisbookweshallalsodiscussaboutthehelpersandsupportersofImamMahdi(a.s)andtheirloftyqualitiesandmeritsasbefitsthefightersinthewayofAllah.ThosegreatpeoplewhosehelptheImamtakestospreaddivineprinciplesandhumanvirtuesandtomakeapparentvirtuesofhumanityandaftertheproofofhumanityistakenfromthemtheywouldbeappointedforthistask.Theseweresometopicsthataregoingtobediscussedinthisbook.

ItisappropriatethatbeforeIconcludethisdiscourse,IshouldclearlyannouncethatthisbookisalifesketchoftheImamoftheAgewhomtheAlmightyAllahhaspreparedandtreasuredtoreformthe

worldandtokeepthereligionestablishedandtofurtherspreadthereligionofIslam.Thisisneitheranunderestimationnorextremism.Rather,itisfactthathisholyexistenceisshadingallthepeopleandhastheminhiscontrolandsubmission.

AsthepracticeandmethodofthisdearImamandhisrespectedforefathersandthelifeofthesegreatpeopleinallaspects,resemblestheirgrandfather,theMessengerofAllah(a.s)ithascontinuedintheImamofthepresentAge,suchthatheshallfilltheearthwithhisvirtuesandsciences.Nobookcanbecomprehensiveenoughtocoverallthefactsandrealitiesofthismatteranditisnotpossibletoexposeallthesecretsandrealitiesofhisexistence.Thusaretherespectedsuccessorsandprotectorsoftheknowledgeandwisdomoftheprophets…

BaqirSharifQarashiNajafAshraf

4ChapterMANIFESTATIONOFTHELIGHT

Before we mention about the blessed birth of the great universal reformer and the hope of

humanity,thegreatleaderofthepeople,theAwaitedImam(a.s),itwouldbemostfittingtomentioninbrief about the exalted family and genealogy of the holy Imam (a.s), and the true loftiness andexaltedness that ispresent in thispure family treeand is thesourceofheavenly light.He it iswhowould illuminate thehorizonof theworldanderadicateoppressionanddarknessof ignoranceandstupidityanddestroythemischief-makersandtheircentersofdestructionandoppression.HonorablefatherofImamMahdi(a.s)

Theeleventhof theImamsofguidance is ImamHasanAskari (a.s).Likeall the Imams,hewas thesourceofcontemplationandawakeningoftheIslamicworldandonewhomadethepeopleproximatetoGod,onewhoentreatsandpleadsinthecourtoftheLordoftheworld.

According to unanimity of historians and biographers, Imam Hasan Askari (a.s) was the greatestpersonalityofIslamofhistimeandtheleaderofoppositionoftheusurperandoppressorAbbasideruler,whoserulewasbasedoninjusticeandtherightsofthepeoplewerebeingtrampledupon.

The Abbaside rule kept on increasing pressure and force on the Imam (a.s) till they finallyimprisoned theHoly Imam.Andhewas forcibly taken toSamarrahandputundersurveillanceandhouse arrest. Every type of communication between the Imam and his Shias was stopped. Thecompletelifehistoryofthisholy

Imam has been discussed by us in the book, Life of ImamHasanAskari (a.s). In the forthcomingdiscussionwewouldagaintouchuponsomeaspectsofhisblessedlife.RespectedmotherofImamMahdi(a.s)

The genealogy of the respected mother of the Awaited Imam can be traced to the great Romanpersonalities on the basis of traditional reports and clear statements of the historians. Shewas thedaughter ofYushawhose genealogy goes back toCaesar ofRome. In the sameway hermother'slineagecouldbetracedtoSimon,thesuccessorandoneofthecompanionsofProphetIsa(a.s).[1]

ThischasteladyisoneofthegreatestladyoftheMuslimsbywayofpurity,faithandchastity,andsheisthemotherofthegreatestreformerofhumansocietyafterhishonorableforefathers,throughouthistory.Thisaloneissufficientforherfromtheviewpointofdignityandhonor.

InspiteofthefactthatImamHasanAskari(a.s)himselfpossessedabsoluteperfectionsandvirtues,he

usedtoaccordutmostrespecttothisesteemedlady,justastherespectedauntofHisEminence,Askari(a.s) paid due honor to her since her nephew informed her that theAwaited Imamwould be bornthroughher.[2]

[1]Bihar,13/5[2]Bihar,13/5

ThenameofImamMahdi'sMother

Historianshavementionedthefollowinggoodnamesofthishonorablelady:Susan[1],Raihana[2],

Narjis[3],Saqeel[4],Khamt.[5]FromtheaspectofherbeingpregnantwiththeholyeffulgenceofthePromisedMahdiandthatshewasthemotherof thatrespectablepersonalityshewassurroundedbyeffulgenceandlight,thereforeshewasaddressedbytheseblessednames.

[1]MatalibasSoo-olfiManaqibAaleRasool,Bihar,13/7[2]Bihar,13/6[3]WafayatulAyaan,AlIrshad[4]MiraatuzZamaan[5]Bihar

InPraiseofImamMahdi'sMother

InhistoryapartoftraditionalreportsandnarrationsoftheImamofguidanceisrecordedinpraise

ofthishonoredlady.Wementionbelowafewofthem.

1. In the final stages of the Battle of Naharwan the matter of the advent and reappearance waspresentedbeforeHisEminence,AmirulMomineen(a.s).Ali(a.s)praisedandglorifiedthemotherofImamMahdi(a.s)andsaidthus:

"OSonofthebestofthemaidservants!HowlongwouldyouwaitaIgivegoodnewsofanearvictoryfromtheMercifulLord."[6]

2.AbuBasir, a student of the school ofAhleBayt says, "I asked ImamSadiq (a.s), 'O Son of theMessengerofAllah(a.s)!WhoistheQaimamongyouAhleBayta'Hereplied:'OAbuBasir!Heismyfifthdescendantfrommyson,Musa(a.s).Hewouldbethesonofthechiefof themaidservantsand the greatest of ladies.Hewould go into an occultation and the followers of falsehoodwoulddoubtinhim.Afterthat,theAlmightyAllahwouldmakehimreappear,andconquertheeastandwestoftheearththroughhispowerfulhands.'"[7]

[6]YanabiulMawaddah[7]Kamaluddin3.Muhammad,thesonofAsaam,throughhisownchainofnarratorsnarratesfromAbuBasir(a.s)

thathequotesImamMuhammadBaqir(a.s)orImamJa'faras-Sadiq(a.s)thathesaid,"TherearetwosignsinHisEminence,Qaim(a.s),ablackspotontheheadandablackspotbetweentheshoulders,justastheleafofthesweetbasil.Heisthesonofthefemaleprisonerandthebestofmaidservants."[1]

History mentions numerous narrative reports of such kinds from the Imams of Ahle Bayt (a.s)describingtheloftystationofthisexaltedladyandhergreatnessandmajesty.InspiteofthefactthatshewasaslavemaidthereisnonegativeeffectinherstatusbecausethegreatreligionofIslamhasdestroyed and eradicated all types of criteria, standards and baseless veils and made piety andobedienceoftheLordoftheworldtobeadistinctionandmerit.

[1]GhaibatNomani

5ChapterMANIFESTATIONOFTHELIGHTOFTHEIMAMOFTHETIME(A.S.)

The sky and the atmosphereof theworldbecame illuminatedby thebirthof thegreat reformer

whowouldonceagaincreatethegrandeurandbountyofIslamforthepeopleandsavethemfromthedarknessesofoppressionandtransgression.

Among the greatest of bounties of Almighty Allah upon His Eminence, Mahdi (a.s) was that hispresenceinthewombofhismotherandhisbirthwaskeptconcealedlikethatofProphetMusaIbneImran(a.s).Historiansstate thatImamHasanAskari invitedhisaunt,HakimathedaughterofImamJawwad(a.s)tohishouse,whowasanAlawiteladyofaverypiouscharacter.Herchastityandpurityclosely resembled thatofherhonorablegrandmother,FatimaZahra (s.a.).When shearrivedat theresidenceofhernephew,ImamHasanAskari(a.s),hewelcomedherwithutmostrespectandsaid,

“Auntie,bewithustodayforbreakingthefast.VerysoontheAlmightyAllahwouldgladdenyouasaresultofHisWaliandProof(Hujjat)onthepeopleandmycaliphafterme.”

Thewholebeingof theexalted ladybecamesurroundedwithelationand joy justbyhearing thesewordsof theImamandshesaid,“Omymasterandchief!MayIbesacrificedonyou,fromwhomwouldthecaliphbeborna”

Imam(a.s)replied,“FromSusan(orNarjis).”[1]

[1]Bihar13/5HerEminence,Hakimacast aglanceatSusanbutdidnot see any signofpregnancy inher.She

turnedtoImam(a.s)andsaid,“Sheisnotpregnant.”TheImam(a.s)smiledandsaid,“Thepregnancywouldbemanifestedforyouatdawn.BecauseherpregnancyhasnotbecomeapparentlikethatofthemotherofMusa(a.s)andnoonecouldlearnaboutittillthetimeofdelivery.Thiswassobecause,thePharaohusedtohavethebelliesofexpectingladiescutopensothathecouldgetholdofMusa(a.s);andthisnewbornchildisalsolikeHisEminence,Musa(a.s).”

When the time of evening prayer (Maghrib) arrived, Lady Hakima recited the evening and nightprayers.After thatshesatdownwithLadySusanforbreakingthefast.Latershewent tosleep.SheawokeduringthenightandglancedatSusanbutagainsawnosignofpregnancyandchildbirthinher.When the last hours of the night approached she arose and began to perform theMidnight (Shab)Prayer.Whenshereachedtheone-unit‘watr ’prayer,Susan,thechastelady,wokeupfromhersleepandalsorecited theMidnightPrayer.After theprayersshebegan to feel laborpains.LadyHakimaapproached thehonorablemaid and asked, “Doyou feel somethinga”She replied, “I am feeling a

severething.”

LadyHakima addressed herwith utmost kindness and respect, “IfAllahwills, there is no fear foryou.”Notmuch time passedwhen a beautifulmale childwas born from thewombof hismother,Susan.ThechildwhowouldpurifytheearthfromtransgressorsandoppressorsandestablishtheruleofGodoverit.

His Eminence, ImamHasan Askari (a.s) was extremely overjoyed at the birth of this blessed andfortunatechildandhebegantospeakupinrefutationof theAbbasiderulersthat theyusedtothinkthattheywouldbeabletosoonkillhimanddeprivetheImamfromcontinuinghisprogeny.Hesaidinthisway,“Thesecruelpeoplethoughtthattheywouldkillmesothatthisprogenycouldbecutoff.WhatanestimationofGod’spowertheyhada”[1]

[1]Bihar13/10

Performanceofritualsconnectedwiththenewbirth

LadyHakimatookthenewbornchildofexaltedranktoitshonorablefather,ImamHasanAskari

(a.s)whowelcomedhimwithgreatpleasureandjoyandinitiatedtheIslamicritualsconnectedwiththe occasion. In the right ear of the newborn child, the Imam recited the 'Azan'[1] and in his leftrecitedthe'Iqamat'.[2]Thusthefirstwordstoreachhisearswere,'GodistheGreatest'[3]and,'Thereisnogod,exceptAllah'[4].

Infact,ImamHasanAskari(a.s),bythesewordsfedthechildwiththesecretofexistenceandtheaimof the prophets and it resulted in completely surrounding the heart with kindness, feelings andunderstandingandatthismomentthenascentdivinechildspokeup,likeamongthepastprophetsIsa(a.s)haddone,recitingthefollowingversefromtheHolyQuran:

"Andwedesiredtobestowafavoruponthosewhoweredeemedweakintheland,andmakethemtheImams,andtomakethemtheheirs…"[5]

Inthisway,theProofofAllahonpeopleandHisGuardian(Wali)wasborninsuchaconcealedwayduetothefearoftheoppressiverulerswhowereinseverepursuittofindandkillhim.LadyHakimatookhiminherarms,kissedhimandsaid,"IsmeltsuchasweetfragrancefromhimasIhadneverbeforeexperienced."

ImamHasanAskari(a.s)againtookthechildfromLadyHakimaandsaid,"IamentrustingyoutotheonewhomMusa'smotherhadentrusted,RemaininthecareandprotectionofAllah."

ThenhesaidtoLadyHakima,"Auntietakehimbacktohismother,andkeepthereportofthebirthofthisnewbornchildasecretanddonotconveyittoanyonetillthetimeisripeforit…"[6]

[1]CallforPrayer[2]Shortercallforprayer[3]AllahoAkbar[4]Laailaahaillallaah[5]SurahQasas28:5[6]Bihar,13/7

PublicFeast

Afterthebirthofhisblessedchild,ImamHasanAskari(a.s)orderedthatalargequantityofmeat

and bread be purchased and distributed among the needy people of Samarrah. In thisway seventysheep were slaughtered for his Aqiqa Ceremony from which four were dispatched to his friend,Ibrahimalongwith the following letter: "In thenameofAllah, theBeneficent, theMerciful.Thesesheeparedueto(thebirthof)myson,MuhammadMahdi.PartakeityourselfandwhomsoeverofourShiasyousee,makethempartakeittoo."[1]

[1]Bihar,13/10

ShiasinformedofthebirthoftheImamofthetime

TheShiaslearntofthebirthoftheImam,ProofofAllahuponthepeople,theawaitedImam,and

theywereoverjoyedupon thisnewswith theirwholebeings.Among thosewho received thegoodtidings was Hamzah, son of Abul Fath. He was told, "Good news! Yesterday, the Almighty Allahbestowed,AbuMuhammad,ImamHasanAskari(a.s)withachild,thoughtheholyImamhasorderedthatthisinformationbekeptconfidential."

Hamzahasked,"Whatisthenameofthechilda"Hewastold,"HisnameisMuhammadandagnomen,AbuJa'far."[2]

[2]Bihar,13/4

FelicitationsforthebirthoftheImamofthetime

AsaresultofthebirthofImamMahdi(a.s)allthecentersandgatheringsofShiaswereinjoyand

exultation. Prominent personalities and elders came to Imam Hasan Askari (a.s) in groups andcongratulatedhimfor thebirthof ImamMahdi(a.s).Oneof them,Hasan, thesonofHusainAlawisays,"IcametoImamHasanAskari(a.s)inSamarrahandcomplimentedhimaboutthebirthofhisson,Qaim(onewhorises)."[3]

[3]Bihar,13/6,Ghaybah,ShaykhTusiNotmuch timeelapsedafter thebirthof theHoly Imam thatShias continued tocompliment and

congratulateeachother for thegoodnews, andpoetscomposedcouplets andpoemson the festiveoccasionexpressingtheirjoy.ShaykhMuhammadSamawisays,

"Othenightthatpassedinthebirthofthatchild.

Bywhomtheatmospherewasmesmerizedandhisfragrancespreadallaround…"[1]

Among thosewho composed eulogical poems on this occasionwas ShaykhKazimAaleNuh, theacknowledgedandsuccessfulliterarypersonality.Hewritesinapanegyricthus,

"Goodnewsarrivedonthisgreatnight.

Oftheonewhoisasgreatasthisnight."

[1]MinanurRahman,2/233

6ChapterNAMEOFTHEIMAMOFTHETIME

ThenameoftheHolyImamwassameasthatofhisrespectedgreatgrandfather,theMessengerof

Allah(a.s).TheHolyProphetsavedthepeoplefromdeviationandhisgrandsonandlastofthetwelvesuccessors isalso thesaviorofhumanity.Historiansand traditionreportersareunanimous thathisholygreatgrandfather,theMessengerofAllah,selectedthisnameforhim.[1]

[1]IqdudDurar

TitlesofImamMahdi(a.s)

TheHolyImamisendowedwithnumeroustitles,someofwhichareasfollows:1.Mahdi–Itisthemostpopularandwell-knowntitleoftheHolyImam(a.s).Itisduetothefact

thathewouldguidethepeopleintruthandineveryconcealedaffair.Thatiswhyheisgiventhetitleof “Mahdi”. The same titlewas once accorded to theMessenger ofAllah, (a.s). The distinguishedpoet,HisaanbinThabithaswordedthefollowingcoupletatthetragedyofpassingawayoftheHolyProphet(a.s):“WhathashappenedtomyeyesthatIcannotsleepAsifinmyeyesistheKohlofsleeplessness.”[2]Inthesameway,theProphetofAllah(a.s)saysinhissupplication,“OAllah,embellishmewiththeembellishmentoffaith.OAllah!Makemeoftheguidedones.”[3]

[2]Diwan,HisaanbinThabit,Pg.97[3]Musnad,ImamAhmad,Vol.4,Pg-264This title was also associated with ImamHasan (a.s). Sulaiman bin Sard, one of the prominent

penitentsofKufasays,“OAllah,havemercyonHasan,themartyr,sonofthemartyr,theMahdi,sonoftheMahdi.”[1]However, this honorific is specially associated with the Awaited Imam in such a way that its

applicationtoanyotherpersonalityisveryrareandanyreferencetoitiswithoutfailassociatedwithImamMahdi (a.s) asmentionedby IbneManzoor[2] andZubaidi[3], thewell known lexicographersandexpertsofArabic.2.Qaim(Onewhorises).ThisisalsoatitleoftheHolyImamMahdi(a.s).Itisduetothefactthat

hewouldarisefortruth.[4]AndheisalsoreferredtoastheQaimoftheProgenyofMuhammad(a.s).3.Muntazar[5](TheAwaitedone).Asthebelieversarepatientlywaitingforhisreappearance.4.Hujjat[6] (Proof). This is because he is the Proof of Almighty God upon His creatures and

servants.5. Khalaf-e-Salih (the best and the righteous Successor), because he is the heir of the greatest

familiesoftheIslamicworld…

[1]Tarikh,Tabari7/70[2]TajulUroos1/409[3]LisanulArab,3/787[4]Bihar13/10[5]Bihar[6]Bihar

AgnomenoftheImamofthetime

ItisaconfirmedfactthattheProphetofIslam(a.s)haddesignated,AbuAbdillah[7]astheagnomen

ofhis last successor, theAwaited Imam. It is also said that theagnomenof theHoly Imam is,AbuJa’farandAbulQasim.[8]

[7]IqdudDurarfiAkhbar-e-Muntazar,Pg.194[8]RauzatushShohada,Pg.326

YearofBirthoftheImamoftheTime

ThebirthofHisEminence,Mahdi(a.s),thegreatreformerofhumanityissaidtohavebeeninthe

year255A.H.[1]andtheyear232allisalsomentionedinthisregard.[2]

[1]WafayatulAyan,2/451,Usool-al-Kafi[2]Bihar

TheBlessedNight

TheQaimoftheProgenyofMuhammadwasbornontheblessednightofthe15thofthemonthof

Shabanal-Moazzam.It is themostholynightand it ismentioned insome traditionsandnarrationsthat the night of Power (Shab-e-Qadr) is this very night.And that all affairs are appointed on thisnight.Onthisnight,theZiyarat(visitation)ofthefatheroftheindependentonesandthebelovedoftheMessengerofAllah(a.s),thechiefoftheMartyrs,ImamHusain(a.s)isrecommended.

7ChapterRECOMMENDATIONOFSUPPLICATIONONTHENIGHTOFTHEIMAM'SBIRTH

SupplicationsandrecitalsofprayersquotedfromtheImamsofguidancearerecommendedonthe

nightoftheauspiciousbirthoftheAwaitedImam.Andthefollowingsupplicationisrecommended:

OAllah:IbeseechYouinthenameofthisnightandinthenameofhimwhomwasbornatitallahummabihaqqilaylatinahadhihiwamawludiha

هدولومو هذه انتلیل قحب مهللا

andinthenameofYourArgumentandinthenameofYourpromiseinit,

wahujjtikawamaw`udihaاهدوعومو كتجحو ،

thenightthatYouhaveaddedanewmerittoitsmanymeritsallatyqarantailafadlihafadlan

لاضف اهلضف ىلإ تنرق يتلا ،

So,YourWordhasbeenaccomplishedtrulyandfairly;fatammtkalimatukasidqanwa`adlan

لادعو اقدص كتملك تمتف ،

noonecanchangeYourwords,lamubaddlalikalimatika

كتاملكل لدبم ،لا

norobscureYoursigns,walamu`aqqbali-ayatika

كتایلآ بقعم لاو ،

(Heis)YourglowingLightnurukaalmutalliqu

قلأتملا كرون ،

andYourbringsplendorwadiyau´ukaalmushriqu

قرشملا كؤایضو ،

andtheluminoussignintheobscurityofdarknesswal-`alamualnnurufitakhya‘ialddayjuri

روجیدلا ءایخط يف رونلا ملعلاو ،

andtheabsentandtheconcealed,algha’ibualmasturu

روتسملا بئاغلا

Loftyishisbirthandnobleishislineagejallamawliduhuwakarumamahtiduhu

هدتحم مركو ، هدلوم لج ،

andtheangelsarehiswitnesseswal-mala’ikatushuhhaduhuهدهش ةكئلاملاو ،

andAllahishisSupporterandBackerwallahunasiruhuwamu´ayyduhu

هدیؤمو هرصان اللهاو ،

whenhistimecomesandtheangelsshallbehissponsors;idhaanami`aduhuwal-mala’ikatuamdaduhu

هدادمأ ةكئلاملاو هداعیم نآ اذإ ،

(Heshallactas)theswordofAllahthatshallnevermissthetarget,sayfuallahialladhylayanbuوبنی لا يذلا اللها فیس ،

andHislightthatshallneverbeextinguishedwanuruhualladhylayakhbu

وبخی لا يذلا هرونو ،

Andtheforbearingpersonwhoshallneverdeviatethetruth.wadhualhilmialladhylayasbu

وبصی لا يذلا ملحلا وذو ،

andthemotiveandreasonofthecourseofevents,madarualddhri

رهدلا رادم ،

andtheoneforwhomthelawsofageshavebeenmadewanawamisual`asri

رصعلا سیماونو ،

and(oneof)themenofauthoritywawulatualamri

رملأا ةلاوو ،

whoreceivethatwhichisrevealedontheGrandNight.wal-munazzalu`alayhimmayatanazzalufilaylatialqadri

ردقلا ةلیل يف لزنتی ام مهیلع لزنملاو ،

andthemanagersoftheResurrectionandtheAccount;waashabualhashriwal-nnashri

رشنلاو رشحلا باحصأو ،

(Theyare)theinterpretersofHisrevelationstarajimatuwahyihi

هیحو ةمجارت ،

andinchargeofwhatisdeemedlawfulandwhatisdeemedunlawfulbyHim.wawulatuamrihiwanahiihi

هیهنو هرمأ ةلاوو .

OAllah:sendblessingsontheirsealandtheirRiserallahummafasalli`alakhatimihimwaqa’imihim

مهمئاقو مهمتاخ ىلع لصف مهللا

whomishiddenfromtheirworld.almasturi`an`awalimihim

مهملاوع نع روتسملا .

OAllah:(please)makeuscausesforthecomingofhim,allahummawaadrikbinaayyamahu

همایأ انب كردأو مهللا

andcausesforhisadventandreappearancewa¨uhurahuwaqiyamahu

همایقو هروهظو ،

and(please)includeuswithhissupporterswaj`alnaminansarihi

هراصنأ نم انلعجاو ،

andjoinourvengeancetohiswaqrintha’ranabitha’rihi

هرأثب انرأث نرقاو ،

anddecideustobeamonghisassistantsandretinue.waktubnafia`wanihiwakhulasa’ihi

هئاصلخو هناوعأ يف انبتكاو ،

andmakeusliveinblissinhisreign,waahiinafidawlatihina`imina

نیمعان هتلود يف انیحأو ،

andmakeuswintheecstasyofhiscompanionship,wabisuhbatihighanimina

نیمناغ هتبحصبو ،

andmakeusofthosewhocarryoutourdutytowardhim,wabihaqqhiqa’imina

نیمئاق هقحبو ،

andsaveusfromevil.waminaalssu‘Isalimina

نیملاس ءوسلا نمو ،

OthemostMercifulofallthosewhoshowmercy.yaarhamaalrrahimina

نیمحارلا محرأ ای ،

AllpraisebetoAllah,Lordoftheworlds.walhamdulillahirabbial`alamina

نیملاعلا بر الله دمحلاو ،

Hisblessingsbeuponourmaster,Muhammadwasalawatuhu`alasayydinamuhammadin

دمحم اندیس ىلع هتاولصو

thesealoftheProphetsandtheMessengers,khatamialnnabiyyinawal-mursalina

نیلسرملاو نییبنلا متاخ

anduponhisHousehold,theveracious,wa`alaahlibaytihialssadiqina

نیقداصلا هتیب لهأ ىلعو

andhisoffspring,thespokespersonsofthetruth,wa`itratihialnnatiqina

نیقطانلا هترتعو ،

andcurseallthewrongdoerswal-`anjami`aal¨¨alimina

نیملاظلا عیمج نعلاو ،

andjudgebetweenthemanduswahkumbaynanawabaynahum

مهنیبو اننیب مكحاو

OtheMostJustofalljudges.

yaahkamaalhakiminaنیمكاحلا مكحأ ای .

ThenightofthebirthoftheQaimoftheProgenyofMuhammad(a.s)isconsideredastheholiest

andthegreatestnightintheviewofIslam.Onthisnightwasborntheonewhowouldestablishjusticeand equity and eradicate injustice and oppression and he will destroy every falsehood and falsedeities.

AcquaintingtheShiaswithImamofthetime

Imam Hasan Askari (a.s) initiated training so that the sincere Shias and his good friends may

recognizeHisEminence,Mahdi(a.s)insuchawaythatnonecoulddenyorhavedoubtsabouthim.

Muawiyah Ibne Hakim,Muhammad Ibne Ayyub andMuhammad Ibne Uthman, each of them haveseparately narrated that His Eminence, Abu Muhammad Hasan Askari (a.s) acquainted us, fortypersons,withhisnewbornson,HisEminence,Mahdi,whilewewerepresentathishouse.Hesaid:“ThissonofmineismyImamandCaliphforyouafterme.Obeyhimandaftermedonotbecomedisunitedinyourreligion,thatyoubedestroyed.Butyoushouldknowthat,afterthis,youwillnotseehim…”[1]

ImamHasanAskaricompletedtheargumentuponthemandacquaintedthemwiththeImamoftheirtimesothattheymaybetestifiersoftruthandthattheymayconveytootherswhattheyhadwitnessed.

[1]YanabiulMawaddah,Pg460,Kamaluddin

8ChapterCHARACTERISTICSANDQUALITIESOFTHEIMAMOFTHETIME

ThequalitiesandmeritsofHisEminence,Mahdi(a.s)aresameasthoseofthedivinemessengers

and legatees.Theeffulgenceof Imamate and the aweof theprophetswasperfectly apparent in thefaceoftheHolyImam.Hisdescriptionanddetailshavecomeinthenarrationsasfollows:

1.AbuSaeedKhudrinarratesfromtheMessengerofAllah(a.s)thathesaid,“Indeed,theAlmightyAllahwillraisefrommyprogenyandAhleBaytaman,whowouldhaveappropriategapbetweenhisfrontteethandhaveabrightforeheadsothathemayfilltheearthwithjustice,welfareandeconomicequality.”[1]

Numerous traditions of the same type have been recorded by the scholars and narrators of AhleSunnat from the Holy Prophet (a.s) describing the various characteristics of Imam Mahdi, thedescendentandgreatgrandsonoftheProphet.

2.HisEminence,AbuJa’far,ImamMuhammadBaqir(a.s)throughhisforefathershasnarratedfromthechiefofAhleBayt,HisEminence,AmirulMomineen(a.s)thatHisEminenceproclaimedfromthepulpit,“Inthelastageamanfrommyprogenywouldrise,havingafaircomplexionthathassomeredness(hue)andhavingaclearandwidebellyandhisthighswouldbebroadandhisbonesshallbelong(big)andprominentandhewouldhavetwobeautyspotsoneofwhomshallbethecoloroftheProphet.Heshallriseup.”

[1]IqdudDurarfiAkhbar-e-Muntazar,Pg.101

3. In another tradition His Eminence, Ali (a.s) again mentions about Imam Mahdi (a.s) in thefollowingwords:

“Heshallhaveawideforeheadandbigeyesandaclearandwidebelly,broadthighs,hisfrontteethwouldbesparklingandthereisamoleonhisrightthigh.”[1]

AfactderivedfromtraditionsandreportsoftheHolyProphet(a.s)isthatinhisfacialappearanceheis most handsome and elegant. All physical and facial beauties would be humble and submissivebeforetheeleganceofImamMahdi(a.s).

Theprominentandacknowledgedpoet,AghaSayyidHasanhasthusmentionedaboutHisEminence:

“Theelegancecameup(arose)throughhisclearface

Themorningbreezespreadfromhiscalmingcountenance.”[2]

[1]YanabiulMawaddah,Pg.423[2]MinanurRahman,2/237

ResemblanceofImamofthetimewiththeProphet

Amongallthepeople,HisEminenceismostresemblingHisgreatgrandfather,theMessengerof

Allah (a.s), by way of method, Jihad and revolution against oppression and transgression andtransformation of the system of the oppressive rulers in society, from theft and destructionhumiliation,afflictionandproblems.Hewouldreplaceallthiswithasystemthatwouldprovideeverykindofcomfortandsecurityandbeacauseofgeneralwelfareandhappinessofthepeople.WhentheQaim of the progeny ofMuhammad would appear, he would work in the same way as his greatgrandfather had done.That iswhy hewould destroy the false powers and tyrannical rulerswhosepower isbasedon falsehoodandhypocrisyandhe shall eradicate themcompletely.Hewould thenestablishjusticeandequityineverysenseoftheterm.

Numerous traditions of the Holy Prophet (a.s) and the Imams of guidance have reached us thatmentionthatImamMahdi(a.s)resembleshisgreatgrandfather,theMessengerofAllah(a.s).Someofthemarementionedbelow:

1.AbdullahIbneMasudnarratesfromtheMessengerofAllahthathesaid,“Amanfrommyfamilywouldarisehavingmyname,andhismannersandhabitswouldbelikemymannersandhabitsandhewouldmaketheearthaboundwithjusticeandequity.”

2.HuzaifahrelatesfromtheMessengerofAllah(a.s)thathesaid:

“Evenifthereremainsonedayinthelifeoftheearth,Godwillbringforthamanwhosenameandcharacterwillbelikemine,andwhosepatronymicwillbeAbuAbdillah.Peoplewouldpayallegianceto himbetween theRukn andMaqam[1] ofKa’ba.Through himGodwill reviveHis religion andbringitbacktoitsearlyglory.Godwillalsoendowhimwithmanyvictoriesandtherewillremainonearthnoneotherthantheoneswhowilldeclare:Thereisnogod,exceptAllah.”

Sulaimangotupfromhisplaceandaskedastowhichofhischildren’sdescendenthewouldbe.

TheProphetstruckhishandonHusain(a.s)andsaid,“Fromhis[descendants].”

3.AyeshahasnarratedfromtheMessengerofAllah(a.s)thathesaid:

“Mahdi is a person from my progeny. He will fight for my Sunnah like I have fought forrevelation.”[2]

4.JabirIbneAbdullahAnsarihasquotedtheMessengerofAllah(a.s)thathesaid:

“TheMahdiisfrommyprogeny,hisnameandpatronymicissameasmine.Amongallthepeoplehewouldresemblemycharacter.Therewouldbeanoccultationforhimduringwhichpeopleshallbeperplexed.Afterthathewouldreappearlikeabrightstarandmaketheearthaboundwithjusticeandequityafterithadbeencompletelyfraughtwithinjusticeandoppression.”

[1]ThetwomainlandmarksconnectedwithHajj

[2]YanabiulMawaddah,Pg.433

5.ImamJa’farSadiq(a.s)hasnarratedthroughhisforefathersfromtheMessengerofAllah(a.s)thathesaid:

“TheMahdi shall be frommydescendants.Hewould be having the samename and agnomen as Ihave. He would resemble me most in character; he would have an occultation which would castpeopleintoconfusion,tilltheydeviatefromtheirreligion.Atthetimehereappearsheshallbelikeabrilliant star. Then he would spread justice and equity on the earth just as it would have beenabsolutelyfraughtwithinjusticeandinequity.”[1]

6.ImamJa’faras-Sadiq(a.s)hasnarratedthroughhisblessedancestorsfromtheHolyProphet(a.s)thathesaid:

“TheQaimisfrommydescendents.Hisnameissameasmineandpatronymicissameasmine.Hisappearanceislikemyappearanceandhispracticelikemypractice.Hewillestablishthepeopleonmyreligionandmy lawandcall them to theBookofmyLord, theMightyand the sublime.Onewhoobeys him has obeyedme and onewho disobeys him has disobeyedme.And onewho denies hisoccultationhasdeniedme.Andonewhofalsifieshimhasfalsifiedme.Andonewhotestifiesforhimhastestifiedforme.IwouldcomplaintoAllahaboutthosewhofalsifymeinmyaffairandthosewhomisleadthepeople.Andtheoppressorswouldsoonrealizewheretheywouldbereturnedwhentheyaresentback(toHell).”[2]

Theabovetraditionis themostcomprehensiveonethatshowsthatImamMahdi(a.s)wouldbelikehisgreatgrandfather,theMessengerofAllah(a.s)inmanyrespects.

7.AbuSalihSaibiinAl-FitanhasnarratedfromHisEminence,AmirulMomineen(a.s)thathesaid:“HisEminence,Mahdi(a.s),inappearance,character,habitsandgoodvirtues,wouldmostresembletheMessengerofAllah(a.s).”[3]

[1]Kamaluddin,YanabiulMawaddah,Pg.493[2]Kamaluddin[3]Al-MalahimwalFitan,Chap.79

SuchtypesoftraditionshavereachedusinlargenumbersfromtheHolyProphet(a.s)andtheHolyImams (a.s).They all prove beyond any doubt that ImamMahdi (a.s) not only resembles theHolyProphet(a.s)inappearanceandbuilt;heisalsohavingthesametypeofcharacterandhabits,duetowhich he is more superior to the other prophets of God. Rather in his method of reformation,engagements and his war tactics for the annihilation of oppression and injustice and for theestablishment of equity and justice on the earth he closely resembles his great grandfather, theMessengerofAllah(a.s).

ConcoctedTraditions

Sources of Islamic beliefs are heavenly revelation, the Holy Quran and the practice of the

Infallibles(a.s).Reason,understanding,conscienceandnaturearebestowedbyAlmightyGodsothatthrough themwemay derive the authentic and correct heavenly sciences and avoid the pitfalls ofdeviation. All these are provided as internal prophets for humanity. That is why Islamic thoughtsderived from these pure sources are actually bestowedbyGod.They all are pure and conform toreality.

Inspiteofallthis,peopleofevilandmaliciousnatureandenemiesofreligionhavealwaysbeeninpursuittocastdoubtsandspoilthetruefaceofreligionandreligiousleaders.

That iswhy enemies of faith andmalicious people have concoctedmany traditions to defame andspoilthetrueIslamicfactsandbeliefsandtheseconcoctedtraditionsweresurreptiouslyincludedinthetraditioncompendiums.Intheparlanceoftraditionalsciencetheseconcoctedtraditionsaretermedas“Israiliyat.”OneofsuchfabricatedtraditionsisrelatedbyGanjiandothersthattheMessengerofAllah(a.s)said,

“Mahdiisfrommydescendants.HisfaceislikeabrightstarandhiscomplexionisofArabandhisbody isofan Israelite.Hewouldmake theearthaboundwith justice justas itwouldbe filledwithoppression.All the folksof theheavenand theearthandalso thebirdswouldbehappyduringhiskingdomandcaliphate.Hewouldreignfortwentyyears.”[1]

ThereasonthatthistraditionisfabricatedisthatthebodyoftheHolyImam(a.s)isapartofthebodyof the Prophet andAmirulMomineen (a.s),whichwere themost pure and clean; infusedwith theeffulgenceofguidance.HowcanthephysiqueofImam(a.s)resemblethatoftheIsraelites,whiletheyarehavingtheworstofthebodiesandthemosteviloftheappearanceaTheyarethewolvesamonghuman beings, the germs and personification of low character. Most probably, the Jews havefabricated this tradition to defame theMuslims on the basis of their enmity towards Islam and topresenttheirowndeficienciesinfavorablelight.

[1]AlBayanfiAkhbareSahibusZaman

9ChapterPROMINENTCHARACTERISTICSANDMERITSOFTHEIMAMOFTHETIME

ThepredominantcharacteristicsandpersonaltraitsofHisEminence,Mahdi(a.s)arethesameas

thatofhishonorableancestorsandforefathers, theHolyImams(a.s).Thosegreatpersonageswerethecentersofmercyand torchbearersofeffulgenceofguidanceon theearth,as theAlmightyhadsent them for the guidance ofHis creatures, theywere created from effulgence, and appointed asguides and callers toHimself. Some of the importantmerits of theHoly ImamMahdi (a.s) are asfollows:

EncompassingknowledgeoftheImamofthetime

It is an established fact that His Eminence, would be the most knowledgeable and possess

proficiencyinallthesciencesbecauseheistheheirofhisgrandfather,theMessengerofAllah(a.s)andheisthecustodianofthetreasureofpropheticwisdom.

HeishavingencompassingknowledgeaboutthereligiouslawandthevariousaspectsoftheShariahofhisgrandfather, thechiefof theprophets.It isoneofthecomprehensivesciencesoftheAwaitedImam.

ThePurifiedImamshavementionedthehighintellectuallevelofImamMahdi(a.s)intheirsayingsissuedlongbeforehewasborninthisworld.

1.HisEminence,AmirulMomineen (a.s) sayswith regard to thevirtuesof ImamMahdi (a.s), “Heshallbemostrefuge-givingandtheonehavingmostknowledgeandtheonewhodoesthemost‘SileRaham’(doinggoodtorelatives).”[1]

[1]Ghaybah,Nomani2.HarthIbneMughairaNazarisays,“IinquiredfromHisEminence,AbaAbdillahHusainBinAli

(a.s),‘FromwhatwouldtheMahdiberecognizeda’Hereplied,‘Byrecognizingthepermissibleandtheprohibitedandbythefactthatpeoplewouldbeneedfulofhimwhilehewouldnotbeneedfulofthem.’”[1]

3.HisEminence,ImamMuhammadBaqir(a.s)said,“Hismatter,thatis,Kingdomwouldbefromtheyoungestandthemosthandsomeofus(theProgenyofMuhammad).TheAlmightyAllahwouldgivehim knowledge in inheritance and not leave him on his own (rather He is his helper andsupporter).”[2]

4.HisEminence,ImamMuhammadBaqir(a.s)said,“KnowledgeofAlmightyAllah,theMightyandSublimeandtheSunnah(practice)oftheMessengerofAllah(a.s)growsluxuriantlyintheheartofourMahdiinthebestform.Anyofyouthatsurvivesandseesitshouldsaywhenyouseehim:‘Peacebe upon you (all) of Ahle Bayt of Mercy and Prophethood and the mines of knowledge and thelocationofmessengership.’”[3]

UnderthediscussionofhisexcellentknowledgeandaccomplishmentsofHisEminenceitisnarratedthatwhenhewouldreappear,hewilldiscussandprovehispointswiththeJewsonthebasisofTorahasaresultofwhichamajorityofthemwouldacceptIslam.[4]

His Eminence, Mahdi (a.s) during the minor occultation, was the sole point of reference and thegreatestcenterofthefinaldecision.Thereforethespecialdeputiesusedtoconveythequestionsofthepeople to theHolyImamandobtain their replies.Suchquestions in largenumbersare recorded inbooks

[1]IqdudDurar

[2]IqdudDurar,Pg.109[3]Kamaluddin[4]Bihar,etc

ofjurisprudenceandtraditionsandtheyserveasreferencesfortheIslamicjurisprudentsinderivingtheirverdicts.

ItisbettertoreiterateherethatShaykhSaduq(a.r.)hadcollectedmanyrepliesbearingthesignatureoftheHolyImam.

PietyoftheImamofthetime

The character and hearts of the Imams ofAhleBayt (a.s) in all aspects of thoughts and actions

(amongthemispietyintheworldandgivingupofmaterialpleasuresandjoys)aresameforallofthem.Itisnotpossibletopickoutasingleinstancefromthembutthatitwouldbefoundtobepietyintheworldandtherenunciationofmaterialthings.HisEminence,AmirulMomineen(a.s),thegateofthecityofknowledgeoftheMessengerofAllah(a.s)infact,divorcedtheworldthricesothatitdidnotremainworthyofreconciliation.Hispureandchastedescendentshavealsobeenbestowedwiththisexaltedquality.ManytraditionsregardingthepietyofImamMahdi(a.s)arerecordedinhistory.Someofthemarepresentedbelow:

a.MuammarIbneKhuldhasnarratedfromImamReza(a.s)thehesaid,“ThedressandfoodoftheQaimoftheProgenyofMuhammadshallbecoarseanddry.”[1]

b.AbuBasirhasquotedthatImamSadiq(a.s)said,“Donotbeinhasteoftheadventandreappearanceof the Imamof the time.ByAllah, his dress shall be coarse andhis food, barley bread, thick anddense.”[2]

c.AliIbneHamzahandWahabhavenarratedfromImamSadiq(a.s)thatheproclaimedregardingHisEminence,theAwaitedImam,“Hisdressiscoarseandthickandhisfoodishardandrigid.”[3]

[1]Ghaybah,Nomani[2]Ghaybah,Nomani[3]Ghaybah,Nomani

ItisanestablishedfactthatthismethodisfoundinallaspectsofthelifeofHisEminence.Ifhehadnotpossessedsuchmannerism,theAlmightyAllahwouldnothaveselectedhimforthegreatestreformativemovement,fromallthepersonalitiesoftheearth.Thenheitis,whowouldmaketheearthaboundwithjusticeandequity,asitwouldbecompletelyfraughtwithinjusticeandoppression,andhewouldsavehumanityfromarroganceandprideofoppressors.Hewoulddistributedivinewealthandgoodnessbetweendeprivedandneedypeople.

PatienceofImamoftheTime

One of the prominent characteristics and spiritual excellence of His Eminence is patience and

forbearance.

HisEminence isencounteringmoresevereproblemsandcalamities than facedbyall the infallibleImams.Duringhisprolongedlifehehasexperiencedmanybitterincidentsandgreattragedies,whichhasmadetheIslamicworldblackandbrokenitslimbsandtheMuslimcommunitywiththesepieces,issubjugatedundertheyokeofdisbelieversandtyrantsandstrugglinginthatposition.SuchtypesofdifferentoppressionshavebecomecommonintheworldofIslamandthedivinerulesandlawshavebeen rendered useless.Thewealth of theMuslims has been plundered and they interfere in all thedecisionsoftheMuslimnationandtheyforcetheirownviewuponthem.

AllthesecalamitiesandcorruptionsarebeingwroughtundertheveryeyesofHisEminenceandhe,beingthefatherofthebroken-upcommunity,isverymuchpainedbyit.

HehasindeedresortedtopatienceandforbearanceandentrustedeverythingtotheAlmighty.Andthisis so because He is the One,Who has everything in His power, and He is the true Ruler on Hiscreatures,andthereisnokindofanycommandoropinionforanyoneelse.

10ChapterWORSHIPOFTHEIMAMOFTHETIME

ItisbeyondanydoubtthattheworshipofHisEminence,Mahdi(a.s)isalsoliketheworshipofhis

respected forefathers, thePurified Imams (a.s).All the Imamshaddevoted theirwhole lives to theAlmightyAllah.TheyhavedeeplyimbibedtheloveandregardofAllahinthedepthsoftheirhearts.TheircompletebeingsaresurroundedbytheloveofAlmighty.Thatiswhytheyfastedmostofthedaysandprayedduringthebetterpartofthenight,extollingandpraisingtheLord.Yes,themethodofworshipoftheAwaitedImamisalsosame.Therefore,thetraditionscholarshaverecordedsomeofhissupplicationsintheritualprayersorotherwise,thatpointouttheextremepietyandattachmentofthe Holy Imam with his Lord and his aloofness from everything else. Some of them we presentbelow:

SupplicationsoftheImamofthetimeintheQunutofRitualPrayers

HisEminence,theMasteroftheAge,recitesthefollowingsupplicationintheQunutofhisritual

prayers.Theactualsupplicationisasfollows:

OAllah:theMasteroftheKingdomallahummamalikaalmulki

كلملا كلام مهللا

YougivethekingdomtowhomsoeverYoupleasetu´tiyalmulkamantasha'u

ءاشت نم كلملا يتؤت

andtakeawaythekingdomfromwhomsoeverYoupleasewatanzi`ualmulkamimmantasha'u

ءاشت نمم كلملا عزنتو

andYouexaltwhomYoupleasewatu`izzumantasha'u

ءاشت نم زعتو

andYouabasewhomYoupleasewatudhillumantasha'u

ءاشت نم لذتو

inYourhandisthegood;biyadikaalkhayru

ریخلا كدیب

surety,Youhavepoweroverallthingsinnaka`alakullishay'inqadirunریدق ءيش لك ىلع كنإ

OtheAll-glorious;OtheAll-magnanimousyamajiduyajawaduداوج ای دجام ای

OtheLordofMajestyandHonoryadhaaljalaliwal-ikrami

ماركلإاو للاجلا اذ ای

OtheLordofthegreatmightyadhaalbatshialshshadidi

دیدشلا شطبلا اذ ای

OHeWhodoeswhateverHewillsyafa`-`alunlimayuriduدیری امل لاعف ای

OtheLordofpower;OtheStrongyadhaalquwwatialmatinu

نیتملا ةوقلا اذ ای

OtheAll-affectionate;OtheAll-mercifulyara´ufuyarahimu

میحر ای فوؤر ای

OtheLivingwhentherewasnootheronelivingyahayyuhinalahayyuيح لا نیح يح ای

IbeseechYoubyYourName,thestored,theconcealedas'alukabismikaalmakhzunialmaknuni

نونكملا نوزخملا كمساب كلأسأ

theEver-Living,theSelf-Subsistingalhayyialqayyumi

مویقلا يحلا

WhomYouhavetakenupintheUnseenKnowledgewithYoualladhiista'thartabihifi`ilmialghaybi`indaka

كدنع بیغلا ملع يف هب ترثأتسا يذلا

andnoneofYourcreatureshaseverknownaboutwalamyattali``alayhiahadunminkhalqikaكقلخ نم دحأ هیلع علطی ملو

andIbeseechYoubyYourNamethroughwhichYoushapeYourcreaturesasYoulikewaas'alukabismikaalladhitusawwirubihikhalqakafialarhamikayfatasha'u

ءاشت فیك ماحرلأا يف كقلخ هب روصت يذلا كمساب كلأسأو

andthroughwhichYoudeliver themtheirsustenancein the layersofmurkfrombetweentheveinsandtheboneswabihitasuquilayhimarzaqahumfiatbaqial¨¨ulumatiminbaynial`uruqiwal`i¨ami

ماظعلاو قورعلا نیب نم تاملظلا قابطأ يف مهقازرأ مهیلإ قوست هبو

andIbeseechYoubyYourNamethroughwhichYouunitedtheheartsofYourfriendswaas'alukabismikaalladhiallaftabihibaynaqulubiawliya'ika

كئایلوأ بولق نیب هب تفلأ يذلا كمساب كلأسأو

andYouunitedbetweeniceandfirewaallaftabaynaalththaljiwalnnari

رانلاو جلثلا نیب تفلأو

neitherfiremeltsicelahadhayudhibuhadhaذه بیذی اذه لا

noriceextinguishesfirewalahadhayutfi'uhadhaاذه ئفطی اذه لاو .

andIbeseechYoubyYourNamethroughwhichYougeneratedtheflavorofwaterwaas'alukabismikaalladhikawwantabihita`maalmiyahi

هایملا معط هب تنوك يذلا كمساب كلأسأو

andIbeseechYoubyYourNamethroughwhichYoumadewaterflowintherootsofplantsbetweenthelayersoftheearthwaas'alukabismikaalladhiajraytabihialma'afi`uruqialnnabatibaynaatbaqialththara

ىرثلا قابطأ نیب تابنلا قورع يف ءاملا هب تیرجأ يذلا كمساب كلأسأو

andYoumadewaterreachtherootsofthetreesfromhardrockswasuqtaalma'aila`uruqial-ashjaribaynaalssakhratialssamma'i

ءامصلا ةرخصلا نیب راجشلأا قورع ىلإ ءاملا تقسو

andIbeseechYoubyYourNamethroughwhichYoucreatedtheflavorandcolorsoffruitswaas'alukabismikaalladhikawwantabihita`maalththimariwaalwanaha

هناولأو رامثلا معط هب تنوك يذلا كمساب كلأسأو

andIbeseechYoubyYourNamethroughwhichYoubeginthecreationandthenreproduceitwaas'alukabismikaalladhibihitubdiwatu`idu

دیعتو يدبت هب يذلا كمساب كلأسأو

andIbeseechYoubyYourName;theSingle,theOnewaas'alukabismikaalfardialwahidi

دحاولا درفلا كمساب كلأسأو

theUniqueinsinglenesswalmutafarridibilwahdaniyyati

ةینادحولاب درفتملاو

theSingleinEternityalmutawahhidibilssamadaniyyati

ةینادمصلاب دحوتملا

andIbeseechYoubyYourNamethroughwhichYouburstwaterinhardrockswaas'alukabismikaalladhifajjartabihialma'afialssakhratialssamma'i

ءامصلا ةرخصلا يف ءاملا هب ترجف يذلا كمساب كلأسأو

andYoudroveitfromwhenceYouwilledwasuqtahuminhaythushi'taتئش ثیح نم هتقسو

andIbeseechYoubyYourNamethroughwhichYoucreatedthecreatureswaas'alukabismikaalladhikhalaqtabihikhalqakaكقلخ هب تقلخ يذلا كمساب كلأسأو

andYouprovidedthemasYouwillandhoweverYouwillwarazaqtahumkayfashi'tawakayfatasha'u

ءاشت فیكو تئش فیك مهتقزرو

OHeWhoisneverchangedbydaysandnightsyamanlatughayyiruhual-ayyamuwallayali

يلایللاو مایلأا هریغت لا نم ای

IprayYouwiththeprayerofNoahwhenhecalledatYouad`ukabimada`akabihinuhunhinanadaka

كادان نیح حون هب كاعد امب كوعدأ

So,YousavedhimaswellasthosewhowerewithhimandYoudestroyedhispeoplefa-anjaytahuwamanma`ahuwaahlaktaqawmahu

هموق تكلهأو هعم نمو هتیجنأف

andIprayYouwiththeprayerofAbraham,Yourintimatefriend,whenhecalledatYou,waad`ukabimada`akabihiibrahimukhalilukahinanadaka

كادان نیح كلیلخ میهاربإ هب كاعد امب كوعدأو

So,Yousavedhimandmadefirecomfortandpeaceonhimfa-anjaytahuwaja`altaalnnara`alayhibardanwasalaman

ملاسو ادرب هیلع رانلا تلعجو هتیجنأف

andIprayYouwiththeprayerofMoses,thespokenbyYou,whenhecalledatYouwaad`ukabimada`akabihimusakalimukahinanadaka

كادان نیح كمیلك ىسوم هب كاعد امب كوعدأو

So,YousplitasundertheseaforhimandsavedhimaswellasthechildrenofIsraelfafalaqtalahualbahrafa-anjaytahuwabaniisra'ila

لیئارسإ ينبو هتیجنأف رحبلا هل تقلفف

andYousankthePharaohandhispeopleintheriverwaaghraqtafir`awnawaqawmahufialyammiمیلا يف هموقو نوعرف تقرغأو

andIprayYouwiththeprayerofJesus,YourSpirit,whenhecalledatYouwaad`ukabimada`akabihi`isaruhukahinanadaka

كادان نیح كحور ىسیع هب كاعد امب كوعدأو

So,YousavedhimagainstYourenemiesandYouelevatedhimtowardsYoufanajjaytahumina`da'ikawailaykarafa`tahu

هتعفر كیلإو كئادعأ نم هتیجنف

andIprayYouwiththeprayerofYourmost-dear,choice,andProphetwaad`ukabimada`akabihihabibukawasafiyyukawanabiyyuka

كیبنو كیفصو كبیبح هب كاعد امب كوعدأو

Muhammad,peacebeuponhimandhisHouseholdmuhammadunsallaallahu`alayhiwaalihiهلآو هیلع اللها ىلص دمحم

So,YourespondedtohimandsavedhimfromtheAlliedPartiesfastajabtalahuwaminaal-ahzabinajjaytahu

هتیجن بازحلأا نمو هل تبجتساف

andYousupportedhimagainstYourenemieswa`alaa`da'ikanasartahu

هترصن كئادعأ ىلعو

andIbeseechYoubyYourNamethatYouanswertheprayerofwhoeverbeseechesYoubyitwaas'alukabismikaalladhiidhadu`itabihiajabta

تبجأ هب تیعد اذإ يذلا كمساب كلأسأو

OHeWhoownscreaturesandallaffairsyamanlahualkhalquwal-amru

رملأاو قلخلا هل نم ای

andHeWhoseknowledgeencompassesallthingsyamanahatabikullishay'in`ilmanملع ءيش لكب طاحأ نم ای

OHeWhorecordsthenumberofallthingsyamanahsakullashay'in`adadanددع ءيش لك ىصحأ نم ای

OHeWhoisneverchangedbydaysandnightsyamanlatughayyiruhual-ayyamuwal-layali

يلایللاو مایلأا هریغت لا نم ای

andHeWhomisnotconfusedbysoundswalatatashabahu`alayhial-aswatu

تاوصلأا هیلع هباشتت لاو

andHeWhomisnotunawareoflanguageswalatakhfa`alayhiallughatu

تاغللا هیلع ىفخت لاو

andHeWhomisnotannoyedbytheinsistenceoftheearnestpleaderswalayubrimuhuilhahualmulihhina

نیحلملا حاحلإ همربی لاو

IbeseechYoutosendblessingsuponMuhammadandtheHouseholdofMuhammadas'alukaantusalliya`alamuhammadinwaalimuhammadin

دمحم لآو دمحم ىلع يلصت نأ كلأسأ

thechoicestofallyourcreatureskhiyaratikaminkhalqikaكقلخ نم كتریخ

So,(pleasedo)blessthemwiththemostfavorableofYourblessingsfasalli`alayhimbi-afdalisalawatika

كتاولص لضفأب مهیلع لصف

andalsoblessallYourProphetsandMessengerswasalli`alajami`ialnnabiyyinawalmursalina

نیلسرملاو نییبنلا عیمج ىلع لصو

WhohaveconveyedtrueguidancefromYoualladhinaballaghu`ankaalhuda

ىدهلا كنع اوغلب نیذلا

andboundthemselveswithcovenantsofobediencetoYouwa`aqadulakaalmawathiqabiltta`ati

ةعاطلاب قیثاوملا كل اودقعو

andblessYourrighteousservantswasalli`ala`ibadikaalssalihina

نیحلاصلا كدابع ىلع لصو

OHeWhoneverbreakshispromiseyamanlayukhlifualmi`ada

داعیملا فلخی لا نم ای

(Pleasedo)fulfillYourpromisetomeanjizlimawa`adtani

ينتدعو ام يل زجنأ

andbringtogethermycompanionsandconferuponthemwithpatiencewajma`liashabiwasabbirhum

مهربصو يباحصأ يل عمجاو

andgivemevictoryagainstYourenemiesandtheenemiesofYourMessenger

wansurni`alaa`da'ikawaa`da'irasulikaكلوسر ءادعأو كئادعأ ىلع ينرصناو

anddonotdisappointmyprayerswalatukhayyibdu`a'i

يئاعد بیخت لاو

forIamverilyYourservantandthesonofYourbondwomanfainni`abdukawabnuamatika

كتمأ نباو كدبع ينإف

andIamprisoneratYouasirunbaynayadayka

كیدی نیب ریسأ

MyMaster!ItisYouWhohaveendowedmethispositionsayyidiantaalladhimananta`alayyabihadhaalmuqami

ماقملا اذهب يلع تننم يذلا تنأ يدیس

andYouhaveconferreduponmewithitfromamongmanyofYourcreatureswatafaddaltabihi`alayyadunakathirinminkhalqikaكقلخ نم ریثك نود يلع هب تلضفتو

IbeseechYoutosendblessingsuponMuhammadandtheHouseholdofMuhammadas'alukaantusalliya`alamuhammadinwaalimuhammadin

دمحم لآو دمحم ىلع يلصت نأ كلأسأ

andtofulfillYourpromisetomewaantunjizalimawa`adtani

ينتدعو ام يل زجنت نأو

Verily,YouarethetrueHonestinnakaantaalssadiqu

قداصلا تنأ كنإ

andYouneverbreakYourpromisewalatukhlifualmi`ada

داعیملا فلخت لاو

andYouhavepoweroverallthings.[1]waanta`alakullishay'inqadirunریدق ءيش لك ىلع تنأو .

This blessed supplicationmentions the unimaginable power of theLordCreatorWhohas broughteverythingintoexistence.HeistheOneWhobestowsexistenceandistheoriginatorofallcreatures.In thesamewaythesupplicationalsoproves thatHisEminence,begs to theAlmightyforhelpandsuccess over the enemies of Allah and the prophets. And also desires that his helpers should be

gatheredsothatthereligionmaybeenlivenedandbestowexaltationoftheKalimah.[2]

[1]MuhajjudDawat,Pg.84-86[2]Formula:ThereisnoGod,exceptAllah

AnotherSupplicationoftheImamofthetime

HisEminence,Mahdi(a.s)recitesthefollowingblessedsupplicationinsomeofhisprayers:

OAllah:BlessMuhammadandtheHouseholdofMuhammadallahummasalli`alamuhammadinwaalimuhammadin

دمحم لآو دمحم ىلع لص مهللا

andhonorYourfriendsbyfulfillingYourpromise(tothem)waakrimawliya'akabi-injaziwa`dika

كدعو زاجنإب كئایلوأ مركأو

andmakethemattainthebestoftheirhopeforYourvictorywaballighhumdarakamaya'malunahuminnasrika

كرصن نم هنولمأی ام كرد مهغلبو

andsavethemagainsttheinfluenceofthosewhohavedeterminedtocontraveneYouwakfuf`anhumba'samannasabaalkhilafa`alaykaكیلع فلاخلا بصن نم سأب مهنع ففكاو

andthosewhohaverebelledtostandagainstYoubycommittingwhateverviolatesYouwatamarradabiman`ika`alarukubimukhalafatika

كتفلاخم بوكر ىلع كعنمب درمتو

andthosewhohaveusedYouraidtoweakenYourauthoritywasta`anabirifdika`alafallihaddikaكدح لف ىلع كدفرب ناعتساو

andthosewhohaveaimedatplottingconspiraciesagainstYouwaqasadalikaydikabikaكب كدیكل دصقو

andYouhavetreatedthemwithYourforbearancesothatYoushallseizethemopenlywaawsa`tahuhilmanlita'khudhahu`alajahratin

ةرهج ىلع هذخأتل املح هتعسوأو

andYoushalleliminatethemabruptly.watasta'silahu`alaghirratinةرغ ىلع هلصأتستو

Verily,Youhavesaid,andallthatwhichYousayisbuttheuttertruth:fa'innakaalllahummaqultawaqawlukaalhaqqu:

قحلا كلوقو تلق مهللا كنإف :

"…untilwhentheearthputsonitsgoldenraimentanditbecomesgarnished,

(hattaidhaakhadhatial-arduzukhrufahawazzayyanat( تنیزاو اهفرخز ضرلأا تذخأ اذإ ىتح

anditspeoplethinkthattheyhavepoweroverit,wa¨annaahluhaannahumqadiruna`alayhaهیلع نورداق مهنأ اهلهأ نظو

Ourcommandcomestoit,bynightorbyday,atahaamrunalaylanawnaharan

راهن وأ لایل انرمأ اهاتأ

soWerenderitasreapedseed;produce,asthoughithadnotbeeninexistenceyesterday;faja`alnahahasidanka'anlamtaghnabil-amsi

سملأاب نغت مل نأك ادیصح اهانلعجف

thusdoWemakeclearthecommunicationsforapeoplewhoreflect.(10/24)"kadhalikanufassilual-ayatiliqawminyatafakkaruna)

نوركفتی موقل تایلآا لصفن كلذك )

Youhavealsosaid:"Then,whentheydispleasedUs,Weinflictedaretributiononthem.(43/55)"waqulta:(falammaasafunaintaqamnaminhum)مهنم انمقتنا انوفسآ املف :) تلقو )

Verily,thedeadlineinourviewhascometoitsendwainnaalghayata`indanaqadtanahat

تهانت دق اندنع ةیاغلا نإو

andwearefuriousforYourwrathwainnalighadabikaghadibuna

نوبضاغ كبضغل انإو

andwearedeterminedtosupporttherightwainna`alanasrialhaqqimuta`asibuna

نوبصاعتم قحلا رصن ىلع انإو

andweareeagerforengagingourselvesinthisaffairofYouwailawurudiamrikamushtaquna

نوقاتشم كرمأ دورو ىلإو

andwearewaitingforthefulfillmentofYourpromisewali'injaziwa`dikamurtaqibuna

نوبقترم كدعو زاجنلإو

andweareexpectingthebefallingofYourthreatconcerningYourenemies.walihululiwa`idikabi'a`da'ikamutawaqqi`una

نوعقوتم كئادعأب كدیعو لولحلو

OAllah:(please)thenpermitthatandopenthewaysforhim(toappear)allahummafa'dhanbidhalikawaftahturuqatihi

هتاقرط حتفاو كلذب نذأف مهللا

andmakeeasyhisadventandpavethewayforhimwasahhilkhurujahuwawattI'masalikahu

هكلاسم ئطوو هجورخ لهسو

anddecidehiscoursestostartandaidhisfollowersandsupporterswashra`shara'i`ahuwaayyidjunudahuwaa`wanahu

هناوعأو هدونج دیأو هعئارش عرشاو

andbeginwithinflictingYourpowerovertheoppressorswabadirba'sakaalqawmaal¨¨alimina

نیملاظلا موقلا كسأب ردابو

andunsheathetheswordofYourretributionoverYourstubbornenemieswastusayfanaqimatika`alaa`da'ikaalmu`anidina

نیدناعملا كئادعأ ىلع كتمقن فیس طساو

andtaketherevenge.Verily,YouareAll-magnanimous,All-generous.wakhudhbilththa'riinnakajawadunkarimunمیرك داوج كنإ رأثلاب ذخو .

In this blessed supplication, His Eminence has clearly explained that he is very eager for hisreappearanceandextremelykeentoenliventhereligionandpracticeofhisgrandfather,thechiefoftheprophets and to take revenge from theenemiesof Islamandmonotheism.He isverykeenanddesiroustoreappearassoonaspossible.

11ChapterVALOROFTHEIMAMOFTHETIME

HisEminence,Mahdi(a.s)isthebravestandthemostvaliantofallthepeople.Instrength,power,

courage and daring, he is like his great grandfather, the Messenger of Allah (a.s), because HisEminence,withallhiscapacityuprootedthepowersofpolytheismanddestroyedrootsofignoranceand oppression and announced the rights and honor of human beings. The Prophet of Islam roseagainst the leaders of oppression and enemies of Islamwho intended to destroy and humiliate theloftyreligionofGodanddestroyedtheirleadersanddispersedtheirsupportersandbestowedhonorandmajesty to thewordofAllahon theearth. In the sameway,hisgreatgrandsonandcaliph, thePromisedImam,willalsoperformthesamefunction.Hewouldmaketheoppressorsandrebelstastetheirmisdeeds.Andwithfirmdetermination,bereftofsloth, reinfusegreatnessandhonor to Islamwithout in any way surrendering to any sort of difficult matter and painful circumstances due toweaknessandlackofattitude.

SteadfastnessoftheImamofthetimeinrightfulness

HisEminence,theAwaitedImamisamongthemoststeadfastdefendersoftruthandhisdefenseand

helpfortheoppressedandtorturedoneismorethanthatofanyoneelse.Nokindofcriticismhindershimfromthedeliveranceoftruthanditsestablishment.

TheforefatherandeldersofHisEminencesupportedtruthanddisplayedsteadfastnessinthefaceoffalsehoodandpresentedtheirsacrificeforsocialjusticeamongthepeople.HisEminence,theMahdi(a.s)alsopossessesthesamequality.

WhentheworldshallbeilluminatedbythereappearanceoftheQaimoftheProgenyofMuhammadandhumanitywouldbecomefortunatebytheadventofHisEminence,HisEminencewouldenlivenallaspectsoftruthanddestroyeverykindoffraud,cheatingandoppression.

GenerosityoftheImamofthetime

His Eminence, the Awaited Imam is the most generous and charitable among all the people.

Narratorsoftraditionsareunanimousthatduringthetimeofhisgovernment,HisEminencewoulddistributebountiesandsustenanceofGodamongallthepoorpeopleinsuchawaythatnotasinglepoorandneedypersonwouldremainonthefaceoftheearth;somuchso,thatapersonwhodesirestopayhisZakattotheeligibleonewouldnotbeabletofindasinglerecipientofalms.Someofthesetypesoftraditionsarepresentedbelow:[1]

a.AbuSaeedKhudrihasnarratedfromtheProphetofIslam,intheeventsofHisEminence,Mahdi(a.s)thathesaid,"Amancomestohimandsays,'OMahdi!Giveme!Giveme!'HisEminencefillshisutensiltotheextentofwhathecouldlift."

b.IbneAsakirhasquotedfromtheMessengerofAllah(a.s)thathesaid,"Inthelastagetherewouldbeacaliphwhowouldpileupwealth."[2]

[1]YanabiulMawaddah,Pg431[2]Tarikh,IbneAsakir,1/186

c.JabirhasnarratedthathewasinthecompanyofHisEminence,AbuJa'farImamMuhammadBaqir(a.s)whenapersoncametohimandaddressingtheImamsaid,"Pleaseacceptthese500dirhams,thatistheZakatofmywealth,andspenditinasuitableway."HisEminence,ImamMuhammadBaqir(a.s)said,"Searchforthemyourselfinyourneighbors,orphans,theneedyandbrothers-in-faithanddistributeitamongthem.AnditisthetimewhenourQaimwouldrisesothathecoulddistributeitinequitablewayandestablishjusticeamongthecreaturesofGod,accordingtotheirgoodorevil.OnewhoobeyshimhasobeyedAllahandonewhodisobeyshimhasdisobeyedAllah.Sinceheguidesinasecretandsubtlemanner,heiscalled'theMahdi.'"

HisEminencewillbringouttheTorahandotherbooksfromacaveinAntiochandcommandthepeopleofTorahbyTorahandpeopleofInjeelwithInjeelandpeopleofZaburwithZaburandpeopleofQuranwithQuran.Allthewealthoftheearththatisonitssurfaceandbelowitssurfacewouldbegatheredwithhim.Thenhewouldsay,'OPeople!CometowardsthatforwhichyouhadseveredrelationsandspilledbloodontheearthandcommittedthingsprohibitedbyGod.'Thenhewouldgivesomuchwealthtothemashadneverbeengiven.[1]

AndothertraditionsthatprovethatHisEminenceisaseaofmercyandgenerosityarethosethatmentionthatHisEminencewoulddealwiththepeoplewithkindnessandfavorsandsavethemfromtheyokesofhungeranddeprivationandspreadpeace,comfortandneedlessnessamongthem.

[1]Kamaluddin,BiharulAnwar

12ChapterSOMEBRILLIANTLEGACIESOFTHEIMAMOFTHETIME

HisEminence,theAwaitedImamisinpossessionofthosebrilliantlegaciesthatincludethemost

exaltedvalues.Someof thesupplicationsofHisEminencearefromthat legacy, that is themineofmonotheism and from the treasures of Islamic concepts. In the same way there are letters of HisEminence,thathewrotetosomeofhisprominentcompanionsandsincereShias.Theyareapartofthatlegacytoo.SomeoftheselettersarecomposedofrepliestoquestionsregardingreligiouslawsthatpeopleposedtotheHolyImam.Andthefollowingareapartofthatlegacy:

SupplicationsoftheImamofthetime

Supplication is speaking privately to God and to be cut off with everything and remaining

connectedonly toGod.Supplication tellsus that the suppliant isonewithaclearconscienceandapure heart and connected toAlmightyAllahWho is theCreator of existence andbestower of life.SomeofthesupplicationsofthegreatImamQaimofAaleMuhammadthatarerecordedinhistoryareasfollows:1.SupplicationoftheImamofthetimefortheMuslims

OAllah;(pleasedo)grantussuccesstoobey(You)allahummairzuqnatawfiqaatta`a(ti)

ةعاطلا قیفوت انقزرا مهللا

Andremotenessfromdisobedience(toYou)wabu`daalma`siya(ti)

ةیصعملا دعبو

Andtrueintentionwasidqaanniyya(ti)ةینلا قدصو

Andidentificationofsanctitywa`irfanaalhurma(ti)

ةمرحلا نافرعو

And(pleasedo)honoruswithtrueguidanceandstraightforwardnesswaakrimnabilhudawalistiqama(ti)

ةماقتسلااو ىدهلاب انمركأو

Anddedicateourtonguestotruthandwisdomwasaddidalsinatanabissawabiwalhikma(ti)

ةمكحلاو باوصلاب انتنسلأ ددسو

Andfillinourheartswithknowledgeandlearningwamla’qulubanabil`ilmiwalma`rifa(ti)

ةفرعملاو ملعلاب انبولق لأماو

Andpurifyourstomachsfromillegallyandsuspiciouslygottenfoodwatahhirbutunanaminaalharamiwashshubha(ti)

ةهبشلاو مارحلا نم اننوطب رهطو

Andwithholdourhandsfromoppressionandlarcenywakfufaydiyana`ana¨¨ulmiwassariqa(ti)

ةقرسلاو ملظلا نع انیدیأ ففكاو

Andturnoursightsawayfromlicentiousnessandtreacherywaghdudabsarana`analfujuriwalkhiyana(ti)

ةنایخلاو روجفلا نع انراصبأ ضضغاو

Andblockourhearingsagainstvainnessandbackbitingwasdudasma`ana`anallaghwiwalghayba(ti)

ةبیغلاو وغللا نع انعامسأ ددساو

Andconferonourscholarswithasceticismandadvicewatafaddal`ala`ulama’inabizzuhdiwannasiha(ti)

ةحیصنلاو دهزلاب انئاملع ىلع لضفتو

Andonthelearnerswithhardworkanddesire(tolearning)wa`alaalmuta`alliminabiljuhdiwa-raghba(ti)

ةبغرلاو دهجلاب نیملعتملا ىلعو

Andonthelistenerswithfollowingandlearning(lessons)wa`alaalmustami`inabilittiba`iwalmaw`i¨a(ti)

ةظعوملاو عابتلااب نیعمتسملا ىلعو

AndontheMuslimpatientswithcureandcomfortwa`alamardaalmusliminabishshafa’iwarraha(ti)

ةحارلاو ءافشلاب نیملسملا ىضرم ىلعو

AndontheMuslimdeadswithkindnessandmercywa`alamawtahumbirra’fatiwarrahma(ti)

ةمحرلاو ةفأرلاب مهاتوم ىلعو

Andonouroldoneswithsombernessandgentlenesswa`alamashayikhinabilwaqariwassakina(ti)

ةنیكسلاو راقولاب انخیاشم ىلعو

Andontheyouthswithturning(toYou)andrepentancewa`alaashshababibil’inabatiwattawba(ti)

ةبوتلاو ةبانلااب بابشلا ىلعو

Andonthewomenwithshynessandchastitywa`alaannisa’ibilhaya’iwal`iffa(ti)

ةفعلاو ءایحلاب ءاسنلا ىلعو

Andontherichwithmodestyandamplegivingwa`alaal-aghniya’ibittawadu`iwassa`a(ti)

ةعسلاو عضاوتلاب ءاینغلاا ىلعو

Andonthepoorwithpatienceandsatisfactionwa`alaalfuqara’ibissabriwalqana`a(ti)

ةعانقلاو ربصلاب ءارقفلا ىلعو

Andonthewarriorswithtriumphandprimacywa`alaalghuzatibinnasriwalghalaba(ti)

ةبلغلاو رصنلاب ةازغلا ىلعو

Andontheprisonerswithreleaseandcomfortwa`alaal-usara’ibilkhalasiwarraha(ti)

ةحارلاو صلاخلاب ءارسلاا ىلعو

Andontherulerswithjusticeandsympathywa`alaal-umara’ibil`adliwashshafaqa(ti)

ةقفشلاو لدعلاب ءارملاا ىلعو

Andonthesubjectswithimpartialityandgoodbehaviorwa`alaarra`iyyatibil-insafiwahusniassira(ti)

ةریسلا نسحو فاصنلااب ةیعرلا ىلعو

And (please do) bless the pilgrims to Mecca and the visitators (to the tombs of the saints) withprovisionandexpenditurewabariklilhujjajiwazzuwwarifizzadiwannafaqa(ti)

ةقفنلاو دازلا يف راوزلاو جاجحلل كرابو

AndhelpthemsettletheHajjandUmrahthatYouhavemadeincumbentuponthemwaqdimaawjabta`alayhimminalhajjiwal`umra(ti)

ةرمعلاو جحلا نم مهیلع تبجوأ ام ضقاو

ByYourgraceandmercy;Othemostmercifulofallthosewhoshowmercy.[1]bifadlikawarahmatikayaarhamaarrahimin(a)

نیمحارلا محرأ ای كتمحرو كلضفب

HisEminenceimplorestheAlmightyinthemostsincereandheartfulwaythathebestowsfavorontheMuslimsandimbuesthemwiththebestmanners,ethics,goodhabitsandeveryqualitythatwouldmakethemproximatetotheLord.

2.SupplicationoftheImamofthetimeforBelievers

HisEminence,Mahdi(a.s)hassupplicatedinfavoroftherighteousbelieversasfollows:

OmyGod:Bytherightofallthosewhohavebesoughtyouilahybihaqqimannajaka

كاجان نم قحب يهلإ

andbytherightofallthosewhohaveprayedyouinthelandandtheseawabihaqqimanda`akafialbarrwal-bahri

رحبلاو ربلا يف كاعد نم قحبو

(pleasedo)blessMuhammadandhisHouseholdsalli`alamuhammadinwaalihiهلآو دمحم ىلع لص

andbestowuponthepooramongthebelievingmenandwomenwithwealthandfortunewatafaddl`alafuqara‘ialmu´mininawal-mu´minatibilghana‘iwal-ththrwati

ةورثلاو ءانغلاب تانمؤملاو نینمؤملا ءارقف ىلع لضفتو

[1]Misbah,Kafami,Pg.281

andupontheailedbelievingmenandwomenwithhealingandhealthwa`alamardaalmu´mininawal-muminatibilshshfa‘iwal-sshhati

ةحصلاو ءافشلاب تانموملاو نینمؤملا ىضرم ىلعو

anduponthelivebelievingmenandwomenwithkindnessandgenerositywa`alaahya‘ialmu´mininawal-mu´minatibillutfiwal-karami

مركلاو فطللاب تانمؤملاو نینمؤملا ءایحأ ىلعو

anduponthedeadbelievingmenandwomenwithforgivenessandmercywa`alaamwatialmu´mininawal-mu´minatibilmaghfiratiwal-rrahmati

ةمحرلاو ةرفغملاب تانمؤملاو نینمؤملا تاومأ ىلعو

andupontheemigrantbelievingmenandwomenwithreturningthemhomepeacefullyandsuccessfullywa`alaghuraba‘ialmu´mininawal-mu´minatibilrrddilaawtanihimsaliminaghanimina

نیمناغ نیملاس مهناطوأ ىلإ درلاب تانمؤملاو نینمؤملا ءابرغ ىلعو

bytherightofMuhammadandhisentireHousehold.[1]bimuhammadinwaalihiajma`ina

نیعمجأ هلآو دمحمب

ThissupplicationshowshowmuchHisEminence,havekindness,loveandregardforthebelievers.HebeseechestheAlmightyfortheirwelfare,reformandhappinessintheworldandthehereafter.

[1]Misbah,Kafami

3.SupplicationoftheImamofthetimeforfulfillmentofneeds

HisEminence, theAwaitedImamhasrecited thefollowingsupplicationfor thefulfillmentofhis

needs:

YouareAllah; there is nogod saveYou;Youare theBeginnerof theprocessof creation and theRepeaterofit.antaallahulailahaillaantamubdi’ualkhalqiwamu`iduhum

مهدیعمو قلخلا ئدبم تنأ لاإ هلإ لا اللها تنأ ،

AndYouareAllah;thereisnogodsaveYou;YouaretheCreatorofcreaturesandtheSustainerofthem.waantaallahulailahaillaantakhaliqualkhalqiwaraziquhum

مهقزارو قلخلا قلاخ تنأ لاإ هلإ لا اللها تنأو ،

AndYouareAllah;thereisnogodsaveYou;YouaretheStraightenerandtheExpander.waantaallahulailahaillaantaalqabidualbasitu

طسابلا ضباقلا تنأ لاإ هلإ لا اللها تنأو ،

AndYouareAllah;thereisnogodsaveYou;YouaretheManagerofallaffairsandtheResurrectorofthosewhoareingraves.waantaallahulailahaillaantamudabbirual’umuriwaba`ithumanfyalquburi

روبقلا يف نم ثعابو روملأا ربدم تنأ لاإ هلإ لا اللها تنأو ،

YouaretheInheritoroftheearthandwhateverandwhoeverisonit.antawarithual-ardiwaman`alayhaاهیلع نمو ضرلأا ثراو تنأ ،

IbeseechYoubyYourName—theconcealed,theobscured,theever-living,theself-subsistent.as’alukabismikaalmakhzunialmaknunialhayyialqayyumi,

مویقلا يحلا نونكملا نوزخملا كمساب كلأسأ ،

AndYouareAllah; there isnogodsaveYou;Youare theKnowerofsecretsandwhat isyetmorehidden.waantaallahulailahaillaanta`alimualssirriwaakhfa

ىفخأو رسلا ملاع تنأ لاإ هلإ لا اللها تنأو ،

IbeseechYoubyYourName—theNamethatYourespondtohimwhobeseechesYoubyit,as’alukabismikaalladhyidhadu`itabihiajabta

تبجأ هب تیعد اذإ يذلا كمساب كلأسأ ،

TheNamethatYougivehimwhoasksYoubyit,waidhasu’iltabihia`tayta

تیطعأ هب تلئس اذإو ،

AndIbeseechYouinthenameofthedutyofMuhammadandhisHouseholdtoYou,waas’alukabihaqqka`alamuhammadinwaahlibaytihiهتیب لهأو دمحم ىلع كقحب كلأسأو ،

AndinthenameofthedutythatYouhavemadeincumbentuponYourselftowardthem,wabihaqqhimualladhyawjabtahu`alanafsika

كسفن ىلع هتبجوأ يذلا مهقحبو

(IbeseechYou)thatYousendblessingsuponMuhammadandtheHouseholdofMuhammad,antusalliya`alamuhammadinwaalimuhammadin

دمحم لآو دمحم ىلع يلصت نأ

AndthatYousettlemyneeds,waantaqdiyalyhajati

يتجاح يل يضقت نأو ،

Atthisveryhour,atthisveryhour;alssa`ataalssa`ata

ةعاسلا ةعاسلا ،

OtheHearerofprayers;yasami`aalddu`a‘i

ءاعدلا عماس ای ،

OmyMaster;OmyLord;OmyAide;yasayydahuyamawlahuyaghiyathahu

هاثایغ ای هلاوم ای هادیس ای ،

IbeseechYoubyalltheNamesthatYouusedforYourself,as’alukabikullisminsammaytabihinafsaka

كسفن هب تیمس مسا لكب كلأسأ ،

AndtheNamesthatYoutakeexclusivelyforYourselfintheUnseenKnowledgeofYou,awista’thartabihify`ilmialghaybi`indaka

كدنع بیغلا ملع يف هب ترثأتسا وأ

(IbeseechYou)thatYousendblessingsuponMuhammadandtheHouseholdofMuhammad,antusalliya`alamuhammadinwaalimuhammadin

دمحم لآو دمحم ىلع يلصت نأ

AndthatYouexpediteourrelieftothisveryhour.waantu`ajjlafarajanaalssa`ata

ةعاسلا انجرف لجعت نأو ،

OHeWhochangesheartsandsights;yamuqallibaalqulubiwal-absari

راصبلأاو بولقلا بلقم ای ،

OtheHearerofprayers.[1]yasami`aalddu`a‘i

ءاعدلا عیمس ای .

This blessed supplicationdemonstrates thatHisEminencepossessed absolute trust in theAlmightyandinallhisaffairsandactivitiesheseekstherefugeofAllah.

4.SupplicationoftheImamofthetimeforcure

WheneverHisEminence,Mahdi(a.s)wasindisposedheusedtowritethefollowingsupplicationon

anewutensilwith theclay (Turbah)of thegraveof ImamHusain (a.s) andwash itwithwateranddrinkit:

‘InthenameofAllah’isamedicinebismillahidawa’unءاود اللها مسب

and‘PraisebetoAllah’isacure,walhamdulillahishifa’unءافش الله دمحلاو

and‘ThereisnogodbutAllah’,isaprotector,walailahaillaallahukifa’unءافك اللها لاإ هلإ لاو

‘Heisthegiverofcure’istheremedyhuwaalshshafishifa’unءافش يفاشلا وه

And‘Heisthesavior ’issufficientwahuwaalkafikifa’anءافك يفاكلا وهو

TakeawaythehardshipbytheLordofmen;thisistheremedyadhhibalba’sabirabbialnnasishifa’anءافش سانلا برب سأبلا بهذأ

[1]MuntakhabulAthar,Pg.521

noailmentwillbeleftlayughadiruhusaqamunمقس هرداغی لا

andmayAllahblessMuhammadandhisHousehold,theElite.[1]wasallaallahu`alamuhammadinwaalihialnnujaba’i

ءابجنلا هلآو دمحم ىلع اللها ىلصو

[1]Misbah,Kafami

5.ZiyaratandSupplication

HisEminence,Mahdi(a.s)hasadvisedsomeofthebelieversandShiasthattheyshouldaddressthe

HolyImamwiththefollowingZiyaratandsupplication:

PeacebeonthefamilyofYaseensalamun'alaaliyasinسی لآ ىلع ملاس

Peacebeuponyou;thecallertoAllahandtheinterpreterofHisVersesassalamu'alaykayada'iyal-lahiwarabbaniyyaayatihi

هتایآ ينابرو هللا يعاد ای كیلع ملاسلا

Peacebeuponyou;thedoortoAllahandtheapplierofHisreligionassalamu'alaykayababal-lahiwadayyanadinihiهنید نایدو هللا باب ای كیلع ملاسلا

Peacebeuponyou;theviceroyofAllahandthebackerofHisrightassalamu'alaykayakhaliifatal-lahiwanasirahaqqihiهقح رصانو هللا ةفیلخ ای كیلع ملاسلا

Peacebeuponyou;theClaimofAllahandthesignofHisvolitionassalamu'alaykayahujjatal-lahiwadalilairadatihi

هتدارإ لیلدو هللا ةجح ای كیلع ملاسلا

Peacebeuponyou;thereciterandtheinterpreteroftheBookofAllahassalamu'alaykayataliyakitabil-laiwatarjumanihu

هنامجرتو هللا باتك يلات ای كیلع ملاسلا

Peacebeuponyouatthehoursofthenightandthetwoendsofthenightassalamu'alaykafiana`ilaylikawaatrafinaharika

كراهن فارطأو كلیل ءانآ يف كیلع ملاسلا

Peacebeuponyou-theheraldofAllahonHislandsassalamu'alaykayabaqiyyatal-lahifiardihi

هضرأ يف هللا ةیقب ای كیلع ملاسلا

Peacebeuponyou-thecovenantofAllahthatHehasmadeandconfirmedassalamu'alaykayamithaqal-lahil-ladhiakhadhahuwawakkadahu

هدكوو هذخأ يذلا هللا قاثیم ای كیلع ملاسلا

Peacebeuponyou-thePromiseofAllahthatHehasassuredassalamu'alaykayawa'dal-lahil-ladhidaminahuهنمض يذلا هللا دعو ای كیلع ملاسلا

Peacebeuponyou-thesignraisedandtheknowledgepouredassalamu'alaykaayyuhal-'alamul-mansubuwal-'ilmul-masbubu

بوبصملا ملعلاو بوصنملا ملعلا اهیأ كیلع ملاسلا

Andtheaidandtheexpansivemercywal-ghawthuwar-rahmatul-wasi'atu

ةعساولا ةمحرلاو ثوغلاو

Thisisverilyapromisethatshallneverbebeliedwa'danghayramakdhubin

بوذكم ریغ ادعو

Peacebeuponyouwheneveryoustand(orundertakethemission)assalamu'alaykahinataqumuموقت نیح كیلع ملاسلا

Peacebeuponyouwheneveryousitassalamu'alaykahinataq'uduدعقت نیح كیلع ملاسلا

Peacebeuponyouwheneveryoureciteandelucidateassalamu'alaykahinataqra`uwatubayyinu

نیبتو أرقت نیح كیلع ملاسلا

Peacebeuponyouwheneveryouofferprayerandsupplicateassalamu'alaykahinatus'alliwataqnutu

تنقتو يلصت نیح كیلع ملاسلا

Peacebeuponyouwheneveryougenuflectandprostrate(yourselfforAllah)assalamu'alaykahinatarka'uwatasjudu

دجستو عكرت نیح كیلع ملاسلا

Peacebeuponyouwheneveryouglorify(say:Laailaahaillal-laah)andadore(say:Allaahu-Akbar)assalamu'alaykahinatuhalliluwatukabbiru

ربكتو للهت نیح كیلع ملاسلا

PeacebeuponyouwheneveryoupraiseandseekAllah'sforgiveness(orsay:Astaghfirullaah)assalamu'alaykahinatahmiduwatastaghfiru

رفغتستو دمحت نیح كیلع ملاسلا

Peacebeuponyouwheneveryoubeginandendyourdayassalamu'alaykahinatus'bihuwatumsi

يسمتو حبصت نیح كیلع ملاسلا

Peacebeuponyouinthenightwhenitdrawsaveilandthedaywhenitshinesinbrightnessassalamu'alaykafil-layliidhayaghshawan-nahariidhatajalla

ىلجت اذإ راهنلاو ىشغی اذإ لیللا يف كیلع ملاسلا

Peacebeuponyou-thesecuredImam(leader)assalamu'alaykaayyuhal-imamul-ma`munu

نومأملا ماملإا اهیأ كیلع ملاسلا

Peacebeuponyou-thefavoredandtheanticipatedassalamu'alaykaayyuhal-muqaddamul-ma`mulu

لومأملا مدقملا اهیأ كیلع ملاسلا

Peacebeuponyoutotheultimatemeaningof'peace'assalamu'alaykabi-jawami'is-salami

ملاسلا عماوجب كیلع ملاسلا

Isolicityou,mymaster,totestifyformethatIbearwitnessthatthereisnogodbutAllahushhidukayamawlayaanniashhaduanla`ilahaillal-lahuهللا لاإ هلإ لا نأ دهشأ ينأ يلاوم ای كدهشأ

Alonewithouthavinganyassociatewahdahulasharikalahuهل كیرش لا هدحو

AndthatMuhammadishisservantandmessengerwaannamuhammadan'abduhuwarasuluhu

هلوسرو هدبع ادمحم نأ و

thereisnoonemorebelovedbyAllahthanhishouseholdandhearelahabibaillahuwawaahluhu

هلهأو وه لاإ بیبح لا

And I solicit you,mymaster, to testify forme that I bearwitness thatAli, theCommander of theBelievers,isHisclaimwaushhidukayamawlayaanna'aliyyanamiral-mu`mininahujjatuhu

هتجح نینمؤملا ریمأ ایلع نأ يلاوم ای كدهشأو

Andal-HasanisHisclaimwal-hasanahujjatuhu

هتجح نسحلاو

Andal-HusaynisHisclaimwal-husaynahujjatuhu

هتجح نیسحلاو

AndAliibnal-HusaynisHisclaimwa'aliyyabnal-husaynihujjatuhu

هتجح نیسحلا نب يلعو

AndMuhammadibnAliisHisclaim

wamuhammadabna'aliyyinhujjatuhuهتجح يلع نب دمحمو

AndJa'faribnMuhammadisHisclaimwaja'farabnamuhammadinhujjatuhu

هتجح دمحم نب رفعجو

AndMusaibnJa'farisHisclaimwamusabnaja'farinhujjatuhu

هتجح رفعج نب ىسومو

AndAliibnMusaisHisclaimwa'aliyyabnamusahujjatuhu

هتجح ىسوم نب يلعو

AndMuhammadibnAliisHisclaimwamuhammadabna'aliyyinhujjatuhu

هتجح يلع نب دمحمو

AndAliibnMuhammadisHisclaimwa'aliyyabnamuhammadinhujjatuhu

هتجح دمحم نب يلعو

Andal-HasanibnAliisHisclaimwal-hasanabna'aliyyinhujjatuhu

هتجح يلع نب نسحلاو

AndIbearwitnessthatyouareverilytheclaimofAllahwaashhaduannakahujjatul-lahiهللا ةجح كنأ دهشأو

-You(all)arethefirstandthelast-antumul-awwaluwal-akhiru

رخلآاو لولأا متنأ

Andthatyour(promised)Returnisundoubtedlytruewaannaraj'atakumhaqqunlaraybafihaهیف بیر لا قح مكتعجر نأو

"OnthedaywhenoneoftheportentsfromthyLordcometh,itsbeliefavailethnaughtasoulwhichtheretoforebelievednot,norinitsbeliefearnedgood(byworks)"yawmalayanfa'unafsanimanuhalamtakunamanatminqabluawkasabatfiimanihakhayranریخ اهنامیإ يف تبسك وأ لبق نم تنمآ نكت مل اهنامیإ اسفن عفنی لا موی

Andthatdeathistruewaannal-mawtahaqqunقح توملا نأو

AndthatNakirandNakeeraretruewaannanakiranwanakiranhaqqunقح اریكنو اركان نأو

AndIbearwitnessthattheRaisingforthedeathistruewaashhaduannan-nashrahaqqunقح رشنلا نأ دهشأو

AndthattheResurrectionistruewal-ba'thahaqqunقح ثعبلاو

AndthatthePath(Sirat)istruewaannas-siratahaqqunقح طارصلا نأو

AndthattheWatchtower(Mirsad)istruewal-mirsadahaqqunقح داصرملاو

AndtheBalance(Meezan)istruewal-mizanahaqqunقح نازیملاو

AndtheGatheringistruewal-hashrahaqqunقح رشحلاو

AndtheReckoningistruewal-hisabahaqqunقح باسحلاو

AndParadiseandHellaretruewal-jannatawan-narahaqqunقح رانلاو ةنجلاو

AndthepromiseofParadiseandthethreatwithHellaretruewal-wa'dawal-wa'idabihimahaqqunقح امهب دیعولاو دعولاو

Mymaster!Hewhoopposesyouhascertainlybeenwretchedyamawlayashaqiyamankhalafakum

مكفلاخ نم يقش يلاوم ای

Andhewhoobeysyouhascertainlybeenhappywasa'idamanata'akum

مكعاطأ نم دعسو

So,testifyforthatwhichIhavebesoughtyoutotestifyfashhad'alamaashhadtuka'alayhiهیلع كتدهشأ ام ىلع دهشاف

AndIamverilyanallyofyouwaanawaliyyunlakaكل يلو انأو

Denouncingyourenemybari`unmin'aduwwika

كودع نم ءيرب

Whatisrightisonlythatwhichyouacceptfal-haqqumaraditumuhu

هومتیضر ام قحلاف

Andwhatiswrongisonlythatwhichyoudisallowwal-batilamaaskhattumuhu

هومتطخسأ ام لطابلاو

Andwhatisgoodisonlythatwhichyouenjoinwal-ma'rufamaamartumbihiهب مترمأ ام فورعملاو

Andwhatisevilisonlythatwhichyouforbidwal-munkaramanahaytum'anhuهنع متیهن ام ركنملاو

MysoulisbelievinginAllah;alonewithoutanyotherassociatefanafsimu`minatunbillahiwahdahulasharikalahuهل كیرش لا هدحو اللهاب ةنمؤم يسفنف

AndalsoinHisMessengerandintheCommanderoftheBelieversandinyouall-fromthebeginningtotheendwabirasulihiwabi`amiril-mu`mininawabikumyamawlayaawwalikumwaakhirikum

مكرخآو مكلوأ يلاوم ای مكبو نینمؤملا ریمأبو هلوسربو

Ihavepreparedmyselftobackyouwanusratilakummu'addahمكل ةدعم يترصنو

Andmyloveforyouissincerewamawaddatikhalisatunlakumمكل ةصلاخ يتدومو

Amen,Amenaminaamina

نیمآ نیمآ

OAllah!IimploretoYoutosendblessingsuponMuhammadallahummainniasalukaantus'alliya'alamuhammadin

دمحم ىلع يلصت نأ كلأسأ ينإ مهللا

TheProphetofYourmercyandtheWordofYourLightnabiyyirahmatikawakalimatinurika

كرون ةملكو كتمحر يبن

Andtofillinmyheartwiththeilluminationofcertitudewa`antamla`aqalbinural-yaqini

نیقیلا رون يبلق لأمت نأو

Andinmychestwiththeilluminationoffaithwasadrinural-iman

نامیلإا رون يردصو

Andinmyintellectwiththeilluminationofwell-intentionwafikrinuran-niyyati

تاینلا رون يركفو

Andinmydeterminationwiththeilluminationofknowledgewa'azminural-'ilmi

ملعلا رون يمزعو

Andinmystrengthwiththeilluminationofworkwaquwwatinural-'amali

لمعلا رون يتوقو

Andinmytonguewiththeilluminationofhonestywalisaninuras-sidqi

قدصلا رون يناسلو

AndinmyreligionwiththeilluminationofclearevidencefromYouwadininural-basa`irimin'indika

كدنع نم رئاصبلا رون ينیدو

Andinmysightwiththeilluminationofbrightnesswabasarinuradhdiya'i

ءایضلا رون يرصبو

Andinmyhearingwiththeilluminationofwisdomwasam'inural-hikmati

ةمكحلا رون يعمسو

AndinmylovewiththeilluminationofthesincereloyaltytoMuhammadandhisHousehold-peacebeuponthemwamawaddatinural-muwalatilimuhammadinwa`alihi'alayhimus-salamu

ملاسلا مهیلع هلآو دمحمل ةلااوملا رون يتدومو

SothatI,whenIwillmeetyou,willhavebeenfulfillingthepledgeandcovenantthatImadewithYouhattaalqakawaqadwafaytubi'ahdikawamithaqika

كقاثیمو كدهعب تیفو دقو كاقلأ ىتح

AndthenYourmercywillencompassmefatughashshiyanirahmataka

كتمحر ينیشغتفYouareverilytheProtectorandtheWorthyofallpraiseyawaliyyuyahamiduدیمح ای يلو ای

OAllah!blessMuhammad(al-Mahdee);YourclaimonYourlandallahummasalli'alamuhammadinhujjatikafiardika

كضرأ يف كتجح دمحم ىلع لص مهللا

AndYourviceroyinYourcountrieswakhalifatikafibiladika

كدلاب يف كتفیلخو

AndthecallertoYourcoursewadda'iilasabilika

كلیبس ىلإ يعادلاو

AndthepractiserofYourjusticewal-qa`imibiqistika

كطسقب مئاقلاو

AndtherevolterbyYourcommandwath-tha`iribi-amrika

كرمأب رئاثلاو

Theguardianofthebelieverswaliyyil-mu`minina

نینمؤملا يلو

Andtheruineroftheunbelieverswabawaril-kafirina

نیرفاكلا راوبو

Andtheremoverofthemurkwamujalli¨-¨ulmati

ةملظلا يلجمو

AndtheilluminatoroftheTruthwamuniril-haqqi

قحلا رینمو

Andthespeakerwithwisdomandhonestywan-natiqibil-hikmatiwas-sidqi

قدصلاو ةمكحلاب قطانلاو

AndYourperfectWordonYourlandswakalimatikat-ta(a)mmatifiardika

كضرأ يف ةماتلا كتملكو

Thevigilantandthefearfulal-murtaqibil-kha`ifi

فئاخلا بقترملا

Andthewell-wishersaintwal-waliyyin-nasihi

حصانلا يلولاو

Thearkofsalvationsafinatin-najati

ةاجنلا ةنیفس

Andthesignofguidancewa'alamil-huda

ىدهلا ملعو

Andthelightofthepeoples'sightswanuriabsaril-wara

ىرولا راصبأ رونو

Andthebestofthosewhohaveclothesontheirbodieswakhayrimantaqammasawartada

ىدتراو صمقت نم ریخو

Andtheunveilerofblindnesswamujallil-'ama

ىمعلا يلجمو

Whowillfillinthelandswithjusticeandequityalladhiyamla`ul-arda'adlanwaqistan

اطسقو لادع ضرلأا لأمی يذلا

Inthesamewayastheywouldbefilledupwithwrongandunfairness

kamamuli`at¨ulmanwajawranروجو املظ تئلم امك

Youverilyhavepoweroverallthingsinnaka'alakullishay`inqadirunریدق ءيش لك ىلع كنإ

OAllah!blessYoursaintandthesonofYoursaintsallahummasalli'alawaliyyikawabniwaliyyika

كئایلوأ نباو كیلو ىلع لص مهللا

TheobediencetowhomYouhavemadeincumbent(uponus)alladhinafaradtata'atahum

مهتعاط تضرف نیذلا

Andthe(observanceofthe)rightofwhomYouhavemadeobligatorywa`awjabtahaqqahumمهقح تبجوأو

AndfromwhomYouhavetakenfilthawaywa`adhhabta'anhumur-rijsa

سجرلا مهنع تبهذأو

AndwhomYouhavepurifiedwiththoroughpurifyingwatahhartahumtathiran

ریهطت مهترهطو

OAllah!givehimvictoryandmakehimthesupporterofYourreligionallahummainsurhuwantasirbihilidinika

كنیدل هب رصتناو هرصنا مهللا

Andthroughhim,givevictorytoYourandhisadherentswansurbihiawliya`akawaawliya`ahu

هءایلوأو كءایلوأ هب رصناو

Andfollowersandbackerswashi'atahuwa`ansarahu

هراصنأو هتعیشو

Andincludeuswiththemwaj'alnaminhumمهنم انلعجاو

OAllah!protecthimagainsttheevilofeverytransgressorandtyrantallahummaa'idhhuminsharrikullibaghinwataghin

غاطو غاب لك رش نم هذعأ مهللا

AndagainsttheevilsofallofYourcreatureswaminsharrijami'ikhalqikaكقلخ عیمج رش نمو

Andguardhimfromanyevilthatmaycomeinhispresenceandfromhisbackwahfa¨huminbayniyadayhiwaminkhalfihiهفلخ نمو هیدی نیب نم هظفحاو

Andfromhisrightandfromhisleftwa'anyaminihiwa'anshimalihi

هلامش نعو هنیمی نعو

Andwatchhimanddefendhimagainstanythingthatmaycauseeviltohimwahrus-huwamna'huminanyusalailayhibisu`in

ءوسب هیلإ لصوی نأ نم هعنماو هسرحاو

AndsavethroughhimYourMessengerandthefamilyofYourMessengerwahfa¨fihirasulakawa`alarasulika

كلوسر لآو كلوسر هیف ظفحاو

Andmanifestjusticethroughhimwa-a¨hirbihil-'adla

لدعلا هب رهظأو

Andaidhimwithvictorywa-ayyidubin-nasri

رصنلاب هدیأو

Andhelphisbackerswansurnasirihi

هیرصان رصناو

Anddeterhisenemieswakhdhulkhadhilihi

هیلذاخ لذخاو

Andterminatethosewhointendtoeradicatehimwaqsimqasimihi

هیمصاق مصقاو

Andthroughhimterminatethetyrannicalatheistswaqsimbihijababiratil-kufri

رفكلا ةربابج هب مصقاو

Andthroughhimkillthedisbelievers,thehypocritesandalltheatheistswaqtulbihil-kuffarawal-munafiqinawajami'al-mulhidina

نیدحلملا عیمجو نیقفانملاو رافكلا هب لتقاو

Wherevertheyare;intheeastorthewestoftheearthhaythukanufimashariqil-ardiwamagharibiha

هبراغمو ضرلأا قراشم نم اوناك ثیح

Onthelandsorintheoceansbarrihawabahriha

هرحبو اهرب

Andthroughhimfillintheearthwithjusticewam'labihil-arda'adlanلدع ضرلأا هب لأماو

AndmanifestthroughhimthereligionofYourProphet-peacebeuponhimandhisfamilywaa¨hirbihidinanabiyyikasallal-lahu'alayhiwa`alihiهلآو هیلع هللا ىلص كیبن نید هب رهظأو

Andmakemewithinhissupportersandhelperswaj'alnil-lahummaminansarihiwa`a'wanihi

هناوعأو هراصنأ نم مهللا ينلعجاو

Andhisfollowersandhisadherentswa`atba'ihiwashi'atihi

هتعیشو هعابتأو

AndallowmetoseethehopesofthefamilyofMuhammad-peacebeuponthem-befulfilledwa`arinifialimuhammadin'alayhimus-salamumaya`maluna

نولمأی ام ملاسلا مهیلع دمحم لآ يف ينرأو

Andthehazardsfollowingtheirenemieswafi'aduwwihimmayahdharuna

نورذحی ام مهودع يفو

YouaretheLordofTruth;Amenilahal-haqqiamina

نیمآ قحلا هلإ

YouaretheLordofGloryandHonoryadhal-jalaliwal-ikrami

ماركلإاو للاجلا اذ ای

Youarethemostmercifulofthosewhoshowmercy.[1]yaarhamar-rahimina

نیمحارلا محرأ ای

HisEminence,theawaitedImamhasinstructedhisfollowerstoaddressandperformhisZiyaratbythesevisitationsandsupplicationandsupplicatehim,andtheyshouldbeseechAllahforhishelpand

earlyreappearancesothathemayestablishtruthanddestroyfalsehoodandexaltthewordofAllahontheearth.

[1]Bihar,13/245

6.SupplicationoftheImamofthetimeforEarlyreappearance

AmongthesupplicationsofHisEminence,thefollowingisthemostimportant:

OAllah-theLordofGreatLight,allahummarabban-nuril-`a¨im(i)

میظعلا رونلا بر مهللا

AndtheLordoftheElevatedThrone,warabbal-kursiyyir-rafi'(i)

عیفرلا يسركلا برو

AndtheLordoftheswollenoceanwarabbal-bahril-masjur(i)

روجسملا رحبلا برو

AndtheRevealeroftheTorahandtheGospelandthePsalmswamunzilat-tawratiwal-injiliwaz-zabur(i)

روبزلاو لیجنلإاو ةاروتلا لزنمو

AndtheLordofshadeandtheheat,wabba¨-¨illiwal-harur(i)

رورحلاو لظلا برو

AndtheRevealeroftheGreatQur'anwamunzilal-qur`anil-`a¨im(i)

میظعلا نآرقلا لزنمو

AndtheLordoftheFavoriteAngels,warabbal-mala-ikatil-muqarrabina

نیبرقملا ةكئلاملا برو

AndtheProphetsandtheMessengers:wal-anbiya`iwal-mursalin(a)

نیلسرملاو ءایبنلأاو

IbeseechYoubyYourNobleNameallahummainnias-alukabismikal-karimi

میركلا كمساب كلأسأ ينإ مهللا

AndbytheLightofYourLuminousFacewabinuriwajhikal-muniri

رینملا كهجو رونبو

AndbyYourEternalKingdom

wamulkikal-qadim(i)میدقلا ككلمو

OtheEver-living;OtheSelf-Subsistent;yahayyuyaqayyum(u)مویق ای يح ای

IbeseechYoubyYourNamewithwhichtheheavensandtheearthhavelitupas-alukabismikal-ladhiashraqatbihis-samawatuwal-aradun(a)

نوضرلأاو تاوامسلا هب تقرشأ يذلا كمساب كلأسأ

AndbyYourNamewithwhichthepastandthecominggenerationshavebecomeupright;wabismikal-ladhiyasluhubihil-awwalunawal-akhirun(a)

نورخلآاو نولولأا هب حلصی يذلا كمسابو

OHeWhowasAlivebeforeeverythingaliveyahayyanqablakullihayy(in)يح لك لبق ایح ای

OHeWhoshallbeAliveaftereverythingalivewayahayyanba'dakullihayy(in)يح لك دعب ایح ایو

OHeWhohasbeenalwaysAliveevenwhentherewasnothingelsealive;wayahayyanhinalahayy(u)يح لا نیح ایح ایو

OHeWhorevivesthedeadonesandcausesthealiveonestodieyamuhyiyal-mawtawamumital-ahya`i

ءایحلأا تیممو ىتوملا يیحم ای

OtheEver-living;thereisnogodsaveYou.yahayyulailahaillaant(a)تنأ لاإ هلإ لا يح ای

OAllah:conveytoourmaster,Imamal-Mahdi,theguidewhoistoundertakeYourorders,allahummaballighmawlanal-imamal-hadiyal-mahdiyyaal-qa-imabi-amrik(a)

كرمأب مئاقلا يدهملا يداهلا ماملإا انلاوم غلب مهللا

MayAllah'sblessingsbeuponhimanduponhisimmaculatefathers,sahlihawajabalihawabarrihawabahriha

نیرهاطلا هئابآ ىلعو هیلع اللها تاولص

Onbehalfofallthebelievingmenandwomenintheeastandwestoftheearth,`anjami'il-mu'mininawal-mu`minatifimashariqil-ardiwamagharibiha

اهبراغمو ضرلأا قراشم يف تانمؤملاو نینمؤملا عیمج نع

Andinplains,mountains,lands,andseas,salawatul-llahi`alayhiwa'alaaba-ihit-tahirina

هرحبو اهربو ، اهلبجو اهلهس

Andonbehalfofmyparents-coneytohimourprayersofYoursendingblessingsuponhimthatareasweightyasAllah'sThrone,wa'anniwa'anwalidayyaminas-salawatizinata`arshil-lah(i)اللها شرع ةنز تاولصلا نم يدلاو نعو ينعو

AndasmuchastheinkofHisWordsandasmanyasthatwhichiscountedbyHisknowledgeandisencompassedbyHisBook.wamidadakalimatihiwamaahsahu`ilmuhuwa-ahatabihikitabuh(u)

هباتك هب طاحأو هملع هاصحأ امو هتاملك دادمو

OAllah:Irenewtohiminthebeginningofthisdayallahummainniujaddidulahufisabihatiyawmihadhaاذه يموی ةحیبص يف هل ددجأ ينإ مهللا

Andthroughoutthedaysoflifetimeapledge,acovenant,andallegiancetowhichIcommitmyselfwama`ishtuminayyami`ahdanwa'aqdanwabay-`atanlahufi`unuqiيقنع يف هل ةعیبو ادقعو ادهع يمایأ نم تشع امو

AndfromwhichIneverconvertnorchange.laahulu`anhuwalaazuluabada(n)ادبأ لوزأ لاو هنع لوحأ لا

OAllah:(pleasedo)makemeofhissupportersandsponsorsanddefendersallahummaj-`alniminansarihiwa-a'wanih(i)wadh-dhabbina`anh(u)هنع نیباذلاو هناوعأو هراصنأ نم ينلعجا مهللا

Andofthosewhohurryincarryingourhisinstructionsandcomplyingwithhisorderswal-musari'inailayhifiqada-ihawa`ijihiwal-mumtathilinali-awamirih(i)

هرماولأ نیلثتمملاو هجئاوح ءاضق يف هیلإ نیعراسملاو

Andupholdinghimandprecedingtheotherstoimplementinghiswillandtobeingmartyredbeforehim.wal-muhamina`anhuwas-sabiqinailairadatihiwal-mustash-hadinabaynayadayh(i)هیدی نیب نیدهشتسملاو هتدارإ ىلإ نیقباسلاو هنع نیماحملاو

OAllah: ifdeath thatYouhavemade inevitablyandcertainly incumbentuponYourservantsstandsbetweenmeandhim,allahummainhalabayniwabaynahul-mawtul-ladhija'altahu`ala`ibadikahatmanmaqdiyya(n)

يضقم امتح كدابع ىلع هتلعج يذلا توملا هنیبو ينیب لاح نإ مهللا

Then(pleasedo)takemeoutofmygraveusingmycoffinasmydressandunsheathingmyswordfa-akhrijniminqabrimu`tazirankafanisharihansayfiيفیس ارهاش ينفك ارزتؤم يربق نم ينجرخأف

AndholdingmylanceinmyhandandrespondingtothecalloftheCallerwhoshallannounceitinurbanareasanddeserts.mujarridanqanatimulabbiyanda'watad-da'ifil-hadiriwal-badi

يدابلاو رضاحلا يف يعادلا ةوعد ایبلم يتانق ادرجم

OAllah:(pleasedo)showmehismagnificentmienandhispraiseworthyface,allahummaarinit-tal-`atar-rashidatawal-ghurratal-hamida(ta)

ةدیمحلا ةرغلاو ةدیشرلا ةعلطلا ينرأ مهللا

Anddelightmyeyesbylettingmehavealookathim,wak-hilna¨iribina¨ratinminniilayh(i)هیلإ ينم ةرظنب يرظان لحكاو

Andexpeditehisadventandmakehisreappearanceeasyandclearaspaciousspaceforhim,wa'ajjilfarajahuwasahhilmakhrajahuwa-awsi'manhajah(u)

هجهنم عسوأو هجرخم لهسو هجرف لجعو

Andguidemetofollowhiscourse,andgivesuccesstohisissuesandconfirmhisstrength.waslukbimuhajjatahuwa-anfidhamrahuwashdudazrah(u)

هرزأ ددشاو ، هرمأ ذفنأو هتجحم يب كلساو

And,OAllah,constructYourlandsthroughhimandrefreshYourservantsthroughhim,wa'muril-lahummabihibiladakawa-ahyibihi`ibadak(a)

كدابع هب يحأو كدلاب هب مهللا رمعاو

ForYouhavesaid-andtrueareYourwords-fa-innakaqultawaqawlukal-haqq(u)

قحلا كلوقو تلق كنإف :

"Corruptionhasappearedinthelandandtheseaonaccountofwhatthehandsofmenhavewrought."zaharal-fasadufil-barriwal-bahribimakasabataydin-mas(i)a سانلا يدیأ تبسك امب رحبلاو ربلا يف داسفلا رهظ a

So,OAllah:(please)showusYourintimateservant, thesonofYourProphet,andthenamesakeofYourMessenger-peacebeuponhimandhisHousehold-fa-a¨-hiril-lahumma lana waliyyaka wabna binti nabiyyika al-musamma bismi rasulika sallal-lahu`alayhiwa-alih(i)هلآو هیلع اللها ىلص كلوسر مساب ىمسملا كیبن تنب نباو كیلو انل مهللا رهظأف

Sothatheshalltearupanywrongitemthathewillfaceandshallconfirmandapprovetheright.hattalaya¨farabishay-inminal-batiliillamazzaqahuwayahiqqal-haqqawayuhaqqiqah(u)

هققحیو قحلا قحیو هقزم لاإ لطابلا نم ءيشب رفظی لا ىتح

OAllah:(please)makehisthesheltertowhomYourwrongedservantsshallresortwaj'alhul-lahummamafza'anlima¨lumi`ibadik(a)

كدابع مولظمل اعزفم مهللا هلعجاو

AndthesupporterofthosewhocannotfindanysupportersaveYou,wanasiranlimanlayajidulahunasiranghayrak(a)

كریغ ارصان هل دجی لا نمل ارصانو

AndthereviverofthelawsofYourBookthathavebeensuspended,wamujaddidanlima`uttilaminahkamikitabik(a)

كباتك ماكحأ نم لطع امل اددجمو

And theconstructorofall signsofYour religionand the instructionsofYourMessenger-peacebeuponhimandhisHousehold-thathewillsee.mushayyidanlimawaradamina'lamidinikawasunaninabiyyikasallal-lahu`alayhiwa-alih(i)هلآو هیلع اللها ىلص كیبن ننسو كنید ملاعأ نم درو امل ادیشمو

OAllah: (please) includehimwith thosewhomYouprotect fromthedominationof theaggressiveones.waj'alhul-lahummamimmanhassantahuminba`sil-mu'tadin(a)

نیدتعملا سأب نم هتنصح نمم مهللا هلعجاو

OAllah:(please)delightYourProphetMuhammad-peacebeuponhimandhisHousehold-aswellasallthosewhofollowedhiminhispromulgationbymaking(us)seehim,allahumma wasurra nabiyyaka muhammadan sallal-lahum `alayhi wa-alihi waman tabi'ahu `alada'watih(i)

هتوعد ىلع هعبت نمو هتیؤرب هلآو هیلع اللها ىلص ادمحم كیبن رسو مهللا

And(please)havemercyuponourhumiliationafterhim.warhamis-tikanatanaba'dah(u)هدعب انتناكتسا محراو

OAllah:(please)relievethiscommunityfromthe(current)griefthroughpresentinghim,allahummak-shifhadhihil-ghummatan`anhadhihil-ummatibihudurih(i)

هروضحب ةملأا هذه نع ةمغلا هذه فشكا مهللا

Andexpeditehisadventforus:wa'ajjillana¨uhurah(u)

هروهظ انل لجعو

"Surely,theythinkittobefaroff,andWeseeitnigh."innahumyarawnahuba'idanwanarahuqariba(n)a ابیرق هارنو ادیعب هنوری مهنإ a

OnaccountofYourmercy;OthemostMercifulofallthosewhoshowmercy.birahmatikayaarhamar-rahimin(a)

نیمحارلا محرأ ای كتمحرب .

(WeprayforYour)earlieradvent,earlieradvent;OthePatronoftheAge.[1]al-`ajalaal-`ajalayamawlayayasahibaz-zaman

نامزلا بحاص ای يلاومای لجعلا لجعلا .

Thissupplication,alsocalled'Duaal-`Ahad,isfullofextollingandpraiseoftheAlmightyLordandmentions His most exalted qualities and is replete with the refuge-taking of the Imam (a.s). It isdissociationfromeveryoneandeverythingexceptAllah,aseverythingisinHispoweralone.

[1]AlBaladulAmin,Pg.60

7.SupplicationoftheImamofthetimeforhisShias

His Eminence, Mahdi (a.s) supplicates in favor of his Shias that they may obtain release from

needfulnessanddeprivation.Thesupplicationisasfollows:

Olightofthelight!yanuraalnnuri

رونلا رون ای

Odestineroftheaffairs!yamudabbiraal-umuri

روملأا ربدم ای

ORaiserofthosewhoareingraves!yaba`ithamanfyalquburi

روبقلا يف نم ثعاب ای

BlessMuhammadandtheHouseholdofMuhammadsalli`alamuhammadinwaalimuhammadin

دمحم لآو دمحم ىلع لص

Andgivemeandmyfollowers(Shias)relieffromdifficultieswaj`allywalishi`atyminaalddiqifarajanجرف قیضلا نم يتعیشلو يل لعجاو

andgiveusreleasefromgriefswaminaalhammimakhrajan

جرخم مهلا نمو

andwidenthecourseforuswaawsi`lanaalmanhaja

جهنملا انل عسوأو

andissueforusthatwhichrelievesusfromYouwaatliqlanamin`indikamayufarriju

جرفی ام كدنع نم انل قلطأو

anddotousthatwhichbefitsYouwaf`albinamaantaahluhuهلهأ تنأ ام انب لعفأو

OAll-generous;OthemostMercifulofallthosewhoshowmercy.[1]yakarimuyaarhamaalrrahimina

نیمحارلا محرأ ای میرك ای

8.SupplicationoftheImamofthetimefortheProphetofIslamandtheImamsofGuidance(a.s)

HisEminence,MahdihasrequestedsomeofhisShiastorecitethefollowingsupplicationforthe

HolyProphetandImamsofguidance:

IntheNameofAllah,MostGracious,MostMercifulbismiallahialrrahmanialrrahimi

میحرلا نمحرلا اللها مسب

OAllahsendblessingsonMuhammad,theChiefoftheMessengers,allahummasalli`alamuhammadsayyidialumursalina

نیلسرملا دیس دمحم ىلع لص مهللا

thesealoftheProphetswakhatamialnnabiyyina

نییبنلا متاخو

thedecisiveArgumentoftheLordoftheworldswahujjatirabbial`alamina

نیملاعلا بر ةجحو

theelectedsincetheCovenantlmuntajabifyalmithaqi

قاثیملا يف بجتنملا

thechosenintheWorldofShadowsalmustafafial¨¨ilali

للاظلا يف ىفطصملا

thepurifiedfromalldefectsalmutahhariminkulliafatinةفآ لك نم رهطملا

[1]AlImamAl-Mahdi,Pg.244

thecleansedfromallfaultsalbari'iminkulli`aybinبیع لك نم ءيربلا

theexpectedforredemptionalmu´ammalililnnajati

ةاجنلل لمؤملا

thedesiredforintercessionalmurtajalilshshafa`ati

ةعافشلل ىجترملا

towhomthereligionofAllahiscommended.almufawwadiilayhidinuallahiاللها نید هیلا ضوفملا

OAllah!(pleasedo)blesshisestablishmentallahummasharrifbunyanahu

هناینب فرش مهللا

andfortifyhisproofwa`a¨¨imburhanahu

هناهرب مظعو

andmakesuccessfulhisclaimwaaflihhujjatahu

هتجح حلفأو

andelevatehisrankwarfa`darajatahu

هتجرد عفراو

andincreasehislightwaadI'nurahu

هرون ئضاو

andwhitenhisfacewabayyidwajhahu

ههجو ضیبو

andgranthimvirtueandmeritswaa`tihialfadlawalfadilata

ةلیضفلاو لضفلا هطعاو

andhighrankand(rightof)mediationwalmanzilatawalwasilata

ةلیسولاو ةلزنملاو

andexaltedpositionwalddarajataalrrafi`ata

ةعیفرلا ةجردلاو

andaccordhimthePraiseworthyPositionwab`athhumaqamanmahmudan

دومحم اماقم هثعباو

duetowhichallthepastandthelatergenerationswillwishtohaveitslikeyaghbituhubihial-awwalunawal-akhiruna

نورخلآاو نولولاا هب هطبغی

and(pleasedo)blesstheCommanderoftheBelievers,wasalli`alaamirialmu´minina

نینمؤملا ریما ىلع لصو

theheiroftheMessengers,warithialmursalina

نیلسرملا ثراو

theleaderofthewhite-foreheadones,waqa'idialghurrialumhajjalina

نیلجحملا رغلا دئاقو

thechiefoftheProphet'ssuccessorswasayyidialwasiyyina

نییصولا دیسو

andthedecisiveArgumentoftheLordoftheworlds(againstHiscreatures)wahujjatirabbial`alamina

نیملاعلا بر ةجحو

and(pleasedo)blessal-Hasanibn`Aliwasalli`alaalhasanibni`aliyyinيلع نب نسحلا ىلع لصو

theleaderofthebelieversimamialmu´minina

نینمؤملا ماما

andtheheiroftheMessengerswawarithialmursalina

نیلسرملا ثراوو

andthedecisiveArgumentoftheLordoftheworldswahujjatirabbial`alamina

نیملاعلا بر ةجحو

and(pleasedo)blessal-Husaynibn`Aliwasalli`alaalhusaynibni`aliyyinيلع نب نیسحلا ىلع لصو

theleaderofthebelievers

imamialmu´mininaنینمؤملا ماما

andtheheiroftheMessengerswawarithialmursalina

نیلسرملا ثراوو

andthedecisiveArgumentoftheLordoftheworldswahujjatirabbial`alamina

نیملاعلا بر ةجحو

and(pleasedo)bless`Aliibnal-Husaynwasalli`ala`aliyyibnialhusayni

نیسحلا نب يلع ىلع لصو

theleaderofthebelieversimamialmu´minina

نینمؤملا ماما

andtheheiroftheMessengerswawarithialmursalina

نیلسرملا ثراوو

andthedecisiveArgumentoftheLordoftheworldswahujjatirabbial`alamina

نیملاعلا بر ةجحو

and(pleasedo)blessMuhammadibn`Aliwasalli`alamuhammadibni`aliyyinيلع نب دمحم ىلع لصو

theleaderofthebelieversimamialmu´minina

نینمؤملا ماما

andtheheiroftheMessengerswawarithialmursalina

نیلسرملا ثراوو

andthedecisiveArgumentoftheLordoftheworldswahujjatirabbial`alamina

نیملاعلا بر ةجحو

and(pleasedo)blessJa`faribnMuhammadwasalli`alaja`faribnimuhammadin

دمحم نب رفعج ىلع لصو

theleaderofthebelieversimamialmu´minina

نینمؤملا ماما

andtheheiroftheMessengerswawarithialmursalina

نیلسرملا ثراوو

andthedecisiveArgumentoftheLordoftheworldswahujjatirabbial`alamina

نیملاعلا بر ةجحو

and(pleasedo)blessMusaibnJa`farwasalli`alamusabnija`far

رفعج نب ىسوم ىلع لصو

theleaderofthebelieversimamialmu´minina

نینمؤملا ماما

andtheheiroftheMessengerswawarithialmursalina

نیلسرملا ثراوو

andthedecisiveArgumentoftheLordoftheworldswahujjatirabbial`alamina

نیملاعلا بر ةجحو

and(pleasedo)bless`AliibnMusawasalli`ala`aliyyibnimusi

ىسوم نب يلع ىلع لصو

theleaderofthebelieversimamialmu´minina

نینمؤملا ماما

andtheheiroftheMessengerswawarithialmursalina

نیلسرملا ثراوو

andthedecisiveArgumentoftheLordoftheworldswahujjatirabbial`alamina

نیملاعلا بر ةجحو

and(pleasedo)blessMuhammadibn`Aliwasalli`alamuhammadibni`aliyyinيلع نب دمحم ىلع لصو

theleaderofthebelieversimamialmu´minina

نینمؤملا ماما

andtheheiroftheMessengerswawarithialmursalina

نیلسرملا ثراوو

andthedecisiveArgumentoftheLordoftheworldswahujjatirabbial`alamina

نیملاعلا بر ةجحو

and(pleasedo)bless`AliibnMuhammadwasalli`ala`aliyyibnimuhammad

دمحم نب يلع ىلع لصو

theleaderofthebelieversimamialmu´minina

نینمؤملا ماما

andtheheiroftheMessengerswawarithialmursalina

نیلسرملا ثراوو

andthedecisiveArgumentoftheLordoftheworldswahujjatirabbial`alamina

نیملاعلا بر ةجحو

and(pleasedo)blessal-Hasanibn`Aliwasalli`alaalhasanibni`aliyyinيلع نب نسحلا ىلع لصو

theleaderofthebelieversimamialmu´minina

نینمؤملا ماما

andtheheiroftheMessengerswawarithialmursalina

نیلسرملا ثراوو

andthedecisiveArgumentoftheLordoftheworldswahujjatirabbial`alamina

نیملاعلا بر ةجحو

and(pleasedo)blesstheDescendant(ofProphesy),theguide,andthetrulyguidedwasalli`alaalkhalafialhadiyalmahdiyyi

يدهملا يداهلا فلخلا ىلع لصو

theleaderofthebelieversimamialmu´minina

نینمؤملا ماما

andtheheiroftheMessengerswawarithialmursalina

نیلسرملا ثراوو

andthedecisiveArgumentoftheLordoftheworldswahujjatirabbial`alamina

نیملاعلا بر ةجحو

OAllah!(pleasedo)sendblessingsuponMuhammadandhisHousehold;allahummasalli`alamuhammadwaahlibaytihiهتیب لهاو دمحم ىلع لص مهللا

theImams,theguides,al-a'immatialhadina

نیداهلا ةمئلاا

theknowledgeable,thetruthfulal`ulama'ialssadiqina

نیقداصلا ءاملعلا

thepious,theGod-fearingal-abrarialmuttaqina

نیقتملا راربلاا

thepillarsofYourreligion,da`a'imidinikaكنید مئاعد

thepostsofYourUnitywaarkanitawhidika

كدیحوت ناكراو

theinterpretersofYourrevelationwatarajimatiwahyika

كیحو ةمجارتو

YourargumentsagainstYourcreatureswahujajika`alakhalqikaكقلخ ىلع كججحو

YourvicegerentsonYourlands

wakhulafa'ikafiardikaكضرا ىف كئافلخو

whomYouchoseforYourselfalladhinaikhtartahumlinafsika

كسفنل مهترتخا نیذلا

andYouselectedamongYourservantswaistafaytahum`ala`ibadika

كدابع ىلع مهتیفطصاو

andYoupleasedforYourreligionwairtadaytahumlidinika

كنیدل مهتیضتراو

andYouacquaintedwithYourreligionexclusivelywakhasastahumbima`rifatika

كتفرعمب مهتصصخو

andYoucoveredwithYourHonoringwajallaltahumbikaramatika

كتماركب مهتللجو

andYoushadedwithYourmercywaghashshaytahumbirahmatika

كتمحرب مهتیشغو

andYoubreedwithYourblisswarabbaytahumbini`matika

كتمعنب مهتیبرو

andYoufedonYourwisdomwaghadhdhaytahumbihikmatika

كتمكحب مهتیذغو

andYoudressedwithYourLightwaalbastahumnuraka

كرون مهتسبلاو

andYouraisedtoYourElevatedKingdomwarafa`tahumfimalakutika

كتوكلم ىف مهتعفرو

andYouencompassedwithYourangelswahafaftahumbimala'ikatika

كتكئلامب مهتففحو

andYouhonoredwithYourProphet,Yourblessingsbeuponhim.washarraftahumbinabiyyikasalawatuka`alayhiwaalihiهلآو هیلع كتاولص كیبنب مهتفرشو

So,OAllah!PleaseblessMuhammadandblessthemallahummasalli`alamuhammadwa`alayhim

مهیلعو دمحم ىلع لص مهللا

withsuchpureandever-increasingblessingssalatanzakiyatannamiyatan

ةیمان ةیكاز ةلاص

thatarenumerous,incessant,andwholesomekathiratanda'imatantayyibatanةبیط ةمئاد ةریثك

andthatnonecancomprehendsaveYoulayuhitubihaillaantaتنا لاإ اهب طیحی لا

andnothingcanrealizesaveYourknowledgewalayasa`uhailla`ilmuka

كملع لاإ اهعسی لاو

andnonecancountsaveYouwalayuhsihaahadunghayruka

كریغ دحا اهیصحی لاو

OAllah!(please)blessYourIntimateServantallahummawasalli`alawaliyyikaكیلو ىلع لصو مهللا

WhoshallrevivethenormsordainedbyYoualumhiysunnatakaكتنس يیحملا

whoshallundertakethemissiononYourcommandalqa'imibi'amrika

كرماب مئاقلا

whoshallcalltoYoualdda`iilaykaكیلا ىعادلا

whoshallleadtoYoualddalili`alaykaكیلع لیلدلا

whoisYourdecisiveargumentagainstYourcreatureshujjatika`alakhalqikaكقلخ ىلع كتجح

andYourvicegerentonYourlandswakhalifatikafyardika

كضرا يف كتفیلخو

andYourwitnessonYourservants.washahidika`ala`ibadika

كدابع ىلع كدهاشو

OAllah!(please)fortifyhisvictory,allahummaa`izzanasrahu

هرصن زعا مهللا

andprolonghisage,wamuddafi`umrihi

هرمع ىف دمو

anddecoratetheearthbyprolonginghisstayonit.wazayyinialardabitulibaqa'ihi

هئاقب لوطب ضرلاا نیزو

OAllah!(please)sufficehimagainstthetyrannyoftheenviousallahummaakfihibaghyaalhasidina

نیدساحلا يغب هفكا مهللا

andprotecthimagainsttheeviloftheconspirerswaa`idhhuminsharrialka'idina

نیدئاكلا رش نم هذعاو

anddefendhimagainstthe(ill)willoftheoppressorswazjur`anhuiradataal¨¨alimina

نیملاظلا ةدارا هنع رجزاو

andsavehimfromthehandsofthedespots.wakhallishuminaydiyaljabbarina

نیرابجلا يدیا نم هصلخو

OAllah!(please)granthimallthatwhichhedesiresasregardhimself,andhisoffspringallahummaa`tihifynafsihiwadhurriyyatihi

هتیرذو هسفن يف هطعا مهللا

andhisadherentsandhissubjectswashi`atihiwara`iyyatihi

هتیعرو هتعیشو

andhisneargroupandhiscommonpeoplewakhassatihiwa`ammatihi

هتماعو هتصاخو

andhisenemiesandalltheinhabitantsoftheworldwa`aduwwihiwajami`iahlialddunya

يندلا لها عیمجو هودعو

(please)granthimthatwhichdelightshimmatuqirrubihi`aynahuهنیع هب رقت ام

andcheersuphimwatasurrubihinafsahu

هسفن هب رستو

and(please)conferhimwiththebestofhishopeinthisworldaswellastheNextWorldwaballighhuafdalamaammalahufyalddunyawal-akhirati

ةرخلااو ایندلا يف هلما ام لضفا هغلبو

verily,Youhavepoweroverallthings.innaka`alakullishay'qadirunریدق ءيش لك ىلع كنا

OAllah!(please)resuscitatethroughhimthemarksofYourreligionthatwereeliminatedallahummajaddidbihimaimatahimindinikaكنید نم ىحتما ام هب ددج مهللا

andrevivethroughhimallthatofYourBooks,whichwasdistortedahyibihimabuddilaminkitabika

كباتك نم لدب ام هب يحا

andmakeclearthroughhimYourordainswhichwerechangedwaa¨hirbihimaghuyyiraminhukmika

كمكح نم ریغ ام هب رهظاو

sothatYourreligionshallreturn-throughhimandathishands-freshandnewhattaya`udadinukabihiwa`alayadayhighaddanjadidanدیدج اضغ هیدی ىلعو هب كنید دوعی ىتح

andpureandclearkhalisanmukhlasan

صلخم اصلاخ

freefromanydoubtoranysupriosity

lashakkafihiwalashubhatama`ahuهعم ةهبش لاو هیف كش لا

oranywrongoranysedition.walabatila`indahuwalabid`ataladayhiهیدل ةعدب لاو هدنع لطاب لاو

OAllah:(please)lightupalldarknessesthroughhislightallahummanawwirbinurihikulla¨ulmatinةملظ لك هرونب رون مهللا

anddemolishallseditiousmattersthroughhisstrengthwahuddabiruknihikullabid`atin

ةعدب لك هنكرب دهو

anddestroyalldeviationsthroughhismightwahdimbi`izzihikulladalalatin

ةللاض لك هزعب مدهاو

andterminatealltyrantsthroughhimwaqsimbihikullajabbarinرابج لك هب مصقاو

andextinguishallfiresthroughhisswordwakhmidbisayfihikullanarinران لك هفیسب دمخاو

andannihilatethewrongdoingsoftheoppressorsthroughhisestablishmentofjusticewahlikbi`adlihijawrakullija'irinرئاج لك روج هلدعب كلهاو

andmakealllawssubjecttohislawwaajrihukmahu`alikullihukminمكح لك ىلع همكح رجاو

andhumiliateallpowersthoughhisauthority.waadhillabisultanihikullasultanin

ناطلس لك هناطلسب لذاو

OAllah:(please)humiliateallthosewhomayantagonizehimallahummaadhillakullamannawahu

هاوان نم لك لذا مهللا

andobliterateallthosewhoincurhishostilitywaahlikkullaman`adahuهاداع نم لك كلهاو

andambushallthosewhomayplotagainsthimwamkurbimankadahuهداك نمب ركماو

anderadicateallthosewhodenyhisrightswasta'silmanjahadahuhaqqahuهقح هدحج نم لصأتساو

andthosewhobelittlehisauthoritywastahanabi'amrihi

هرماب ناهتساو

andthosewhoattempttoextinguishhislightwasa`afyitfa'inurihi

هرون ءافطا يف ىعسو

andthosewhoattempttooutshinehisreputation.waaradaikhmadadhikrihi

هركذ دامخا داراو

OAllah:(please)blessMuhammad,theChosenProphetallahummasalli`alamuhammadalmustafi

ىفطصملا دمحم ىلع لص مهللا

and`Ali,thewell-pleased,wa`aliyyinalmurtadi

ىضترملا يلعو

andFatimah,theLuminous,wafatimataalzzahra'i

ءارهزلا ةمطافو

andal-Hasan,thepleased,walhasanialrrida

ضرلا نسحلاو

andal-Husayn,theelitewalhusaynialmusaffai

ىفصملا نیسحلاو

andalltheSuccessors(oftheProphet),wajami`ial-awsiya'i

ءایصولاا عیمجو

thelanternsinmurk,masabihialdduja

ىجدلا حیباصم

thesignsoftrueguidance,waa`lamialhuda

ىدهلا ملاعاو

thelightsofpiety,wamanarialttuqa

ىقتلا رانمو

thefirmesthandle,wal`urwatialwuthqa

ىقثولا ةورعلاو

thepositiverope,walhablialmatini

نیتملا لبحلاو

andthestraightpath.walssiratialmustaqimi

میقتسملا طارصلاو

and(please)blessYourIntimateServantandYourRepresentativeswasalli`alawaliyyikawawulati`ahdika

كدهع ةلاوو كیلو ىلع لصو

andtheImamsfromhisdescendantswal-a'immatiminwuldihiهدلو نم ةمئلااو

andprolongtheirageswamuddafya`marihim

مهرامعا يف دمو

andaddtotheirlifetimeswazidfyajalihim

مهلاجآ يف دزو

andmakethemattaintheutmostoftheirdesireswaballighhumaqsaamalihim

مهلامآ ىصقا مهغلبو

inthereligion,thisworld,andtheHereafter.dinanwadunyawaakhiratan

ةرخآو ایندو انید

Verily,Youhavepoweroverallthings.[1]innaka`alakullishay'inqadirun

ریدق ءيش لك ىلع كنا .

This supplication has praised the Holy Prophet and his successors, the Purified Imams (a.s) andrequestedtheAlmightyforelevatingtheirstationsnearHim.InthesamewayitisabouttheQaimoftheProgenyofMuhammad (a.s)whowouldestablish signsof religionandenliven the faithofhisgreatgrandfather.

[1]AlBaladulAmin,Pg.570

9.SupplicationoftheImamofthetimeforreleasefromimprisonment

HisEminence;Mahdi (a.s) has taught this supplication to someof hisShiaswhowere spending

theirdaysinimprisonment.

OmyGod:Irretrievableisourplightallahumma`a¨umaalbala'u

ءلابلا مظع يهلا

ourhelplessnesscausespainandtroublewabarihaalkhafa'u

ءافخلا حربو

oururgencyhasbeenlaidbarewankashafaalghita'u

ءاطغلا فشكناو

allhopeshavebeencutoffwanqata`aalrraja'u

ءاجرلا عطقناو

theearthhasshrunkwithverylittletospareforuswadaqatal-ardu

ضرلاا تقاضو

theheavenlyblessingshavebeenwithheldwamuni`atalssama'u

ءامسلا تعنمو

anditisYouWhosehelpissoughtwaantaalmusta`anu

ناعتسملا تناو

andtoYoudoweprovideourcomplaintwailaykaalmushtaka

ىكتشملا كیلاو

andinYouisourtrustinjoyanddistresswa`alaykaalmu`awwalufishshiddatiwarrakha'i

ءاخرلاو ةدشلا يف لوعملا كیلعو

OAllah:(please)sendblessingsonMuhammadandtheHouseholdofMuhammadallahummasalli`alamuhammadinwaalimuhammadin

دمحم لآو دمحم ىلع لص مهللا

themenofauthoritytheobediencetowhomhasbeenmadeobligatoryuponusbyYouulil-amrialladhinafaradta`alaynata'atahum

مهتعاط انیلع تضرف نیذلا رملاا يلوا

andthusYouhavedemonstratedtheirrankwa`arraftanabidhalikamanzilatahum

مهتلزنم كلذب انتفرعو

Therefore, (please do), in the name of them, relieve us (from our distresses) with a relief that ispromptandverysoonfafarrij`annabihaqqihimfarajan`ajilanqariban

بیرق لاجاع اجرف مهقحب انع جرفف

asimmediateasatwinkleofaneye,orevenmoreimmediatekalamhialbasariawhuwaaqrabu

برقا وه وا رصبلا حملك

OMuhammad,O`Aliyamuhammaduya`aliyyuيلع ای دمحم ای

O`Ali,OMuhammadya`aliyyuyamuhammadu

دمحم ای يلع ای

(please)defendme,foryouarerealdefendersukfiyanifa-innakumakafiyani

نایفاك امكناف ينایفكا

and(please)helpme,becausebothofyouhelpwansuranifa-innakumanasirani

نارصان امكناف ينارصناو

OourMaster,OtheAuthorityofourtimesyamawlanayasahibaalzzamani

نامزلا بحاص ای انلاوم ای

Help!Help!Help!alghawthaalghawthaalghawtha

ثوغلا ثوغلا ثوغلا

Cometomyhelp,Cometomyhelp,Cometomyhelp!adrikniadrikniadrikni

ينكردا ينكردا ينكردا

atthishour,atthishour,atthishour!alssa`ataalssa`ataalssa`ata

ةعاسلا ةعاسلا ةعاسلا

Bequick,Bequick,Bequick;al`ajalaal`ajalaal`ajala

لجعلا لجعلا لجعلا

OthemostMercifulofallthosewhoshowmercy;yaarhamaalrrahimina

نیمحارلا محرا ای

ForthesakeofMuhammadandhispureprogeny.[1]bihaqqimuhammadinwaalihialttahirina

نیرهاطلا هلآو دمحم قحب .

SeekingrefugeintheAlmightyAllahandtohavecertaintyinitsavesonefromcalamitiesofthedaysandtheday-to-dayproblemsandtheHolyImams(a.s)haveendeavoredtoteachtheShiassothattheymaybeprotectedfromthefutureeventsandbadtimes.

[1]AlBaladulAmin,Pg.570

ZiyaratofImamHusain(a.s),amediumofHisEminence,Baqiyyatallah(a.s)

ThetragedyofKerbalawassuchaterriblecalamitythatinthewholecourseofhistorynosocial

reformer ever faced such disaster as faced by the maternal grandson and the beloved one of theProphet(a.s),ImamHusain(a.s).IndeedithasscorchedtheheartsofMuslimsandinfuriatedthemandmade them sorrowful forever. The Purified Imam (a.s) considers the calamities that befell HisEminence,thechiefoftheMartyrstobethegreatestofthecalamities,andthetragedyofKerbalahassurroundedthewholeexistenceofhisEminence,ImamMahdi(a.s).Thatiswhy,HisEminenceweepsandrecitestheZiyaratbyabsolutesincerityandfromthedepthsofhishearts.ItistheZiyaratknownastheZiyarat-e-Nahiya.ItistheZiyarat,whichisfullofthesorrowandangerofHisEminence.ItisaZiyaratinwhichHisEminencedescribesthevariousdifficultiesandsorrowfulcalamitiesthatbefellImamHusain(a.s)andthosepainfulincidentsthatthedaughtersoftheMessengerofAllah(a.s)hadtoendure.So,wemustpayattentiontosomeofthesentencesoftheZiyaratthathavereachedusthroughthehonorablespecialdeputiesoftheHolyImam.HisEminencehassalutedsomeoftheprophetsofAllahinthisZiyaratandthensalutedhisgreatgrandfather,ImamHusain(a.s)andsaidasfollows:

PeacebeuponHusain(a.s),whosacrificedhisremaininglifeforAllahdespitehisinjuries.PeacebeupontheonewhoobeyedAllahsecretlyandopenly.Peacebeupontheonewhosegrave'ssoilisbestowedwithcurativepowersbyAllah.

This part of the Ziyarat informs us about the absolute certainty of Imam Husain (a.s) about theAlmightyandHisobedienceinanapparentaswellasasecretmannerofHiscommands.ThegreatestobedienceandsincerityofHisEminence,theChiefoftheMartyrs(a.s)fortheMajesticLord,isthathepresentedhisownlifewithapureintentionforrevivalofreligionandWordofAllah.IfsuchasacrificehadnotbeenofferedthestandardofIslamwouldhavefoldedupandtheperiodofignorancewouldhaveregainedpredominance.BecausetheBaniUmayyahhadbeentryingtheirbesttodestroyreligionanditwasImamHusain(a.s)whorenderedtheirfraudanddeceitineffective.Bysacrificinghis life,which shook theworldof Islam, he caused angerwhich served asmotivation for internaluprisings against the Umayyad rulers, which finally destroyed the crown and throne of BaniUmayyah.

TheAlmightyAllahhasalsothankedHisfriendandbeloved,HisEminence,ImamHusain(a.s)forthismagnificentsacrificeandthereforepreparedagreatrewardinthehereafterandinthisworldalsobestowedhimwithmiraclesanddistinctions.OneofthemiraclesisthatHehasbestowedcuretothedustofhisgraveandalsomadehistombandthetombsofhissuccessors,thePurifiedImamstobetheplaceofacceptanceofsupplications.AndsomeofthesentencesofthisZiyaratareasfollows:

Peacebeuponthesonof theSealof theProphets.Peacebeuponthesonof theChiefof theSuccessors.PeacebeuponthesonofFatimaZahra(s.a.).PeacebeuponthesonofKhadijatulKubra.

TheabovewordsprovethegreatandhonorableancestryofHisEminence,AbaAbdillahal-Husain(a.s). Then the great grandfather of His Eminence is the seal of the Prophets and the chief of theProphetsandtherespectedfatherofHisEminenceisthechiefofthelegateesandthegateofthecityofknowledgeoftheMessengerofAllah(a.s),andthechiefofthebelievers.AndthemotherofHis

Eminence is a part of the body of theMessenger ofAllah (a.s) and the chief of the ladies of theworlds;thatAllah'spleasureisthroughherpleasureandHisangeristhroughherangerandthegreatgrandmother ofHis Eminence isKhadijatulKubra bywhose sacrifice and financial assistance thereligionofIslamwasestablished.ThensalutationsandblessingsofAllahbeonHisgreatfamilyandon these purified branches who have illuminated the world through their virtues. Some of thestatementsofthisZiyaratare:

Peacebeupontheonewhowassmearedinblood.Peacebeupontheonewhosetentsweretornasunder.Peacebeupon the fifthoneof thepeopleofKisa (blanket).Peacebeupon themostalienone.

ThispartoftheZiyaratmentionssomequalitiesofthefatherofthenobleImams(a.s),ImamHusain(a.s). Just as His Eminence was drenched in his own blood on the path of Allah and sufferedcalamities for theestablishmentof the signsof religion.Andalso thathewasoneof the fiveholysoulsoftheBlanket(Kisa)whomtheLordAlmightypurifiedofeverydirtandfinallythathewasthatoppressedandtyrannizedonethathewasmartyredinanastonishingwayonthesandsofKerbalaandthe angels of the Lord lamented the enormity of the afflictions that befell him. And also HisEminence,theAwaitedImamhassaidthusinthisZiyarat:

Peace be upon those (martyrs) who were cut into pieces. Peace be upon the souls whosebelongingswereplunderedsoonaftertheirkillings.Peacebeupontheuncovereddeadbodies.Peacebeupontheemaciatedandthedeformedcorpses.

These sentences prove the different types of injustices and tortures that the Umayyad militantsconsideredpermissibletowardshimandtowardshissons,andcompanions.TheUmayyadsstoppedwatersupplytohimtillhislipsweredriedandparchedduetothirstandhispurifiedbodywascutintopiecesbysword.Theirheadswerehoistedonspearpointswhilehewasmakingthepathsofnobilityandgreatnessapparentforthepeople.Duetothishewasmartyredandtheladiesofhishouseweretakencaptivesfromonetowntoanother.

HisEminence,theAwaitedImamtakeshisZiyaratforwardinthefollowingway:

PeacebeupontheProofoftheLordoftheworlds.Peacebeuponyouanduponyourpurifiedancestors.Peacebeuponyouanduponyourmartyredoffsprings.

His Eminence, ImamMahdi (a.s) presents his tribute and respects in the followingmanner to hisrespected great grandfather, his sonswhowere slain before his very eyes and the angelswho areappointedtoserveonthegraveofImamHusain(a.s):

Peacebeupon thebodies thatwerehungafterbeingkilled.Peacebeupon thenearestof theProphet'sprogeny.Peacebeuponthecorpsesthatwereabandonedinthedesert.Peacebeuponthe travelers who were driven out from their homes. Peace be upon those who were buriedwithoutshrouds.

In these statements, His Eminence, the Awaited Imam has sent salutation on the bodies that theUmayyadsenemiesleftunburiedonthesandsofthedesert.TillthetimethattheAlmightyAllahmadeacommunitythathadnotbeensmearedwiththedisgraceoffightingagainstthesonsoftheProphet,

bury themartyrs in theirownclothes thathadbeen tornupby theUmayyads.ThesestatementsarefromthissameZiyarat:

Peacebeupon theonewho ispurifiedby theMighty (Allah).Peacebeupon theonewhowasprideduponbyJibraeel.PeacebeupontheonewhowasputtosleepinthecradlebyMikaeel.Peacebeupontheoneregardingwhomoathswerebroken.Peacebeupontheonewhosedignitywaslowered.Peacebeupontheonewhosebloodwasshedunjustly.

ThesesentencesprovethatHisEminence,isextremelydevastatedandsorrowfulduetothecalamitythatbefellhisgreatgrandfather,ImamHusain(a.s),insuchawaythathealsowishesthathehadbeenpresentinthebattlefieldandbysacrificinghimselfhadsavedhisancestorfromthesadtribulationsandprotectedhislife.

LetusheartowhatthesesentencesofZiyaratsay:

SinceIhavebeenpushedbehindbythepassageoftimeandbeingpreventedfromhelpingyoubyfateandIcouldnotfightthosewhohadfoughtyou.And(since)IhadnotbeenabletofaceyourenemiesIwillcontinuetoweepmorningandeveningandweepforyouwithtearsofblood.

His Eminence, the Awaited Imam is sorrowful and restless due to his oppressed and tyrannizedancestor.Somuchso,thathelamentsandbemoansHisEminencedayandnightandinsteadoftears,bloodflowsfromhiseyes.Thisconditionwillenduretillthelastmoments:

IwitnessthatcertainlyyouestablishedtheprayerandgaveZakat,andenjoinedgoodandforbadeevil.YouobeyedAllahandneverdisobeyedHim.AndremainedincontactwithHim.AndsatisfiedHim,andwereawedbyHim,andwereattentivetowardsHim,andsatisfiedwithHiswishandwill.

Thesewords prove that the greatest virtues andmerits had gathered in thematernal grandson andfavoriteoneoftheMessengerofAllah(a.s).TheAlmightyAllahhasnotcreatedanyvirtuebutthatitisoneofthevirtuespossessedbyHisEminence.TheAwaitedImam(a.s)furthersays:

Youprotectguidanceandhelpit.Andpropagatejusticeandequityandhelpthereligionandmakeitmanifestedandhinderandobstructthosepeoplewhoconsideritlowly.Andextracttherightsoftheweak from thestrong.Andwith regard to theorders,bothof them(theweakand thestrong)wereequalinyoureyes.

Thispartdemonstratestheuprisingofthefatherofthenobleones,HusainIbneAli(a.s)insupportoftruthandinhelpofjusticeandthedefenseofIslamandtheestablishmentofhighmoralvaluesandnoblevirtuesthatIslamhasbrought.AndHisEminence,ImamHusain(a.s),infact,trodthepathofhisgrandfather,theMessengerofAllahandhisrespectedfather,AmirulMomineen(a.s)forseekingthepleasureofAllahandtheirpathandmethodwasnotdifferent.

Tillthetimethatcorruptionbecameaudaciousandtheslightveilliftedfromthefaceofinjusticeanditsummoneditscahootsforsupport.Thenatthattimeyouwereatthesanctuaryofyourgrandfather(Medina)andabsolutelyalooffromtheunjustpeople.Yousatintheprayerniche,busyinprayers.

ThesewordscontaintheJihadofHisEminence,thechiefoftheMartyrs,againsttheUmayyadrulers

whohadtrampleduponhumanrightsandspreadmischiefanddestructionontheearth.HisEminencedid not consider silence permissible and he stood up for Jihad and confrontation. He denied anddenouncedhisdenierswithallhisbeing,byhisheart,tongueandactionsandinvitedthepeopletotheLordoftheworldsbywisdomandgoodexhortation.LetusconsideranotherportionofthisZiyarat:

Sowhentheenemiessawyoutoberesoluteandfearlesstheybegantoplotandlaytrapsforyouandbegantofightwithyouwiththecunningandmischief.AndtheaccursedUmarIbneSaadorderedhiscunningarmytocutoffthewatersupply.

ThemeaningofthesewordsisthatwhentheUmayyadmercenariessawHisEminence,AbaAbdillahal-Husain (a.s) raising up his head towards the heavens against the politics and method of theUmayyadswhichwas opposed to the practice of the Prophet and alien to and dissociatedwith theBookofAllah,thathewasdenouncingandconfrontingthemwithallhismightandwasnotcoweddownby theirdominationand rule, theyalsoconfrontedhimwithall theirmight.Somuchso thattheycutoff thewater supplyofKerbala from them till thewomenandchildrenof theHoly Imamalmostperished.Theyfought theImam(a.s)andmadehimthe targetof theirarrows.Theydidnottake into consideration the sanctity of theMessenger of Allah with regard to Imam Husain (a.s).However, His Eminence, in face of all difficulties and afflictions maintained such patience andforbearancethateventheangelsoftheheavenswereastonished.ThefollowingisanotherpartoftheZiyarat:

Thentheenemiessurroundedyoufromallthesidesandbegantogiveyouoneinjuryafteranotherandmadeyou fatigued.Nohelper remainedbetweenyouandyourwomenandchildren.Youwerestill deflecting the crowd of attackers with persistence and patience away from your women andchildren.

Thesewordsshowsthatinhislastmoments,whattypesofcalamitiesandafflictionsthegrandsonoftheMessengerborethatnolivingbeingcouldendure.Indeed,allthetroublesoftheworld,oneafterothergatheredonthebelovedsonoftheProphetandtheinheritorofthemeritsoftheMessengerofAllah.

On one hand was the terrible calamity in which the followers of Ahle Bayt and their sons werelacerated like themeat of slaughtered animals and on the other handwere themournful cries andscreamsofchildrenduetotheintensityofthirst.Andthewailsandweepingoftheladiesandgirlsofthe familyof revelationdue to the severityof thedisasteras theywitnessed their lovedones lyingslainontheearth,drenchedintheirbloodintheirveryyouth.TheyespeciallybeheldtheoppressedImamand the chief of theyouthsofParadisewhowas ready tobear the trialswhile theUmayyadcriminalswerecompetingwitheachother for themurder ImamHusain(a.s)and theyattackedhimwithalltheavailableweaponstillhiscompletebodywascoveredwithspearsandarrows.

Yes!ThedaughtersoftheMessengerwitnessedthisterriblesceneandtheirheartsburstwithsorrowandtheywerehorrifiedanddidnotknowwhatcalamitieswouldbefallthemafterthekillingofImamHusain(a.s).AndtheconditionofthedaughtersandladiesoftheMessengerofAllah(a.s)wasmoresevere and hard than all the afflictions of Imam Husain (a.s). In fact, all their calamities hadsurroundedthebeingofthechiefoftheMartyrs.WhenHisEminencewasslaininthebattlefieldandhisseveredheadwashoisteduponthespearpointthatitmaybepresentedtoIbneMarjanathewailsof thedaughtersofAllah'sMessengerroseupinprotestandtheoppressors thrashedtheheadsand

facesofwomenandchildren.Atthatsametime,IbneMarjanaandhismercenariesputtheirtentsonfireandbeat themwith lashes.Then they tiedwith ironchains theirhands to theirnecksandmadethemsiton thecamels.At last they took themaspresents to theirmasters, IbneMarjanaandYazidIbneMuawiyah.Infact,infrontofsuchcalamitiesitshouldbesaid:"IndeedwearefromAllahandindeedtowardsHimweshallreturn."

PleasenoteanotherpartofthecaptionedZiyarat:

WoebeuntothosedisobedienttransgressorswhomurderedIslambykillingyouandinvalidatedthe prayers and fasts. And broke up the (Prophetic) practice and the (Islamic) laws. Anddemolishedtheregulationsoffaith.AndburntuptheversesoftheQuranandtheyrushedintotransgressionandrebellion.

Hereweconcludeabriefdiscussiononsomepartsof"ZiyaratNahiya"althoughAllamahMajlisihasalsomentionedaprayerandasupplicationthatshouldberecitedafterthisZiyaratbesidesthegraveoftheHolyImam(a.s).

13ChapterLETTERSOFTHEIMAMOFTHETIME(A.S)

Narrators have recorded some of the letters that His Eminence addressed to Shia personalities.

SomeofthemarerepliestolegalquestionsposedtoHisEminence.Herewepresentsomeexamplesofthesame:

1.LetteroftheImamofthetimetoAhmadbinIshaq

AhmadbinIshaqAshariQummiwas the leaderof thegroupofQompilgrimswhowentfor the

Ziyaratof thePurified Imams(a.s).He isoneof the importantnarratorsof traditions.OnceaShiamanmet him and gave him a letter of Ja’far, the son of ImamHadi (a.s). In this letter, Ja’far hadintroducedhimselfandinformedthatafterthepassingawayofhisbrother,ImamHasanAskari(a.s),hewastheleaderandchiefoftheIslamicworld.AndJa’farclaimedtopossesswhatthepeoplewereinneedofregardingthelawfulandtheunlawfulmattersoftheIslamicLaw.Afterhegotthisletter,AhmadwrotetoHisEminence,theAwaitedImam,andalsoenclosedtheoriginalletterofJa’far.HisEminence,ImamMahdi(a.s)repliedtoAhmadasfollows:

InthenameofAllah,theBeneficent,theMerciful

“Your letter has been received, may Allah protect you, and a letter attached to it, with the thingsmentioned in your letter. In spite of the fact that the words and imports of the letter weremetamorphosedandconfusedandmistakesanderrorswerenumerous,asIhaveunderstood;ifyouhadpaidcloseattentiontoityouwouldalsohaverealizedit.

Praise isonly to theLordof theworlds,apraisenotsharedbyanyoneelse:Praisebe toAllah theLord of the worlds and by that favor and kindness that is on us from Him. Allah Almighty hasperfectedthetruthandrenderedfalsehoodinvalid.AndHimthatImentionisthewitnessandthereisnodoubtinwhatIamsaying,weshallcollatethesethingsnow.Andeveryfactaboutwhichquestionsshallberaised.Andthewriterofthatlettertoyouandnonefromthecreatureshastheresponsibilityof Imamate, obedience and covenant.And soonwe shall explain to you thosematters that shall besufficienttoconvinceyou.

OAhmad!MayAllahhavemercyonyou.TheAlmightyAllahhasnotcreatedpeopleinvainandHehasnotleftthemaimlessanduseless.Rather,byHispowerHecreatedthemandprovidedthemwithhearing, sight,mind and conscience. ThenHe sent towards them prophets,whowerewarners andgiversofglad-tidings.TheycommandthepeopleforobedienceofAllahandrestrainthemfromHisdisobedience.Theyintroducethedivinecommandandreligionto them.HesentdowntheBookonthemandsentangelstowardsthemsothattheymaybemediumsandchannelsbetweentheAlmightyandtheprophets.

AmongtheprophetsthereissomeoneforwhomAllahmadethefire,coolandmercyandmadehimHisfriendandconfidant.

AmongthemwasonesuchthatAllahspokewithhimemphaticallyandopenlymadehisstaffintoapython.

Someonefromthemissuchthatenlivenedthedeadandcuredthebornblindandtheleper.

Someone from them is such that Allah taught him the language of the birds and he was giveneverything.

And after that He sent His Eminence,Muhammad (a.s) themercy for theworlds. And by himHecompletedthefavorandendedtheseriesofprophetsandsenthimforallthepeopleoftheworld.And(he)demonstratedandexplainedhistruthfulness,hissignsandhisprophethoodtothepeople.Atlast,he,whowasapraiserofAllahAlmighty,fortunateandsuccessful,healsomethisLord.

Onthispoint,heentrustedtheaffairstohisbrother,cousin,legateeandinheritor,thatisAliIbneAbiTalib (a.s) andafter that tohis successors from the sonsofHisEminenceoneafter theother.Andrevived His religion and perfected His light through them. He accorded them a clear distinctionamongtheirbrothers,cousinsandotherfamilymemberssothattheymayberecognizedastheproofofAllahandleadersamongthecommonpeople.InsuchawaythatHemadethem(Prophetandhislegatees)freeofallsinsanddefectsandpurefromimpurity.Andalso,theAlmightyAllahmadethemthecustodiansofHisknowledgeandwisdomandthecenterofHissecretsandconfidentialmattersandsupportedthemwithproofsandarguments.AndifHehadnotdoneso,allthepeoplewouldhavebeensamefromallaspectsindeed;truthandfalsehood,knowledgeableandignorantwouldnothavebeendistinguished.

Therefore,knowthatthisfalsemanhasassociatedfalsehoodtotheAlmightyGod.Andthatwhatheclaims(inthisletter)isfalsehoodandfabrication,Idon’tknowonwhathereliestoprovehisclaimaOn his deep understanding of the religion of Goda By Allah! He is not capable to discriminatebetweenlegalandillegalandincorrectfromcorrect.Andwhetheritisonhisknowledgeandknow-howaHeisnotabletodistinguishafactfromalieandtheclearfromtheambiguous,andtheextentofritualprayeranditstime.OrisitthathereliesonhispietyandabstemiousnessaAllahisawitnessthatheomittedobligatoryprayerforfortydayswiththefalsenotionthatbyomittingprayerhewouldbe able to acquire the art of deception. And may be this information has reached you also. ThecontainersofwinearepresentforhimandsignsofhissinsanddisobedienceofAllahAlmightyareobviousforeveryone.DoesheintendtoprovehisclaimbyasignandmiracleaThenheshouldputforward his argument and miracle. Does he rely on any argumenta Then he should mention hisargument.TheAlmightyAllahsays:

“HaMim.TherevelationoftheBookisfromAllah,theMighty,theWise.Wedidnotcreatetheheavens and the earth andwhat is between them two savewith truth and (for) an appointedterm; and those who disbelieve turn aside from what they are warned of. Say: Have youconsideredwhatyoucalluponbesidesAllahaShowmewhattheyhavecreatedoftheearth,orhavetheyashareintheheavensaBringmeabookbeforethisortracesofknowledge,ifyouaretruthful.Andwho is ingreatererror thanhewhocallsbesidesAllahupon those thatwillnotanswerhim till thedayof resurrectionand theyareheedlessof their callaAndwhenmenaregathered together they shall be their enemies, and shall be deniers of their worshipping(them).”[1]

OAhmad!MayAllahgiveyoudivineopportunitytotestandaskthistransgressoraboutthosemattersIhaveexplainedtoyou.AndaskhimaboutaverseofQuransothathemayexplainitsmeaningandaskhimaboutanobligatoryprayer toexplain its extentand itsobligatory rituals.At that timeyouwould know his condition and limits, understand his defect and ignorance. May Allah make himaccountable.

Although theAlmightyAllahhasnotappointedImamateonany twobrothers,except ImamsHasanand Husain (a.s). And in the same way has accorded us permission in some matters. Truth is

manifested and falsehood, destroyed. And I am hopeful of the favors and sufficiency. Allah issufficient for us and the best of helpers. And may Allah bless Muhammad and the progeny ofMuhammad.”

ThisletterprovesthatthepersonalityofJa’farwhoclaimedImamatewasquestionableandinfact,theImamconsideredhimtobebereftofallthequalitiesnecessaryforthehighpositionofImamate.SomuchsothathehasintroducedJa’fartobeabsolutelyignorantandfoolish.NotonlywasheincapabletointerpretthelawofShariahandotherreligiousmatters,hecouldnotevendiscriminatebetweenhisrightandlefthand.Therefore,howcouldheclaimtheloftystatusofWilayata[2]

[1]SurahAhqaf46:1-6[2]Guardianship

2.LetteroftheImamofthetimetoAl-Amriandhisson

UthmanIbneSaeedAmriandhissonMuhammadwrotealettertoHisEminence,ImamMahdi(a.s)

statingthatMithami,aShia,hasinformedthemthatMukhtar,adeviatedperson,hascalledtheShiastotheImamateofJa’far.Inreplytothatletter,HisEminencewroteasfollows:

“MayAllahmakeyousuccessfulinHisobedienceandsteadfastinhisreligionandmayHemakeyoufortunatebyHispleasure.IhavelearntofwhatyouhavementionedaboutMithamiandwhathehasstated aboutMukhtar.And theonewhometMukhtar and spoke tohimandconcluded that the solesuccessor of Imam Hasan Askari (a.s) is only Ja’far, the son of Imam Hadi (a.s), and that heconsideredhis Imamate tobevalid.Wehave takennoteof thewholematter that youhad receivedfromthefriendsandcompanions(Shias).AndIseekrefugeofAllahfromblindnessafterlightandvision, and fromdeviation after guidance and fromevil deeds anddangerousmischiefs,while theAlmightyAllahsays:

“Domenthinkthattheywillbeleftaloneonsaying:Webelieve,andnotbetrieda”[1]

And it is indeed surprising! How people fall into mischief and step into bewilderment and leantowardsleftandrightandseparatefromtheirreligion.AretheyvictimsofdoubtaAretheyinimicaltotruthaAretheyignorantofthemessageandimportofauthentictraditionsandcorrectreportsaOrisitthattheyareawareofitbuttheyhavemadethemselvesforgetita

Indeedtheearthisneverdevoidoftheproof,whetherapparentorhidden.TheyhavenotseenanddonotknowthattheImamshavearrivedoneaftertheotheraftertheirProphettillthepositionreachedImamHasanAskari(a.s)andhesatontheseatofhisrespectedfatherbytheleaveofAllahandguidedtowardsthetruepath.Hewastheluminousstarandthebrilliantmoon.

[1]SurahAnkabut29:2

ThentheAlmightyAllahsummonedhimtoHispresenceandtookhiminHismercy.He,likehisrespectedforefathers,madeabequestandentrustedhissuccessorshipandthecovenantandlastImamatetohissuccessorandhislegatee.TheAlmightyAllah,byHispredeterminedwill,concealedhislocationandHiselevatedrankiswithus,AhleBaytandHisfavorisforus.IftheAlmightyAllahpermitsmetoreappear,Iwouldpresenttruthinthebestformandthemostilluminatedargumentandsign,andIwouldhavemademyselfapparentandestablishedtheproof.ButthewillofAllahismoredominantandcannotbesubvertedandHisdecisiondoesnotchange.AndthetimedecidedbyHimdoesnotbecomeapparent.Onthebasisofthistheyshouldkeepalooffromtheirsensualdesiresandremainsteadfastonthepaththeywereonbeforethis.Andtheymustnottrytosearchoutneedlesslythat,whichAllahhaskeptconcealedastheywouldbecomesinfulandtheymustnottrytoexposethedivinesecret,astheywouldregretit.

Althoughtheyshouldknowthatthetruthisbyusandwithusandnooneexceptuswouldclaimthus,butthatheorshewouldbealiarandfabricator.Noneexceptuscanclaimthus,exceptthatheorshebedeviated.Therefore,whatwehavestatedhereshouldsufficeforthem,ratherthanseekingfurtherclarifications.Ratherthandesiringmoreexplanationanddetails,theyshouldrestcontentwiththis

much,ifAllahwills.”[1]

Ja’farhadspreaddeviationandmisguidanceamongtheShiasandhadbecomeadenierofHisEminence,theAwaitedImam.Inthisletter,HisEminence,ImamMahdi(a.s)hasexposedhimandduetotheirdeviationfromtruthandbecauseoftheirownmisguidancehehasdenouncedhisfollowers.InthesamewayhehasjustifiedhisoccultationandlackofreappearancetodivinewillandsaysthatHisEminence,hadnosayinit.

[1]Kamaluddin2/190

3.LetteroftheImamofthetimetosomeofhisShias

IbneAbiGhanamQazwinialongwithsomeShiapeoplehadadifferenceofopinionregardingthe

successorship of His Eminence, Imam Hasan Askari (a.s). So much so that Qazwini denied theexistenceofHisEminence,theAwaitedImam(a.s).However,othersstressedthatthesuccessorofHisEminencewaspresentandheisHisEminence,ImamMahdi(a.s).TheywrotealettertotheAwaitedImamandrelatedtheirdiscussionwithQazwini.HisEminence,wroteinreplyasfollows:

IntheNameofAllah,theBeneficent,theMerciful.

MaytheAlmightyAllahkeepyouandussafefromthemischiefsandmayHebestowyouanduswithcertainty andmay He also protect you and us from bad consequences. Information regarding thedoubt and denial of a group from you in religion and the matter of guardianship (Wilayat) hasreachedus.Oursorrowandangerisforyouandnotforourownselves,astheAlmightyAllahiswithus,thereforeexceptforHimwearenotneedfulofanyoneelseandthetruthiswithus.ThereforeIamnot afraid if someone turns away fromus.Andwe are the first creations of ourLord and (other)creaturesandpeoplewerecreatedafterwards.AndyouOPeople!WhyhaveyoufallenintodoubtandbewildermentaHaveyounotheardthestatementofAlmightyAllahthatHesaid:

“Oyouwhobelieve!ObeyAllahandobeytheApostleandthoseinauthorityfromamongyou;thenifyouquarrelaboutanything,referittoAllahandtheApostle,ifyoubelieveinAllahandthelastday;thisisbetterandverygoodintheend.”[1]

Don’tyouknowthatithascomeintraditionalreportsthatunforeseeneventshadbefallenthepastandwouldbefalltheremainingImamsaHaveyounotseenhowinallthetimes,theAlmightyAllahhadmade a refuge for you to seek protection inaHe appointed torches of guidance from the time ofAdam(a.s)tillthetimeofImamHasanAskari(a.s)thatyoumayobtain

[1]SurahNisa4:59

guidanceanddirection,insuchawaythatwheneveraguidewentaway,anotheronetookuphisplaceandtorch.

WhentheAlmightyAllahtookawayImamHasanAskari(a.s),doyouthinkHehasrenderedHisreligioninvalidandseveredHisrelationwiththecreaturesaNever!TilltheDayofJudgmentandthetimeoftheexposureofAllah’scommand,whichisnotinfavorofthepeople,itcannotbethus.

Indeed,HisEminence,ImamHasanAskari(a.s)passedawaywithsuccessandgoodfortunelikehisrespectedforefathersandinsuchaconditionthathisknowledgeandwillispresentwithus.Andhissuccessorwouldperformhisfunctions.Andexceptforanunjustcriminal,noonehasadisputewithusinthismatter.Andexceptforadenierdisbeliever,nooneclaimsthisourdivineposition.AndifitwouldnothaverenderedthecommandofAllahtobesubvertedandHissecrethadnotbeenexposed,ourrightuponyouwouldhavebecomesoclearthatyourintellectswouldhavebecomeastonishedandyourdoubtsanduncertaintieswouldhavedisappeared.However,whatAllahhadwilled,predestinedandwrittenwouldsurelyhappenandnothingexceptthat.ThenfearAllahandsubmitto

ouraffair,andleavethismatterwithus.AnddonotpersistinacquiringthatwhichAllahhasconcealedanddonotgetdeviatedtotheleftandright.Andmakeourrightandilluminatedpathastheaim.IndeedIwishyourwell-beingandAllahiswitnessuponyouandme.IfIhadnoaffectionforyouandhadnotdesiredmercyandgoodforyou,Iwouldnothavesaidanythingtoyou.

Itisbywayoftrialanddivinetestforusthatamisguidedoppressor,withoutanyrighthasbecomeaprisonerofhisselfishdesiresandusurpedtherightofothers.LikethedaughteroftheMessengerofAllahitisobligatoryIshouldbepatientandintheendtheignorantandtyrantwouldseetheconsequencesofhisdeeds.MayAllahAlmightyprotectyouandusfromperditions,calamitiesandevils.AndAllahishavingauthorityandpoweronthemandblessingsandmercyofAllahbeuponallthesuccessors,saintsandbelievers.AndmayAllahblessMuhammad,theProphet,andhisprogenyandpeacebeuponthem.[1]

[1]Bihar13/247

4.LetteroftheImamofthetimetoMuhammadAsadi

Muhammadbin Ja’farwrotea letter toHisEminence, ImamMahdi (a.s)askinghimabout some

religiousproblem.HisEminencerepliedasfollows:

AsforaquestionyouaskedaboutthePrayeratthetimeofsunriseandsunsetitsreplyisasfollows:ItissothattheysaythatthesunrisesandsetsbetweenthetwohornsofShaitan,thenwhatisbetterthanprayerthatitmayrubthenoseofShaitanontheearthaThereforereciteprayeratthistimeandrubthenoseofShaitan(humiliatehim).

Asforaquestionaboutthatwhichhasbecomeendowedaboutusandthatwhichisfixedforus,butinspiteofthisifitsownerbecomesneedfulofit,itsreplyisasfollows:Tillithasnotbeenaccepted,atransactionisallowedtobemadeinvalidandonecouldspendfromit.Ifithasbeenaccepteditcannotbemadeinvalid,whetherheisneedfulofitornot.

3.Asforthatwhichyouasked:thatifsomeoneishavingsomethingfromourpropertyandhespendsitwithoutourpermissionasifheishimselftheownerandconsidersitpermissibleforhimself.Thereply to it isas follows:Onewhodoes thus isaccursedandon theDayof Judgmentwewouldbedispleasedwithhim.TheHolyProphet(a.s)hascertainlysaid:“Anyonewhoconsidersaprohibitedthingofmyprogenyaspermissible iseligible formycurseand thatofall theprophets.Onewhoencroachesuponour rights isamong thosewhoareunjustuponusand thecurseofAllah isuponhim.TheAlmightyAllahsays:

[1]Bihar13/247

“Knowthat!ThecurseofAllahisupontheoppressors.”[1]

HisEminence,theAwaitedImamhasrepliedtosomequeriesregardingtheIslamicpracticallaw:

1.Prayeratthetimeofsunriseandsunsetisconsideredlawful.Andone,whosaysagainstit,issayingsowithoutanyproof.Inthesamewaythesayingthat“ThesunrisesandsetsbetweenthetwohornsofShaitan”hasbeentoldtobeajokebecausethesethingsarenothingbutapartofbaselessanduselessviewsandstatements.

2.Regarding endowments, especially for theAhleBayt (a.s), before it is accepted, the endowmentmakerisallowedtoretractitinthecircumstancesthathehasnotyetentrustedtothem,hecanspendfromitandtakeitback.Butiftheendowmenthasalreadybeenacceptedbythem,heisnotallowedtoannulitandtakeitback,becausehehasmadeitanecessityandtakingbackanecessityisnotcorrectandtheImamatejurisprudentshaveissuedadecreebasedonthis.

3.ItisnotlawfultospendfromthepropertythatbelongsexclusivelytotheAhleBayt(a.s).Thenifsomeoneconsidersitlawfulheisanoppressorandusurper.

[1]Kamaluddin2/199

5.RepliesoftheImamofthetimetotheQuestionsofIshaq

IshaqIbneYaqubwrotealettertoHisEminence,ImamMahdi(a.s)containingnumerousreligious

questions thatwere difficult for him.He sent this letter toHisEminence throughMuhammad IbneUthman,whowasoneofthetrustworthyandpurepersons.HisEminencewrotethefollowingreplies:

O Ishaq!MayAllah guide you,make you steadfast and keep you safe.As forwhat you askedmeregardingsomeofyourfamilyandcousinsandtheirdenialaboutme,youshouldknowthatthereisnoproximityandrelationshipbetweenAllahandanyone,andanyonewhodeniesmeisnotfrommeandhispathislikethepathofProphetNuh’sson.AndasforthepathofmyUncle,Ja’far,itislikethepathofProphetYusuf’sbrothers.Asfor“Fuqaa”(Adrinkpreparedfrombarleyextract)itisunlawfultodrinkit.Andasfor“Shilmaab”(Anon-intoxicantdrinkanditsuseinthepresentageiscommon);itisnotdoubtful.Andasforyourproperty,tillyoudonotpurifyit,donotuseit.Thenanyonewhowants to send it tomeandanyonewhodoesnotwant tobe separated from it, thenwhatAllahhasbestowedtousisbetterthanwhatAllahhasgivenyou.

Asforthereappearanceandadvent,itsolelydependsonthewillofAllahandthosewhofixatimeforitareliars.

AsforthesayingofthosewhothinkthatImamHusain(a.s)hasnotbeenslainisakindofdisbelief,denial,deviationandmisguidance.

“But as for the problemswhichwill occur in the future, you should refer to the narrators of ourtraditionsfortheirverdictsastheyaremyproofstoyou,andIamAllah’sprooftothem.”

AsforMuhammadbinUthmanAmri,mayAllahbepleasedwithhimandhisfather,heistrustworthyandreliableoneofmineandhiswritingismywriting.

AsforMuhammadbinAlibinMahziyarAhwazi,thenverysoon,Allahwouldreformhisheartandremovehisdoubt.

Asforthemoneythatyousentformeisnotacceptabletome,exceptthatmoneywhichispure.Andthecompensationforasinginggirlisunlawful.

AsforMuhammadbinShazanbinNaeem,heisfromtheShiasofus,AhleBayt(a.s).

AsforAbulKhattabMuhammadbinAliZainabAjdaa,thenheandallhisassociatesareaccursedandyoudo not cultivate the companyof thosewhoharbor their beliefs.Andmy forefathers and I arealooffromthem.

Asforthosewhoareinpossessionofourfunds,inawaythattheyconsideritlawfulforthemselvesandspendit,haveinfactdevoured(Hell)Fire.

AsforKhums,itislawfulforourShiastillthetimeofreappearance,sofarastheirchildrenarepureandnotinvolvedinsinfulactivities.

As for the funds that are sent to us and afterwhich they fell into doubts and became regretful ofhavingpaid it tous, thenanyonewhowantswewould return tohimandwearenotneedfulof themoneyofthosewhoharbordoubtwithregardtoAllah.

Asforthecauseofoccultation,theAlmightyAllahhassaid:

“Oyouwhobelieve!Donotputquestions about thingswhich if declared to youmay troubleyou…”[1]

Eachofmy forefathers inhis timewascompelledby theoathofallegiance to the tyrant rulerandwhenIreappearIwouldnotbehavingtheallegianceofanytyrantonmyneck.Asforhowpeoplewould benefit from me during my occultation, it is like getting benefits from the sun, which isconcealedbytheclouds.AndIamthesecurityforthepeopleonthefaceoftheearthjustasstarsaresecurityfortheinhabitantsoftheheavens.Thereforedonotaskwhatyouarenotinneedofanddonot put yourself into undue trouble. And pray more for an early reappearance as in it lies yoursuccess.PeacebeonyouOIshaqIbneYaqubandpeacebeonallthosewhofollowtheguidance…[2]

Thisletter,inadditiontolegalproblemsalsocontainsvariousothermatters:

Firstly:someoftheSadat(Sayyids)amongthecousinsofImamMahdi(a.s)deniedtheexistenceofHisEminence, inspiteof somanysignsandproof for it. In this letter,HisEminence, ImamMahdi(a.s)hasintroducedthemtobedeviatedandmisguided

[1]SurahMaidah5:101[2]Ihtijaj2/281-284

peopleandtheAlmightyAllahwouldinterrogatethemregardingtheirdenialanddeviation.

Secondly:thereappearanceofHisEminencefortheestablishmentoftruthandjusticeisnotathisowndiscretion,butitisatthediscretionofsomeoneelse.RatheritissolelyatthediscretionofAllah,theWise.ItisHealone,whowouldfixthetimeofthereappearanceofhisWali(Vicegerent).

Thirdly:somepeoplestartedafalsepropagandathatHisEminence,thechiefoftheMartyrs,ImamHusain(a.s)isnotmartyredandthekillersofHisEminencearewronglyaccused.RathersomeoneresemblingHisEminence,ImamHusain(a.s)hadbeenmurdered.HisEminence,theMasteroftheAge(a.s)inthisletter,hasdenouncedthisfalsepropagandaandlabeledittobeafraud,deviation,falsehoodandaninvalidclaim.

Fourthly:Inthisletter,HisEminence,haspraisedandsupportedMuhammadbinUthmanAmrisomuchso,thathehasdesignatedhiswritingashisownwriting.SimilarlyhehasdescribedMuhammadbinShazantobeoftheShiapersonalitiesandconsideredhimtrustworthyinhisreligionandpiety.

Fifthly:Inthiscommunication,HisEminencehasprohibitedhisShiasfromcultivatingthecompanyofthegroupofAbuKhattabAjdaa,whoaremisguidedandperjurers,becausetheyhavegoneoutofthereligionofIslamandtheyhavemadethelawfulasunlawfulandtheunlawfulaslawful.Andhavinganyconnectionwiththemismisguidanceandignorance.

Sixthly:OnewhounlawfullyusurpsthepropertyofAhleBayt(a.s)isdenouncedherein;becauseofthisusurpationoftheirpropertyverysoonthatpropertywouldbecomeaburningfire.

Seventhly:HisEminencehasprohibitedfromthepursuitoffindingoutthewisdombehindoccultationandthelackofreappearance,becausethereappearanceofHisEminenceisnotathisowndiscretion.ItissolelyatthecommandandwillofAllah.AndtheAlmightyAllahisawareofalltheaspectsofHiscreatures.

Eighthly:Inthisletterofhis,theImam(a.s)hasintroducedhimselftobethesourceofbenefitsandfavorsforthepeopleduringtheperiodofoccultation,becausetheAlmightyAllah,bytheblessingsoftheexistenceofHisWaliandProofkeepsawaypunishmentfromthepeopleandheisthesecurityforthepeopleoftheearthlikethestarsaresecurityfortheinhabitantsofthesky.

Ninthly:HisEminencehascommandedhisShiastopraymoreforhisreappearancesothathemayestablishtruthandjusticeontheearth.Thesearesomeoftheimportantthingsdiscussedintheletter.

6.LettersoftheImamsofthetimetoShaykhMufeed

His Eminence, the Promised Imam (a.s) sent some letters to the Trustworthy one of Islam, the

Shaykhal-Mufeed.MayAllahpurifyhisburialplaceofwhomShaykhTabarsihasquotedtwoletters.Theyareasfollows:

1. This letter is for the worthy brother and righteous friend, Shaykh Mufeed Abu AbdillahMuhammadIbneMuhammadNuman,mayAllahalwaysmaintainhishonor, it is from thepositionachievedduetothecovenanttakenfromthepeople:

InthenameofAllah,theBeneficent,theMerciful.

So to say: Peace be on you,O friendwho is sincere in the religion ofAllah and is successful incertaintyinus.WearethankfulforourexistencetoAllah,exceptWhomthereisnoGod.AndweaskAllah forblessingsandmercyuponourProphetMuhammadand theProgenyofMuhammad.AndmayHealwaysgiveyoudivineopportunitytohelpthetruthandincreaseyourrewardsforspeakingupinourfavor.Weannouncethatwehavebeenpermittedtohonoryouwithourletterandentrustyouwith responsibilityofour friendswhoarepresent aroundyou.MayAlmightyAllahbefriend themdue toHisobedienceandmayHesuffice them in their importantmatters.May theAlmightyAllahhelpyouagainstthepledge-breakerswhohavegoneoutofthereligionofGod.ThenconsiderwhatIamexplainingtoyouandconveyittothosewhomyourust,ifAllahwills.

IfweareinsuchapositionthatweareawayfromthehabitationsoftheoppressorsanditisduetohiddenwisdomthattheAlmightyAllahhasconsideredbestforusandthebelieverfollowersofus,tillthematerialwealthisincontrolofthetransgressors.Inspiteofallthisweareperfectlycognizantofallyouraffairsandproblemsandnothingregardingyouishiddenfromus.

Wehavereceivedinformationaboutthedisgraceandhumilitysufferedbyyouallduetomostofyouactinginoppositiontothewaysofyourpredecessors,regardingwhichyoumaynothavereceivedanyinformation.Andthatweareconcernedaboutyouandwedonotforgetyouandifthisattentionandfavorhadnotbeenthere,povertyandtensionwouldhavebefallenyouandyourenemieswouldhavedestroyedyou.ThereforefeartheAlmightyAllahandhelpustosaveyoufromthismischief.Anyonewhosedeathisnearshallbekilledinthismischiefandonewhohasobtainedhisdesireshallremainsafeandthismischiefisasignofdistanceandproximityofourcommandsandprohibitions.Although the Almighty Allah would perfect His light even if it is detestable to the disbelievers.Remainattachedtodissimulationandkeepawayfromstokingthefireofignorance…

Attheendhewrites:Thisletterisforyou,Osincerebrotherandfriend.Oloyalfriend.MayAllahprotectyou.Keepthisletterinsafecustodyanddonotshowittoanyone.Thoughyoumayconveythepointsmentionedthereintothosewhomyoutrust.Andpersuadethemtoactuponit,ifAllahwills.

AndmayAllahblessMuhammadandhisPurifiedProgeny.

Thisblessedlettercontainsmanyimportantmatters:

Firstly: Shaykh Mufeed is considered great and is praised. He is one of the pillars of Islam inknowledge,merits,pietyandsteadfastnessinreligionanditspropagation.Hewasonewhohadbeenpermitted to remain in contact with the Imam of the Age (a.s) and that in fact, he should be anemissaryofHisEminenceamonghisShias.

Secondly:Inthisletter,HisEminencehasindicatedthattheplaceofhisresidenceisawayfromtheareaoftheoppressors,andthathisuprisinghasbeenconcealedfromthem.AnditisonlyknowntotheAlmightyanddependsonHiswill,tillthetimetheoppressorsruletheearth,HisEminencewouldnotreappear.

Thirdly:FromthewholeletteritbecomesapparentthatHisEminenceisawareofalltheaspectsandconditionsofhisShiasandnomatterisconcealedforhim.ThenHisEminenceisconcernedforthemandhelpsthemandbythepermissionofAllahkeepsharmawayfromthem.SuchthatifthecareofHisEminencehadnotbetherefortheShiastheywouldhavebeensurroundedbytheirenemiesfromallsides.

SecondletteroftheImamofthetimeforShaykhMufeed

ThesecondletterofHisEminencewasreceivedbyShaykhMufeed(r.a.)on23Zilhajj412A.H.itis

asfollows:

InthenameofAllahtheBeneficenttheMerciful.

PeaceandmercyofAllahbeuponyou,Ohelperof religion.Oonewho invites toAllahwith theword of truth.We thankAllah, exceptWhom there is no deity, for your existence and invokeHisblessingsforourmasterandchief,Muhammad,thesealoftheprophetsandhisAhleBayt.Theletterinteraliasays:

Osincerefriendandstruggler,mayAllahhelpyouasHehadhelpedHischosenservantsinthepast.Ipromise that ifanyonefromyourbrothers in faithacquires thefearofAllahandpays thatamountwhichisobligatoryonhimtotheeligiblerecipient,wouldbesafefromsorrowandcalamities.ButifanyoneismiserlyingivingawaythewealththatAllahhasgivenhimtemporarilyhehasmadealossforhischildrenandhishereafter.

Thisletterwrittenonthe1stofShawwalin412A.H.byHisEminencecontainsthefollowingintheend:

This ismyletter toyou;Ofriend the truth is inspireduponyou.Keep itsecret fromeveryoneandonly convey the pointsmentioned in it to those of our friendswhomyou trust. IfAllahwills, theblessings of Allah would be in their share. Praise be to Allah and blessings be upon our chiefMuhammadtheProphetandhispurifiedProgeny.[1]

Thislettercontainssomeremarkablepoints:

Inthisletter,HisEminence,theMasteroftheAgehasaddressedShaykhMufeedasthehelperoftruthandthecallertoAllahwithtruth,whicharesomeoftheloftiestqualitiesofrighteouspeople.

InthisletterhehasannouncedthathisShiasshouldrecitethesupplicationforthesafetyandreleaseofHisEminencefromoppressorsandnothingwouldcomeinbetweenthesupplicationfromreachingtheAlmighty.

In this letter, His Eminence has commanded his Shias to observe piety and to keep away fromdisobedienceofAllah.Theymustpayuptheirreligioustaxes.InthesamewaytheyshouldcultivatefearofAllahandobeyAllahinthetruesense.IftheydothusnobarrierwouldremainbetweenthemandHisEminenceandtheyshallbeendowedwiththegoodfortuneofseeingtheImam.Buttheirsinsare barriers between theShias andHisEminence and it does not allow them to have the honor ofmeetingtheImam.

[1]Ihtijaj2/324-325

14ChapterEXAMPLESOFJURISPRUDENCEOFTHEIMAMOFTHETIME

1.QueriesofMuhammadbinAbdullahbinJa’far

MuhammadbinAbdullahbinJa’farwrotesomequestionsregardingreligiouslawinalettertoHisEminence,theAwaitedImam.Theletterwasasfollows:

IntheNameofAllah,theBeneficenttheMerciful.

MayAllahalwayskeepyousafe,happyandhonorable.AndmayHeperfectthefavorofHisblessingsuponyou.MayHesacrificemeuponyoubeforeanyevilbefallsyou.Peoplecompetewitheachotherforscalingtheheightsofstatusbutinmyviewwhomsoeveryouaccepthasachievedtruestatus.Andwhomsoeveryourejectistheonewhoisdrownedandfallen.Thedeprivedistheonewhohasbeenspurnedawayfromyourcourt.IseektherefugeofAllahfromsuchacondition.

ThereisagroupofShiasinourcityhavingthesamesocialstatus.Andbywayofpositionandgradestheyaremoreproximatetoeachother.Aletterthatyouwrotetoagroupofthemcommandingthemtohelp“Suad”,butapersonnamedAlibinMuhammadHusainbinMalik,famousasMalikBaduke,who is also son-in-law of “Saud”, no letter was taken among them. Therefore he has becomeaggrievedandrequestedmetoconveyit toHisEminence.In thiswayasinhasbeencommittedbyhim.Heshouldbepreparedtoatoneforit.Ifthereissomeotherreasonforit,itshouldbeannouncedtohimsothatheissatisfied.IfAllahwills.

This letter proves its writer is a person from the believers and one who was proximate to HisEminence.ThereforehewascognizantofthepositionandvalueoftheImam(a.s).Intheendheposesthefollowingquestions:

Question1:Scholarsof theprogenyofMuhammadhavenarratedforus thataquestionwasaskedregardingsomepeoplewhowereprayingthecongregationprayerbehindtheleaderofcongregationwhensuddenlysomethinghappenedtohimandhedied.ThenwhatshouldhiscongregationmembersdoaHerepliedthatsomeshouldgoaheadandsomemovebehindandcompletetheirprayerandthosewhohavetouchedhimshouldperformtheritualbath.

Reply:Onewhohasmovedhimasidewithhishandshasnottodoanythingexceptwashhishands.AndifnothingextraordinaryhappenstobreakthePrayer,heshouldcompletethePrayerwiththem.

The explanationof direction received from the Imam (a.s) is as follows: If during a congregationprayersomethinghappenstothecongregationleader,likesuddendeath,thepersonwhomoveshim

asideisonlyobligedtowashhishands.Thisissobecausetotouchadeadbodybeforeithascooleddoesnotmakeoneneedfulof ritualbath.Also,amongthepeopleprayingbehind thecongregationleaderwhohas suddenly collapsed, one of them should step forward and stand in the place of thecongregation leaderandothersshouldcontinue topraybehindandcomplete theirprayers. Incase,insteadofsuddendeaththecongregationleadercollapsesorbecomeunconsciousetc.andthenagainherecoversduringtheprayerheisobligedtoredotheablutionandleadthecongregationagaininplaceofonewhowassubstitutingforhimpreviously.

Question2: It isnarrated from the scholar (Imam) that ifone touchesadeadbodywhile it is stillwarmheisonlyobligedtowashhishandsandifthecorpsehascooleddownandonetouchesitafterthat,oneisobligedtoperformtheritualbathoftouchingadeadbody.Thecongregationleaderwhohadjustdiediswarmormaybethepersonwhohasmovedhimasidedoesnot touchthebody.Hehandleshimfromoverhisdresssohowtheritualbathwouldbecomeobligatoryonhima

Reply:Ifhetoucheshimwhileheisstillwarm,itisonlynecessarytowashhishands.

Question 3: In Prayer of Ja’far-e-Tayyar if a person forgets to recite the Tasbihat-e-Araba instanding,orbowingorprostrationandlaterwhenhehasgoneaheadheremembersit.DoeshehavetorecitetheforgottenTasbihat-e-Arabanoworheshouldcontinuehisprayera

BeforewementionthereplyofHisEminence,theImam(a.s)weshalldescribethePrayerofJa’farat-Tayyar:

PrayerofJa’farat-Tayyar

Prayerof Ja’far at-Tayyar is averymuch recommended ritual. It is alsocalledas theprayerof

Tasbih and Prayer of Habwa. Shia and Sunni both have recorded numerous traditions inrecommendationofPrayerofJa’farTayyar.Themethodofthisprayerisasfollows:

ItisafourunitPrayer,dividedintotwoparts.PrayeachpartexactlyliketheMorningPrayer,withthefollowingadjustments:

(i)FirstUnitAfterrecitationofSuratulFaatihah,reciteSuratuzZilzaal

(ii)SecondUnitAfterrecitationofSuratulFaatihah,reciteSuratulAadiyaat

(iii)ThirdUnitAfterrecitationofSuratulFaatihah,reciteSuratunNasr

(iv)FourthUnitafterrecitationofSuratulFaatihah,reciteSuratulIkhlaas.

(IfyouhavenotlearntbyheartthesecondSurahofeachunit,recitesuratulIkhlaasinall4units).

IneachunitreciteTasbeehaatulArbaa

SubhaanallaahiwalhamdulillaahiwalaailaahaillallaahuwallaahuAkbar.[GlorybetoAllah,PraisebetoAllah,thereisnogodbutAllah,andAllahisGreat.]

(i)AfterrecitationofSurahs…15times(ii)InRukoo…10times(iii)InQiyaamafterRukoo…10times(iv)IntheFirstSajdah…10times(v)WhilesittingafterFirstSajdah…10times(vi)InthesecondSajdah…10times(vii)WhilesittingaftersecondSajdah…10times.

Therearealtogether300Tasbeehaat-e-Arbainthisprayer.

Reply: Ifheforgets it inonepositionandremembersit inanotherpositionheshouldrecite it thenandifheforgetssomeoftheTasbihrecitalsandisremindedlateron,heshouldreciteitthenandhisPrayeriscorrect.

Question4:Isitallowedforawomanwhosehusbanddiestoaccompanythefuneralprocessiona

Reply:Itisallowedforawomantoleavethehousetoaccompanythefuneralprocessionofherlate

husband.

Question5:CanthewomanvisitthegraveofherdeceasedhusbandwhilesheisintheIddaha

Answer:Sheisallowedtovisitthegraveofherdeceasedhusband.

TheIddahof thewomanwhosehusbandhaspassedawayconsistsofgivingupembellishmentssheusedtohavepreviously.Anditdoesnotbecomeacausetopreventherfromvisitingherhusband’sgrave.Or those things that are a necessary part of her life and she is in need of them, she cannotforgothem.AnditsfurtherexplanationhascomeinthestatementsofImam(a.s).

Question6:CanawomanduringIddahperiodleaveherhousefornecessaryerrandsa

Reply:Ifitisnecessarytodothatjobbygoingoutofthehouse,shecandosobutshemustspendthenightinherhouse.

Question7: It is narrated from scholars regarding the reward ofQuran in its necessary and non-necessaryaspects thathesaid:It isastonishingthatapersonwhodoesnotreciteSurahQadr inhisprayer,howhisPrayerisaccepteda

It isnarratedthat:Aprayerinwhich“QulhuwallahoAhad”isnotreciteddoesnotscaleheightsofhonor.

Itisnarratedthat:OnewhorecitesSurahHumazahinhisprayers,hewouldgettherewardequaltothewholeworld.ThenisitallowedforonetoreciteSurahHumazahandomitotherSurahsthatwementioned,whileitisnarratedthatPrayerisnotacceptedwithoutthemaAndthepurityandloftinessofthePrayerisduetothoseSurahsa

Reply:Imam(a.s)repliestothethreequestionsasfollows:

TherewardsoftheSurahsisonthesamebasisasnarrated.IfoneleavestheSurahthatiseligibleforrewards and instead recites “SurahQul huwalhoAhad or Surah InnaAnzalna” for theirmerits hewouldget therewardsof theSurahshehasrecitedaswellas therewardsof theSurahshehasleft.AlthoughitisalsoallowedtoreciteaSurahotherthantheseandhisPrayeriscorrectbutthathehasomittedameritoriousdeed.

Question8:WhenisthesupplicationoftheFarewelltomonthofRamadanrecitedaBecausepeoplehavedifferentviewsregardingit.SomesaythatitshouldberecitedonthelastnightofthemonthofRamadanwhileotherssaythatitshouldberecitedonthelastdayofthemonthofRamadanatthetimeofviewingthenewmoonofShawwal.

Reply:This ritual is for the lastof thenightsof themonthofRamadanand in the lastnightof themonthofRamadan.Thereforeifonefearsthatthemonthwillbereducedbyaday,heshouldrecitethesupplicationonlasttwonights.

2.OthersQueriesofMuhammadbinAbdullah

MuhammadbinAbdullahHimyarialsosentotherqueriestoHisEminence,theImam(a.s)andthey

areasfollows:

Question1:Whenaperson isprayingandafter the firstTashahudgettingup toperform the thirdprayer,isitobligatorytoreciteTakbir(AllahoAkbar)orisitsufficientjusttosay“BihawlillahwaquwwatihuAqoomowaAqud.”(BythestrengthandpowerofAllahIstandupandIsit)a

Reply:Therearetwotraditionsregardingthismatter.OnesaysthatwhenonegoesfromonepositiontoanotheronemustsayTakbir.Anothertraditionsaysthat:Ifoneraisesonesheadfromthesecondprostrationandsays theTakbirand thensitsdownand thengetsupandafter theQiyam,sitsdownagain, hedoesnot have to say theTakbir. In the sameway it is in the firstTashahud and in everypositionwhateveryoudobywayofacceptance iscorrect.Takbirduringstandingupafter thefirstTashahudandetc.isnotobligatoryandthepersonhasthechoicetosayitornot.

Question2:ApersonpurchasesasacrificialsheepforonewhoisnotpresentandtakesittoslaughteritinMina.Butatthetimeofslaughterheforgetsthenameofthatpersonandjustslaughtersitonhisbehalfandlaterheremembersthename.Woulditbeconsideredtobeonbehalfofthatpersona

Reply:Thereisnodoubtinit.Thesacrificewouldbeconsideredonhisbehalf.

On thebasisof thisnarrationandsimilar reports from thePurified Imams(a.s) jurisprudentshaveissued the verdict that if a person forgets the name of the personwho has paid for a share in thesacrifice,itisnoproblem.Ifthesacrificeismadeonhisbehalfitissufficient.

Question3:AmongusarethoseMagianweaverswhoeatcarrionanddonotperformtheritualbathofJanabat.Theyweaveclothesforus.Isitallowedtoprayintheseclothesbeforetheyarewasheda

Reply:Thereisnoprobleminit.BecausethereisnocertaintythattheMagianhastouchedtheclothwith awet hand.Even if there is a doubt in it, it shouldbe consideredpure.Therefore there is noprobleminprayingintheseclothes.

Question4:IfapersonisprayinginadarkandbymistakeheputshisforeheadonaclothorasackanddoesnotdotheSajdahonaMohr(soil)andhegetstheMohronlyafterheraiseshishead,wouldthisprostrationbesufficienta

Reply:Tillthetimehesitsdowncompletelyaftertheprostrationthereisnoproblemifhepicksupthatobjectonwhichprostrationiscorrectandperformstheprostrationagain.

Question 5: A person who is wearing Ihram removes the covering of the canopy but leaves theframe.Isitalloweda

Reply:Thereisnoproblemifheleavestheframe.

OneofthethingsapersoninIhramhastoavoidisshade.ThusifheridesacamelwithacanopyorabuswithroofhehastopaytheKaffarah(Penalty)ofsacrificingasheep.Butif thecoveringofthecanopyorthebusisremoved,leavingtheframeandwallsthereisnoprobleminit.

Question6:IfapersonwearingIhramshadeshimselfwithasackorwithsomethingelsetoprotecthimselforhisseatfromgettingsoakedinrain,isitallowedforhimtodosoa

Reply:IfhedoesthisonthewaywithcanopytheKaffarahisobligatoryonhim.ThepenaltyofagoatisduetothefactthatthepersonhasshadedhimselffromrainandtoshadeoneselfisanomissionforapersonwearingIhram.

Question7:IsitnecessaryforapersondoingHajjasproxy,tomentionthenameoftheonewhoseHajjheisdoingatthetimeofIhramaIsitobligatorythathemustdoseparatesacrificeforhimselfaswellaswhoseHajjheisperforminga

Reply: It is not necessary to recite it in details andone sacrifice is sufficient onbehalf of theonewhoseHajjheisperforming.

IthascomeinthereplyofImam(a.s)thattakingthenameofonewhoseproxyheis,isnotnecessary.RatherhemakesanintentioninhisheartabouttheonewhoseHajjheisperformingandhedoesnotevenhave toutterhisname. It is sufficient. In the samewayoneanimalonbehalfof theperson issufficientbecausethepersondoingtheHajjisnotdoingforhimself.Heisaproxyofsomeoneelse.Thereforeonesacrificeissufficient.

Question8:IsitpermittedformantotieuptheIhramwithasheetoffura

Reply:Thereisnoproblem,righteousanddecentpeoplehavebeenMuhrimwithit.

Ihraminasheetoffurhasnoproblem,butIhramofsoftwoolofthatanimalwhosemeatisnoteatenand it is prohibited to tie Ihramwith its fur is impurity the extent ofwhich is not condoned for aperson who prays the prayer and the stitched cloth, as the jurisprudents have mentioned, is notallowed.

Question 9: Aman goes forHajjwith a group of opponents and they do not tie up the Ihram atMaslakh.Whetherforthismanwhoisfromthecompanions,isitallowedtodelayhisIhramtillZaat-e-ArqsothathebecomesMuhrimwiththematthatplacea

Reply: It isnecessarytobecomeMuhrimfromtheMiqaatandsaytheTalbiyahsoftlyandwhenhereachestheMiqaatwiththemheshouldmakeitobvious.

OnewhointendstoperformHajjorUmrahandispassingbytheMiqaathemustbecomeMuhrimatthatMiqaatandhemustnotpasstheMiqaatwithoutIhram.However,iftyingtheIhramattheMiqaatfrightenshimduetothepresenceofthosewhodonotconsideritMiqaat,hemustgetintoIhrambutkeepitconcealed.

Question10:Howiswearingleatherslippers,becausepeoplesaythatitisMakruhtowearthema

Reply:Itispermissibleandthereisnoproblem.

Question11:Amanisatreasurerinendowments,andheiscareless.Heconsidersaspermissibleforhimselftheendowments,whichareunderhiscontrol,andhedoesnotabstainfromthem.OftenwhenIenterhisofficeandheispresentorIenterhishouseandheispresentheinvitesmetoeatandifdon’teatathisplacehewouldbecomeinimicaltomeandsay:suchandsuchhasnotconsideredmyfoodlawfulthatiswhyhehasnoteatenit.NowpleasetellmeifitisallowedformetoeatwithhimandthenlaterpaySadaqahforit.AndhowmuchSadaqahshouldIpayaOrwhetheritisallowedformetoacceptagiftthathegivestomea

Reply: If thisman is having other property in addition to the endowments he holds and has otheroccupationsalsoyoumayeatwithhimandaccepthisgifts.Ifitisnotso,youmustneithereatathisplacenoracceptanygiftfromhim.

Ifapersonperfectlyknowsthatsoandsowhoisofferinghimfood,it isfromunlawfulwealth,hemustnotpartakeit.Butifheknowsthatthemanpossesseslawfulaswellasunlawfulwealth,andthefoodorgiftheisofferingcouldbefromunlawfulorlawfulmoney,thenitisnotunlawfulforhim.

Question12:Aman is a Shia and considersMutah and temporarymarriage permissible and alsobelievesintheRajat(return)andallhisfamilymembersareunited.Thismanhasmadeavowthathewouldnot takea secondwifeaccording to themandnorwouldhedoMutah.Andhehas spent19yearswiththisvow.Nowifhebreakshisvow,doeshebecomeliableforapenaltyorsina

Reply:ItisMustahab(recommended)forhimtodoMutahatleastonceforobedienceofAllahsothatthesinofthevowisremovedfromhim.

Vow and oath becomes validwhen it is with relation to a preferable thing and not for somethinginferiorandunlawful.Onthebasisofthisiftheactionorleavingtheactionisinferior,theseoathandvow shall not be valid in it.AndMutah, as it is legal and lawful in the viewofQuran, to leave itthroughavoworanoathisnotallowed.ButtheprohibitionofMutahisanopinionincomparisontotextual command and therefore it is of no value. Although, regarding this, we have a detaileddiscussionanditslawfulnessandlegalityhasbeenprovedonthebasisofQuranandtraditions.

3.OtherQueries

MuhammadIbneAbdullahwroteotherqueriestoHisEminenceandaskedforrepliesandtheyare

asfollows:

Question1:Apersonwhoisprayinginthebeginningoftheprayerwhenherecitestheverse:

“SurelyIhaveturnedmyself,beingupright,whollytoHimWhooriginatedtheheavensandtheearth,andIamnotofthepolytheists.”[1]

Isitnecessaryforhimtoadd:UponthereligionofIbrahimandthefaithofMuhammad.MayAllahblessthereligionofMuhammad(a.s)aAssomepeoplehavesaidthatwhoever

[1]SurahAnam6:79

recites“UponthereligionofMuhammad”hascommittedaninnovationaswehavenotfounditthebooksofprayer.AndonlythetraditioninthebookofQasimfromhisgrandfatherfromHasanIbneRashidisthere,thatHisEminence,Sadiq(a.s)saidtoHasan:HowdoyourecitetheVerseofTawajjoha[83]Hasanreplied:Isay:LabbaikwaSaadaik.ImamSadiq(a.s)said:Myquestionwasnotthat.RatherIaskedyouhowyourecitetheverse:

“SurelyIhaveturnedmyself,beingupright,whollytoHimWhooriginatedtheheavensandtheearth,andIamnotofthepolytheists.”[1]

HasanSaid:Irecitethatonly.

HisEminence,Sadiq(a.s)said:“Whenyousaythus,afterthatyoumustadd:UponthereligionofIbrahimandthefaithofMuhammadandthewayofAlibinAbiTalibandfollowingtheprogenyofMuhammad,theupright,thesubmissiveandwearenotfromthepolytheists.MayAllahblessthereligionofMuhammad(a.s).”

Reply:ActuallytheverseofTawajjohandsaying:“SurelyIhaveturnedmyself,beingupright,whollytoHimWho…”isnotobligatory.Itisanemphasizedrecommendeddeedlikeanunanimousviewasnoonehasopposedit:

“SurelyIhaveturnedmyself,beingupright,whollytoHimWhooriginatedtheheavensandtheearth,uponthereligionofIbrahimandthefaithofMuhammadandtheguidanceofAmirulMo-mineenandIamnotofthepolytheists.Surelymyprayerandmysacrificeandmylifeandmydeathare(all)forAllah,theLordoftheworlds.NoassociatehasHe;andthisamIcommanded,andIamthefirstofthosewhosubmit.OAllahmakemeamongtheMuslims.IseekrefugeinAllahtheAll-hearingtheAll-knowingfromtheaccursedShaitan.

[1]SurahAnam6:79[2]SurahAnam6:79

InthenameofAllah,theBeneficent,theMerciful.”

AfterthatrecitetheSurahHamd.

ThesesupplicationsandrecitalsarerecommendedpracticesandarenotfromtheobligatoryritualsofprayersandtheImam(a.s)hasexplaineditsmethod.

Question2:AfterapersoncompletesrecitingtheQunutisitallowedforhimtopasshishandsoverhisfaceandchestaOnthebasisofatraditionquotedinthisregard,“InfacttheAlmightyAllahismuchhigherthanitthatHekeepsthehandsofhisservantsempty.RatherHefillsthemwithbounties.”Whilesomeofourscholarshavementionedthatitisoneoftheritualsinprayers.

Reply:TopassthehandsovertheheadandfaceafterQunutisnotpermittedinobligatoryprayers.

Question3:Howabouttheprostrationofthanksafterobligatoryprayersbecausesomepeoplesaythatitisaninnovation.IfitisallowedshoulditbeperformedaftertheobligatoryMagribPrayer(eveningprayer)oraftertheNafila[1]ofMaghriba

Reply:“TheprostrationofthanksisamongthemostnecessaryandprovenpracticesandnonesaysthatprostrationisinnovationbutthatheintendstocreateaninnovationinthereligionofAllah.Becausetheprostrationofthanksisanemphasizedrecommendeddeed.AndonewhoconsidersitaninnovationhasnotanycognizanceofthereligionofAllahandreligiousjurisprudence.”AftertheImam(a.s)denieditsinnovationhefurthersays:

“AtraditionthatsaysthatitmustbeperformedafterMagribPrayer,whichisofthreeunits,orafterfourunitsofNafila.BecausethemeritofsupplicationandTasbih[2]afterobligatoryprayerinrelationtosupplicationafterrecommendedprayeris

[1]Supererogatory[2]Repetitions

justlikethesuperiorityoftheobligatoryprayeroverthatoftherecommendedprayer.AndprostrationisasupplicationandTasbih,thusitispreferablethatitshouldbeaftertheobligatoryprayer.Butevenifitbeaftertherecommendedprayer,itisallowed.Onthebasisofthis,theprostrationofthanksissupplicationandTasbihanditispreferablethatitshouldbeperformedimmediatelyaftertheobligatoryprayer.Althoughitisallowedtobeperformedaftertherecommendedprayeralso.”

Question4:Someofourbrothershavegotnewfarmsandbesidesthemarebadfarmlandsandnon-habitatedlandswhichholdsharesoftheruler.Theagentsandofficialsoftherulerscontinuouslytroubleourbrothers.Inthiswaytherulerintendstocompelthemtopurchasethebarrenlandsfromhim.Thoughitissaidthattheshareofthekinghadbeenoriginallyanendowment.

Thereforeisitallowedtopurchasethislandfromtherulera

Reply:Itisnotlawfultopurchasethatlandexceptfromitsownerorbythepermissionandorderoftheowner.Andthelandwhichisadjacenttotheirfarmsaboutwhichitisnotknownwhethertheruler

isitsownerornot,cannotbepurchasedtilltheyfindoutitsactualownerandbuysitfromthem.

OtherQueriesofMuhammad

MuhammadIbneAbdullahHimyariwrotealettertoHisEminenceaskingthefollowingquestions:

Question1:Apersonisridingonacamelandthereissomuchofsnowthatitisashighasamanandheisafraidtocomedownandpray.IsitallowedforhimtorecitethePrayeronthecamel?

Reply:Ifitisnecessarythereisnoprobleminit.TheconditionforprayingthePrayeronthegroundissupersededbythedifficultypresenttherehenceprayingonthegroundisgivenexemptioninthiscase.

Question2: A person joins the congregation prayerwhen the congregation leader is in theRuku(bowing).WoulditbecountedasoneunitforhimaAssomeofscholarshavesaidthatifonehasnotheardtheTakbirofRukuoftheImamonemustnotcountitasoneunit?

Reply:Ifthefollowerisabletoreachevenonerecitationoftherukuitwouldbecountedasoneunit.IfhedoesnotheartheTakbirofrukuandjoinswhentheImamisintherukubeforeheraisesuphisheaditwouldbecountedasoneunitandhewouldgettherewardofcongregation.

Question3:DothepeopleofParadisehavechildren?

Reply: Women in Paradise shall not become pregnant and would be free of dirt and labor andpostnatal bleeding. In Paradise all those things are present that a person desire to have. As theAlmightyAllahsays.ThusifabelieverdesirestohaveachildtheAlmightywouldcreateitwithoutmakingawomanpregnantjustasHehadcreatedAdam(a.s).

Question4:Isitallowedforamantomarrythestepdaughterofhiswifea

Reply:Ifshehasbeenbredinhislapitisnotallowedforhim.Butifshewasnotbroughtupwithhimandhermotherisfromanotherfamily,itisnarratedthatitislawfulforhim.

"Stepdaughterisunlawfulforthehusbandofhermother.Sheislikeadaughterofthisman.Incasethemanhasmarriedawomanbutdidnothavesexual intercoursewithherandhedivorcesherorgivesupthetime(incaseofMutualMarriage),herdaughterisnotunlawfulforhim.

Question5:Thesoilofthegraveiskeptalongwiththedeadbodyinthegrave.Isitpermitted?

Reply:ItshouldbekeptwiththedeadbodyinthegraveanditshouldbemixedintheHunut[1], ifAllahwills.

It is a strongpossibility that the soil of thegrave is the same soil of thegraveof the chief of themartyrs,thebelovedsonoftheMessengerofAllah,MayAllahblesshimandhisprogenyandpeacebeuponthem,HisEminence,ImamHusain(a.s).

Question6:ItisnarratedforusthatHisEminence,ImamSadiq(a.s)wroteontheshroudofhisson,

Ismail:HewitnessesthatthereisnogodexceptAllah.IsitallowedtowritethatwiththesoilofImamHusain'sgrave?

Reply:Itisallowed.

Question7:IsitallowedtorecitetherosaryofthesoilofthegraveofthechiefofthemartyrsaIsthereisanyspecialmeritinit?

Reply:MakeTasbihofit,becausenothingisbetterthanit.AndofitsmeritsisthatwhenyouforgettorecitetheTasbihandonlyturnaboutthebeadstherewardofrecitingtheTasbihwillcontinuetobewrittenforyou.

Question8: Is itpermitted toperformprostrationonapieceofclayof thegraveof ImamHusain(a.s)aIsthereanyspecialmeritinit?

Reply:Isitallowedandalsohasmerit.

WearecommandedthatweprostrateontheearthinobesciencetoAllahandthementionedsoilandmudisapartoftheearth.AndthesoilofthegraveoftheplaceofthemartyrdomofthechiefoftheyouthsofParadise and thebelovedoneof theMessengerofAllah,HisEminence, the chiefof themartyrs(a.s)isthemostexaltedandmeritoriouspieceofearth.ThereforeprostrationonsoiltakenfromKerbalaisthemostsuperiorprostrationfortheAlmightyAllah.Afaithlessgroupmakes

[1]Camphorrubbedatthesevenprostrationpointsofthebodyofthedead

unmanlyandcowardlyattacksontheShiasregardingthisandmakesfalseallegationssayingthatShiasworshipthesoilofthegraveofHusain(a.s),althoughtheShiasprostratetoAllah,theMightyandSublime,onapieceoftheearthwhichismostsuperioroneanditisnotthattheyprostrateforthesoilitself.

Question9:IsitallowedforapersonwhogoesfortheZiyaratofthegravesoftheHolyImamstoprostrateonthegravesaIsitallowedforonetoreciteprayersbesidesthegraveofthesenoblesoulsaIsitallowedforhimtostandbehindthegraveandfacethegravelikeprayerdirection(Qibla)andstandattheheadorthefeetaAndisitallowedtostandbeforethegraveandrecitetheprayerwhilethegraveisbehindhim?

Reply:Asforprostratingonagrave-whetherinsupererogatoryorobligatoryprayerisnotallowed.Whatistobedoneisthatyoumustputyourrightcheekonthegrave.Asforprayer,itisnecessarytoreciteitbehindthegraveandtokeepthegraveinthefront.Anditisnotallowedtorecitetheprayeraheadofthegraveanditisalsonotallowedtoreciteprayersbesidestheheadorthefeetside.Itshouldbeperformedeitherbehindthegraveorattheheadorthefeetsidebutalittlebehindandnotexactlyparalleltotheheadorthefeet.Howeverthereisnoprobleminrecitingitbehindthegrave.Itisbettertoreciteitattheheadsidebutoneshouldnotbeparalleltothehead.(Oneshouldbealittlebehindit).

Question10:IsitallowedforamantoturnthebeadsoftherosarywithhislefthandandrecitetheTasbih?

Reply:Itisallowed.AndpraisebetoAllahtheLordoftheWorlds.

Question11:ForapersonrecitinganobligatoryorrecommendedprayerisitallowedforhimtokeeptheTasbihwithhimforcounting?

Reply:Ifhefearshemayforgetthecountingofrecitation,itisallowed.

Question12:Athing,whichisfromtheendowmentstoparticularpersonsandifallofthemdonotagreetosellit.IsitallowedtopurchasefromthemaIsitallowedtosellendowedproperties?

Reply:IftheendowmentisfortheImamsofMuslimsitssaleisnotallowed.IfitisforagroupofMuslimsandeverygroupthatiscapabletosellittheycansellitwhetherasagrouportheirownshareinit.

Question13:IsitallowedforaMuhrim,[1]touseMurtakandTutiya(fragrantsubstances)towardoffthesmellofhisarmpits?

Reply:ItisallowedandTawfeeq(divineopportunity)isfromtheAlmightyAllah.

Question14:ApersonisaneyewitnesstosomethingandlaterheloseshiseyesightaIshistestimonyvalid?

Reply:Ifheperfectlyrememberstheplaceandtimeoftheincident,itisallowed.

Question15:Apersonhasendowedafarmorcattleandhewitnessesitinthenameofoneofthetrusteeoftheendowment.Afterthatthistrusteediesorhisplacechangesandanothermanbecomesatrustee.Isitallowedforthenewtrustee(therepresentative)togivetestimony?

Reply:Itisnotpermitted,becausethetestimonymentionedisnotfortherepresentative.ItisfortheoriginalownerandtheAlmightyAllahhassaid:

"…andgiveuprighttestimony…"[2]

Question16:Regardingthelasttwounitsofthefour-unitprayersomenarrationssaythatrecitingSurahHamdispreferableandsomesaythatTasbihat-e-Arbaisbetter.Whichisthepreferableoption?

[1]Apersonwhoisperformingpilgrimage[2]SurahTalaq65:2

Reply:TheSurahHamdinthosetwounits(rakats)isabrogatedandthesayingofMasoom(a.s)that:"Everyprayerinwhichitisnotrecitedisincompleteexceptforthesickpersonorforonewhoisveryforgetfulwhichcausestheriskofmakingtheprayerinvalid,"hasabrogatedtherecitingofTasbihat-e-Arba.

Question17:Amongusthereisacustomthatforpaininthroatandcoughwetakethepasteof

walnut.Itsdetailisasfollows:Freshwalnutbeforeitbecomeshardisgrindedandthencookedtillitsvolumeishalvedandkeptasidefor24hours.Afterthatitisputonfireandforeverysixmeasure,onemeasureofhoneyismixedwithitandthenboiled.Thendryammoniaandvitriolisaddedofonemithqalweight.Atthistimeonedirhamdrysaffronisalsoaddedtoit.Thenallofitisboiledanditsfrothisremovedanditbecomesthicklikehoney.Thenitisbroughtdownfromthefireandcooledandthenconsumed.Isitallowedtodrinkit?

Reply:Incaseitisintoxicatinginlargeorsmallquantityitisunlawfulbutifitisnon-intoxicating,itsconsumptionisallowed.

Question18:Amanisfacingadecisiontodosomethingornot.Hepicksuptworings.Ononeisinscribed,"Doit"andontheother"Don'tdoit".ThenheseeksgoodfromGodandpicksuponeofthemandactsuponit.IsthislawfulactionaCanitbesaidthatthisisalsolikeIstekhara?

Reply:WhattheScholar(a.s)haveruledtobetheIstekharaisbylotsandprayer.

Question19:WhatisthebesttimeforrecitingtheprayerofJa'farbinAliTalibaDoesithaveaQunut?

Reply:ThebesttimetorecitethisprayerisonFridayatthetimewhenthesunhasrisen.Apartfromthisitisgoodtoreciteitanytimeofthedaysoftheweek.IthastwoQunuts.Inthesecondunititisrecitedbeforethebowing(ruku)andinthefourthunititisrecitedafterthebowing(ruku).

Question20:Amanseparatesapartofhismoneywiththeintentionofgivingittoabrotherinfaith.Laterhelearnsthatsomepeopleofhisfamilyareneedful.Insuchasituationshouldhepaythemoneytotheformerorthelatter?

Reply:Whoeverismorereligiousshouldbegivenpreference.AstheScholar(a.s)hassaid:TheAlmightyAllahdoesnotacceptSadaqah(givingofalms)tillthereremainssomeneedypersoninthefamily.Payattention,anddistributeitamongthemsothatyouobtainthemeritsofboth.

Question21:ItisnarratedfromImamAskari(a.s)thathewasaskedregardingthewearingofrabbitskininprayers.Hepermittedit.Butinanothernarrationheisreportedtohaveprohibitedit.Thusonwhichreportshouldwerely?

Reply:Ifthegarmentismadeofonlythefuroftherabbititisallowed.Butifitismadeofrabbitskin(leather)itisnotallowed.

Oneoftheconditionsforthedressofapersonwhopraysisthathisgarmentsmustnotbemadefromanypartofthebodyofananimalwhosemeatisunlawful.Thatiswhytheskin(leather),oritshairorfurandeverypartofbodyofeveryanimalisunlawfultobeworninPrayers.Howeverthereligiousjurisprudentshaveexemptedpuresilk,whichisnotmixedwithrabbit,orfoxfurisexempted.

Question22:SomescholarshavereportedthatImamSadiq(a.s)wasaskedaboutthisandhereplied:Donotprayinthefoxorrabbitfurandneitherinclothlikethesame.

Reply:HisEminencereplied:Hereitdenotestheskinoftheseanimalsandnotsomethingelse.

Question23:ThereisagarmentinIsfahan,whichisdecoratedwithsilk.Isprayervalidinit?

Reply:Prayerisnotvalidexceptofgarmentswhoseyarnisofcottonorlinen.

Question24:Shouldthewipingoffeetbedoneoneaftertheotheroritcanbedoneforboththefeettogether?

Reply:Bothcanbedonetogether.Butifitisdoneoneaftertheothertherightfeetshouldbewipedbeforetheleft.Thewipingofthefeetshouldbedonefromthetipsofthetoestilltheankles.Itisapartofablutionandtheirwipingtogetherisallowed.Butifdoneforonefootatatime,heshouldwipetherightfeetfirst.

Question25:IsitallowedforapersontoreciteprayerofJa'farat-Tayyarduringajourney?

Reply:Yes.

Question26:ApersonrecitingtheTasbihofHerEminence,Zahra(s.a)recitestheTakbir(AllahoAkbar)morethan34times.ShouldhecontinuewiththeTasbihorrestartaIfhehasuttereditfor67timeswhatshouldhedoaShouldhestartalloveragainaPleaseexplainwhatisobligatoryinthiscase?

Reply:IfhemakesamistakeinrepeatingtheTakbirandexceeds34timesheshouldsufficewithit.Butifherecites67timesheshouldbecontentwithit.Butif"Alhamdolillah"isrecitedmorethanthestipulatedtimesthereisnothinguponhim.[1]

ThiswasapartofthatwhichhasreachedusfromtheMasteroftheAgeanditwasthemostbeautifulandlastingreminderofthepurifiedImam(a.s).

[1]Ihtijaj2/309

15ChapterTHEMINORANDTHEMAJOROCCULTATION

I am certain that the readers would be eager to gain information on the minor and major

occultationofHisEminence,ImamMahdi(a.s),asthisbeliefisnotfullysupportedbyallthesectsofMuslims.Therefore,wepresentthefollowingdiscussionforthebenefitofourrespectedreaders.

TheImamofthetimeundertheshadeofhisrespectedfather

AsHisEminence, ImamMahdi (a.s) is that divine reformerwhom theAlmightyAllah has kept

especially for the reformation of the world and the establishment of religious rule on the Earththerefore,HisEminence,ImamHasanAskari(a.s)alsoaccordedthebestofrespectsandhonorstohissonwhowouldbethe“RemnantofAllahonHisEarth”(BaqiatullahFilArzih).Hekepthisaffairconcealed verymeticulously from the oppressiveAbbasidswhowere in severe pursuit of him. InspiteofthisImamAskari(a.s)informedmanygreattrustedpersonalitiesoftheShiasregardingthismatter and introducedHisEminence, ImamMahdi (a.s) to them in special audiences.ThesepeoplesawHisEminence,ImamMahdi(a.s) insomegatheringsofImamAskari(a.s).ThesegentlemeninturnconveyedthisinformationtotheotherShiaswhowereconsideredtrustworthyandsincerewithregardtotheWilayat(loveandguardianship)ofAhleBayt(a.s) till theexistenceofHisEminence,ImamMahdi(a.s)becameacertainfacttoallofthemandnodoubtsremainedinthisregard.

ThesubjectoftheAwaitedImamistheforemostoftheacceptedandclearbeliefsoftheShias.HeisthelastofthesuccessorsoftheMessengerofAllah(a.s)whowerecertifiedbyhimastheleadersofhiscommunity.Therefore,itwasbutnaturalfortheShiastoposemanydetailedquestionsabouthimtotheProphetandotherImamsinordertorecognizehimperfectlyandtogainasmuchinformationinthissubjectaspossible.Wehavehintedaboutthisinthepreviousdiscussions.

ImamHasanAskari(a.s)goestowardstheEternalAbode

TheAbbasidtyrantsusedtowreaktheworstkindoftorturesandpressuresonHisEminence,Imam

Askari(a.s).Theytransferredhimfromoneprisontoanothersothatamajorpartofhislimitedandbrief lifepassedawayindarkandhorribleprisons.Similarly theydidnotpermit thatShiasshouldmeetHisEminenceandthatthescholarsandnarratorsoftraditionshouldbenefitfromthecompanyof the Imam.Also,with absolute strictness andmercilessness they imposed economic embargoonHisEminenceandallthiswasasaresultofmaliceandjealousythattheseevilpeoplehadharboredagainsttheHolyImamforthefollowingreasons:

Firstly:HisEminence,ImamHasanAskari(a.s)wasthemosteminentpersonalityofhistimes,asabigportionoftheMuslimcommunityregardedhimastheirImamandleader.AnditdidnotsupportthetyrannicalruleoftheAbbasidesandwerenotinfavorofit.RathertheywereintheforefrontofoppositiontotheoppressiveAbbasideregimeandtheirviewwasexactlyopposedtotheAbbasidestothe extent of even criticizing and denouncing them.Therefore, theAbbasides behavedwith utmostseverityandforcewithHisEminence.

Secondly:TheAbbasiderulerswereabsolutelyterrifiedofthesonofHisEminenceandtheAwaitedImamwhomtheMessengerofAllah(a.s)hadprophesiedthathewouldbehislastvicegerentandtheunique reformist who would establish the system of absolute justice and equity and wipe off alloppressionsandinjustice,becausetheywerecertainthattheiroppressiverulewouldbedestroyedathishands.That'swhytheytriedtomurderImamHasanAskari(a.s)timeandagainsothathisprogenyis cut off just as some letters of His Eminence state. In letters that he wrote to some of his Shiafollowersitismentioned:

“Theythoughtthattheycouldplantomurdersothatmyprogenymaybecutoff.AndtheAlmightyAllah rendered their word and their plots ineffective and thanks and gratitude is to the Allah, theHigh.”

TheaboveletterwaswrittenafterthebirthofHisEminence,theAwaitedImam(a.s).

Thirdly:TheAlawiteSadats raisedstandardsof revolts invariousareasagainst the tyrannicalanddespoticruleoftheAbbasidesinordertoestablishjusticeandrestoretherightsofhumanitythathadbeen trampled by the Abbasides. These uprisings were supported in sections of the society andMuslimcommunity.NaturallythiswasamatterofgreatconsternationfortheAbbasideswhobecamedeadly foes of anyonewhowas even suspected to be anAlawite and theywreaked upon them theworst of the tortures and atrocities.At that time ImamHasanAskari (a.s)was a pivot and a greatpersonality and obeyed by everyone. Therefore he was the target of the wrath and enmity of theAbbaside tyrants.Thus theysubjectedhim to theworstof the tortures, atrocitiesandpressures.AlltheseareexamplesofthecausesfortheenmityandmaliceoftheAbbasidesagainsttheHolyImam(a.s).

ClarificationofImamHasanAskari(a.s)ontheImamateoftheAwaitedImam(a.s)

When ImamHasanAskari became cognizant that his death andmartyrdomwas near he clearly

announced the Imamate of His Eminence, Imam Mahdi (a.s) and he introduced him to his closeconfidantsandreliablefollowers.AhmadbinIshaqAshari,atrustworthy,piousandgod-fearingmanwasoneofthesepersons.Ithascomeinnarrationsthathesaid:IwenttoImamHasanAskari(a.s)andwantedtoinquireabouthissuccessor.HisEminence,precededmeinthematterandsaidasfollows:

“OAhmad bin Ishaq! TheAlmightyAllah has not left the earth without a Divine Proof since thecreationofAdam(a.s)andwouldnotleaveitwithoutaDivineProoftillthehourshallbeestablished(Day of Judgment). Through the Divine Proof calamities are repelled from the inhabitants of theEarth,rainfallsandthebountiesoftheearthcomeout.”

After hearing thesewordsAhmad askedHisEminence: “Who is the Imam andCaliph after youa”ImamHasanAskariarosefromhisseatandhurriedinsidehishouseandreturnedafterashortwhilein suchaway thatuponhisneckonhis shoulders sat aboy,whose face seemed tobe like the fullmoonanditseemedthathewasthreeyearsold.Afterthat,HisEminence,ImamHasanAskari(a.s)said:

“OAhmad!IfyouwerenothavingaspecialandexaltedpositionbeforeAllahandtheProofofAllah,Iwouldnothaveshownthissonofminetoyou.HisnameandpatronymicisthesameasthatoftheMessengerofAllah(a.s).Hewouldfilltheearthwithjusticeandequity,asitwouldbefraughtwithinjustice and oppressions. O Ahmad! In this community his example is like that of Khizr andDhulqarnain.ByAllah!HewillhaveanoccultationandnoneshallbesafefromdestructionbutonewhomAllahhaskeptsteadfastinthebeliefofhisImamandgiventhedivineopportunity(Tawfeeq)toprayforhisreappearance.”

Ahmadimmediatelyasked,“Isthereanysignorsymbolsothatitmaysatisfymyheart?”

Justthentheboy,wholookedlikeafullmoon,begantospeakandhesaid:

“IamtheremnantofAllahonHisearthandtherevenge-takerfromHisenemiesanddonotdemandproofafterwhatisbeforeyou…”

AfterhearingthesewordsoftheProofofAllah,AhmadwentoutofthehouseofImamHasanAskari(a.s)insuchaconditionthathiscompletebeingwassurroundedbyjoy.WhenagainhecametoImamHasanAskari(a.s)afterthathesaid:“OsonofAllah'sMessenger!Iwasverymuchpleasedwiththefavoryoubestowedmethatday.ThuswhatisthecontinuingpracticeofKhizrandDhulqarnain?”

HisEminence,ImamHasanAskari(a.s)saidinreply,“Prolongedoccultation.”

Ahmadatoncesaid,“OsonofAllah'sMessenger,wouldtheoccultationofthePromisedImam(a.s)bealsoprolonged?”

HisEminence,Imam(a.s)replied,“BymyLord!Yes,somuchso,thateventhosewhohadacceptedhim,wouldturnawayfromtheirbeliefandnoneshallremainexceptonefromwhomAllahhastakenthecovenantofourguardianshipandinwhoseheartsisrootedourloveandthosewhosupportitwiththeirhearts.

OAhmad!ThisisthecommandofAllahandoneofthedivinesecretsandoneoftheUnseenmattersofAllah.SorememberwhatIamtellingyouandkeepitconfidentialandbeofthethankfulonessothatyoumayresideinthepositionofIllyeen[1]withus.”[2]

[1]ThehighestplaceinHereafter[2]Kamaluddin,Saduq,Pg216

Thistraditioncontainssomeveryimportantpointsasfollows:

Firstly:SincetheAlmightyAllahcreatedmanontheearth,Heconsidereditnecessaryfortheirneedsto establish His proof on them. So He sent prophets and successors towards them that they mayconveythemessageoftheirLordandcompletetheproofuponthem.Andthisisduetothekindnessof theLord.Anddivinegraceishavinga logicalbasewhichthescholarsandexpertsofscholastictheologyintheirdiscussionspresenttheirargumentsthroughit.AndtheysaythatitisincumbentonAllahaccordingtorationalargumentstoestablishandcompleteHisargumentonthepeoplesothatone who intends to awaken himself, his awakening should be on the basis of proof and logicalarguments. And one who desires to destroy himself, it should also be on the basis of proof andargument.Andapartfromthis,theexistenceoftheProofofAllahisitselfacauseofHisinnumerablefruitsandblessings.Someofthemarerepellingofcalamitiesfromthecreaturesoftheearthandthecomingdownofrainetc.

Secondly:When theAlmightyAllah favorsHis creatureswith the reappearance and advent ofHisgreatreformer,HisEminence,theAwaitedImam(a.s),theywouldestablishtheloftiestvalues,chiefofwhomistheestablishmentofpoliticalandsocialjusticeintheworldanddestroythevariousformsofoppressionsthatshallbepresentthere.

Thirdly:TheAlmightyAllahshallprolongtheageoftheAwaitedImam(a.s)liketheageofKhizr(a.s)andDhulqarnain.AndthisisnotdifficultfortheAll-powerfulandAll-wiseLord.ItisthesamewayastheAlmightyhasmadethestarsandtheplanetsfixedintheirorbitsandwhichcontinuetoexiston the face of the earth. Thus for such a wise Lord it is not difficult to prolong the age of HisreformersaintinviewofthosehiddenwisdomsthatonlyHeisawareof.

Fourthly:TheAlmightyAllahtestsHisservantsthroughtheprolongedoccultationofHisSaintandhelper,theAwaitedImam(a.s).AndonlythoseshallremainsteadfastonhisImamatewhoarefirmintheirbeliefabouthim.Theseweresomeimportantpointsmentionedintheblessedtradition.

OneofthetraditionsthatImamHasanAskari(a.s)hasstatedtoexplaintheImamateofhisgreatson,HisEminence, theawaitedImam(a.s) is theonequotedbytheeminentandtrustworthypersonality,Muhammad Ibne Uthman Amri from his father. He said: I was present in the service of AbuMuhammadImamHasanAskari(a.s)whenHisEminencewasaskedaboutthetraditions,‘IndeedtheearthshallneverbedevoidoftheProofofAllahuponHiscreaturestilltheDayofQiyamatandifhedies without recognizing the Imam of his time he dies the death of ignorance… ’ that had been

narratedbytheforefathersofHisEminence.HisEminenceinreplytothequestionemphasizedontheauthenticityofthistraditionandsaid:“Thistraditionistrueandcorrect,justasthedayandthesunistrueandcorrect…”

Atthattimeapersoninthegatheringstoodupandasked:“OsonofAllah'sMessenger!WhoistheDivineProofandImamafteryoua”

His Eminence, Imam Hasan Askari (a.s) guided him to the Imam after him and said, “My son,Muhammad,istheImamandtheProofofAllahafterme.Whosoeverdieswithoutrecognizinghimshalldiethedeathofignorance.Hehasanoccultationwhenthefoolishandmisguidedpeoplewouldbeperplexedanddestroyed.Andthosewhofixthetimeofhisreappearanceareliars.Thenheshallreappear.”

Thistraditionalsocontainsthesamepointsasthepreviousonewehaddiscussedbefore.

AssassinationofImamHasanAskari(a.s)

SinceHisEminence, ImamHasanAskari (a.s)was famousamongall andworthyof respectand

honoroftheMuslimsandalltheAlawites,itwasharduponthetyrantAbbaside,Mutamid.AndtheywerenotabletobearthishonorandrespectofImam(a.s),thereforetheydecidedtopoisontheImam(a.s).[1]Andtheyproceededwiththeplan.AndwhenHisEminencewaspoisoned,hefelldownontheearthduetothesevereeffectofpainanddiscomfortofthepoison.InspiteofthistheImamborethepainanddiscomfortpatiently.

VigilanceoftheAbbasiderule

TheAbbasiderulebecameseverelyvigilantandtheywerehorrified.ThereforeMutamidAbbaside

orderedfiveofhisconfidantsandoneofhisservantsinstructedNahrirnottoleavethehouseofHisEminenceandobserveall the informationconnectedwith theImam(a.s)closelyandtopassontheinformationtohim.OntheotherhandheformedamedicalcommitteeandorderedthemtovisitHisEminence every morning and late afternoon. Two days after the poison was administered to HisEminence his condition worsened and he became weak.Mutamid commanded the physicians theymustnot leave thesideofImam(a.s)andnot leavehimalone.[2]In thesamewayhe instructed thechiefQaziwhowasthatdayappointedasaminister.HeinturnprovidedtenpeopletofurthersubjecttheImamtosurveillancewithclearordersnottobeawayfromthesideofImam(a.s).

[1]Lifeofal-ImamAl-Hasanal-Askari[2]Al-Irshad,Pg.283

TowardsParadise

Due to the effect of the terrible poison, the condition ofHis Eminence becamemore andmore

serious and the physicians becamehopeless to save him.Therefore, the Imam turned toQibla andimmersedhimselfintheremembranceofAllahandrecitationoftheHolyQuran.AndwithcompleteentreatyandweepingsoughttheproximityofAllahandsupplicatedandpleadedtillhispurifiedsoulflewawaytowardsthehighheavensandtowardstheLordandwaswelcomedbytheangelsandthepuresoulsoftheProphetsandsaints.

The death and martyrdom of Imam Hasan Askari (a.s) at that time was great loss and a severecalamityforthewholeworldofIslamwhiletheMuslimcommunityhadbeendeprivedofthegreatreligiousguideandprotectorofhumanrights.ThereforeplaintivecriesandmournfulchorusarosefromthehouseofImam(a.s).

TheLastritesofImamHasanAskari(a.s)

AtlastthepurifiedbodyofImam(a.s)wasgiventhefuneralbath,anointed,shroudedandreadied

for thefuneralprayers.AbuIsaIbneMutawakkilwasappointedbyMutamid, theAbbasidetorecitethe funeral prayer. (It has come in narrations that Ja'far, the uncle of Imam-e-Zaman (a.s) steppedforwardtorecitetheprayerbutImam-e-Zaman(a.s)pulledhimbackandsaid,“Iammoredeservingtoprayovermyfatherthanyou.”Afterthatherecitedtheprayerovertheholycorpseofhisfather.Atthat timeJa'far'sfacebecameredinshame.Thosewhowerepresent thereaskedhimregardingtheAwaitedImam,whohadprayedonhisfather.Hesaidhedidnotknowhim.AfterthefuneralprayerswereovertheregimeorderedtokeepthefaceoftheImamopensothatBaniHashim,Abbasidesanddefense officials, civil servants, chiefs of organizations and government magistrates may see HisEminence for the last time. At that moment he said in this way: This is Hasan Ibne AliIbneMuhammadIbneReza,whohasdiedanaturaldeath,whilesuchandsuchemployeesofthecaliphandsoandsoofficialsofthechiefJudgewereathisbedside.[1]AfterthathecoveredthefaceoftheHolyImam(a.s).TheydidthussothattheAbbasideregimemaynotbeheldresponsibleforhavingpoisonedtheImamliketheyhadpoisonedhisgrandfather,ImamMusaIbneJa'far.

[1]Al-Irshad,Pg383

ElaboratearrangementsoftheFuneralProcessionofImamHasanAskari(a.s)

People from all walks of life of Samarrah converged on the residence of the Imam (a.s) in

aggrievedcondition toparticipate in the funeral.All theofficial organizations, courts andmarketscloseddownandSamarrahresembledasceneofapocalypse.[2]

TillthatdaySamarrahhadnotseensuchahugegatheringinafuneral.Peoplecameingroupsandincrowds and participated in the funeral of theHoly Imam.They paid condolence to each other andcomfortedeachotherforthegiganticlosssufferedbythecommunity.TheyremindedeachotherofthevirtuesandmeritsoftheHolyImam(a.s).

[2]AlIrshad,Pg.383,DairatulMa'rif,Bustani7/45

BurialPlaceofImamHasanAskari

TheholybodyofImamHasanAskari(a.s)wasburiedinhisownhousebesidesthegraveofhis

respected father, Imam Ali al-Hadi (a.s). Yes! The beloved of the Holy Prophet of Allah and theilluminated leaf and a luminary of theHoly Progenywas at last buried.[3] TheAlawite Sadat andAbbasides stood besides the grave. People came in groups and paid condolence to them and thefuneralprogramcametoanend.Peopledepartedfortheirhomesinaggrievedconditionwithheavyhearts.[4]

[3]Lifeofal-Imamal-Hasanal-Askari[4]Ibid

RaidonthehouseofImamHasanAskari(a.s)

TheAbbasideregimewassomuchterrifiedandconcernedregardingtheAwaitedImamthatthey

immediately surrounded thehouseof ImamHasanAskari (a.s) and theneighboringhousesalso incasealadyoftheImam(a.s)maybehidingthere.ThehouseofImam(a.s)wasthoroughlysearchedandthensealedandlockedanditwasinstructedtosomewomantokeepstrictvigilanceontheladiesoftheImam'shousehold.Andifanyoneofthemweretobepregnantshewastobearrested.Tillthetime theywere informed thata ladywaspregnant.Shewas immediately taken intocustodyandputunderthechargeofNahrirandsomeladyofficers.TheoppressiveAbbasiderulerstooksuchseveremeasuressothattheAwaitedImammaynotcomeanddestroytheirrule.However,divinewillisnotthatitcouldbepreventedbysuchraidsandsearchesetc.

DelegationfromQom

A group of Iranians from Qom departed for Samarrah carrying some monies as trusts and

religiouspaymentsoftheShiasofQomtovisitHisEminence,ImamHasanAskariandtodeliverhimthemonies. Butwhen they reached Samarrah they learnt that ImamHasanAskari (a.s) had passedaway.SomeservantsofJa’fartoldthemthatafterhimtheImamwasJa’far.AtthatsametimeJa’farhasgoneoutwithhissingersandmusicianstoentertainhimselfonthebanksofTigrisRiver.ThatiswhythedelegationofQomdidnotbelievethatJa’farcouldbetheImambecausetheyknewthatanImamandaDivineProof isalooffromsinfulactsanddisobedience.Thus theydecided toseehimandlearnthetruthabouthim.SotheyarrivedwhenJa’farreturnedhomeandmethimsaying:WeareagroupofShias fromQomandwebring somemonies forourmaster, ImamHasanAskari (a.s).Ja’fardidnot let themcomplete thesentenceandaskedinhaste:Whereare themoniesa“Withus”,theyrepliedbut theyrequestedJa’far to tell themabout theamountofmoneytheyhadbroughtandwhohadgivenittothem.BecausepreviouslywhenevertheycametoImamHasanAskari(a.s)heusedtoinformthemallthesethings.Ja’farwasdumbfoundedanddidnotknowwhattodo.Ja’farprotestedthat theywere lying and the knowledge of the unseenwas only forAllah and his brotherwas nothavingsuchknowledge.ThedelegationofQomwasfurtherperplexedandtheylookedateachother.ButJa’fartoldtheminanangryandharshtonetohandhimthemoney.Thegroupsaidthattheywererepresentatives of the people of Qom and that they would hand him the monies only if he couldfurnish some signs like ImamHasanAskari (a.s) used to do. Therefore if hewere their Imam heshouldprovethatheistheImamotherwisetheywouldreturnthemoniestotheirrespectiveowners.On hearing this reply Ja’far hurried to the Abbaside Caliph and informed him about the matterconcerning the group from Qom. Ja’far sought his help in taking hold of the monies from theQummigroup.TheCaliphalsopressuredtheQummisandsaidtothem,“GivethismoneytoJa’far.”TheQomdelegation said that theywere representatives andagentsofpeopleofQom.“Theyhaverequestedusnot togivethesemoniestoanyonewithoutgettingaproofofImamate.AndthissameprocedurewasprevalentduringthetimeofImamHasanAskari(a.s).”

“WhatwasthatsignthatImamHasanAskari(a.s)presented?”

Thegroupsaid,“Withoutussayinganything,HisEminenceusedtoinformusthedetailsofwhateverwehadbrought.AndwhenweusedtobereassuredthattheImamisperfectlyknowingthosethingsweusedtohandthemovertohim.NowifthismanistheownerofGuardianship(Wilayat)likehisbrotherheshouldinformusaboutthesethingsandexplaintheirquantityandconditionsothatwecanhanditovertohim.Otherwisewewouldconveyitbacktotheowners.”

Ja’far was infuriated and he turned to the Caliph and said, “OMaster of believers! These peopleattributefalsehoodtomybrotherbecausethisisknowledgeoftheunseenandmybrotherhadnosuchknowledge.”

TheCaliphpaidnoattentiontothestatementofJa’farbutsaid,“Theyareagentsandtheyarenottheownerssotheycouldnotbeheldresponsiblefortheirdecision.”

The delegation implored the Caliph to help them leave the city in safety and security. TheCaliphorderedtheybetakenoutofthecityunderpoliceprotectionandnoneshouldobstructtheirpassage.

TheQom delegation left the boundaries of the city and all of a sudden they decried a handsomeyoungmanwhomentionedeachoftheirnamesandsaid,“AcceptyourMaster!”Thegroupsaid,“AreyouthemasterofGuardianshipa”Theyouthreplied,“RefugeofAllah(No)!RatherIamtheslaveandtheobedientoneofyourMaster,socomewithmetobeinthepresenceofourMaster.”

TheQomgrouphappilyfollowedtheyoungman.WhentheyreachedthehouseofImam(a.s) theysawthattheImamwassittingonaplatformwearingagreendress.Hisfaceshonelikeafullmoon.TheysalutedtheHolyImam(a.s)andaftertheyhadmadethemselvescomfortabletheImaminformedthemabouttheamountofmonieswiththemandthedetailsofotheritemsaswell.

The Qom group fell into prostration of thanks for Almighty Allah for having given them therecognitionoftheirImamandtheDivineProof.AfterthattheyposedsomereligiousqueriestoHisEminenceandHisEminenceprovidedthereplies.ThentheyhandedoverthemoniesandgoodstotheImam.HisEminenceinstructedthemthatinfuturetheymustnotbringanythingtoSamarrahbutthatitshouldbehandedovertotheImam'srepresentativeinBaghdad.TheImam'swrittencommunicationsmust also be taken from this representative. In that same gathering Imam (a.s) gave a shroud andcamphortoAbuAbbasMuhammadIbneJa’farQummiHimyariandsaid,“MayAllahmagnifyyourrewards…”

AfterhavingreceivedthesefavorsthegroupbidfarewelltoHisEminenceanddepartedforIranandQomandduringthejourneywhentheyreachedbetweenUqbahandtheareaofHamadan,theabove-mentionedgentleman,AbuAbbasdied.[1]

[1]Kamaluddin

Ja’farandtheAbbasideCaliph

After thepassingawayof theImamHasanAskari(a.s),Ja’farsent20000Dinars to theAbbaside

CaliphandrequestedhimtobestowJa’farthestatusandpositiontheeleventhImamwashaving.TheAbbasidesrepliedtohimthatthepositionandelevatedstatusofthepreviousImamwasnotbestowedby them but it was from the Almighty Allah. He further confessed that they had applied all theirresources to destroy all that but theAlmightyAllah continued to elevate the position of theHolyImam.That'swhyHisEminencewashavingperfectionsofknowledge,meritandvirtues.SoifJa’farwashavingthesameelevatedstatusintheviewoftheShiasandfollowersoftheHolyImamhedidnotneedanythingelse.ButiftheShiasofImamAskari(a.s)donotrecognizethemeritsitisevidentthathedidnotpossesswhathislatebrotherwashaving.InsuchcircumstancesanyassistancefromtheAbbasideswouldbeuselessforJa’far.[2]

InfactthestatementoftheAbbasideCaliphwastrue,thatthepositionandstatusofIman(a.s)wasnotinthecontroloftheAbbasides,thattheymaybestowittoanyonetheypleased.RatherthepersonalityoftheImamandhishonorablepostwasfromtheAlmightyAllah.AnditisHealonewhoselectsthebestofHisservantsforImamateandguardianship(Wilayat).TheAbbasideregimehadconcentratedall their efforts to bring down the elevated position and status thatwas possessed by ImamHasanAskari(a.s)andtheotherImams.Andtheyconsidered

[2]MuntakhabulAthar,Pg.370

everytypeofatrocityandtyrannypermissibleontheAhleBaytandtheirfollowers.Inspiteofthistheirpositionandsuccessincreaseddaybyday.AndtrustandsatisfactionofthepeoplewithregardtoHisEminencecontinuedtoincrease.However,Ja'farwithhisfalseclaimofImamateandWilayatcontinuedtosufferlossandhisrequesttotheAbbasideCaliphwasofnoavailandhedidnotsucceedinachievingthispositionandhonor.

16ChapterTHEMINOROCCULTATION

TheoppressiveAbbasidcaliphstriedverymuchtoarrestHisEminence,ImamMahdi(a.s)andput

himtodeath.ThereforetheAlmightyAllahbestowedagreatfavorandmercyonHisEminence,theAwaitedImamandkepthimawayfromtheeyesoftheAbbasids,justlikeHehadconcealedthegreat-grandfather,theProphetofIslam(a.s)fromtheviewoftheQuraishwhohadgatheredtoassassinatehimandtheHolyProphet(a.s)cameoutfromamongthemandtheydidnotseehim.InthesamewayHis Eminence, ImamMahdi (a.s) was amongAbbasides but theywere not able to see him. In theforthcomingdiscussionwewouldpresentsomedetailsabouttheperiodoftheMinorOccultation.

PeriodofMinorOccultation

The period of minor occultation commenced from the time of the martyrdom of Imam Hasan

Askari(a.s)in260A.H.[1]Afterthepassingawayofhisrespectedfather,HisEminencedisappearedfromtheviewofpeopleandonlysomebelievers,righteouspersonsandtrustworthygentlemenmetHisEminenceasweshalldiscussintheforthcomingpages.

[1]MiraatulJinaan,2/462;TarikhKhamis,2/347;TarikhIbneWardi,1/319

PlaceandsituationofMinorOccultation

HisEminencedisappearedinhishouseinSamarrahwheretheholygravesofholygrandfather,His

Eminence,ImamAlial-Hadi(a.s)andhisfather,HisEminence,ImamHasanAskari(a.s)aresituated.

LiesAndAllegations

hias and followers of the school of Ahle Bayt (a.s) are made targets of unjust calumnies and

allegations.Andmany false things are heaped upon thosewho have always served the religion ofIslam and helped in its spread. One of these concocted and shameful allegations is regarding theAwaitedImam.AccordingtothemShiasclaimthatHisEminence,haddisappearedintothecellarandinthisalsotherearetwostatements,oneofthemmentionsacellarinBabelandanotherinSamarrah.1.CellarinBabel[1]

IbneKhaldunhasmentioned the locationof thecellar tobe inBabel.Hesays:TheShias think thattheirtwelfthImamisMuhammadIbneHasanal-Askari(a.s)andthathistitleisMahdi.HeenteredthecellarofhishouseinHillawithhismotheranddisappearedfromthere.Andhewillreappearinthelastperiodoftimeandfilltheearthwithequityandjustice.TheShiasquotethetraditionthatTirmidhihasrecordedinhisbookregardingMahdi.Andthey(theShias)stillawaitforhimandthat'swhytheyrefertohimas“theAwaitedImam”andeveryeveningafterthesunsetprayerstheywaitoutsidetheentranceofthiscellarwithasteedcallinghimbyhisnameandurginghimtoreappear.Theycontinuetillthestarsfadefromtheskyandthendispersetoreturnagainthenextday.

ThisstatementofIbneKhaldunisalieandcalumnyandfullofmaliceandhatredtowardstheHolyAhleBayt(a.s)andtheirfollowers.WeshallpointoutsomeofthefactualerrorsofIbneKhaldunasbelow:

[1]Al-Muqaddimah,Pg.359

Firstly:Onthebasisofhisstatementquotedabove,IbneKhaldunhasrejectedtheexistenceofHisEminence,theAwaitedImam(a.s)whereastherearenumeroustraditionsandnarrationsoftheHolyProphetofIslam(a.s)regardingHisEminenceandhisreappearance.SuchthattheyreachtothelevelofTawatur(widelynarrated)andcertainty.Thewell-knownscholarandteacher-researcher,AghaAhmadMuhammadShakirhasexplainedtheweaknessofthestatementsofIbneKhaldunandhesays:

“IbneKhaldunhasfollowedathingaboutwhichhehasnoknowledgeandhasputhimselfinawaythatisfullofdifficultiesanditisnotawaytraversedbyknowledgeofnarrators.Hisinvolvementinpoliticalaffairsoftherulersandgovernmentshashinderedhim.ThatiswhyhehasconjecturedthatthebeliefofMahdiisaShiitebelief.Andinhisbook,Muqaddimah,hehaswrittenadetailedchapter:SectionregardingtheFatimiwhenpeoplegotohimbyhiscommand.”[1]

ThebeliefofShiasandalltheMuslimsregardingHisEminence,ImamMahdi(a.s)isapartoftheIslamicMessengership.Whoeverdeniesit,hasinfactdeniedIslamassomescholarsofAhleSunnathaveexplainedit.Weshalldiscussthisalsointhecomingpages.

Secondly:InthisstatementtheerrorsandfactualmistakesofIbneKhaldunisthathesays:TheAwaitedImamenteredthecellarwithhismotheranddisappearedfromthere.Thisallegationisonethatexposeshisweakness,because:

A.ThemotherofHisEminence,ImamMahdi(a.s)haddiedtwoyearspriortothemartyrdomofImamHasanAskari(a.s),aswehavealreadymentionedinthebeginningchaptersofthisbook.

[1]SharhMusnadImamAhmad,5/197

B. No Shia or non-Shia historian has ever written that His Eminence was arrested or that theAbbasiderulerhadgotpoweroverthem.NeitheratHillanoranywhereelse:WhatIbneKhaldunhasquotedregardingtheShiasispurecalumnyandanallegation,anditinvertsthebeliefsoftheShias.

Thirdly: Among the allegations of Ibne Khaldun against the Shias is that Shias gather before theentranceofthecellarinHillaandpresentamountforhimandprayforhisadventandreappearance.

Shiasarepresentinallpartsoftheworldandsuchathinghasneverbeenheardorseen.Andtheyarealooffromallkindsofsuchlies.Yes,suchtypesofcalumniesandallegationshavebeenconcoctedbyIbneKhaldun,whohimselfpossessednotasinglemeritorvirtue.2.ExistenceofcellarinSamarrah

SomeAhleSunnathistorianshavewrittenthatShiassaytheAwaitedImam(a.s)disappearedintothecellarinhishouseinSamarrah.

Historianslike:(A)Suwaidi

He says: “The Shias believe that theAwaited Imam (a.s) disappeared in the cellar of his house inSamarrahin260A.H.andtheprotectorsprotecthim.”[1](B)IbneTaiymiyah

HethinksthatShiasbelievethattheAwaitedImam(a.s)isaliveinacellarinSamarrahandthattheyareawaitinghisreappearancefromthatsamecellar.[2]

[1]SabaikuzZahab,Pg.78[2]MinhajusSunnah

(C)IbneHajar

He has also mentioned the same thing and on the basis of the view of Ibne Khallikan he hasassociatedittoShiasandquotedfromIbneKhallikanthat:“TheShiasbelievethatImamMahdi(TheAwaitedImam)istheinmateofthecellarandinthelast

agehewouldreappearfromthatsamecellarinSamarrah.”

Hesays:“TheAwaitedImamenteredthecellarin265AHwhilehismothersawhimdoit.”Thenhehasquotedtwocoupletsinhispraiseasfollows:

Isitnottimeforthecellarthatitshouldshowuptheonewhomyouhavemadeahumanonthebasisofyourignorance?

Thenmaylocksbeonyoursensesbecauseyouhaveconcoctedathird,afterthegriffon(legendarybird)andghoul(legendarydesertdemon).[1]

Mayahandfulofmudbeupon the facesof thesepoetswhohavecriticized that inwhich theShiashavenobelief.ThispoetandotherslikehimhaveheapedcalumniesagainstShias.AndallthisisduetothehatredandmalicetheyharboragainsttheShias.AndthisisnotonlyagainsttheShias,itisalsoagainsttheImamsofguidance,thosefromwhomAllahhasremovedallimpurities.(D)Qaseemi

Abdullah Qaseemi has also alleged falsehood against the Shias regarding the Awaited Imam asfollowsthatthereadersmayalsonote.ItisnothingbutafalsewordandlieofQaseemi:“InfactthegreateststupidanddogmaticarethosewhohavemadetheirImaminthecellarandkepttheQuranandtheir scrollsconcealedwithhim.And it is the samepeople,whoeverynight, take theirhorsesandassesinfrontofthecellarandawaitfortheHiddenImamandtheycallhimtoreappear.Theyfollowthesameritualsincethelastthousandyears.”[2]

[1]As-SawaiqulMohreqa,Pg100[2]Al-SirahbainalIslamWalWathinina,1/374

AllamahMuhaqqiqAmini haswritten a gloss on these blackwords of Qaseemi as follows: “Thecalumnyofthecellaristheworstofallegations,thoughbeforethissomewritersofAhleSunnathavementioned the same allegation in their books, butQaseemi has added to it. It is that he has addedhorsesandassestoit.AndalsoclaimedthattheShiashaveacustomofstandingbeforethecellarwiththeirhorsesandassessinceathousandyears.WhiletheShiasdonotbelievethattheoccultationoftheImam(a.s)wasinthecellarandneitherwasit that theShiashavemadehimdisappearinthecellar.Theyalsodonotbelievethathewouldreappearfromthecellar.RatherthebeliefoftheShiasthatissupportedbytraditionsofAhleBayt(a.s)isthatHisEminencewouldreappearinMeccanexttotheHolyKa'ba.Nonehavesaidthatheisinthecellar.”[1]

[1]Al-Ghadeer,3/308

Investigationinthismatter

Hereitisnecessarythatwehaveabriefdiscussiononthistopic.Becauseacellarwhichisbesides

the graves of Imam al-Hadi and ImamHasan Askari (a.s) is revered by all the Shias. Just as theAbbasidecaliph,NasiruddinollahalsoconsidereditholybecauseitwastheplaceofprayersofthreeImams:HisEminence,Hadi,HisEminence,AskariandHisEminence,theProof(Hujjat(a.s),andthusheput agrill on it.Andnoneof theShia scholars andhistorianshave said thatHisEminence, theAwaited Imam (a.s) has disappeared into the cellar,whether it be a cellar in Samarrah orHilla orBaghdad.LetusseetheviewofsomeShiascholars:(A)MuhaddithNoori

MuhaddithNoorithecomplierofMustadraksays:“Thoughwehavescannedhistorywedonotfindwhattheysay.Actuallythereisnomentionofthecellarinthetraditions.”[2]

[2]KashfulAstar

(B)AllamahSadruddin

Allamah Sadruddin says: “Most Sunni scholars say that Shias believe that the Imam of the timedisappeared in the cellar.But this claimof Sunnis has no firmbasis andwe find no such thing inexistenceamongtheShias.”[1](C)MuhaqqiqArbili

MuhaqqiqArbili says: “Thosewho say thatHisEminenceexistsdonot say thathe is in thecellar.Rathertheysaythatlikeothershewalksandlivesontheearth.”[2](D)MuhaqqiqAmini

A while before we had mentioned some statements of Allamah Amini that he had boldly issuedagainstthoseallegations.Thefollowingisthefinalportionofhisdiscourseinthisregard:

“Alas!Theseallegation-makersonthetopicofcellar:

if only they had sufficed on one allegation it would not have exposed their fallacies further. IbneBatutawouldnothavesaidthatthiscellarisinHillaandQirmaniwouldnothaveclaimedthatitisinBaghdad and otherswould not have remarked that it is in Samarrah.And then after thisQaseemiwouldnothaveremainedperplexedandastonishedandhewouldhavesimplymentionedthewordof“Cellar”withoutstatinganythingaboutitslocationandtown,sothathisdefectwouldhaveremainedconcealed.”[3]

Therefore the disappearance of His Eminence, the Awaited Imam (a.s) in the cellar is a piece offictionthatnonehasmentioneditinthewholehistoryofShias.RatherthehatersandenemiesoftheShiashaveconcocteditandattributedittotheShias.

[1]Al-Mahdi,Pg155[2]KashfulGhummah,3/283[3]Al-Ghadeer,3/309

17ChapterTHEGREATEMISSARIESOFTHEIMAMOFTHETIME(A.S)

His Eminence, ImamMahdi (a.s) appointed some prominent scholars andworthy people as his

emissaries so that theymayact asmediumbetween the Imamand theShias.Their functionwas toconvey the problems and queries of the Shias to His Eminence and seek their solution fromHisEminence.Wehavealreadymentionedsomeofthesequeriesinthepastpages.InthefollowingpagesweshallprovidesomedetailsaboutthespecialrepresentativesoftheHolyImam(a.s).

1.UthmanbinSaeedAmri

Hewas the first representativeandambassadorofHisEminence.Hehad thehonorofbeing the

Imam's representative fora long time.Hewasaveryworthypersonalityandmost trustworthyandreliablegentleman.LetusbrieflydiscussthelifeandtimesofUthmanbinSaeed.UthmanbinSaeed'sservicestotheImam(a.s)

Uthman bin Saeed remained in the service of theHoly Imam (a.s) formany years. He joined theservicesoftheInfallibleImams(a.s)whenhewasjustaladofeleven.

At that time, the situation was very tense and especially during the rule of the Bani Abbas andMutawakkil, the tyrantAbbasidewhowasabsolutelycruelandatrociouson theHolyImam,andhesubjectedthemtoconstantsurveillanceandsurroundedthemwithpoliceandkeptthemunderhousearrest.UthmanbinSaeedforthesakeoftheirholymissionofImamateandWilayat(Guardianship)posedasanoil-vendortillhegottheappellationof“Samman”.AndinthisdisguisehebecamealinkbetweentheShiasandtheirImam.TheShiassenttohimtheirreligiouspaymentsandhealsoputthesemoniesintheoilcontainersanddeliveredthemtoHisEminence,ImamHadi(a.s)andafterthattoImamAskari(a.s)andthusbythisheusedtosolvethefinancialproblemsoftheHolyImams.AndafterthosetwoImams,healsoreceivedthehonorofrepresentingHisEminence,theAwaitedImam(a.s).TrustworthinessandreliabilityofUthmanbinSaeed

According to historical sources and biographical sciences, Uthman bin Saeed was among thetrustworthy,piousandjustpeople.Somuchso,thatHisEminence,ImamHadi(a.s)hascertifiedhisreliabilityandintroducedhimtobeatrustworthyperson:

A.AhmadbinIshaqhasnarrated thatheaskedAbulHasan, ImamHadi(a.s) fromwhomshouldhetakethematerialofImam(a.s)andwhosestatementshouldbeaccepta

HisEminence,ImamHadi(a.s)guidedhimtothecourseoftruthandrealityandsaid:“Amri(UthmanbinSaeed)ismytrustworthyassociate,sowhateverheconveystoyouonmybehalfitisinfactfrommyself,andwhateverhehassaidonmybehalf,itisinfactwhatIhavesaid.Thuslistenandobeyhimbecauseheistrustworthyandreliable…”[1]

These certificationsof themasterofWilayat (Guardianship) and infallibility,HisEminence, ImamHadi(a.s)regardingUthmanbinSaeedAmriprovethatUthmanbinSaeedheldanesteemedpositionandtrustworthystatuswiththeImam(a.s).

B.ApersoninquiredfromHisEminence,ImamHasanAskari(a.s)regardingAmri.

[1]TanqihulMaqal,2/245,Usoolal-Kafi

HisEminence replied: “Al-Amri and his son, both of them are trustworthy and reliable.Whatevertheyconveytoyoufrommeisinfactfromme,andwhatevertheysayonmybehalfisactuallywhatIhavesaid.Thuslistentothemandobeythembecausetheyareworthyoftrustandarereliable.”[1]

C. A matter that proves the position and elevated status of Uthman bin Saeed and confirms histrustworthinessandreliabilityisthatletterofHisEminence,ImamHasanAskari(a.s)thathesenttoIbrahimbinAbdeNishapuri,commandinghimtoobeyandfollowUthmanbinSaeed:“Donotleavethe town till youmeetAmri and be in his charge and obedience.Recognize him and let him alsorecognizeyou.Becauseheisapure,chasteandtrustworthymaninourview…”

Thesestatementsandothercertifications,allinformusofthepietyandelevatedstatusofUthmanbinSaeed.DeputyshipofUthmanbinSaeedfromHisEminence,theAwaitedImam(a.s)

UthmanbinSaeedwashaving theabsolutedeputyshipandgeneral representationofHisEminence,ImamMahdi(a.s).HewasalinkbetweenHisEminenceandhisShias.Heusedtoconveytheirletters,rights and religious payments to His Eminence. And no one else had received such trust anddeputyshipamongtheShiasfromHisEminence.DeathofUthmanbinSaeed

The blessed grave of Uthman bin Saeed is in Baghdad besides Rasafa where the believers andreligiouspeoplevisitit.

ShaykhTusisays:“Weused tovisit thegraveofUthmanbinSaeedand theZiyaratwasperformedopenly.ThispracticecontinuedfromthetimeIarrivedinBaghdadin408A.H.tilltheyear430.”

[1]MawaqidulMaarif,2/63

ShaykhTusifurthersays,“TheGovernor,MuhammadbinFarajhadametalenclosureconstructedoverthegraveofUthmanbinSaeedandtheneighborsandpeoplevisitthegraveandobtainblessingstherefrom.”[1]CondolenceoftheAwaitedImam(a.s)

AfterthedeathofUthmanbinSaeed,HisEminence,ImamMahdi(a.s)sentcondolencelettertohisknowledgeableson,MuhammadbinUthmanasfollows:

“IndeedwearefromAllahandtoHimweshallreturn…WesubmittoHiscommandandaresatisfiedwithHisdecree.Yourfatherhaslivedingoodfortuneandhaspassedawaywithdignity.MayAllah'smercybeuponhim,hehasjoinedhisfriendsandmasters.YourfatherwasalwaysintheaffairoftheImams(a.s)andwhateverwouldbringhimneartoAllah.MayAllahbrightenhiscountenance!

MayAllahgiveyoumorereward…andfromthesuccessofthatdepartedoneitissufficientthathehadasonlikeyou,whowouldsucceedhiminhisplaceandinvokemercyforhim.AndIalsosaythat

thanksbetomyLordbecausetheheartsoftheShiasarehappybecauseofwhatAllahhadmadeinyou.MayAllahhelpyouandmakeyousucceed.MayHebeyourguardianandprotector.”

JustasthesorrowfulstatementsofHisEminence,theMasteroftheAgeprovethetrustworthinessandelevatedstatusofUthmanbinSaeed,inthesamewaytheyconfirmthereliabilityandtrustworthinessofhisson,MuhammadbinUthman,whoalsopossessedgreatmeritsandgoodmanners…

[1]MoraqidulMaarif,2/63

2.MuhammadbinUthman

Afterthedeathofhisfather,MuhammadbinUthmansucceededtothepostofthespecialdeputyship

of theAwaited Imam (a.s).Muhammadwas among the trustworthy and reliable persons andwas adignifiedpersonalityoftheShiasinhisknowledgeaswellashisactions.Sinceeveryonealsotrustedhimlikehisfather,theShiapeoplenowforwardedtheirqueriesandreligiouspaymentsthroughhimtotheHolyImam.MuhammadbinUthmanthenconveyedtherepliesoftheImamtohisShias.

JusticeandTrustworthinessofMuhammadbinUthman

AllbiographersofMuhammadIbneUthmanareunanimousabouthiswork,positionandelevated

statusamongtheShias.Andthisdistinctionissufficientforhimthathewasaspecialdeputyof theProofofAllah,andtheAwaitedImam(a.s).Apositionheldbyhisfatherduringhislifetime,whichafterhispassingawaywastransferredtoMuhammadIbneUthman.[1]ThewrittencommunicationofHis Eminence, theMaster of the Age, proves his position and elevated status and the letter is asfollows:

“AndasforMuhammadbinUthmanAmri,mayAllahbepleasedwithhimandhisfatherbeforehim,ismytrustworthyandreliableassociateandhiswritingismywriting.”[2]

ImamHasanAskari(a.s)wasaskedregardingUthmanAmri.Hereplied:“Amriandhisson,botharetrustworthyandreliable.Whatevertheydoonmybehalfisinfactfromme.Andwhatevertheysayonmy behalf is in fact my saying. Then listen to and obey them because they are trustworthy andreliable.”[3]

[1]TanqihulMaqal,3/149[2]TanqihulMaqal,3/149[3]Bihar,13/97

Regardinghim,HisEminence,theMasteroftheAge(a.s)writesinalettertoMuhammadbinIbrahimbinMahziyarAhwazi:“Muhammadwasalwaysinthetimeofhisfather,mayAllahbepleasedwithhim,worthyofourtrust.Heislikehisfatherinourviewandheisappointedtohispostandheactsaccordingtoourcommands.MayAllahprotecthim.Soactuponwhathesays.”[1]

AndMuhammadbinUthmanhasnarratedthatHisEminence,theMasteroftheAge(a.s)performedtheHajjPilgrimageeveryyear.Hesays,“ByAllah!HisEminence, theMasterof theAffair(a.s) ispresenteveryyearintheHajjseasonandheseesthepeopleandrecognizesthem,butthepeopledonotrecognizehim.”[2]WritingsofMuhammadbinUthman

MuhammadbinUthmanhascompiledabookonIslamicJurisprudenceand traditions thatheheardfrom ImamHasanAskari (a.s), ImamMahdi (a.s) and his father,Uthman bin Saeedwho had alsoheardthemfromtheHolyImams(a.s).UmmeKulthumdaughterofAbuJa'farhasmentionedthatherfather'sbooksreachedHusainIbneRuh.[3]DeputyshipofMuhammadbinUthmanfromImamMahdi

MuhammadbinUthmanhadtheabsolutedeputyshipandgeneralrepresentationfromHisEminence,ImamMahdi (a.s) for fifty years. The Shias came to him from all corners and sent to him theirreligious payments so that hemay convey them to the Imamof the time (a.s). They also receivedrepliestotheirnumerousjuristicinquiriesthroughhimfromtheImam(a.s).

[1]Bihar,13/97[2]Bihar,13/97[3]Bihar,13/97

DeathofMuhammadbinUthman

Abu Ja’far Muhammad bin Uthman had gained much from faith and piety, therefore when heperceivedthathisdeathwasnearandthathemustmovetowardsmeetingwithAllah,hedugagraveforhimselfandonceinawhiledescendedintoitforrecitingQurantherein.Somuchso,thathehadinscribedsomeversesofQuranandnamesoftheHolyImamonatabletandhadmadeabequestthatitbeburiedwithhim.Aftera fewdayshis illnessworsenedandhis soul flewaway to theetherealworldandhesubmittedhislifetohiscreator.ThisoccurredintheendofthemonthofJamadiIintheyear305A.H.[1]

[1]Bihar

3.HusainbinRuh

HusainbinRuhwasthethirdspecialdeputyofHisEminence,ImamMahdi(a.s)duringtheperiod

ofminoroccultation.Hewasaworthypersonality,apious,intelligentandaknowledgeableman.InthiswayhewasgreatlyrespectedamongallMuslims,whetherSunnisorShias.WhenMuhammadbinUthmanwasonhisdeathbedhewassurroundedbytheShiasofhistime.Theyaskedhim:WhoisthedeputyofHisEminence,ImamMahdi(a.s)afteryou?

Hereplied:ThisAbulQasimshalltakemyplaceandhewouldbethelinkbetweenyouandtheMasterof the Age (a.s). He is the deputy and representative of His Eminence. He is a trustworthy and areliableperson.Therefore,refertohiminyouraffairsandseekhiscounselinyourproblems.IhavebeenorderedtoconveythismessagetoyouandIhavedoneso.DebateofHusainbinRuhwiththeopponents

A person from among the opponents had a debatewithHusain binRuhNawbakhti that shows theintellectuallevelandpowerfulknowledgeofthelatter.TheopponentsaidtoHusainbinRuh,“Iwishtoposesomequestionstoyou.”

[1]Bihar

Hereplied,“Youmayask.”Heasked,“PleasetellmeifHusain(a.s)istheWali(saint)ofAllaha”Herepliedatonce,“Yes.”Heasked,“IsitpossibleforAllahtogivepowertoHisenemyoverthisfrienda”

HusainbinRuhsaid,“PayattentiontowhatIamsayingandrememberit.YoushouldknowthattheAlmightyAllahdoesnotspeaktothepeopledirectly.ButHesendssomeprophetsofHistothem.IfHehadsentnon-humansasprophetstheywouldnothavegatherednearhim,theywouldhaveshunnedhim.That'swhytheprophetswerefromthepeople(human).Theyusedtoeatlikehumansandwalkedinthestreetsandbazaars.Peopleusedtosaytohim:Youarelikeusandwearelikeyou.Wedonotaccept that you are a prophet but that you present somemiracle. If you show amiraclewewouldknowthatyouhaveaspecialdistinctionfromAllah,whichwedonothave.Thusthemiraclesoftheprophetsarethegreatestproofoftheveracityoftheirclaims.Thereforesomeofthemafterwarningsand completion of proof presented the miracle of the flood and storm and the arrogants weredrowned.Someweresuchthatwhenthrownintothefire,itbecamecoolandcomfortforthem.Forsomeofthemtheseasplitandtheenemiesdrownedinit.TheAlmightyAllahturnedthedrystaffintoapython.OfthemweresuchthroughwhosehandstheAlmightyenlivenedthedeadandforsomesplitthemoonandinthesamewaygavespeechtoanimalslikecamelandwolf,etc.

In other words the divine prophets presented such miracles that people were not capable ofperformingthem.ThewisdomoftheAlmightywassuchthattheprophets,thoughtheypossessedthemiracles sometimes theyachievedvictories and sometimes they suffereddefeat. If theyhadalwaysbeenvictoriousandhadnever suffereddefeatandcalamities thepeoplewouldhavemistaken themfor being god and considered them all-powerful. Thus the prophets, despite their miracles weresometimes victorious and successful and sometimes vanquished, Therefore the people did not

perceive themtobeomnipotentandrealized that therewasapowerabove theprophetsWhois thecreator and Nourisher of the Universea They were compelled to confess to Him and obey Hisprophets,whoaretheproofsofAllahoverthepeople.Anyonewhosawtheirpropagation,warningsandsignsdecidedandconfessedthatitwastruthandworthobedience.Inthiswaytheysecuredtheirsalvationand thosewhodeviated from this andbecame inimical to thedivinemessengers fell intoeverlastingchastisement.”

ThisreplyanddebateshowsthepowerfulrationalcapabilityandknowledgeofHusainbinRuh.Theopponent was so much affected by the discourse that he fell into bewilderment. Therefore,MuhammadbinIbrahimbinIshaqwhowaspresentinthegatheringsaysthatthereplyofHusainbinRuhwassoastonishingthatthenextdayIwenttohimtoaskhimwhetheritwashisownreplyorhehadlearntitfromtheInfallibleImam(a.s).HusainbinRuhtoldhim:“OMuhammadbinIbrahim!Ineversayanythingonmyowneveninthemostdifficultcircumstances.RatherthesourceofallthethingsisfromthefavorsIhavereceivedfromtheProofofAllahandheardfromhim…”[1]SteadfastnessofHusainbinRuh

HusainbinRuhhadapowerfuldeterminationonthepathoftruthandpossessedgreatsteadfastnessandbravery.AbuSahlNawbakhti says: “IfAbulQasimhad the Imamunderneathhisgarment, andevenifhisfleshwasbeingcutintopiecestomakehimrevealhiswhereabouts,hewouldnotyieldorrevealhispresencetohisfoes.”[2]

[1]MuntakhabulAthar,Pg.397-399[2]Bihar,MaraqidulMa'arif,1/25

DissimulationofHusainbinRuh

HusainbinRuhwaslivinginatimewhenthesocietywasfullofhatredandmalicetowardsthefamilyof the Messenger of Allah (a.s). Therefore he was compelled to secure his life. So that he maycontinuetofulfillthegreatdutyandheavyresponsibilityofthedeputyshipoftheImamofthetime.Thusheusedtoact indissimulation.HistoriansstatethatonedayasentryofhiscursedMuawiyah,therefore Husain bin Ruh terminated his services and though many people interceded that he bereinstalledhewasnottakenbackbyHusainbinRuhever.[1]HusainbinRuhwithAliQummi

The great Allamah, Ali bin Husain Qummi wrote a letter to Husain bin Ruh that he request HisEminence, to pray that the Almighty Allah may give him a child who may become a scholar ofreligionfromhispresentwife,whowasthedaughterofhisuncle.HusainbinRuhalsoconveyedhisrequesttoHisEminence,ImamMahdi(a.s).Thereplycamethathewouldnothaveanychildrenfromthiswife.Butsoonhewouldbecomeamasterofabondmaidthroughwhomwouldbeborntwosons,deeplyknowledgeableaboutreligionandreligiouslaw.Notmuchtimepassedbutthathebecameamaster of aDailamite lady. TheAlmightyAllah gave him three sons from this lady,Muhammad,HusainandHasan.ButMuhammadandHusainbecameprominentscholarsofShiaIslamhavingfewequals. Theywere experts of religion andmemorizers of the verses of AllahAlmighty and theirpowerfulmemoryastonishedthepeopleandpeoplesaythatthisdistinctionwasduetotheblessingsofHisEminence,ImamMahdi(a.s).HoweverHasanwasanordinarymanandwasalwaysengrossed

inprayers,awayfromthecompanyofpeople.[2]

[1]Bihar[2]Ghaybah,ShaykhTusi,Pg188

DeathofHusainbinRuh

HusainbinRuhwasthesoledeputyandemissaryofHisEminence,ImamMahdi(a.s)for21or22years.HewasthesolelinkandmediumbetweenShiasandHisEminence(a.s).HeusedtoconveythequeriesandreligiouspaymentstoHisEminenceandobtaintheirrepliesfromhim.Afterthisperiodhefellillandintheyear326hepassedawayfromthisworldandwasburiedinBaghdadwithelaboratefuneralarrangementsatBazarShorja,whichisanimportantbusinesscenterandcourtoflaw.PeoplegoforZiyarattohisgraveandobtainblessingstherefrom.

4.AlibinMuhammadSamari

Ali bin Muhammad Samari was a man of faith and piety and had a very special and elevated

positionofspiritualityamongthepeople.It issufficientforhisdistinctionthathehadthehonorofbeingthespecialdeputyofHisEminence,theMasteroftheAge(a.s).Inspiteofthefactthatinhistime there existed many worthy and capable people among the Shias, he became the last specialdeputyofHisEminence.AndwithhispassingawaycommencedtheMajorOccultationoftheTwelfthImam.NowthegeneraldeputyshipofHisEminencebecametheshareofthegreatscholarsofShiareligion.

NarratorshavereportedthatHisEminencewroteanEpistletoAlibinMuhammadSamaribeforehisdeathasfollows:

“OAlibinMuhammadSamari,mayAllahrewardyou.Youaregoingtodieinsixdays.Tieupyouraffairsanddonotappointanysuccessor tocarryoutyourdutiesafteryour final transfer.The fulloccultationhasbegunandthereshallbenoappearancebutafterDivinepermission,highHisnameis,andthatshallbeafterlengthytimes,andthehardeningoftheheartsandtheearthbeingrepletewithinequity. Individuals who claim to have seen me will come to my Shia. Behold, whoever claimsseeingmebefore the riseofSufyaniand theCall, isa liaranda slanderer.And there isnopowerexceptthroughAllah,theLofty,theGreat.”[1]

We learn from this epistle that if anyoneafter themajoroccultationclaims tomeetHisEminence,ImamMahdi(a.s)hewouldbeablatant liar.OntheotherhandwehavehistoricalrecordsofmanypeopleandmanygreatscholarsmeetingtheImam(a.s).Nowhowcanwereconcile the twothings.TheexplanationisthatonewhoclaimstomeettheImamatwillandalsosaysthatheisanagentoftheImam like somepeopledidduring theminoroccultation isa liar.However, ifone reportswithoutsuchaclaimthereisnoharminit.Thisaccordingtomeistheapparentexplanationofthispuzzle.DeathofAlibinMuhammadSamari

AlibinMuhammadSamaribecameindisposedandtheShiapeoplevisitedhimandinquired,“Whoisyoursuccessorafteryoua”

Hereplied,“TheaffairrestsinthehandsofAllah(Idonothaveasuccessor).”SamarienteredintothemercyoftheLordon15thofShaban328A.H.[2]

[1]MojamRijalulHadith,13/186[2]Ghaybah,ShaykhTusi

18ChapterGUARDIANSHIPOFTHESCHOLAR(WILAYAT-E-FAQIH)

TheAwaited Imam (a.s) has appointed the great Shia jurists as hisWali and deputies just as the

PurifiedImams(a.s)hadappointedthemfromtheirsideandcommandedtheirShiasthatduringthetimeof theAbbasideswhen it isnotpossible tocontact theImams, theymust refer to thereligiousjuristsandseektheiropinioninlegalmatters.Inawell-knowntraditionfromUmarIbneHanzalaitismentionedthattwoShiapersonshadadisputeandweregoingtopresenttheircasetothegovernmentmagistrate.When ImamSadiq (a.s)was asked if such a stepwas permitted, he replied, “Onewhopresentshiscasetoatyrantandhegivesaverdictitisinvalid,eventhoughitmaybehislawfulright.Because he has got it through the verdict of a tyrant while the Almighty Allah has commandedshunningthetyrants.”

I asked, “Then what should these people doa” He replied, “See who relates our traditions andnarrationstoyouandwhoconsidersourpermittedandprohibitedandwhopossessesknowledgeandinformationaboutourcommands.Bepreparedtofollowhim.Ihaveappointedhimasauthorityonyou.Andwhenhecommandsourcommandsandprohibitsourprohibitionsandheisnotobeyed,itisasifthecommandsofAllahwereconsideredunimportant.Andwehavebeendenied.AndonewhodeniesushasdeniedAllah.SuchthatheshallbeinthelimitsofhavingassociatedwithAllah.”[1]

[1]WasaelushShia,KitabulQaza

Inthisdiscourse,theHolyImam(a.s)hasgivenageneralWilayattothejuristsandmadehimtheauthorityastherulerandpointofreferenceforallMuslimsintheirsocialaspects.LikethistraditionthereisanotherfamousnarrationofIbneKhadijahthattheImam(a.s)toldhim:

“Beware!Donottakeyourmutualdisputestothetyrantrulers.Rathersearchamongyourselvesandseeifyoucanfindonewhoisknowledgeableaboutourjudgmentsandsolutionstoreligiousproblems.Makehimajudgeamongyourselves.BecauseIhaveappointedhimasajudge.Sotakeyourcasestohim.”[1]

OnthebasisofthiswecansaythatImamJa'farSadiq(a.s)hasappointedthejustjurisprudentasthegeneralauthorityandthepointofreferencefortheMuslims.SimilartothesetwotraditionsisanepistleofHisEminence,theMasteroftheAge(a.s)addressedtoShaykhal-Mufid(r.a.).Itisasfollows:

“Asfortheevents,whichwilloccur,turntothenarratorsofourtraditions,becausethey(thenarrators)aremyprooftoyou,whileIamtheproofofAllahtothem…”

Inthistraditionandotherslikeit,HisEminence,ImamMahdi(a.s)hasappointedthejuristsashis

deputiesandcommandedtheShiastorefertothemandfollowtheirverdictsinallreligiousaspectsoftheirlife.

However,onewhoisresponsibleforthereligiousleadershipofMuslimsduringtheoccultationofHisEminencemustpossessthefollowingqualities:

[1]WasaelushShia,KitabulQaza

1.Adulthood2.Sanity3.Justice4.Man5.KnowledgeofJurisprudence6.Independence(accordingtosomenarrations.[1]

ResponsibilitiesoftheReligiousJurisprudent

Thefollowingaretheresponsibilitiesofthereligiousjurisprudentappointedasthegeneraldeputy

ofHisEminence:

A.TheIslamicworldandallthesectshaveconsidered(accepted)thatheisonewhotakescareandisconcernedforeverythingregardingtheworldofIslamandifthereisanattackfromtheenemyoraninfidelinvadesMuslimlandsitisnecessarythatheshouldrisetodefendthemandtheShiapointofreferenceisinNajafAshraf.ThuswhenLibyawasattackedbytheItaliansandMuslimsofPalestinewereundertheyokeoftheZionists(Jews)thescholarsofNajafAshrafalwayssupportedthepeopleofLibyaandroseuptodefendtheMuslims.

B.Hemustpossessexpertiseonallthefacultiesofthecollegesofreligioussciencesandhemustberesponsiblefortheirexpenseandthebudgets.

C.Hemustconveyfundstothepooranddeprivedpeopleofcommunityandfulfilltheirneeds.TheseweresomeoftheresponsibilitiesofthereligiousjurisprudentsappointedaspointofreferencebytheHolyImam(a.s)fortheMuslims.

[1]UrwathulWuthqa,Vol.1.Pg.4

19ChapterTHEMAJOROCCULTATION

ThemajoroccultationbeganafterthedeathofAlibinMuhammadSamariin328A.H.andthepoint

of referral and general deputyship ofHisEminence, theMaster of theAge (a.s) reached the greatjurists.Throughout the period of themajor occultation attention andwritten communications havecomefromHisEminence,totheprominentandknowledgeableShiapersonalities.Forexample,thatgreat personality sent a few letters to the great scholar and leader, ShaykhMufeed from his side,whichwerereceivedbyShaykhMufeed,andweshallquotetwooftheselettersinthecomingpages.Similarly ithasbeenprovedbywidely related reports that somepiousand righteousShiapersonswere blessedwith the audience ofHis Eminence and its details shall be stated in the forthcomingdiscussion.

Dajjals

AgroupofhypocritesanddeviatedpeopleclaimedthattheywerethedeputiesoftheAwaitedImam

(a.s).Their root causewas either jealousywith the honorable emissaries ofHisEminence or theyintendedtousurpthemoniesdispatchedbytheShiasfortheImam(a.s).Bywayofexamplesweshallmentionafewofsuchclaimantsbelow:

1.AhmadbinHilal

AhmadbinHilalKarkhiwasofthecompanionsofImamHasanAskari(a.s)andafterthemartyrdomofHisEminencethespecialdeputyshipofMuhammadbinUthmanfromHisEminence,theMasterofthe Age (a.s) made him jealous. Hence he denied the deputyship ofMuhammad. Shias asked himwhyhe did not accept the commands ofMuhammadbinUthmanwhile theHoly Imamhas clearlymadehisobediencecompulsory.

Hereplied,“Ihavenotheardabouthisdeputyshipopenlyandclearly.”

Theytoldhim,“Thoughyouhavenotheard,otherreliableandtrustworthypeoplehaveheardit.”

Hesaid,“Yourhearingisforyou.”[1]

SomeoftheclaimsofKarkhiandhiswrittenstatementsprovethathehaddepartedfromreligionanddeniedsomenecessaryprinciplesoffaith.

Imam’scensureofKarkhi

WhenthedenialofAhmadbinKarkhibecamepublicknowledge,Imam(a.s)becamealooffromhimandanepistlewasreceivedfromhimcontainingcurseonAhmadbinHilal:

“WeseekaloofnessfromIbneHilalfromtheAlmightyAllah.MayAllahnothavemercyonhimandthosewhodonotseekaloofnessfromhim.ThenconveythismattertoIshaqiandhistownspeopleandinformaboutthissinnermanandalsowhoeverwhohasinquiredaboutitorwouldinquirefromyouinthefuture.”[2]

2.HasanSharii

ButHasan Shariiwas a liar and aDajjal (mischief-maker) andwas formerly a companion ofHisEminence,ImamHadi(a.s)andImamHasanAskari(a.s)andlaterhebecameanapostate.HeclaimedtobetheholderofthevenerablepositionofthedeputyshipofHisEminence,ImamMahdi(a.s).AndheattributedthosethingstotheHolyImamsdidnotbefitthem.

[1]Ghaybah,ShaykhTusi;MojamurRijalulHadithVol.2Pg.369[2]Ghaybah,ShaykhTusi

Thosegreatpersonalitiesdissociatedthemselvesfromhim.ThereforetheShiashavealsosought

aloofnessfromhimandcursedhim.HisEminencehasalsocursedhiminoneofhisblessedepistles.[1]

3.HusainbinMansur

HusainbinMansural-Hallajwasanotherliar,deviantandmisguiderfromtruthwhoclaimeddeputyshipofHisEminence,theAwaitedImam(a.s).AndherequestedtheprominentShiastoaccepthisdeputyship.ThereforehesentalettertoAbuSahlNawbakhtianddesiredfromhimthathejoinhimandpromisedtogivehimalotofwealth.

Nawbakhtireplied,“Iamapersonwhoisfondofbondmaidsbutmyoldageisanobstacleinmyenjoyments.EveryFridayIamcompelledtodyemygreyhair.Soitwouldbeveryniceifyoucanmakemeneedlessofhairdye,savemefromthisexpenseandalsomakemybeardblack.IfyoudothisIshallbecomeyourfolloweranditwouldalsoprovetheveracityofyourclaim!ConsequentlyIwouldbecomeyourgreatestcompanionandpropagator.”

HallajwasperplexedbythisdemandofNawbakhtiandthisincidentbecamepublicknowledge.ItbecameatopicofgreatamusementwhilethedeceitanddeviationofHallajbecameclearforthepeople.

AnexampleofHallaj'sfraudisasfollows:Heinvitedanintelligentpersontodinner.Whenhearrivedathisplace,Hallajtoldhim,“IfIstretchmyhandstowardstheriver,Icouldcatchalivefishfromthere.”Thenhewentintotheroomandcamebackwithabiglivefishinhishandsandpresentedittohisguestsaying,“Thisismymiracle.”Perchancetherewasaknockatthedoorfrominside.Hallajwentinsideandtheguestalso

[1]Ghaybah,ShaykhTusi,Al-Ihtijaj,Tabarsi,MojamRijalulHadith,Vol.5,Pg.166

wentinsidethehousetofindbehindthecurtainapoolhavingmanyfishes.TheguestalsocaughtafishbroughtitinsideandplaceditnexttothefishHallajhadbrought.WhenHallajreturned,theguesttoldhim,“Thisismymiracle.”Hallajwasshockedandhastilyexpelledtheguestfromhishousebecausehehaddetectedhisfraud.

Hallajusedtoposehimselftobeverypiousandreligious.HewasseeninthemountainsofIsfahanwearingtatteredclothesandcarryingawater-skinandawalkingstick.

AnotherfraudofHusainbinMansur

Hehadinstructedsomeofhisdisciplestoconcealaquantityofsweetmeatandbreadataparticularspotinthedesert.Thenhetookalongsomepeoplewithhimandwithhiscompanionswenttothatsamedesert.Whenhereachedthatplace,hisdiscipleusedtoremark,“HowniceitwouldhavebeenifwehadgotbreadandHalwa(sweet)rightnow,sothatwecouldhaveenjoyedit.”AtthattimeHallajwouldrecedetoacornerandpraytwounitsofprayerandsupplicatetheLordforbreadandHalwaforthepeople.Hisdisciplewouldintentionallywaitforsometimeasifwaitingfortheacceptanceofprayers.ThenheusedtogotothatplacewherebreadandHalwawasburiedandannounce,“WehavereceivedthisbreadandHalwaasaresultoftheprayerofHallaj.”Manygulliblepeopleusedtobeinfluencedbythisfraudanditseemedtobeanunnaturalphenomenonandamiracleandtheyusedto

becomesuchzealousdiscipleofhisthattheyevensoughthisurineasmeansofcure.[1]

ItissaidthatHallajalsoclaimeddivinityandoneofhiswritingsaysasfollows,“IfonefastsforthreedayscontinuouslywithoutbreakingitandthenbreaksitwiththreeleavesofChicory,theAlmightyAllahwouldforeverexempthimfromkeepingthefastsofthemonthofRamadan!Andanyonewhorecitesatwo-rakat

[1]Arabic=Tabarruk

(unit)prayerfromsunsettillthenextmorning,Allahwouldmakehimneedlessofprayer.OnewhodonatesallofonespropertyonasingledayincharitywouldgainexemptionfromperformingHajj.AndonewhostaysatthegravesofmartyrsintheQuraishcemeteryfortendays,prayingandfastingandbreakingthefastonlywithsomebarleybreadandsalthewouldbemadeneedlessofworshipandobedienceofAllah.”

Hallajiscreditedwithhavingstartedmanyinnovations.HisactivitieswerereportedtotheAbbasideCaliph,Muqtadir,whohadhimarrestedandexecutedin309A.H.

4.MuhammadbinAli

MuhammadbinAliShalmaghani,popularlyknownasIbneAbilGharaqarwasamoderateforalongtimeandhadnosortofdeviation.ButafterthatduetojealousytowardsShaykhAbulQasimHusainbinRuh,thespecialdeputyofHisEminence,ImamMahdi(a.s),hebecamedeviatedandheleftthereligionofAhleBayt(a.s),aligninghimselfwithsomedebasedsects.Someoftheprinciplesofthosesectswere:Nokindofworshipactwasobligatoryandeverykindofadulterybetweenpeopleofprohibiteddegreeaswellasotherswasallowed.Also,thateverypersonofhighsocialclassshouldmarryaspouseofalowerclasssothathemayinducteffulgenceintothem.

AnepistlewasissuedbyHisEminence,theMasteroftheAge,containingcurseonShalmaghaniandstatinghisdissociationfromhim.

WhentheinnovationsofShalmaghanibecameknowntoall,therulerofthattimehadhimexecutedinBaghdadin323A.H.

SomeoftheabovefalseclaimantsandDajjalsoftheperiodofminoroccultationcameintobeingduetotheirjealousytowardsthespecialdeputyshipoftheImamofthetime,andconsideredthemselvestobedeprivedofthatexaltedpositionandthat'swhytheyresortedtosuchfraudulentclaims.

ClaimantsofMahdaviyat

During thewhole period of history therewere somepeoplewho for the sake of political gains

claimedtobeMahdiinspiteofthefactthattheydidnotprofessthereligionofAhleBayt(a.s).Weshalldiscussafewofsuchclaimantsinthefollowingpages:

1.MahdiSudani

Amongsuchwell-knowncharacterswasMahdiSudanifromtheAfricancontinent.

MahdiSudaniwasborn in1848at theSudanesevillageofDolga inhabitedbypeoplewhosemainoccupationwasbuildingboats.Hebecame themostwell-knownpseudo-Mahdi inEurope.His realnamewasMuhammadAhmadandheassumed the titleofMahdi.Bydisplayingexcessivepiety,hegainedrespectandhonorattheageoftwenty-twoyears.HewasaneloquentspeakerandhemostlycondemnedEgyptianauthorities inhisspeeches.Heexposed the tyrannyof therulers to thepeopleandlaidgreatstressuponthereappearanceofMahdi.

Thisself-proclaimeddeputyoftheProphetandthefalseleaderoftheMuslimsraisedthestandardofrevoltinSudan,whichwasundertheruleofEgyptiansinconnivancewiththeoppressiveBritishers.InhiseloquentspeecheshecondemnedthetyrannyoftheEgyptianstosuchanextentthatSudanesepeoplebegantohatethem.HemadespecialreferencestoImamMahdi(a.s)andgraduallyproclaimedhimselftobeconnectedwiththeMahdiashadbeentheusualpracticeofallfalseclaimantsatthestartoftheirclaim.Finally,heclaimedtobeMahdihimselffromthelineageoftheHolyProphet(a.s),the12thImamandthesonofImamHasanAskari(a.s).

Afterobtainingbasic education,heentered into theSanusiyaSufiorder andon the IslandofAbbabegan to spendhis time inmeditation.His falseclaimofMahdaviyat receivedsupport for the firsttimeonthisIsland,whichis150milessouthofKhartoum.

BeginningofhisMission

SomehistoriansstatethatafterjoiningtheSanusiyaSufiorderhehadanargumentwithhisPeer(Sufiguide)andhencebegantocollecthisowndisciplesandsubsequentlyclaimedtobeMahdiofthetimeand the last Imam.At the outset itselfAbdullahAl-Taaisha (Caliph) supported and advised him toaccompanyhimtoaplacewherethemilitanttribescouldbeinstigatedtoriseinrevolt.

InMay1881theEgyptiangovernment issuedanorderforhimtopresenthimself inKhartoumandclarifyhisposition.ButMuhammadAhmadignoredthisorder,assumedrulershipofthecountryanddeclaredaholywaragainsttheinfidelsaswellastheprogressiveMuslims.

TheEgyptiangovernmentdispatchedanarmyof twohundredsoldiersunderRaufPasha tosubduehim. On 11th of August the Egyptians landed on the Island of Abba to attack the followers ofMuhammadAhmad.ThesupportersofMuhammadAhmaddidnotpossessanyfirearmssotheykeptthemselves hidden till night fell. As soon as it was dark they surrounded the Egyptian army andattackeditferociouslytillthecompletearmywaswipedout.AfterthisMuhammadAhmadfledtoa

secludedplacewherethepossibilityofretaliationfromtheEgyptianarmydidnotexist.Onthewayhemet the local leaders fromwhom he learned that therewas great discontent among the peopleregarding the Egyptian government. The abolishing of slave trade was also a cause of economicunrest.

AttheJebelGhadirhehadtofacethemenofYusufPashaandtheycompelledhimtoretracehissteps.InMay1882theEgyptiangovernmentdispatchedanarmyof6000toattackMuhammadAhmad.Onenight, Muhammad Ahmad attacked the army of Yusuf Pasha and put them to death. After victoryMuhammadAhmadgainedmorecloutandwasjoinedbymanypeoplegreedyforthespoilsofwar.

InthelastpartofthemonthofNovember1882MuhammadAhmadconcludedthathehadsufficientmilitarystrengthtocapturetheEgyptianfortofAl-Abeed.SoheattackedAl-Abeedandcapturedit.Thenheconvertedthefortashisresidenceandmadeittheseatofpower.

MuhammadAhmadusedtowearasimplecottondress.Hisfollowersalsoimitatedhiminhisstyleofdressing.Outwardlyheputup a facadeof simplicitybutused to lead a lifeof sensuality in secret.Womenwerehisweakness.HetriedtoimitatetheconditionsoftheHolyProphet(a.s)andcalledhiswife Ummul Momineen Ayesha. He also named his followers after the companions of the HolyProphet (a.s) viz. Abu Bakr, Umar, Hassaan Ibn Saabit, Khalid bin Waleed, etc. The commonfollowerswerecalledashelpers(Ansar)Heseemedtobringabouttheconditionsimilartothetimeof theHoly Prophet of Islam (a.s). But actually itwas not so. If it had not been for the spread ofoppressionbytheBritishandtheEgyptians,thispseudoMahdiwouldhaveneversucceeded.Buttheoppressedpeoplewere tiredof the tyrannyandhencevarious tribes joinedhandswithMuhammadAhmad.

WhenMuhammadAhmadtraveledforthefirsttimefromtheIslandofAbbatowardsMasathetermedhisjourneyas"Hijrat"-migration.Healsoappointedhisfourcaliphs.ThefirstcaliphwasAbdullahAl-Taaisha. He was given the title of Abu Bakr. He pretended to establish a rule on the Quranicprinciples but the actual factwas that hewanted to put up this false show so that he could collectpeopleunderhimself.Inordertoadministerthecountry,hecollectedbothZakatandKhums.Butthedistributionof thesamewaswithfavoritism.Heprohibited thestudyofreligionandFiqh.Heonlystressed on the recitation of the Holy Quran but strictly prohibited any discussion on it. Like theWahabisheprohibitedtheconsumptionoftobaccoandconsidereditmoresinfulthandrinkingwine.Hedidnotforgiveeventhesmallestofthesins.

ControlonSudan

DuetotheEgyptianandtheBritishrule,Sudanwaspassingthroughaverycriticalperiod.TheBritishdispatchedanarmyof10,000underWilliamtoattackMuhammadAhmad.Onthe3rdofNovemberMuhammadAhmadreachedKashgiltoconfrontthearmyandinflictedaterribledefeatuponit.NowthewholeofSudanwasvirtuallyunderhiscontrol.

In December 1884 the army sent by Salauddin Pasha under an Austrian officer was defeated byMuhammadAhmadafteraconflictwhichlastedawholeyear.At thisdefeat theBritishpreparedtofleeSudan.Inordertofacilitatethisexit,GeneralCharlesGeorgeGordonwasdispatched.Priortothis,hehadheldthepostoftheGovernorGeneralofSudanandhencewasverypopularamongthelocals.

Secondly,hewascapable tohandleMuhammadAhmadwhohadbynowestablishedhimselfas theMahdiandthecompletemasterofSudan.HereachedKhartoumonthe18thFebruary1884andmadeanofferof recognizing the ruleofMuhammadAhmad if hewould free all theprisoners.Healsoofferedtopermittheresumptionoftheslavetrade.

Instead of accepting these conditionsMohammedAhmad prepared to attackKhartoum and on the22ndAugustlaidsiegetothecity.Eventhoughhecouldnotfacethefirearmsandthesophisticatedweaponsheprolongedthesiegesomuchthatthepeoplebegantoworry.TherewasagreatshortageofthenecessitiesoflifeinthecityasMuhammadAhmadhadpreventedallsortofcommunication.MuhammadAhmadfoundthetimeripeforhispurposeandenteredthecityon25thJanuary1885andstartedplunderanddestruction.

General Gordon was killed just outside his palace. Sudan was completely lost by the British andMuhammad Ahmad made Khartoum the seat of his Caliphate. In order that he may exercise acompletecontroloverSudanhesealedallthebordersandevenprohibitedthepeoplefromgoingforHajj.

DeathofMahdiSudani

ThisfalseMahdidiedon22ndJune1885duetohighfever.HehadalreadyappointedAbdullahAl-Taaisha as his successor but due to his weak disposition he faced defeat at the hands of GeneralKitchener.SudanonceagainfellintothehandsoftheBritish.InordertotakerevengetheBritishdugupthegraveofMuhammadAhmad,cutoffhisheadandsentittoEngland.

2.MahdiTahama

MahdiTahamawasanativeofYemenandaroundtheyear1159A.D.heappearedandclaimedthathewas the Awaited Imamwhose glad tidings were given by the Prophet (a.s). A group of BedouinsfollowedhimandheannexedtheKingdomofHamadanidynasty inSanaaandNajjahiKingdominZubaid.Hisgrandson,AbdulNabitookoverthepositionofhisgrandfatherin1162ADandcontinuedthe efforts of his predecessor.However,TuranShah, on behalf of SalauddinAyyubi destroyed hisrule.[1]

3.MahdiofSenegal

In1828A.D.acharacterappeared inSenegalandclaimed tobe theAwaitedMahdi.He tookup thestandardofrevoltagainsttheregimeofthattimebutwasdefeatedbadlyandexecuted.[2]

4.MahdiofSoos

SoosisatowninWesternArabia.InthisplaceamanaroseandclaimedtobetheAwaitedImam.Alargenumberofpeoplebegantofollowhimbuthewasshotdead.[3]

[1]TarikhAshShaubulIslamiya,Pg.324-326[2]Hazirulal-Islami,2/195[3]Al-Burhan,1/281

5.MahdiofSomalia

ApersonnamedMuhammad,thesonofAbdullahSomalianclaimedin1899A.H.tobetheAwaitedImam.Hehadgreatinfluenceinhistribe,UjadinandhefoughttheBritishandItalianforcesforalmost20yearsanddiedin1920A.H.[1]

TheseweresomepersonswhoclaimedtobethePromisedMahdi.Hereweconcludeourdiscussiononthissubject.

[1]TarikhAshshuyubal-Islamiya,Pg.640

20ChapterASTUDYOFTHEOCCULTATIONOFIMAMMAHDI

Themost important discussion in this book, in my view, is that the readers of this book learn

somethingabout thecausesof theoccultationofImam(a.s)andalso that the informationabout thenaturalcausesofthelongevityofHisEminencemaybeconveyed.

CausesoftheoccultationofImamMahdi(a.s)

TheoccultationofHisEminence,theMasteroftheage(a.s)isanecessarythingandHisEminence

isnotneedlessofit.Weshalldiscussthosefactorsthatrendereditanabsolutenecessity.1.FearoftyrannicalAbbasideregime

WhenAbbaside rulers gainedpower they initiated theworst of atrocities and tortures on theHolyImams (a.s). Basically they considered the school of Ahle Bayt (a.s) and anyone who was theiradherentstobeeligibleforextremepressureandrestrictions.Theywerethrownintohorribleprisonsandthenputtodeath.PoetsandhistorianshavedrawnapatheticpictureoftheperilouscircumstancessufferedbytheAlawiteSayyids.AbuAtaasays:

Alas! If only the oppression of the Merwanids (Bani Umayyah) had returned and the justice ofAbbasidesweredestroyedandthrownintothefire.

DibilKhuzaisays:

TheoppressionofBaniAbbashascoveredeverythingandnoonewassecurefromitsoppression.IfweregardtheoppressionofBaniUmayyahanexpectedfact,astheywereenemiesofBaniHashim,howcanwejustifytheoppressionofBaniAbbaswhowerethemselvesfromBaniHashimaYaqubbinSikkit,an intellectualandascholarof languagesaysregardingMutawakkil, theAbbaside,whenherazedthetombofthebelovedoneoftheHolyProphet(a.s)andharassedandtorturedthevisitorstohisgrave:

“ItistruethatBaniUmayyahunjustlykilledthesonofthedaughteroftheProphetofIslam(a.s).ButtheBaniAbbas regretted not being present among themwhen they committed this crime. So theirmalicewasexpressedinmutilatingthegraveoftheHisEminence…”

Abu Faras Hamadani has described the various kinds of tortures and atrocities wrought by theAbbasideswithregardtoAhleBayt(a.s)inthefollowingwords:

“TheAbbasideshavemetamorphosedthereligionofAllahandusurpedtherightsandsubjectedtheprogenyofAlitohumiliationandimprisonedandtorturedthem.ThoughtheBaniAbbascanneverreach theelevatedpositionof theprogenyofAli (a.s).Theycannotaspire for theexaltedstatusofBaniHashim.Theirancestor,indeedwasnothavingevenone-tenthofthepositionoftheProgenyoftheProphet.Basicallythereisnosimilaritybetweenthetwoclans.Onthebasisofthis,theProgenyofAliisgreatandhonorable.EventhoughAbbasidesarerulers,butinfacttheyshallremainservantsoftheProgenyofAli(a.s).”

AbuFarasfurthersatirestheAbbasidesthus:

“Why are these blatant behaviors and unsuitable things kept away from the Progeny of the

MessengeraReally,howdeepyouhavegoneintodeceitinreligion.HowmuchbloodoftheProgenyofMessengerhasbeenspilledatyourhands!Nomatterhowhardyoutry,youaregoingintofurtherdeviation.YoucannevergainthestatusoftheProgenyofAli.ThisisyourHaroonwhocouldnotbecomparedwithMusabinJa’far(a.s).AndthisisyourMamun,wholikehisfather,wassunkinevildeedsandsohecouldnotbecomparedtoAlibinMusear-Reza(a.s).ThefactisthatyouexceedtheUmayyadsinyouratrocitiestowardstheprogenyoftheProphet.”

IbneRumihaspennedthefollowing:

“Youhavetwooptionsbeforeyou.Oneisthestraightpathoftruthandtheotherisadeviatedroad.Man isgiven theoption to takeoneof the two.Thepathof enmity to theprogenyof theProphet,whichisthepathofdeviationorthepathoftruth.”

Thenhesays:

“HowprolongedisthepathofusurpingtherightsoftheProgenyofAli(a.s)andtheirtorturesandkillings.How longwould the progenyof the prophet be continued to be killed, and for how longwouldtheirbloodcontinuetobespilledaHowlongwouldyoucontinuetosellyourreligiontotheserulerstowhomyouhavepaidallegianceaIstherenoneamongyouwhocouldrespecttherightsoftheMessengerofAllah(a.s)andhavefearoftheLordofretributionaSothatyoumayhelptheminsuchtimesofterriblecalamitiesandoppressionsa”

Hefurthersays:

“BewareoftheBaniAbbasandkeepawayfromthem.Youshouldknowthattheyaredrownedintheseaofoppressionandinjustice.Andtheirkingdomandregimeisnotpermanentanditshouldnotbeacauseofyourprideanddeceit.VerysoonanavengershallariseandseekrevengeofthebloodoftheprogenyoftheMessenger,whichwasspilledunjustly;becauseaftereverydarknightthereisabrightday.

Apparently,IbneRumihasalludedtothereappearanceandadventofHisEminence,ImamMahdi(a.s)whowouldriseuptoestablishhisright.

TheaboveweresomeexamplesoftheatrocitiestheAbbasideshadcommittedonthedescendantsofImamAli(a.s)thatwereversifiedbythesepoets.

LetterofKhwarizmitothepeopleofNishapur

AbuBakrKhwarizmiwrotethefollowinglettertothepeopleofNishapur.Itisanexampleofrecordscontaining theoppressionsdoneon theAhleBayt (a.s)after thepassingawayof theMessengerofAllah(a.s) thatwerecommittedbyUmayyads,Abbasidesandothers.Hereweshallquote this letterverbatim,becauseitcontainsindetailssomeofthetorturessufferedbytheAlawites.Itisasfollows:

“Knowthat!MayAlmightyAllahguideyoureffortsandmayHegatheryouractivitiesonpietyandfearofGod.Thereisamatteronwhichnopowerfulpersonhasspokenabout.Thathecouldnotbearanykindofdifficultyexceptthatheshouldhavekeptitinhisownplaceandwouldnotconfesstoitsgreatnessbutthathebeinclinedtoitandnooneshallcare,thatheshoulddestroyhisreligion.Ifhis

worldbecomesbadandifhesawhishappinessinithedoesnotcareaboutthepleasureofAllah.

Youallandme-mayAllahreformyouandus.WearethatgroupthatAllahhasnotmadeusforthisworld. Rather he was kept us for the Hereafter. He has kept us away from instant happiness andpreparedtherewardsoftheHereafterforus.Wearedividedintotwogroups:Agroupthatacceptedsacrificeandanothergroupthat isa lifeofhomelessness.Thelivingpeopledoubtregardingthosewhohavediedandhadreachedanelevatedstatusandarenotpleasedwiththelifegiventothem.[Thatisthelifeofhomelessness].

AmirulMo-mineen (a.s), the chief of religion said: “Calamities reachourShiasmore swiftly thanwaterreachesalow-lyingland.”Theconclusionofthisdiscourseisthatthesethingsareobtainedbypatience;andhefoundthepeopleofhishousetobealwaysindifficultiesandcalamities.Theirlifewasalwaysindifficultiesandtheirheartswerealwaysfilledwithsadnessandgriefandtheworldhadbecomes aloof from them. If we wish to be the Shias of Ahle Bayt (a.s) in the obligatory andrecommendeddeeds andwish to act on all their commands,wemust also be prepared to bear theworstkindsofdifficulties.

IntheendofhisdiscoursehehasmentionedthedifferenttypesofatrocitieswroughtupontheShiabythetyrantrulersandthecalamitiesthatbefellthemshallberecompensedinformofgreatrewardofParadiseby theAlmightyAllah,which is forHis favoriteones.TheAlmightywould reward themmoreinrecompenseoftheatrocitiesbornebythem,duetotheirhavingaffectionforAhleBayt(a.s)…”

AmongthepointsderivedfromhisstatementsisthatthepeopleofNishapurweresubjectedtogreatoppressionandcalamitiesduetotheir loveforAhleBayt(a.s) therefore,AbuBakrhaswrittenthislettercomfortingthemintheirtroubles.Furtherontheletter-writersays:

“TherightofFatimaZahra(s.a.)regardingherinheritancefromherfatherwasusurpedonthedayofSaqifah and Amirul Momineen (a.s) was deprived of caliphate. Imam Hasan (a.s) was secretlyadministeredpoisonandhisbrotherwasslainopenly.ZaidIbneAliwascrucifiedonatreeinKanasaandhewasbeheaded in thebattle [though it is said thathewasbeheadedafter thebattle].Hissons,MuhammadandIbrahimweremurderedbyIsabinMusa, theAbbaside. ImamMusabinJa'far (a.s)passedaway[wasmartyred]intheprisonofHaroon.ImamReza(a.s)waspoisonedatthebehestofMamun.IdrisfledfromthebattlesofFakhandledasolitarylifeinAndulasia.IsabinZaiddiedwhilehehadbeenexpelledandhadfled.YahyabinAbdullahwaskilledinspiteofhavingbeenguaranteedsafety.”

InthispartoftheletterKhwarizmihasdetailedtheatrocitiesbornebytheAhleBayt(a.s).ThemostseriousofthesecrimesagainstthemwasagainstthechiefoftheladiesoftheworldandthebelovedoftheMessengerofAllah(a.s)andapartofhisbody,HerEminence,FatimaZahra(s.a.).Thatshewas deprived of her inheritance on the day of Saqifah. On the day whose calamity shall remainforeverinthehistoryoftheworld.AndallthoseatrocitiesandoppressionthathavereachedtheAhleBayt(a.s)allofthemaretheconsequencesofthatunfortunateday;whentheykeptawaytheMaster,Amirul Momineen (a.s), from the center of caliphate even though the Prophet of Allah (a.s) hadappointedhimtoImamateonthedayofGhadeer.Fromthatdayonwards,suchatrocitiescontinuedontheAhleBayt of theMessenger (a.s).Muawiyah, the sonofHind, had ImamHasan (a.s), the greatleader of the youths of Paradise, poisoned. Yazid, the son of Muawiyah, massacred the beloved

grandsonoftheMessengerofAllah(a.s)andhisfamilymembersandfriendsatKerbala.Itwassuchaterriblecarnagethatitsequalisnotpresentanywhereinthehistoryofmankind.

AmongthecalamitiesthatbefellAhleBayt(a.s)wasthemartyrdomofZaid,thesonofImamSajjad(a.s)whowaskilledbytheUmayyadsandafter thathewasimpaledonadatetree.Hecontinuedtoremainthereforsomeyears.HeshowedtheMuslimsthepathoffreedomanddignifiedhumanity.Hepersuadedthemtofightforfreedomratherthanleadalifeofdegradation.

InthesamewaythegreaterpersonalityfromAhleBaytofhis time,HisEminence,MusabinJa'far(a.s), who was also the leader and guide of the people had to bear the wrath of Haroon, whosuppressedsocialjusticeandcasttheHolyImam(a.s)inthedarkdungeonsoftheprisonandfinallyhadhimmartyredbypoison.

Afterthathisson,ImamReza(a.s)becameengrossedintheatrocitiesofMamun,theAbbaside,whenhe was compelled to accept the heir-apparency of Mamun. Later on, the same Mamun had himmartyredthroughpoison.

SuchatrocitieswereheapeduponthepurifiedSadatwhiletheyallwerethosewhoinvitedthepeopletojusticeandfreedomintheworldofIslam.

KhwarizmifurtherdetailstheproblemssufferedbytheAlawitesandsays:

“ApartfromthisYaqubbinLaithoppressedtheAlawitesinTabristan.MuhammadbinZaidandHasanbinQasimDaiwerearrestedandimprisonedbytheSassanids.AdditionallywehavethetroublesthatAbuSaj imposedon theAlawitesofMedinawhenheforciblybrought themtoSamarrah insuchawaythatnoshadewasprovidedovertheirheadsandonlybarrenearthwastheretowalkandsit.ThisoccurredafterthekillingofQutaybahbinMuslimalongwithhisfamilyandchildrenwhohadbeenarrestedbyUmarbinAliwhowasoverpoweredbyBabawahy.Later onhe concealedhimself andchangedhisnameinordertoescapedeath.

InadditiontowhatHusainbinIsmailMusabididwithYahyabinUmarZaidi.ItwaswhatMuzahimbinKhaqandidwiththeAlawitesofKufaanditissufficientforyou.ThereisnotownintheIslamiclandsbut that at least onemartyr from theAlawites is buried therein and none but theUmayyads or theAbbasideshadahandintheirkillingsandtheArabsofAdnanandQahtanidescentareunanimousonthis.

ThereisnoneofthelivingoneswhomwecouldrecognizefromYemen,BakrandMudirbutthattheywerepartnersinthebloodshedofAhleBayt(a.s).Theyarepartnersinitjustasthebutcherdividesthemeatoftheslaughteredanimal.”

In these statements, he has mentioned the atrocities of Bani Abbas with regard to the greatpersonalitiesoftheAlawitesandShias,whoweresubjectedtokillingsanddestruction.TheAbbasideruler had commanded his security organization to find the Alawites wherever they might be andsubject them to theworst tortures.Khwarizmi has given a brief account of all the leadingAlawitepersonalitieswhoweremartyredatthehandsofAbbasides.

KhwarizmithenmovesaheadandfurtherdetailsperilouscircumstancesoftheAlawitesandsays:

“Theirpersonalityandabstemiousnessguided them todeath.A lifeofdegradationwasnotagoodfutureforthem.Thustheywelcomedadeathofdignity.TheyreposedtheirfaithonthatwhichwasstoredforthemintheHereafter.Theykepttheirtemporalselfishdesiresatadistance.ThusnonebuttheirShiasandfanshadtodrinkthecupofdeath.Theirhelpersandfollowersboreeachandeverykindoftorturewithpatienceandforbearance.”

In this section, Khwarizmi has described the honor and dignity of the Alawites and says that theAlawites possessed such self-respect that they could not bear a life of degradation under theshameless indignities from the Abbasides. Therefore they raised the flags of opposition andrevolutionsothattheymaygainandretainfreedomandtheyboreunlimitedatrocitiesinthisprocess.TheworsttorturesdescendedupontheShiaswhotookupresistanceagainstthetyrannicalAbbasidesandUmayyads.

Thereafter,KhwarizmihasmentionedthetorturesbornebytheAlawitesandtheirShias:

“IntheilluminatedMedina,UthmanbinAffankickedAmmarbinYasirseverelyinthestomach.HealsoarrestedandconfinedAbuZarGhiffari,andharassedAmmarbinAbdulQaisTamimi.AshtarNakhai and Abi bin Hatim at-Tai were beaten up by him. Ubayy Ibne Kaab was tortured andMuhammadbinHanafiyyahwasoppressedandkeptaway.HedidwhatheintendedwiththebloodofIbneSalim.HedidnotfellshortindoingwhatheintendedwithKa'abZihatba.”

InthesestatementsKhwarizmihasdescribedthebehaviorofUthmanbinAffan,theseniormemberoftheUmayyad clan towards the senior companions of the Prophet and the punishments andmentaltortures meted out to them. For example, the great companion, Ammar Yasir and the respectedcompanion,AbuZarGhiffariandotherslikethemalsoopposedthepoliticsofwealthhoardingandtheprecedencegiven toBaniUmayyah andProgenyofAbuMuit.Uthmanhadgifted to themvastwealthandimposedtheirpoweronthelivesofMuslims.ThisalonebecamethecauseoftheMuslimscomingtogetheruponthekillingofUthman.

KhwarizmihasmentionedalltheproblemsandoppressionbornebytheAhleBaytandtheShiasandhesays:

“AndBaniUmayyahfollowed the footstepsofUthman.Thuswhoeverconfronted theminwarwaskilledandwhoeversubmitted to themwasabused.Theydidnotprovideanysocialsecurity for theEmigrants (Muhajarin) andmade them dispersed.Nor did they accord any place of safety for thehelpers(Ansar).TheyhadnofearofGodandtheyhadnorespectforanyone.TheyconsideredthepeopleastheirslavesandconsideredthepropertyofGodastheirown.TheymadetheKa'badesertedand invited their companions toworship them.Theyomitted the ritualprayers.Theydestroyed thefreedom of people. Their behavior in the holy places and cities of Muslims was like that of theinfidelsintheirownholyplacesandcities.AndifapersonfromtheUmayyadscommittedasin, itwasnotevencriticized,asifhehadcommittednothingwrong.”

In this section, he has penned the crimes andmisappropriations ofBaniUmayyah. Theywere nothavinganykindofregardforthepeopleuponwhomtheyruledwithanironhand.Theyconsideredlowlyall thosewhowanted toadvise themtogoodand theyforcedall that thepeopledidnot like.SimilarlyhementionsothercalamitiesimposedbytheUmayyads.

After thatKhwarizmi details the continuous oppressions and atrocities ofBaniUmayyah upon theAlawites:

“MuawiyahkilledHujrbinAdi;healsoarrestedandkilledAmrbinHamaqKhuzaiinspiteofhavinggiven him guarantee of safety and a promise of according him security. Ziyad bin Sumaiyahmassacred thousands of Shias ofKufa and tortured and killed the Shias ofBasra.Hewas the onewhose prison was the largest and who had the largest number of captives under him. Finally theAlmightyAllahgavetheworstformofdeathtoMuawiyahandlifeendedintheworstmanner.Afterthathepreparedhissontofinishofftheremainingrighteouspeopleandslaughterthechildrenofthemartyrs.ThusfirstheputtodeathHanibinUrwahMuradiandMuslimbinAqeelHashmi.AfterthatHarithbinZiyadRiyahithenAbiMusaAmrbinQardaAnsari,thenHabibbinMazharAsadi,Saeedbin Abdullah Hanafi, Nafe bin Hilal Jamali, Hanzala bin Asad Shami and Abis bin Abi ShabeebShakiri.ThenumberreachedtomorethanseventyShiaswhowerekilledbyhim.

AndafterthatheorderedforthekillingofImamHusain(a.s)inKerbalasothatthesecondpartofthestrategywasstarted.Thenthesonofthebastard,UbaidullahIbneZiyad,wasimposedonthepeople,sothatheimpaleshisopponentsondatepalms,andpeoplewerekilledindifferentwaystillthetimehewaskilled.Butthegreatburdenofbloodshedofthesacredbloodandthegiganticsinremainedonhisneck, tillagroupwhichAllahhad intended, roseup to finishoff thosewhohadcommitted theheinouscrime.TheyweresupportersofAhleBayt(a.s)andtheycametogethertoopposethisgroupand sought revenge for themartyrs. Although the son of the Bastardwas not totally helpless andcontinuous assistance reached him. The prominent personalities of Kufa rose up against him tooppose him and be killed and there was no other way for them. They sacrificed their lives andpropertyon thispath.Somuch so, thatSulaimanbinSurdKhuzai,MusayyabbinNajihFarazi andUbaidullahbinWaalTamimiandsomeoftheprominentpeopleandthebestbelieversandthechiefsofthefollowersofcompanions,whoweretheleadinglightsandthebravestalwartsofIslam,weremartyred.”

Inthesestatements,KhwarizmihasdelineatedthetorturesandoppressionsbornebytheShiasduringthecaliphateofMuawiyahbinAbiSufyan.Itwas thatheappointedZiyadbinAbihandinitiated themassacre and pursuit of the Shias. When the tenure of Muawiyah ended, his son, Yazid assumedpowerandcommittedsuchoppressionsashavenoequalinthehistoryoftheworld.Hemartyredtheprogeny of the Messenger of Allah (a.s) in such a terrible manner with such mercilessness thatitsequalisnotfoundanywhereelseinhistory,becauseherethesanctityoftheHolyProphetandhisdescendantswastrespassed,andwhateverIbneZiyaddidwiththechiefoftheyouthsofParadisedidnotsufficeforhim.HealsostretchedhishandstowardsthegreatShialeaders.Forexample,hehadMithambinTammarcrucifiedonadatetree.AfterthatareligiousgroupofsupportersoftheShiasrevoltedanddemandedrevengeforthebloodofImamHusain(a.s),whowerecalledTawabeen(therepenters).Theirleadersweremartyred,likeSulaimanbinSurdKhuzai,MusayyabbinNajihFaraziandAbdullahbinWaalTamimi,andalsootherswhoweretheleadinglightsofShiaIslam.

KhwarizmigoesfurtherregardingthecalamitiesoftheShiasandsays:

“AfterthatIbneZubairgainedpowerinHijazandIraqandkilledMukhtar.ItwasMukhtarwhohadraisedthebannerofrevoltandrevengedthebloodofthemartyrsofKerbalaandputtodeathallthosewhowere involved in themartyrdomof the chief of themartyrs (a.s) and arrested thosewho had

dishonoredhim.

AfterMukhtar,IbneZubairkilledAbiUmarIbneKaisan,AhmarIbneShameet,RufabinYazid,SaibbinMalikandAbdullahbinMalikandthosewhowereoftheShias.Hehadthemarrestedandcutupintopiecesandhadthemkilledinthemostterriblemanner.TillthetimetheAlmightyAllahhadthecitiesridofAbdullahbinZubairandgotthepeoplepeacefromhisbrotherMusabIbab.BothofthemwerekilledbyAbdulMalikbinMarwan.

“Inthiswayweshallputsomeoftheoppressorswithotheroppressedasaconsequenceofthedeedstheyhadcommitted.”

AndwhenMuhammadIbneHanafiyyahwasintheprisonofIbneZubairandwantedtoburnhimtodeathhealsoarrestedAbdullahIbneAbbasandcausedalotofbloodshed.

TheabovewordsareaboutagreatcommanderandapowerfulrulerlikeMukhtarbinYusufThaqafi,whohadpurifiedtheearthoftheimpurityofthemisappropriatorsandcriminalswhowerethekillersof theChiefof theYouthofParadise, ImamHusain (a.s).Hepursuedall of themandcaught themfromwherevertheywerehidingandexecutedthem.

AfterthatpeoplealignedwithAbdullahbinZubairandhisbrotherMusabandgainedpowerinHijazandIraqandstartedthekillingoftheShiasofAhleBayt(a.s)andattheendofthatkilledtherulerofIraq,Mukhtarandhisgroupwhowerethesignsofthebelieversandrighteouspeople.ButnotmuchtimehadpassedwhenAbdulMalikbinMarwankilledbothofthemandtheAlmightyAllahsavedthepeoplefromtheirtyranny.”

Here Khwarizmi has related some of the atrocities of AbdulMalikMarwan and other UmayyadsagainsttheShias:

“When the kingdom of Progeny of Marwan became consolidated they appointed Hajjaj on thegovernorshipofMeccaandMedinaandlaterasthegovernorofKufaandBasraandhedidwhateveroppressionsontheBaniHashimhewascapableof.AndheterrorizedtheFatimidsandmassacredtheShiasofImamAli(a.s)andtheheritagesofthehouseoftheProphetweredestroyed.HedidwhathedidwithKumail IbneZiyadNakhai. In thisway theoppressionscontinuedduring theperiodof thecaliphateoftheMerwanidstillthetimeoftheAbbasides.TheAlmightyAllahdecidedtoputanendtothecaliphateofMerwanidwiththemostterriblecrime.Thegreatestcrimetheycommittedagainsttherightful group at the end of their rule was that the hypocrites deserted Zaid bin Ali and he wasmartyredat thehandsof theSyrians.AndhisShias likeNasrbinKhuzaimahAsadi,MuawiyahbinIshaqAnsariandagroupwhohadsupportedandfollowedhimwerealsoexecuted.Ratherwhoeverwasfoundtohaveanyrelationshipwithhimwasmurdered.”

Hehasdescribed theevilhandiworksof theMerwanid rule;howtheyoccupied theseatofMuslimrule, how they hoisted themselves tomisappropriate thewealth ofMuslim and how theywroughthavoconthepopulace.ThechiefofthembeingtheappointmentofHajjajbinYusufThaqafionthenecksofMuslims.Heinitiatedelaboratemeasurestotyrannizethebelieversandrighteouspeoplebyemployingspiesandmercenaries.TheatrocitiesreachedsuchastagethatZaidbinAlidecidedtoriseup in revolt against all these tyrannies and gathered a group around himself. However, thehypocritical people soon deserted Zaid and he was also executed on Hajjaj's orders. Hajjaj also

destroyed all the signs of theHouseof theProphet andwas so atrocious that anyone suspectedofbeingaShiawasimmediatelyarrestedandexecutedandanyoneevensupportiveoftheShiaswasnotspared.

After that, Khwarizmi has indicated how the Kingdom of the Umayyad declined and how theAbbasidesachievedpowerandhowtheShiaswereagainbetweenatrocitiesandcalamities:

“When they destroyed the sanctity of Ahle Bayt and martyred Zaid bin Ali, the Almighty AllahbecameinfuriatedwiththemandHetoreawaypowerfromAbuMujrim,noAbuMuslimKhorasani,gainedthepower.WhenhesawtheatrocitiesupontheAlawitesbeingwroughtbytheUmayyadshetook it as apretext to raise the standardof revolt against themand in theprocessobtained for theAbbasidestheKingdomandruleofIslamiclands.Butsoontheyalsobegantocontinuethemisdeedsoftheirpredecessors.TheybeganwiththekillingofAbdullahbinMuawiyahbinAbdullahbinJa’farbinAbiTalib.They imposed the rebelsofKhorasan and theKhawarij ofSeestan and thekingsofIsfahan upon the necks of Progeny ofAli Talib. These peoplewere hotly pursued and sought outfromwherevertheyhadtakenrefuge.Ultimatelytheyabandonedthetownsandvillagesandretiredintowildernessormountainstosavetheirlives.Till thetime,theAlmightyAllahimposedHisbestfriendupon themand the foewaskilled.Everyonewho followedAbuMuslimwaskilled.He theninvitedthepeopletopayallegiancetohim.TillthetimetheAlmightyAllahbecameinfuriatedwithhim and he committed the most heinous crime upon whomsoever he could reach. Then cameDawaniqi,whomadehimselfcheapliketherateofjewelsfallsbuthedidnotselectthestraightpath.HeruledwithaheavyhandtillhefinallydiedwhilehisprisonwasfilledwiththeAhleBaytandtherepositoriesofProphethood.

Hepursuedthosewhohadconcealedthemselvesandputthemtodeath.TillthetimehehadAbdullahbinMuhammadbinAbdullahHasanikilledinSindhatthehandsofUmarbinHishamTaghlibi.ThenatthetimehewaskilledinSindh,knowthatalso,whoeverhecouldreachwhatwasitthathedidnotdowiththem.WasitanythinglessthanwhatHaroonRashidandAbuMusahaddonepreviouslyaAndyouwillknowwhatMusadidwithHusainbinAliattheFakhandsimilarlywhatHaroondidwithAlibinAftasHusainiandthatwaswhathadbeendonewithAhmadbinAliZaidi,QasimbinAliHusainiandAlibinAhsanHazirKhuzai.

At last Haroon died and by the time of his death, he had destroyed the tree of Prophethood anduprooted the foundationof Imamate.Andyou (OpeopleofNishapur)mayAllah reformyou.Youhadagreatpartoffaith.TheyabusedAmash,dethronedShareek,terrorizedHishambinHakamandmadeallegationsagainstAlibinYaqtin.”

In the above statements,Khwarizmihasdrawnapictureof thehandiworksof theAbbaside tyrantsagainsttheholyAhleBayt(a.s)andtheirsincerefollowers.WecansaythatwhattheUmayyadscouldnotdowasaccomplishedbytheAbbasideswhoclaimedaffinitytotheProphet.KhwarizmihasdrawnupalistoftheAlawiSadatwhowereputtodeathatthehandsofAbuMusaKhorasani.ThesameAbuMusafromwhomAllahtookrevenge.Mansurmadehimtastewhathehaddonewithhundredsandthousands of Muslims. But the greatest atrocities were committed on the Alawi Sadat during thecaliphateofMansurDawaniqi.Heexceededalllimitsintheirkillingandhegaveupallthepretencesofself-respectandmerits.Hepursuedalloftheminsuchaseveremanner,thatevenifoneconcealedoneselfbehindtherocksorbelowtheearth,heusedtosearchhimoutandhadhimkilledorhadhimimprisonedinhisdarkdungeonswhereonecouldnotdistinguishbetweendayandnight.

At the timehedied,hisprisonswerecrowdedwithSadatandsincereShiasand thesameatrocitiescontinuedunderthesonsofMansur.TheworsttimescameduringthecaliphateofHaroonRashidthathewreakedterribleoppressionsontheAlawitesanddestroyedthedescendantsoftheMessengerofAllah(a.s).Hemassacredandtrampleduponthemwithutmostferocity.Heoppressedthe leaderofthefamilyoftheProphet,ImamMusaIbneJa'far(a.s),hadhimimprisonedforyearsandthenfinallyhadhimpoisoned.

Afterthis,KhwarizmifurtherdetailsthetroublesfacedbytheAlawitesandShiasasfollows:

“InthebeginningimportantpersonalitieslikeZaidbinSauhanAbadi,UthmanbinHunaifAnsariwereconvicted.ThenHarithbinQudamaSa'adiwentintohidingandJundab,Shareeh,Malik,Motal,HarithandAbuTufayl etc.werekilledor humiliated in their ownhouses.Theyheard their friendsbeingabusedandinsultedandtheycouldnotsayanythingagainstit.Theysawtheirfollowersbeingkilledbeforetheirowneyesbuthadtomaintainsilence.Itdidnotremainhiddenthattheydidnotcreateanyobstacleandmostofthemwerekeptbewildered.Forexample,peoplelikeJabir,Rashid,Zurarahandothers like them,whohaddevotion towards theholysaintsandhadkeptaloof from theirenemies.And when they were put into perplexity the most terrible crime of theirs was that they did notrecognizetheirownImam.”

Intheselines,KhwarizmihasdescribedtheperilouscircumstancesofthegreatShiapersonalitiesandtheir followersduring the regimeofBaniUmayyahandall theseatrocitieswerenotexceptdue totheirdevotiontowardsAhleBayt(a.s),whoselovetheAlmightyAllahhadmadeobligatoryonalltheMuslims.

After thatKhwarizmi describes the bitter conditions of the Shias during the tyrannical rule of theAbbasidesandsays:

“InBaniAbbastherearealotofthingsthatyouwillseeandponderuponasmuchasyoucanandyouwillfindmanystrangethingsinthem.

AndatthetimewhenmoneywasbroughtforthemitwasdistributedamongtheDailamitesandTurksandtheyusedtospenditontheMaghribisandFarghabis.WhenanImamoftheImamsofguidanceandachieffromtheSadatofBaniMustafapassedawaynooneusedtoparticipateinhisfuneralandhisgravewasnotcemented.Andforonewhopassesflatulenceloudlyregularlyorasportsmanorgymnastorjesteroronewhodiesbythewhipsofwomen,themagistratesandjudgesusedtoattendhisfuneralandarrangemourningassemblesforhimunderthecommandoftheregime.Thosewhoareatheistsorsophistsarenotobjectedtoanythingandnoactionistakenagainstthem.Theyareinpeace and security. If anyone reads thebooksof philosophy andmysticismhe is not restrainedorobjectedto.However,ifanyoneisrecognizedasapartisanofShiareligion,heiskilled.AnyonewhonamedachildofhisasAliwasexecuted. Ifanyonewasevensuspected tobeaShia,exceptof thepartisansofMuallabinKhumais,whowaskilledatthehandsofDawoodbinAli,hewasputtodeath.IftheyhadnotimprisonedalltheShiasexceptthoseofAbiTurabMaruziitwouldhavebeensuchawoundthatneverhealsandsuchafirethatnevercools,aheadachethatnevergoesaway,acrackthatisnever filled. It is sufficientwhat thepoetsofQuraishsay: In theperiodof ignorance thereweresome poems through whom they attacked Amirul Momineen (a.s) and confronted theMuslimsthroughthecouplets.Whentheirpoemswerecollectedandtheirnarrationswereclassified.

SomuchsothatwritershaverecordedtheirhistoriesintheirbookslikeWaqidi,WahabbinMambaTamimi,KalbiSharqibinQatami,HaithamandDaabbinCanaanietc.

However, whenever a Shia poet composes poems in the honor of the virtues of the Master andmentionsthemiraclesoftheProphet,histongueispulledoutandhiscollectionistornup.Justasinthe case of Abdullah bin Ammar, Kumail bin Zaid Asadi. The grave ofMansur bin Zabarqa wasransacked. The house of Dibil bin Ali Khuzai was destroyed. While they supported and helpedMarwanandAlibinJahm.ThoughitwasnotbutduetotheirextremeenmitytoAhleBayt(a.s).Theyhad indeed earned the worst anger of the Almighty. The circumstances reached such a stage thatHaroonbinKhaizanandJa'farwhowastheagentofSatan,andnotthatoftheBeneficent,hedidnotspendbuttohelptheabusinganddenouncementoftheMasterandhelptheenemiesofAhleBayt(a.s).For exampleAbdullah binMusab,Wahab binWahabBakhtari and the poets likeMaswan, and thelitterateurs likeAbdulMalikand in thecaliphateofJa'farpeople likeBakar,AbiSamtandIbnAbiShaurabetc.”

Inthesewords,KhwarizmihasdescribedthecalamitiesfacedbytheShiasofAhleBayt(a.s)duringtheregimeoftheAbbasiderulerwhohadtheaudacitytoshedtheirbloodandpressurizedthem.ThegreatShia luminarieswhowere executedor put intoprisonhadno crimeupon their necks excepttheirdevotiontoAhleBayt(a.s),andKhwarizmihasmentionedtheirnames.AnotheractivityoftheAbbasid was to suppress the remembrance of Ahle Bayt among the people. They did it firstly bycensuring and torturing anyone who composed an elegy or praised their virtues; he was eitherexecutedorputintoprison.Also,whoeverabusedanddenouncedthemwasaccordedgreathonorsbytheregimeandrewardedgreatly.

AndthosethingsthatfurtherilluminatetheirdealingswiththeShiasareasfollows:

“May the Almighty Allah guide. Indeed we have held the strong rope of Allah (Ahle Bayt) andfollowed the religion and preferred them to material wealth. None saw us but that there was anincrease in his insight.Andonewhohasmore defects thanus cannot point out our shortcomings.Since the beginning, Islamwas only poor and in thisway itwould be again turned poor. It is thestatementofAlmightyAllahandbequestof theMessengerofAllah(a.s) thatHewouldgivepowerandrulershiptowhomsoeverHelikesandthefinalendisforthosewhofearAllah.AndknowthataftereverydaythereisatomorrowandaftereverySaturdaythereisaSunday.Thatis, theworldisnotthesamealways.

InthebattleofSiffin,AmmarYasirsaid:Iftheenemykillsandwhenweloseallhopesofsurvivalwestillknowthatweareontherightandtheenemyiswrong.IndeedtheMessengerofAllah(a.s)wasweakinthebeginningbutlaterhebecamestrong.InthesamewayIslamwasinitiallybackwardbutafterwardsitachievedhonorandprecedence:

“Domenthinkthattheywillbeleftaloneonsaying,webelieve,andnotbetried?”[1]

And if the severityupon thebelievers and theirpaucityhadnotbeen there and if thepowerof thedisbelieversandtheirgreatnumbershadnotbeenthere,indeed,theHellwouldnotbefilledup.Andthat it says:Givememore!And theAlmightyAllahwouldnothavesaid:Butmostof themdonotknow!Anditisnotknownthattheonewhopleadsandbegsisofthepatientandforbearingone.Andthe thanks-giverwouldnothavebeendistinguished from thedenier.Theobedientone,eligible for

reward and the sinner who is liable for chastisement would not have been distinguished. Thuswheneveracalamitybefallsus,

[1]SurahAnkabut29:2

weindeedconsideritourhabit.Ifpowerandkingdomcomesintoourhandwhileweareexpecting,thanksbetotheAlmighty.Weareseekingsalvationinallcircumstancesandalwayswehopeforthebestbutmaintainpatienceineventheworstcircumstances.Indeed,theMaster(Ali)wasabusedforathousandmonthsbutweneverdoubtedhisteachings.AndtheHolyProphet(a.s)wasfalsifiedfor10yearsbutwelaidnoblameonhisprophethoodandtheIblislivedforyearsmorethanthenumberofgrainsofsandandwedonot refrainfromcursinghim.Wehadbeen testedwithwealth fora longtime also and indeed we had faith in the Kingdom of Allah. And Imams after an Imam and thepleasureofAllahwithHisWill.TheywereallmartyredbutwedidnotdoubttheirImamate.Indeedthe promise ofAllahwould be fulfilled and the commandofAllah changes never.Youwill nevercome toknow it,never;very soon, theoppressors shallknowwhat their end shallbe. Indeed,youshallknowtheirfateaftersometime,inQiyamat.”

Thesewords describe the patience and forbearance of the Shias, and their lack of undue concerntowardstheproblemsthatbefallthemwhicharecausedbythemisappropriatorsandenemiesofAhleBayt.TheynevercompelledthemtoabandontheirloveanddevotionofAmirulMomineen(a.s)andhisdescendants.

TheywerethecallerstothesocialactivitiesinIslam.AndtheShiasprovedintwoperiods,intheruleoftheUmayyadsandAbbasidsthattheywerethestrongestdefendantsofIslamandopenoppositionofthepeopleagainstoppressionandrebellionandasaresultthestandardofIslamwasraisedhighand fluttered.And theynever submitteddefeat to theUmayyadsandAbbasids andconfronted themwithallresourcestheyhad.

AndKhwarizmifurthersays:

“Knowthat!MayAllahhavemercyonyou!BaniUmayyads,allofthemaretheaccursedtreeandithascomeaboutthem:TheyarethefollowersofthesinnersandrebelsandthecahootsoffalsehoodwhohadtheaudacitytoconcealthevirtuesandmeritsoftheMasterandtheygatheredsomepeoplearoundthemtoforgetraditionsoftheMessengerofAllah(a.s).TheychangedtheirresidencefromMedina to the neighborhood of BaitulMaqdas and transferred the seat of Caliphate fromKufa toDamascus.Inthisfieldtheyspentalotofwealthforcausingdestruction.Theyappointedanofficialagent in every place and appointed those who were like ruffians. But they could not destroy anytraditionoftheMessengerofAllah(a.s)neithercouldtheyinterpolateanyverseoftheBookofAllah.TheycouldnotevenplaceoneoftheenemiesofAllahatthepositionofHisfriends.IndeedthemeritsoftheProgenyoftheMessengerofAllah(a.s)andtheirfamespreadtoallcornersandtheirproofandargumentwaspresentedtoothers.ActuallytheaweoftheKingandtheSultanhadnoeffectontheirheartsthattheybeafraidofhimorbeaffectedbyhim.Andtruthhadalwaysbeendominantandloftyevenifthepeopleoftruthweredowntroddenandtherewereveryfewlikeitandtheyarelowlyandhumiliated.On theotherhandfalsehood ishonorlessand insultedeven though theymay try tobestowgreathonoruponit.Itisbadevenifitispresentedinabeautifulmanner.

AbdurRahmantheleadinglightofBaniUmayyadssays:

Sumaiyahincreasedherprogenysomuchthatitbecameequaltothegrainsofsandsinthedeserts,whilethedaughteroftheProphethadnodescendants.

Anotherpoetrebutsthissaying:

MayAllahcurseallthosewhoabuseAli(a.s)andHusain(a.s)whoistheImamandleaderofall.

AbuDahbalsaysregardingthepoweroftheKingdomofBaniUmayyahanddevotionofProgenyofAbuSufyan:

TheBaniUmayyadsintoxicatedwithcomfortturnthenightintoadaywhileinTaffandKerbalathemartyrsofAhleBayt(a.s)didnotgettosleep.

Sulaimansays:

And the one killed at Taff from the progeny of Hashim, how he has degraded the reputation ofMuslims.Whatagreatdisrespect!

ButKumaythasrepliedbysaying:

AsktheBaniUmayyadswhatreligiontheyhavechosenforthemselvesthatyouthreatenthepeopleofcuttingofftheirlimbs.

MayAllahstarvethosewhomyouhavefedandmayHesatiatethosewhomyouhavestarved.”

Intheabovediscussion,KhwarizmispeaksaboutthestepsBaniUmayyadstookinordertosuppressanddestroytheexcellentmeritsandvirtuesofAmirulMomineen(a.s).Theyemployedtheirwealth,powerandallmeanstoeffacethesignsofAhleBaytsothattheirvirtuesmayremainhiddenbuttheydid not succeed and their merits and good qualities become apparent just as humanity becomesapparentfromahumanbeing.InallthestagesofhistoryitwaspicturizedjustasitwasforeveryoneanditbecameapparentthattheywerethedefrauderswhocheatedtheMuslimsofwhatwasrightfullytheirs.TheyspentallthewealthinthefulfillmentoftheirselfishdesiresandvicesandtheMuslimswereforceduponwhattheywerehelplessin.Khwarizmisays:

“Andwhatisbeingsaidisnotsurprising.WhatthepoetsofBaniAbbashavenarratedtotheCaliphs,even though theydidnot like tohear it.That is they spoke inpraiseofAhleBayt (a.s) though theAbbasidsdidnotliketohearallthat.

MansurbinZabarqansaidinthepresenceofHaroon:

Theprogenyof theProphetandtheirsupportersconceal themselvesduetothefearofbeingkilledwhile the Jews and Christians are in peace and security. Even though they are the people ofMonotheismtheyleadalifeoffearandinsecurity.

Dibilsays:

Don'tyouseethatIamnearlyeightyyearsofageanddayandnightIaminsorrowandangertoseethe property of Ahle Bayt (a.s) being usurped by others and spent upon themselves while thefollowersofAhleBaytdonotgetanything!

AlibinAbbasRumisays:

EveryperiodoftimeisakillingonefortheHolyProphet(a.s)anditissmearedinitsownblood.

Ibrahim,ascribeandacloseconfidantofMamunsays:

The Bani Abbas give the wealth of Ahle Bayt to their followers with great obligation while theywouldnotgiveanyonemorethanahundred.”

TheabovestatementsdescribethatthecompositionsofthepoetsthatannouncethevirtuesandmeritsofAli(a.s)andhisdescendantsweremorethanthoseoftheAbbasidesandtheyannouncedforthemthemostseveretimesandthemostbitterofthem.WhenanyonerememberedthePurifiedImamsinagoodway,hegotnothingexceptswordorspear.Thatistheywereputtodeath.Butthesepeoplewerelion-heartedandbrave.Theyhadnofeartospeakthetruth.

Khwarizmimovesforwardsaying:

“AndhowcouldthesepoetsnotdenouncethepeoplewhiletheyhadstarvedtheircousinsandfilledupthecitiesofDailamandTurkswithgoldandsilver.AndtheysupportedtheMaghribiandFarghanapeople while they oppressed the Emigrants and Helpers. They accorded ministerial posts to non-Arabs.TheygavemilitarycommandstoTamatamandPersianswhiletheydeniedthedescendantsofAbuTalibfromtheinheritanceoftheirmother.AndeventhoughitallbelongstotheirancestoriftheAlawiteswantedtospendapennyfromit,hewasdeprivedofit.TheywerekepthungryduringthedayandnotgivenanyfoodandwhilealltheIslamicwealthandincomefromvariousprovinceswasbestowed to Ibne Abi MaryamMadyani, Ibrahim, Ibne Jame, Zulzal and Soma. And the BakhtishChristiansaregiventhefoodequaltothatofatown.TheJariandAfshinaregivenfoodequaltoacommunity.Mutawakkilkeeps12000slavegirlsinhisharemtohavesexualenjoymentswhileachiefoftheSadathastocontenthimselfandprotecthischastitywithasingleslavegirl.Alotofwealthisreservedforthevainpastimes,unlawfulfoods,feedingthedogs,trainingthemonkeysandpayingforfemalesingersandfalcons.TheCourtjester,UmarisgivenalotofwealthwhiletheyaremiserlytotheFatimidsevento theextentofgiving themamorseloffoodandadraughtofwater.Theydenythem1/6ofaDirhamandagrainandgivethemtheleftoverswhichtheypurchasebeforeitbecomesstalewhiletheAlmightyAllahhasmadeKhumstheirobligatoryshareandmadeSadaqahprohibitedforthem.Andloveanddevotiontowardsthemisincumbentwhiletheyspendtheirlivesinhardshipsandpassawayinpoverty.Inordertosatiatetheirhungersomeofthempawntheirswordandsomesell off their clothes while they behold the wealth of God with sorrow. They experience such adifficultlifeasthereisnothingequaltoitwhiletheironlysinisthattheirancestoristheMessengerofAllah,theirFatherisMaster(Ali),theirmotherisFatimaandtheirgrandmotherisKhadijahandtheirfaithandtheirguideisQuran.”

In this portion,Khwarizmi speaks about some difficulties thatmade theAlids sorrowful thatwerecausedduetotheeconomicalhurdlesposedbytheAbbasides.Theydeniedeventheminimumhumanrightstothem.Theyimposeduponthemtheworstofthehardships,somuchsothattheAlawitesdid

notownapieceofclothtocovertheirnakednessandfoodtosatiatetheirhunger.Whileallthewealthwasdivertedtothesingers,theplayersandthosewhoflatter.Khwarizmihaslistedthenamesofthosewhowerebestowedgreat favorsandmillionsofgoodthingsby theAbbasides.Whileon theotherhandtheyputtheMuslimCommunityinpovertyanddeprivation.

Thelettercontinues:

“Indeed, theshamefuldeedsof theUmayyadswerementionedfrompeople topeopleandtheirevildoingsweretransferredfromgenerationtogeneration.MuawiyahwassuchapersonwhokilledthecompanionsoftheProphetandthecompanionsofthecompanions.Hismotherwastheonewhohadchewed the liverof thepurifiedmartyrs.Hisson,Yazidwasaddicted toplayingwithmonkeysandwilddogs.HewasthedemolisheroftheKa’ba,theplundererofMedinaandthekillerofAhleBayt;andMarwanthesonoftheLizardbecausehelistenedtothetalksoftheProphet’shousefrombehindthewallandheistheonewhosefatherwascursedbytheProphet,whileMarwanwasintheloinsofhisfather.Thusthedivinecursefelluponhimalso.AndAbdulMalikwasonewhohadcommittedagreat sin,whomade the earth narrowand spreadhis power in all directions.Hewas the onewhoappointed Hajjaj Ibne Yusuf Thaqafi, who in the due course killed the people and trampled theprinciplesofIslamanduprootedthebranchesoffaithandmadethecitiesintodesertedruins.HewasthemostunchasteofthepeoplewhoeverruledovertheIslamiclandsandmanyofhismisdeedsarerecordedinbooksofhistoryandbiography.

Walid was another Umayyad transgressor. He appointed Hajjaj on the Eastern lands and give thewesterndominionstoQurrahbinShareek.Sulaimanwasonewithahugeappetiteandthiseventuallybecameacauseofhisdeath,whilehehadfilledhisbellywithfoodandseeds.

Yazidwashavinga stingofa serpentandhisbellywas likeagreatutensil;heabrogatedJihadbywineandspenttheperiodofhisCaliphateontheluteandZumar(awindinstrument).Hewasthefirsttoincreasethepaymentsofsinginggirlsandcommittedeverylewdactionopenly.AndwhatcanbesaidthatononesideisMarwanandontheother,YazidbinMuawiyahandtheyinheritedtheirgenesfrombothoftheseaccursedones.Thushewastheoffspringoftwoaccursedonesandthepartneroftwodisbelievers.

HishamwasthekillerofZaidbinAliandthepatronofYusufbinUmarThaqafi.

WalidIbneYazidwasthelastoftheUmayyadCaliphs.HewasadenierofGod(atheist)andheusedacopy of the Holy Quran for target practice. Hewas the to compose poetry in denial of faith andopenlycommittedlewdandunchastedeeds.”

In thissection,Khwarizmihasdescribed theconditionsof theUmayyadrulersand their remainingactivitiesthatopenedupshamelessdeedsandblackenedthepagesofhistory.Andthecommunityalsoboretheirworsttorturesandmostheinouscrimesundertheirshade.Theydestroyedpublicpropertyand snatched away from people their freedom. Hajjaj bin Yusuf Thaqafi and stonehearted andtyrannicalpeoplelikehimbehavedwiththemlikewolvesandwildcriminal.Theytransformedthislifeintohellandmadeoppressionandcorruptioncommonamongthepeople.

Nowpayattentiontothepartofthisletter,whichsays:

“InspiteofthegreatnessofthecrimesofUmayyadsandtheirmagnitudeandseverity,incomparisontothatofBaniAbbastheywerelikedispensationsofjusticeandtheirrulewasmarkedwithadistinctsupport for justiceandequity.TheirFridayprayer leadersalsoused tomention thesequalitiesandcongregationprayerswere establishedby them.On theotherhand theAbbasideshadestablishedacityofinjusticeandoppressionandspentthewealthofMuslimsinsinfulactivitiesandgatheringsofvainpastimesandviceswhile they themselvesweresupposed tobe the leadersofguidanceand theFridayleaderusedtodescribethemthusintheirsermons.”

In these statements, Khwarizmi has described the sinful activities of Bani Abbas and says that thecrimesoftheAbbasidsweremuchmoreinmagnitudeandseveritythanthoseoftheUmayyads.TheAbbasidesspentpublicfundsonthefulfillmentoftheirsensualdesiresandtheirintriguesandbloodyassociates,whilethemajorityofthepeoplespentalifeofpovertyandsorrow.Themostastonishingthing is that the best titles are attributed to these rulers and it is said that theywere the leaders ofguidance,thattheyruledwithjusticeandactionsandequalityisassociatedwiththem.

Here our discussion about the letter is coming to an end. The letter, which is themost importantpoliticaldocumentandhasgreatauthenticityandismostappropriatewiththetopicofourdiscussion.ItisthattheSadatandShiashadbornewithgreatdifficultythetorturesandcalamitiescausedtothemby the Umayyad and Abbaside rulers. And the letter itself shows what could be the reason foroccultationofHisEminence,ImamMahdi(a.s),andwhyheisconcealedfromtheviewofthepeople.ThatwhichisthoughttobethebasicreasonistheforceapplieduponthetwoImams,ImamHadiandImamAskari(a.s)whoweremadetoresideatSamarrahunderhousearrest.Andmoreovertheyweresurroundedbya largearmyofmaleand female spies so that theymaycome toknowwhen ImamMahdi(a.s)isbornsothatheisimmediatelytakenintocustodyandputtodeath.Sincetheirheartwasthrobbingwithanxietyand feardue to thenumerous reportsof theProphetof Islam(a.s)andalsothoseofthesuccessorsamongthepurifiedImams(a.s),thattheAwaitedImamisthelastcaliphoftheMessengerofAllah(a.s)andthatheis theonewhowouldestablishjusticeandspreadthetruth.Hewouldcreatepeace,securityandcomfortbetweenthepeopleanditisheonlywhowoulddestroyalltypes of oppressions and defeat the oppressors. Therefore they considered it necessary uponthemselvestoemploystrictsurveillanceonhisgrandfatherandfatherandafterthepassingawayofImamHasanAskari (a.s) [(Actually itwas after ImamHadi (a.s)] they laid siege to his house andarrested some ladies from the Imam's household suspected of being pregnant and kept them incustody as we have already described in detail in the foregone pages. This is one of the mostimportantcausesofthedisappearanceofImam(a.s)andhisnotbeingidentifiedbythepeople.InthetraditionofZurarahthissamecauseismentionedbytheImamthat:

“FortheQaim(a.t.f.s),thereisanoccultationbeforehisreappearance.”

Zurarahimmediatelyasked,“Whatfora”Imamreplied,“Forfearofbeingmurdered.”[1]

ShaykhTusisays:ThecauseoftheobstacleinthereappearanceofImamMahdi(a.s)isnothingbutthe fear of being killed. Because if there had been any other reason, his remaining in occultationwouldnothavebeenjustified.[2]DoubtofKhanizi

AbulHasanKhanizihasobjectedtothebeliefthatthenon-reappearanceofImamMahdi(a.s)isdueto

thefeartohislife.HesaysthatsuchasurmiseisbaselessandwrongandthatitisasortofallegationtosaythatImamMahdi(a.s)isnotreappearingduetothefearofenemies.[3]

TheobjectionofKhaniziisincorrect,becauseiftheAbbasiderulershadmanagedtogetholdofHisEminence, theywould definitely have put him to death, in the sameway as they hadmartyred hisrespected father and grandfather. They kept his father, Imam Hasan Askari (a.s) under strictsurveillance and after themartyrdom ofHis Eminence, they surrounded and raided his house andtried their utmost to find the whereabouts of the Awaited Imam. The Almighty Allah kept himconcealedfromtheAbbasidtyrantssothatheremainssafeinordertoallowhimtospreadtruthandjustice and establish peace and security on the earth. The time for that occasion is known only toAllah.Noneelsehasanyideaaboutitnoranyoneishavingcontroloverit.

[1]Ghaybah,ShaykhTusiandAl-Kafi[2]Ghaybah,ShaykhTusi,Pg.199[3]Ad-DawaatulIslamia,Pg.199

2.TestandTrial

One of the causes of the occultation of His Eminence, ImamMahdi (a.s) is said to be the test ofpeople.ItisnarratedfromHisEminence,theMessengerofAllah(a.s)thathesaid:

"ByAllah!HewouldgointooccultationandnoneshallgetsalvationexceptthosewhohavefaithintheheartandwhomAllahhelps."[1]

Although the divine practice is appointed that people should be subjected to tests and trials so thatthosewhoperformbetterdeedsmayberewardedsuitably.TheAlmightyAllahsays:

Theonewhocreateddeathandlifesothat"Hemaytestyou,whichofyouhasthebestdeeds."

Healsosays:

"Domenthinkthattheywillbeleftaloneonsaying,webelieve,andnotbetrieda"

TheoccultationofHisEminence, ImamMahdi (a.s) is a very important component ofDivine test.NonehasfaithinitexceptthosewhohaveperfectbeliefandtestifytowhattheMessengerofAllah(a.s) and thePurified Imams (a.s) have said regarding theoccultationofHisEminence and that hedoes not fix the period of his occultation. Rather he should agree that the reappearance of HisEminenceisuptothewisedecisionoftheAlmightyAllah.Noonehasanychoiceinit.TheexampleofHisEminenceislikethatoftheHour(Qiyamat)thatthereisnodoubtinitscoming.3.SecretsoftheOccultationoftheImamoftheTime

TheoccultationoftheAwaitedImam(a.s)isexplainedtobeoneofthedivinesecretsandnooneelsehasanyknowledgeofit.ItisthissamepointstatedbytheMessengerofAllah(a.s)whenhesaid:

[1]Bihar53,Pg7and281

"TheexampleoftheoccultationoftheQaimislikethatoftheHour(Qiyamat),thatonlytheAlmightyAllahiscognizantofitandthatitwillnotcometowardsyoubutallofasudden."[1]

ItisnarratedfromHisEminence,ImamMahdi(a.s)thathesaid:

"Donotputyourself intodifficultyanddonot askaboutmatters thathavenomaterialor spiritualbenefit.Anddonotaskbutpraymoreforthereappearanceasinitliesyoursuccess;andpeacebetothosewhofollowtheguidance."[2]

ShaykhMiqdadSiyurisays:

"ThewisdomoftheoccultationofHisEminence,ImamMahdi(a.s)isrestrictedonlytoAllahanditsknowledgeisonlywithAlmightyAllah."[3]4.NotpayingallegiancetotheoppressorsbytheImamofthetime(a.s)

AsajustificationoftheoccultationofHisEminence,theMasteroftheAge(a.s),itismentionedthatthe Imam (a.s) is inoccultation so thathedoesnothave topayallegiance to anyoppressive ruler.HasanbinAlibinFazalhasnarratedfromhisfatherfromImamReza(a.s)thathesaid:

"TheShias,duringtheabsenceofthesonofthethirdofuswouldbelikesheepthatruntowardsthepasturebuttheywouldnotfindthepasture."

Thenhewasasked,"OsonofAllah'sMessenger!Whyisitsoa"

Hereplied,"BecausetheirImamshallbeinoccultation."

Heasked,"Why?"

[1]Al-BurhanfiAlaamaat-i-AakhiruzZaman,1/255[2]Bihar,52/92[3]Mukhtasaral-TohfatulIthnaAshariya,Pg.199

Hereplied,"Becauseifherisesupwithaswordhewouldbecompelledtohavetheallegianceofothersuponhisneck."

HisEminence,theMasteroftheAge(a.s)hasannouncedthateachofhispredecessorshadtheallegianceofthetyrantsonhisneckbutwhenhereappearsheshallnothavetheallegianceofanytyrantonhisneck.[1]

TheaboveweresomeoftheimportantcausesoftheoccultationofHisEminence,whichwehaveexplained.AndthefactisthattheAlmightyAllahhaskeptHisWaliandthegreatreformerinoccultationduetothereasonsbestknowntoHimalone,whichwearenotawareof.

[1]MuntakhabulAthar,Pg,267

21ChapterSOMEQUERIES

TherearesomedoubtsregardingtheoccultationofHisEminence,theAwaitedImam(a.s)thatwe

shallstudyinthefollowingpages:1.WhatisthebenefitderivedfromtheoccultationoftheImamoftheAge(a.s)a

AlotofdiscussioniscarriedoutonthebenefitsoftheoccultationoftheAwaitedImam(a.s).ThosewhodonothavedeepunderstandingofthematterhaveexpressedtheirviewsayingthattheexistenceorabsenceoftheImam,whetherheisinoccultationornotisoneandthesame.TheShiascholastictheologianshavelaterrebuttedtheirviewandmentionednumerousbenefits,andtheyareasfollows:

Firstly: Even though His Eminence is concealed from public view, his existence is the cause ofsecurity for the inhabitantsof theearth,asmentionedclearly innumerous traditionsregarding thismatter.Someofthemareasfollows:

a.TheMessengerofAllah(a.s)said:

“My Ahle Bayt are security for the inhabitants of the earth. If my Ahle Bayt are not there, theinhabitantsoftheearthshallbedestroyed.”[1]

b.TheMessengerofAllah(a.s)said:

“ThisreligionshallalwaysbeuprighttilltherearetwelvechiefsfromQuraish.Whentheypassaway,theearthwillswallowallitsinhabitants.”[2]

[1]ZakhairulUqbah,Pg17,KanzulUmmal,6/116[2]MuntakhabulAthar,Pg.27,quotedfromKashfulAstar

c.HisEminence,AmirulMomineen(a.s)said:

“Yes!TheearthisneverdevoidoftheQaimfromAllah…”

Other traditions also prove that the Purified Imams (a.s) are the security for the inhabitants of theearth and their existence repels calamities and troubles from all the people of the earth. And thetraditionsalsoprovethattheoccultationofHisEminence,ImamMahdi(a.s)isforthewell-beingofpeople.

Secondly:TheoccultationoftheAwaitedImamissobecausethepeopledonotdeservehimandalsobecause of prevailing evils among the people. Were they righteous and deserving and had not

deviatedfromthepathoftruth,HisEminencewouldhaveappeared.Thegreatscholar,Tusi(a.r.)haspointedtowardsthesetwocausesmentionedabove.Hesays:

“TheexistenceofHisEminenceisagrace;hisauthorityisanothergrace.”[1]

Thirdly:Whileheisinoccultation,ImamMahdi(a.s)iskindonhisShiasandhepraysforthemandthereisnoobstacleinhisprayerandiftheprayeroftheImamhadnotbeenforthem,theoppressorswouldneverhaveallowedtherighteouspeopletocontroltheirdesiresandtheywouldhavedestroyedallofthem.ThesamepointismentionedinaletterofHisEminence(a.s)toShaykhMufeed(a.r.).Inthe letter he says:“Surely we are neither negligent of your affairs, nor are we forgetful of yourremembrance.Had itbeenso,afflictionswouldhavedescendeduponyouandenemieswouldhavesuppressedyou.”

Fourthly:HisEminence,theBaqiatullah(a.s)hashimselfmentionedabenefitofhisoccultationandsaid:

“Takingbenefitfrommeduringmyoccultationislikegettingbenefitfromthesunwhileitishiddenfromtheview.”

[1]SharhTajreed,Tusi,Pg.389(IranEdition)

SulaimanAmashbinMehranaskedHisEminence,ImamSadiq(a.s):HowdothepeoplebenefitfromHis Eminence, the Proof (Hujjat) (a.s)when he is concealed from the viewaHis Eminence, ImamSadiq(a.s)replied:

“Justastheybenefitfromthesunwhenacloudcomesoverit.”

AllamahMajlisi(r.a.)explainsthistraditionandsays:

a.Effulgence,generosity,knowledgeandguidancereachesthepeoplethroughHisEminencebecauseitisprovedfromtraditionsthatHisEminenceisthecauseofthecreationofthecreatures.Thusifhehadnotbeentherenooneelsewouldhavecomeintoexistence.Rather,sciencesandrecognitionisdue tohisblessingsandcureandmediationofHisEminencebecomesapparenton thepeopleandcalamitiesare repelled throughhim. It is sobecause if theyhadnotbeen there,peoplewouldhavebeeninvolvedinvariouschastisementsduetotheirevildeeds.AstheAlmightyAllahhassaid:“Allahwouldnotpunishthemtillyouareamongthem.”

AndwehaveoftenexperiencedthatwhenweareindifficultiesandouravenuesareclosedandwearedistancedfromtheAlmightyandwehaveclosedthedoorsofmercydue toourdeeds.Yes!At thattimewehavemadethosenoblepersonagesasourmediums.Andwepraythroughtheholyeffulgenceofthosepersonagesinproportiontoourproximitywiththem.Ourcomplicatedproblemsaresolvedandwhosoever'sheartAllahhasilluminatedwithfaithrealizesthisfactandisnotabletodenyit.

b.Justaspeoplegainbenefitfromthesunhiddenbehindcloudsandwaitforthecloudtomoveawaysothattheycouldgainmorebenefits,inthesamewaytherealawaiterandthesincereShiaswaitforHisEminenceduringtheoccultationeverymomentthatwhenHisEminencereappearstheremaybegreaterbenefitfromhim.

c.OnewhodeniesHisEminenceduringtheperiodofoccultationislikeonewhohasdeniedthesunwhenitisbehindtheclouds.

d.Sometimes,whenthesunisbehindtheclouds,itisforthegoodofthepeople.InthesamewaytheoccultationofHisEminenceisbetterforthepeopleratherthanhisreappearanceduetotheconditionofthepeople(whoarenotcapableordeserving).

e. It is ordinarily not possible to see the sun directlywhen it is not behind a cloud. It can lead toblindness if one sees the sun with naked eyes. In the same way the sun of the existence of HisEminencemaycausetheincapablepeopletobeblindedoftruth.

f. Sometimes the sun comes out from behind the clouds and some people see it. In the samewayduringtheperiodofoccultationsomepeopleseeHisEminenceandarehonoredtobeinhisservice.

g.HisEminence,likethesun,givesbenefittoall,althoughonewhoisblindisnotabletotakebenefitfromhim.AstheAlmightyAllahsays:

“Andwhoever is blind in this, he shall (also) be blind in the hereafter, andmore erring from theway.”[1]

Itisexplainedinthisway:

h.Justastheraysofthesunenterthehouseaccordingtothespaceoftheslitsandwindowsandbyitgives light and energy, in the sameway are the hearts of the people.Asmuch as they remove thecurtainsofsensualityandphysicalattachmentsandopenuptheslitsandwindowsoftheheartfortherecognitionofAllah,thesameproportionofthelightofguidanceofthosegreatpersonageswouldbenefit them.Inthesamewaytheymustremovefromthemtheobstaclesandcurtainslikeonewhostandsbelowtheshiningsunandtheraysofthesunsurround

[1]SurahBaniIsrael17:72

him.BythiseightdoorsofParadiseofspiritualityareopenedupforhimandtheraysofguidanceandguardianship(Wilayat)coverhim…[1]

Fifthly:WedonotknowtheHiddenwisdomof theoccultationofHisEminenceasmanytraditionshaveexplained.

AbdullahbinFazlHashimisaysthatheheardfromHisEminence,ImamSadiq(a.s)thathesaid:

“TheMasterofthisaffairhasanoccultationwhichiscertain,andeveryuntruepersonfallsintodoubtregardingit.”

Abdullahasked:MayIbesacrificedforyou.Whyisitsoa

HisEminencereplied:

“Itisamatterregardingwhichwearenotpermittedtoinformyou.”

Abdullahasked:Thenwhatisthewisdombehindoccultationa

TheImamsaidinreply:

“ThewisdombehindtheoccultationofHisEminenceisthesamethathadbeenintheoccultationofthepreviousDivineProofs.ThecauseofthewisdomshallbeknownafterthereappearancejustlikethewisdombehindtheactionsofHisEminence,ProphetKhizr,regardingthedamagingoftheboat,thekillingoftheboyandtherepairingofthewall.ItwasnotcleartoHisEminence,ProphetMusa(a.s) till theywereabout topartways.O sonofFazl!This is anaffairofAllahand the secret andmysteryoftheoccultationisfromthesecretsandmysteriesofAllah.AswehavefaiththatAllahisthewisestonewemusthavecertaintythatallHisactionsarebasedonwisdom.Eventhoughwemaynotbeawareofthehiddenwisdomindetail.”[2]

[1]MuntakhabulAthar,Pg271-272

[2]JalalulUyun,3/157

TheseweresomecausesandfactorsregardingthebenefitsoftheoccultationofHisEminence,ImamMahdi(a.s).2.LongevityoftheImamoftheAge

NumerousquestionsareraisedregardingtheageoftheImamoftheAge(a.s)anditisaskedhowHisEminence has continued to live for 1150years andhownatural factors like old age andweaknesshavenotaffectedhima

Inreplytothisquestionitissaid:

Firstly:Itislogicallypossibleforonetohavealongageanditisnotfromtheimpossibilities.Inthesamewayitisnotpossibleforathingtobesingleandtwoatthesametime.Ontheotherhanditisrationallypossibleforapersontolandonthemoonoranotherplanetandthereforeafterobtainingthecausesandmeansofit,hislandingbecomespractical.Inthesameway,theprolongingofthelifeofamanisrationallypossibleandfromthescientificandrationalviewthereisnodoubtinit.Whendivineprovidencehasfavoredhim,hisbodyisshieldedfromnatural factorsandunaffectedby theageing process and old age does not approach him. Such an example is also present in the HolyQuran,whereProphetNuhissaidtohavelivedamonghispeoplefor950years.Onthebasisofthis,howdoweaccept the longageofNuhbutnot accept the longageofHisEminence, ImamMahdi(a.s)aEventhoughbothofthemwereappointedforthereformationofhumanity.

Secondly:If,supposedlyweacceptthatanageofhundredsandthousandsofyearsisanimpossiblethingbecauseitisagainstthenaturalfactors,butwesaythatitispossiblefortheAlmightyAllahanditisverymuchinHispowerifHewants.Justasfirehasanaturaleffectofburning;HemadeitcoolandcomfortableforHisfriend,Ibrahim(SurahAnbiya21:69).AndHesplittheseaforHisProphet,Musa(a.s)andsavedMusaandhispeopleanddrownedthePharaohandhispeople.ThuswhentheAlmightyAllah intendssuch things,Hedoes it.Therefore,HecanalsoprotectandshieldHisWali

fromnaturaldisastersandageingfactors.TheAlmightyAllahrendersthenaturalqualitiesofvariousthingsineffective.JustasinfidelsandpolytheistsofMeccawereunabletoseeHisMessengerandhewentoutrightundertheireyes.3.Whysuchalongage?

Here another question arises that why the Almighty Allah has bestowed such a long life to HisEminenceaAndwhyhisagewasnotlikehisrespectedgreatgrandfather,theMessengerofAllah(a.s)andhisancestors,theInfallibleImams(a.s)a

The reply to this is that His Eminence, the Baqiatullah is an exception among them, because thereformationofalltheworldandsavingofallthepeoplefromthewavesofdarknessandignoranceisrestrictedtoHisEminence.Therefore,theAwaitedImam,isthelastreformerofhumansocietyoftheworld, thus itshouldbe that theafflictionsshouldbemaximumonthepeoplewhenthe illuminatedsunofHisEminencegraceshinesuponthemandthathefillsthewholeearthwithjusticeandequity.

HisEminence,ImamMahdi(a.s)isthatchampionthatwillaltertheflowofthehistoryoftheworld.Hewouldonthebasisofaloftycivilizationdestroyall thosecivilizationsthathavefilledtheearthwithinjusticeandoppressionanddominatedthewholeworld.ThusitisnecessaryforHisEminencetohavealonglifesothathecouldcoverthewholeworldandhemayreformthemineveryway.4.WhydoestheImamoftheAgenotreappear?

OneofthequestionsthatariseregardingHisEminence,ImamMahdi(a.s)isthatwhyHisEminenceisnotreappearingtoestablishtheruleofGodontheEarthandsavethepeoplefromdifficultiesandproblems?

Its reply is that the reappearance of His Eminence is not in the control of man and the will ofhumanity. It is in thehandsof theAlmightyAllah.TheAlmightyAllah raised thegreatProphetofIslamafterfivecenturiesofignorance.Andhewasraisedonlywhentheconditionsthatweresuitableforhisadventhadbeenfulfilled.Apparentlysuchanadventdidnottakeplacebeforetheconditionswereconduciveforit.ThereappearanceofHisEminence,ImamMahdi(a.s)isalsolikethat.Tilltheworldandalltheconditionsoftheworldarenoteligibleforreformationandtheatmosphereisnotconduciveforhisreappearance,hisreappearancewillnotoccur.Whenitstimewouldbematureandtheworldlysystemswouldnotbeabletoleadhumanity,suchisthetimewhenHisEminencewouldarise and install the system of divine religion in human society, which is presently incapable ofguidingthepeople.5.HowwouldtheImamofthetimereformtheworld?

Anotherquestion regardingHisEminence ishowcanone individual takeuponhimself the taskofreformingthewholeworldandfilltheearthwithjusticeandequityasitwouldhavebeenfilledwithinjustice and oppression in such a way that the rights of everyone are protected and that theoppressors, oppression, deprivation and poverty is destroyeda And all the human beings, towhicheverreligiontheymaybelong,wouldhavetheirrightsprotected.

Thereply isas follows:Thegreatestsystemsandevents thatchanged theworldwerecausedat the

handsofasingleindividualandnotbyagroupofpeople.Forexample,theProphetofIslamwasasingle individual,whohadsuch influence thathedestroyed the systemsof theperiodof ignoranceandreplaceditbyaheavenlyandilluminatedsystem.ThesamewasthecaseofProphetsMusaandIsa(a.s),thateachofthem,completelyandevenwithoutthehelpoftheirrelatives,roseupandfulfilledthefunctionsof theirdivinemessengership.Allof themperformedthosefeatssinglehandedlyandnotintheformofagroup.ItisagainstwhattheMarxistsbelieve,whosaythatitisnotpossibleforanindividual tocompeteandbringaboutcomplete reformation.Ratheragroupwouldbeeffective inthis. However, this view of the Marxists is not based on facts and it is far from reality. In allconditions,HisEminence,theAwaitedImamwouldariselikehisholygreatgrandfathertoestablishpeace,justice,truthandprosperityandsavehumanityfromalldifficultiesandevilsandspreadloveand brotherhood and unity ofmankind. The time of his reappearance is not in control of anyoneexceptthatitisatthediscretionofthewisewilloftheAlmightyLord.

22ChapterTHOSEWHOPROPHESIEDTHEREAPPEARANCEOFTHEIMAMOFTHETIME(A.S)

Numerous traditions of the Prophet of Islam and the Infallible Imams (a.s) have predicted the

reappearanceofHisEminence,ImamMahdi(a.s).AndthatHisEminencewillreappearandstraightenthedeviations and releasehumanity from themischiefofoppressors andhewouldestablishpeaceandsecurityontheearthandspreadloveandequityamongthepeopleandremovefearandanxietyfromthem.Thosewhohavementionedsuchpropheciesareasfollows:

1.TheHolyProphet(a.s)

Numerous traditions are quoted from the Prophet of Islam that prophesize the advent of His

Eminence,ImamMahdi(a.s):

a.HuzaifahhasnarratedfromtheMessengerofAllah(a.s)thathesaid,“Ifonlyasingledayremainsfrom the tenure of this world, theAlmightyAllah in that same day, will raise a person frommydescendantswhosenameandmannersshallbelikemineandhispatronymicshallbeAbdullah,andpeoplewouldpayallegiancetohimbetweenRuknandMaqamandtheAlmightyAllahwillrevivethereligionthroughhimandgivehimvictoriesandallthepeopleontheearthshallbetherecitersoftheformula‘LailaahaIllallaah’(ThereisnoGodexceptAllah).”

Salmanasked:OAllah'sMessenger,whichofyoursons?

TheHolyProphet(a.s)said,“Thissonofmine.Sosaying,heplacedhishandonHusain(a.s).”[1]

ThistraditionmeansthatthereappearanceandadventofHisEminence,ImamMahdi(a.s)isfromtheconfirmedandcertain

[1]IqdudDurar,Chapter2,Tradition41

mattersthatitwillindeedcometopassevenifasingledayremainsfortheworldtoend.

b.AbdullahbinUmarhasnarratedfromtheHolyProphet(a.s)thathesaid,“Inthelastageamanfrommydescendants,whosenameissameismine,shallariseandfilltheearthwithjusticeandequityjustasitwouldbefraughtwithinjusticeandoppression.”[1]

Accordingtothistradition,theMasteroftheAge(a.s)shallspreadtruthandjusticeamongthepeopleanddestroyoppressionandinjusticefromtheworld.

c.AmirulMomineen(a.s)hasquotedtheProphetofIslamthathesaid,“MahdiisfrommyprogenyandhehasanoccultationthatmanyfromthecommunitiesshallbemisguidedanddeviatedandintheendthetreasuresoftheprophetsshallbecomeapparentthroughHisEminence,theremnantofAllah(Baqiatullah).Hewouldestablishjusticeandequityjustasitwouldbefraughtwithinjusticeandoppression.”[2]

ThistraditionprovesthatHisEminence,theMasteroftheAgeshallhaveanoccultationandthatagroupofpeoplewoulddenyhimandanothergroupshallhavefaithinhim.Whenhereappearshewouldbehavingwithhimtherelicsoftheprophetsandtheirsuccessorsandhewouldestablishjusticeandtruth.

d.JabirbinAbdullahAnsarihasrelatedfromtheProphetofIslam(a.s)thathesaid,“Mahdiisfrommyprogenyandhisnameandpatronymicissameasmine.Heshallhaveanoccultation;duringwhichthecommunitieswouldbelostanddeviated.Atlast,likeabrilliantmoonhewouldshineandfilltheearthwithjusticeandequalityjustasitwouldbefraughtwithinjusticeandoppression.”[3]

[1]IqdudDurar,chapter2[2]FaraidusSimtain,EndofPartII,YanabiulMawaddah,Pg.448[3]YanabiulMawaddah,Pg.448

e.SaeedbinJubairhasnarratedfromIbneAbbaswhoquotestheHolyProphet(a.s)tohavesaid,“Indeed,AliismysuccessorandHisEminence,theAwaitedQaim,Mahdi(a.s)isfromhisdescendents.Andhewouldfilltheearthwithjusticeandequalityjustasitwouldbefullofinjusticeandoppression.BytheOneWhohassentmeasaProphetandwarner,thosewhoaresteadfastonhisImamateduringhisoccultationshallbemorepreciousthanredsulphur.”JabiraskedHisEminence,“OAllah'sMessenger!IsthereoccultationfortheQaimofyourprogeny?”

TheHolyProphet(a.s)replied,“Yes,byAllah!Somuchso,thathewouldpurifythebelieversanddestroytheinfidels.”

Thenhesaid,“OJabir!ThisisoneofthedivineaffairsandoneofthesecretsofAllah,sodonoteverdoubtitbecausedoubtinadivineaffairisdisbelief.”[1]

ThistraditionalsoexplainsthatthosewhoshallbelieveinHisEminence,theMasteroftheAgeduringhisoccultationshallbeverylessandtheyshallbelikeredsulphurandtheirexistenceisverypure.AndtheoccultationofHisEminenceisbywayofthetestofthepeople.ItisamatternotknowntothepeopleanditisinthehandsofAllah.Itisoneofthedivinesecretsandifonehasanydoubtaboutit,oneleavesthepaleofIslam.

f.TheProphetofIslam(a.s)said,“TheworldshallnotendbutthatamanfrommyAhleBayt,whosenameshallbesameasmine,wouldhavepowerandauthorityoverall.”[2]

TheQaimoftheProgenyofMuhammadshallestablishjusticeontheearthandfulfilltheaimsoftheprophetsandmessengers.Heshallhoisttheflagofmonotheismandhewoulddestroypolytheismandapostasy.

[1]YanabiulMawaddah[2]SahihTirmidhi2/46;MusnadAhmadHanbal,1/376

g.HuzaifahbinYamanhasnarratedfromtheProphetofIslam(a.s)thathesaid,“OHuzaifah!Evenifadayremainsfromthisworld,theAlmightyAllahwouldprolongthatdaytillamanfrommyAhleBayttakesoverthereignsofpowerandestablishesIslam.AndtheAlmightyAllahneverbreaksHispromiseandHeishavingpoweroverit.”

h.AbiSaeedKhudrihasnarratedfromtheProphetofIslam(a.s)thathesaid,“Inthelastage,therewouldbeterribleoppressionsformycommunityfromtherulersofthattimethelikeofwhichhaveneveroccurred;somuchso,thattheworldwouldbecomenarrowforthemandtheearthshallberepletewithinjusticeandoppressionandthereligiouslyinclinedpeopleshallnothaveanyrefuge.ItisthetimewhentheAlmightyAllahwouldraiseamanfrommyprogenyandhewouldfilltheearthwithjusticeandequityjustasitwouldbefraughtwithinjusticeandoppression.Theearthshallbecomepopulatedanddivineblessingsshalldescendandthepeoplewhoshallliveforafewyearswouldsay,‘Ifonlythosewhohaddiedwerealivetowitnessthisscene.’”[1]

i.AliHilalihasnarratedfromhisfatherthathecametotheProphetofIslam(a.s)tofindFatima(a.s)sittingnearhisheadwhilehewasonhisdeathbedandshewaswailingaloud.TheMessengerofAllah(a.s)turnedtoFatimaandasked,“MydearestFatima!Whydoyouweep?”

Shereplied,“Duetotheafflictionsafteryou.”Hesaid,“Mydear!TheAlmightyAllahsentyourfatherforthepeopleoftheearth,thenHeselectedyourhusbandandrevealedtometomarryyoutohim.AndtheAlmightyAllahhasbestowsus,AhleBayt(a.s)withsevenspecialcharacteristics,suchthatnonebeforeorafterusshallhavethem.IamthesealoftheProphetsandthegreatestofthemandthemostbelovedcreatureofAllahamongthem.AndIamyourfather.Andmysuccessoristhebest

[1]YanabiulMawaddah,Pg.448;Al-BurhanfiAlamat-e-AadkhiruzZaman,Chapter2;MuntakhabulAtharPg.149;KashfulGhummah

successorandthemostbelovedofthemandheisyourhusband.AmongusistheonewithtwogreenwingswhoglidesinParadisewiththeangels.Heisthesonofyourfather'suncleandthebrotherofyourhusband.Andthetwograndsonsofthiscommunityarefromus.Andtheyareyoursons,HasanandHusainandtheyarethechiefsoftheyouthsofParadiseandtheirfather,bytheOnewhosentmewithtruth,isthebest;andheisfromus.”

“OFatima!BytheOneWhosentmewithtruth,theMahdiofthiscommunityisfromus.Whenmischief,corruptionandtroublesshallsurroundtheworldandthepathsbecomeunsafeandtheeldersarenotkindontheyoungstersandtheyoungstersdonotrespecttheelders,atthattimetheAlmightyAllahwillsendtheonewhoshallconquerthefortificationsofdeviationandignoranceandestablishthereligionjustasIhaddonesointhebeginningandheshallfilltheearthwithjusticeandtruthjustasitwouldbefraughtwithinjusticeandoppression.”[1]

j.HisEminence,AmirulMomineen(a.s)hassaid,“IaskedtheMessengerofAllah(a.s),‘OAllah'sMessenger!IstheProgenyofMuhammadfromusorfromsomeoneotherthanusa’Hereplied,‘Indeeditisfromus.Thereligionshallbecompletedonusjustasitbeganwithus.Peopleshallberelievedofmischiefsthroughus,justastheyhavegotrelieffrompolytheismthroughus.Andthroughustheycultivateloveandamityamongthemselvesandtheirbrotherhoodisstrengthened.’”[2]

ItisunderstoodfromthistraditionthatjustastheHolyProphet(a.s)savedmankindfromdeviationandpolytheismandguidedittothestraightpathinthesamewayhislastsuccessor,HisEminence,theRemnantofAllah,thegreat(BaqiatullahAzam)wouldremovetheproblemsofhumanityandestablishjusticeandtruthuponthem.

[1]Al-BayanfiAkhbar-e-SahibuzZaman[2]AlBayanFiAkhbar-e-SahibuzZaman

k.JabrbinNaufsaysthathetoldAbuSaeedKhudri,“ByAllah!Oureachyearisworsethanthepreviousoneandeveryrulerandleaderwhocomesisworsethanhispredecessor.”AbuSaeedsaid,“IhavealsoheardfromtheProphetofIslam(a.s)thathesaid:

Continuousmischiefandcalamitiesshallcomeonyou.Somuchsothatnoneshalldaretosay:‘God.’

AfterthattheAlmightyAllahshallraiseamanfrommyprogenyandhewouldfilltheearthwithjusticeandequityjustasitwouldbefraughtwithinjusticeandoppression.Andtheearthshallexposeitstreasuresforhim.TheeconomicaffairandprosperityofthepeopleshallbeatitszenithandIslamshallbecomestable.”

l.AbuSaeedKhudrihasnarratedfromtheHolyProphet(a.s)thathesaidfromthepulpit,“IndeedtheMahdiisfrommyProgenyandfrommyAhleBayt.Heshallreappearinthelastage.Theskyshallsenditsrainforhimandtheearthshallexposeitscontentsforhim.Thenhewouldfilltheearthwithjusticeastheoppressorshadfilleditwithinjusticeandoppression.”[1]

TheseweresomeexamplesofthetraditionsoftheHolyProphet(a.s)thatarenarratedandrecordedinthebooksofallsectsofMuslims.ThesetraditionsprovethatthereappearanceofHisEminence,ImamMahdi(a.s)isacertainty.TheygivegladtidingstotheIslamicworldthatHisEminence,ImamMahdi(a.s)willdefinitelycomeandhewouldestablishtruth,justiceandpeace;suchthatnoonewouldhaveeverwitnessedsuchaperiod.

[1]Ghaybah,ShaykhTusi

2.HisEminence,AmirulMomineen(a.s)

NumeroustraditionshavebeenrecordedfromthechiefoftheProgenyoftheMessengerofAllah,

HisEminence,Ali(a.s)regardingthereappearanceofHisEminence,theAwaitedImamMahdi(a.s).Someofthemarepresentedinthefollowingpages:

a.AbuWail,HisEminence,Ali(a.s)glancedatHusain(a.s)andsaid,“Thissonofmineisthechief,justastheMessengerofAllah(a.s)hasnamedhimthechiefandmaster.AndinthefutureamanfromhisprogenyhavingthesamenameasthatofyourProphet'sshallappearintheperiodofheedlessnessof the people andnon-existenceof truth and the appearanceof oppression; and the heavenly folksshallbeelatedbyhisadventandheisamanwithabrightforeheadandahighnose.”[1]

Theabovetraditionprovesthefollowingpoints:

1.HisEminence, ImamMahdi (a.s) is from theprogenyofAbaAbdillah, thechiefof theMartyrs,ImamHusainbinAli(a.s).2.ThereappearanceofHisEminenceshallbesuddenandpeoplewouldbeleastexpectingit.3. Suppression of truth and elevation of oppression are the signs of the reappearance of HisEminence.4.ThetraditionhasdescribedtheexcellentphysicalappearanceoftheHolyImam.5.Whenhereappears,hewouldspreadtruthandjusticeinthetruesenseoftheword.

b.HisEminence,Ali(a.s)hassaidinsomeofhissermons,“AmanfrommyAhleBaytshallbemycaliphwhowouldcommandbytheorderofAllahandstrengthenthecommandsofAllahata timewhenmischiefsandcalamitieswouldhavesurroundedhumansocietiesandhopeswouldbecutoffandbribingwouldbecommonplace.”[2]

[1]IqdudDurar,Chapter3[2]MuntakhabKanzulUmmal,6/34

c.AsbaghbinNubatahasnarratedfromHisEminence,Ali(a.s)thathesaid,“Inthelastage,theMahdiisfromus.Thereisnoneinthecommunitywhodoesnotwaitforhisreappearance.”[1]

d.ImamHusain(a.s)hasquotedhisfather,HisEminence,Ali(a.s)thathetoldhim,“OHusain,yourninthdescendentistheQaimbytruthandonewhowouldspreadreligionandestablishjusticeeverywhere.”AfterthatImamHusain(a.s)askedformoredetails.Inreply,HisEminencesaid,“Yes!ByAllah!WhosentHisEminence,Muhammadandchosehimaboveall,itisso,butheshallhaveanoccultationwhichshallbeconfusingandperplexingbutonlythosewhoaresincereandthosewhohavecertaintyandfromwhomtheAlmightyAllahhastakenthecovenantofourguardianship(Wilayat)andinwhoseheartsHehasmadebelieffirm,andsupportedthemandblessedthem,theyshallbesteadfastonthatQaimandcontinuetohavefaithinhim.”[2]

e.HisEminence,ImamAli(a.s)said,“VerysoontheAlmightyAllahshallbringacommunitythatHeshallloveandtheyshallalsoloveAllahandanyonewhoispooramongthemshallbecomepowerful.HeisthatsameMahdiwhoseappearance…”

TheseweresomeexamplesofthetraditionsofAli(a.s)thatconveygladtidingsofthereappearanceoftheuniversalreformer,HisEminence,theRemnantofAllah,theGreatest(BaqiatullahilAazam).AnditisthatheshallreviveIslamandprovethesignsofAllahamongthepeople.

[1]DalailulImamah[2]Kamaluddin

3.HisEminence,ImamHasanMujtaba(a.s)

NumeroustraditionsarerecordedfromHisEminence,ImamHasan(a.s)regardingthesubjectof

HisEminence,theMasteroftheAge.SomeofthesetraditionswereofthetimeoftheforcedtreatywithMuawiyah.SomepartisansofHisEminence

[1]DalailulImamah[2]Kamaluddin

criticizedhimforsigningthetreatyandhetoldthem,“Woebeuntoyou!Don'tyouknowthatIamyourImamandmyobedienceisobligatoryuponyouaAndonthebasisoftheclearstatementoftheProphetIamoneofthetwochiefsoftheyouthsofParadise?”

Thereplied,“Yes!Itisso.”

Heasked,“Don'tyouknowthatwhenHisEminence,ProphetKhizrmadeaholeintheboat,repairedthewallandkilledthatboy,ProphetMusabinImran,becausehedidnotknowthewisdomofthoseactions,becameupsetwhilealltheseactionswererightandbasedonwisdomintheviewofAllah.Don'tyouknowthatallofusarehavingtheallegianceoftyrantofthetimeonournecksexceptHisEminence,Qaim(a.s),behindwhomthespiritofAllah(Ruhullah)wouldrecitetheprayeraTheAlmightyAllahhasconcealedhisbirthandkepthiminoccultationotherwisehetoowouldhavebeenforcedtohavetheallegianceofatyrantonhisneck.ThatQaimistheninthdescendantofmybrother,Husain,thesonofthechiefoftheladiesoftheworlds.AlmightyAllahwillprolonghisageandoccultation.Afterthat,byHispower,Hewouldmakehimreappearintheformofayoungmanagedlessthanfortyyears.AndHeispowerfulovereverything.”[1]

Theabovetraditioncontainssomeveryimportantpoints.Someofthemareasfollows:

a.ThetreatyofImamHasan(a.s)withMuawiyahwasanecessarystepastherewasnoothersolution,becauseifarmedconfrontationhadstarted,thevictorywouldhavebeenMuawiyah's.WhileontheotherhandthemilitaryprowessoftheImamhadbeengreatlymarredduetothepreviousbattlesandduetotheemergenceoftheKhawarijbeliefsinthepeopletheirslothandinclinationtowardsalifeofcomfortandluxuryhad

[1]Kamaluddin,KifayatulAthar

increased.Inadditiontothis,hisarmywasalsoinfiltratedbysomehypocriticalelementsandMuawiyah’sagents.ThereforeitwasnotpossibletohaveaseriousmilitaryconfrontationwithMuawiyahanddefeathim.Somuchso,thattheywerealsopreparedtoabducttheImamandhandhimovertoMuawiyahinexchangeofmonetaryfavors.ThustherewasnootheroptionexcepttosignatreatyandImamHasan(a.s)selectedthissameoption.Ifhehadnotdoneso,Muawiyahwouldhavedefeatedhimandopenlyannounceddisbeliefandirrelegiousity;likehisson,Yazidhaddone.

b.HisEminence,theMasteroftheAge,willnothavetheallegianceofanyoppressoronhisneck.RathertheAlmightyAllahhaskepthimsafeandsecureawayfromthetyrantrulers.

c.WhenHisEminence,ImamMahdi(a.s)reappears,HisEminence,IsaMasih(JesusChrist)willarriveandrecitecongregationprayerbehindhim.

d.TheAlmightyAllahhasconcealedthebirthofHisEminence,ImamMahdi(a.s)fromthetyrantAbbasiderulerssothattheymaynotgetholdofhim,aswehavealreadydiscussedindetailbefore.

e.TheAlmightyAllahshallgivetoHisWali,alonglifeandmakehimreappearasayoungman,sothathemayestablishjusticeandtruthontheearth.

4.HisEminence,ImamHusain(a.s)

ManytraditionshavebeenquotedfromHisEminence,thechiefofthemartyrs(a.s)regardingthe

reappearanceoftheAwaitedImam(a.s).Someofthemarepresentedbelow:

a. ImamHusain (a.s) said, “Theninthofmydescendantshasa similaritywithProphetYusufandasimilaritywithProphetMusa (a.s).Andhe isQaimofus,AhleBaytof theProphet.TheAlmightyAllahwillimprovehisaffairsinasinglenight.”[1]

[1]Kamaluddin,Al-Ihtijaj

ThesimilaritytoProphetMusa(a.s)isthatlikehim,ImamMahdi(a.s)alsowasbornunknowntothetyrannicalrulerofthattimeduetohisfear.Andinthematterofhisbeingconcealedfromtheviewofthepeople,HisEminencewaslikeProphetYusuf(a.s),whoremainedinprisonforalongtime.

b.HisEminence,ImamHusain(a.s)said,“TheQaimoftheUmmah(community)ismyninthdescendantandheishavinganoccultation.”

c.HisEminence,ImamHusain(a.s)said,“Thetwelveleadersarefromus.ThefirstofthemisHisEminence,AmirulMomineenAlibinAbiTalib(a.s)andthelastofthemismyninthdescendantwhowillarisewithtruthandridtheearthofbarrennessandgivelifetoitandmakethetruereligiondominantevenifthepolytheistsdislikeit.Althoughhehasanoccultationduringwhichagroupwillhavedoubtsinhim,anothergroupwillremainsteadfastonit.Heshallbeinapainfulcondition(uncomfortable).Hewouldbeasked,‘Whenwouldyourpromisebefulfilledifyouspeaktrutha’Thoughthepatientonesandhissupporterswouldhaveforbearanceonthisdenialandfalsification.Andtheirrewardandrecompenseislikethatoftheholyfighterswhohavefoughtwiththesword,sidebysidetheMessengerofAllah(a.s).”[1]

WecometoknowfromthistraditionthatpeopleshallbetestedandexaminedthroughtheoccultationofHisEminence,theAwaitedImam(a.s).OnlyonewhomtheAlmightyAllahhasblessedandwhoseheartismadefirmwithfaithwouldremainsteadfastontheImamateofHisEminence.ThesepeopleshallbeliketheholyfightersofearlyIslamwhofoughtalongsidetheHolyProphet(a.s).

d.ImamHusain(a.s)said,“Themasterofthisaffair,thatistheMahdi,hastwooccultations,oneofwhichshallbelongerthantheothertillsomepeoplesaythatHisEminencehasexpired.

[1]KifayatulAthar

Andsomeofthemshallgoouttosearchforhimbuttheywouldnotbeabletotracehim.AndonlytheWiseLordishisguardianandonlyHeisawareofhiswhereabouts.”[1]

[1]Al-BurhanFiAlamat-e-SahibuzZaman

5.HisEminence,ImamZainulAbideen(a.s)

NumerousnarrationsarerecordedfromtheImamofthePious,HisEminence,ImamZainulAbideen(a.s)regardingthegladtidingofthereappearanceofHisEminence,theMasteroftheAge.Someofthemarepresentedbelow:

a.HisEminence,AlibinHusain,ImamSajjad(a.s)recitedtheverseof,“thatHewillmostcertainlymaketheminherit theEarth…”[2]andthensaid,“Theyarethesupportersofus,AhleBaytandthis“inheritance” shall be through aman from us, and he is theMahdi of this community. The HolyProphet(a.s)hassaid,‘Evenwhentheentiredurationoftheworld'sexistenceisexhausted,andonesolitarydayislefttoembracetheeveofDoomsday,AllahwillprolongthatdayandmakeitswelltosuchalengthoftimeastoaccommodatetheultimatereignofapersonoutofmyholyProgenywhowillbecalledbymynameandmyagnomen(AbulQasim).Hewillthenmaketheearthaboundwithpeaceandjusticeasitwillhavebeenfraughtwithinjusticeandtyrannybeforehim.’”[3]

b.HisEminence, ImamZainulAbideen (a.s) said, “Theverseof:Allahhaspromised…(24:55), isrevealedabouttheImamQaim,HisEminence,Mahdi(a.s).”[4]

c.WhenHisEminence, ImamZainulAbideen(a.s)wasapparently takenasaprisonerhesaid interaliainhissermon,“FromuswastheMessengerofAllahandhissuccessor,thechiefoftheMartyrs,Ja'farat-TayyarinParadise,thetwograndsons

[2]SurahNur24:55[3]YanabiulMawaddahPg.426;MajmaulBayan;TafsirAyyashi[4]YanabiulMawaddah,Pg.425

ofthiscommunityandtheMahdiwhowouldslaytheDajjal.”[1]

d. His Eminence, Imam Zainul Abideen (a.s) said, “Our Qaim has the characteristics of sevenprophets:FromourforefatherAdam(a.s),fromNuh(a.s),fromIbrahim,fromMusa(a.s)fromIsa(a.s),fromAyyub(a.s)andHisEminence,MuhammadMustafa(a.s).

AsforthesimilaritywithAdamandNuh(a.s) it isalonglife.FromIbrahimistheconcealedbirthandgoingawayfromamongthepeople.FromMusa(a.s)itisfearandoccultation.FromIsa(a.s)itisthecontroversiesthatpeoplecreatedabouthim.FromAyyub(a.s)itisreleaseandsuccessaftertrialsandtribulations.FromtheHolyProphet(a.s)isthearmeduprising.”[2]

[1]MuntakhabulAthar,Pg.172[2]Kamaluddin,Pg.318

6.HisEminence,ImamMuhammadBaqir(a.s)

Traditions regardingHisEminence, ImamMahdi (a.s) and the certainty of his reappearance are

alsorecordedfromImamBaqir(a.s).Someofthemareasfollows:AbuBasirhasnarratedthatHisEminencesaid,“IntheMasterofthisaffairaresimilaritieswithProphetMusa,ProphetIsa,ProphetYusuf andProphetMuhammad (a.s).As for the similaritywith ProphetMusa (a.s) it is fear; fromYusuf(a.s)itishisimprisonmentandoccultation;fromProphetMuhammad(a.s)itisthetakingupofarms.HeshallcontinuetoexterminatetheenemiesofGodsothatDivinePleasureisachieved.”

AbuBasirasked,“HowwoulditbeknownthattheAlmightyAllahispleaseda”

Hereplied,“He(God)willputmercyandkindnessinhisheart.”[3]

His Eminence, Imam Muhammad Baqir (a.s) mentioned the names of the twelve Imams andsuccessorsoftheHolyProphet

[3]Kamaluddin,Pg.319

(a.s)thathehadintroducedandappointedandsaid,“ThelastandthetwelfthofthemistheoneunderwhoseleadershipIsabinMaryamwillperformtheprayer.”[1]

[1]Kamaluddin

7.HisEminence,ImamJa'faras-Sadiq(a.s)

NumeroustraditionsarequotedfromImamSadiq(a.s)regardingthesubjectoftheAwaitedImam

(a.s)andthefactthathisreappearanceiscertain,someofwhicharequotedbyusasfollows:

a.ThegreatSayyidIsmailbinMuhammadHimyari,aprominentpoetamong thepartisansofAhleBayt (a.s) says, “I was an extremist (ghulat) for a long time and believed in the occultation ofMuhammadbinHanafiyyahtillthetimeAllahfavoredmeandsavedmefromhellfirethroughImamJa'faras-Sadiq(a.s)andguidedmetothetruepath.WhenitwasfinallyprovedtomewithargumentsandproofsthatHisEminence,ImamSadiq(a.s)istheproofofAllahonmeandallthepeopleandtheonewhoseobedienceisobligatoryandincumbent.AtthattimeIaskedHisEminence,“Traditionsarequoted fromyour respected forefathers regardingoccultationand its authenticity;onwhomwouldthisoccultationtakeplacea”

TheImamreplied,“ThisoccultationwilloccurformysixthdescendantwhoisthetwelfthImamfromthe Imamsof guidance after theProphet of Islam (a.s).These Imams, the first ofwhom isAmirulMomineen Ali (a.s) and the last is Mahdi, who will rise with truth. He is the remnant of Allah(Baqiatullah)andtheMasteroftheAge.ByAllah!Evenifhisoccultationmaybeprolonged,hewillin the enddefinitely reappear and fill the earthwith justice and equity, as itwouldbe fraughtwithinjusticeandoppression.”

[1]Kamaluddin

SayyidHimyarisays,“WhenIheardthismatterfrommymaster,HisEminence,ImamJa'faras-Sadiq(a.s),IrepentedtoAllahandbecameregretfulofmypast.ThenIcomposedapanegyric,whichbeginsasfollows:

WhenIsawthatpeoplehavebecomedeviatedinreligion

Isaid‘Bismillah’andbecameaJa’fariwiththeJa’faris.”[1]

b.HisEminence,ImamJa'farSadiq(a.s)said,“OurMaster,thatisImamMahdi(a.s)shallreappearandheisfromtheprogenyofthisperson.”AndsosayinghepointedtowardsMusaIbneJa'far.“Andheshallfilltheearthwithjusticejustasitwouldbefullofinjusticeandoppressionandtheworldshallbereformedthroughhim.”[2]

c.HisEminence,ImamJa'farSadiq(a.s)said,“TheKhalaf-e-Salih(Therighteoussuccessor)isfrommydescendantsandheistheMahdi,whosenameisMuhammadandpatronymicAbulQasim.Heshallreappearinthelastperiodoftime.HismothershallbeNarjis.TherewouldbeacloudovertheheadofHisEminenceanditwouldneverleavehimsothattheheatofthesunmaynotaffectHisEminence.ThecloudremainswithHisEminenceandcriesoutloudly:‘ThisisMahdi,followhim.’”

NarratorshavequotedmanytraditionslikethisfromImamJa'farSadiq(a.s)andallannouncethecertaintyofthereappearanceoftheAwaitedImamwhowouldestablishtruthanddestroyfalsehood.

[1]Kamaluddin[2]Ghaybah,ShaykhTusi

8-HisEminence,ImamMusaKazim(a.s)

Like the other Imams, His Eminence, Musa bin Ja’far has also explained the Imamate of His

Eminence,theMasteroftheAge.YunusbinAbdurRahmansaysthathewenttoHisEminence,MusabinJa’far(a.s)andaskedhimifheweretheQaim.

The Imam replied, “I am indeed theQaim but theQaimwhowould purify the earth fromAllah’senemiesandfillitwithjusticesandequitylikeitwouldbefilledwithinjusticeandoppressionismyfifth descendant.He shall have a prolonged occultation such thatmany people shall deny him andotherswouldhavefirmfaithinhim.CongratulationstoourShiaswhoshallremainattachedtoourguardianship (Wilayat) during the occultation of our Qaim. They shall be steadfast on ourguardianshipandkeepalooffromourenemies.Theyarefromusandwearefromthem.Theyarepleasedwith our Imamate andwe are satisfiedwith their adherence. Therefore, blessed are they. IsweartoAllah,thattheyshallbewithusinourrankinParadise.”[1]

This traditionshowsthatHisEminence,ImamMahdi(a.s)shallpurifytheearthofAllah’senemiesanddestroytheoppressors.

[1]KifayatulAthar

9.HisEminence,AlibinMusa(a.s)

HisEminence,ImamReza(a.s)hasalsogivengladtidingstotheMuslimsthatHisEminence,the

RemnantofAllah(Baqiatullah)intheearthsshallreappear.Forexample:

a.Thepoetamong thepartisansofAhleBayt,DibilKhuzaicame to ImamReza (a.s)and recitedapanegyric he had composed regarding the afflictions ofAhle Bayt fromBaniUmayyah andBaniAbbas.Theopeninglineswereasfollows:Schoolsdivineversesarebereftofrecitationplace.Placesofdivinerevelationareemptyandtheareahasbecomedeserted.Whenhereachedthelines:

ThenifithadnotbeenwhatIdesirefortodayortomorrowanyheartwouldhavebrokeninthegriefofyoursigns.HisEminenceraiseduphisheadtolistentowhatKhuzaihoped.Thathope,whichifithadnotbeenthere,hislongingswouldhavekilledhim.Dibilcontinuedtoreciteandwhenherecited:AdventofanImam;itwoulddefinitelyhappen.HewillriseinthenameofGodandcomewiththebounties.Hewilldifferentiatebetweenwhoisrightandwhoiswrong.Andgiverecompenseforgoodandbad.His Eminence, Imam Reza (a.s) began to weep incessantly and turned to Dibil, the poet of theoppressedones,saying,“OKhuzai!RuhulQudus(theangel)hasmadeyourecitethesetwocouplets.DoyouknowwhothatImamisaAndwhenhewouldarise?”Dibilreplied,“Nomymaster.IhaveonlyheardthatanImamfromamongyoushallariseandpurifytheearthofcorruptionandfillitwithjustice.”HisEminence,ImamReza(a.s)begantointroducethegreatreformer,HisEminence,ImamMahdi(a.s)andsaid:“ODibilafterme,mysonMuhammadshallbetheImamandafterhim,hissonAli,andafterhim,hissonHasanal-Askari,andafterhim,hisson,Al-Qaimwhoshallbetheawaitedoneduringtheperiodof his occultation.When he shall reappear, the believers would follow him. Even if a single dayremainsforthisworld,Allah,theSublimeandtheMighty,shallprolongthatdaytillhereappearsandfillstheearthwithjusticeasithasbeenfilledwithtyranny.Andasforthetimeofhisreappearance,orto forecast about it, indeed,my fatherhasheard frommygrandfather andhe fromhis forefathersfromAli (a.s)whosays that theMessengerofAllah(a.s)wasasked, ‘OMessengerofAllah,whenwilltheQaimofyourprogenyarise?’Hereplied,‘HislikenessistotheHour(Qiyamat),thatonlytheAlmightyAllahknowsaboutitanditwillarriveallofasudden.’”[1]b.HasanbinKhalidhasnarratedfromImamAlibinMusaar-Reza(a.s)thathesaid,“Onewhohasnoabstemiousness,hasno faithandonewhohasnodissimulationcannotbeabeliever.And themosthonorable of you near Allah, is the most pious; that is one who is most particular aboutdissimulation.”[2]HisEminencewasasked,“OsonofAllah’sMessenger,tillwhattime?”

Hereplied,“Tilltheappointedday,andthatisthedayofthereappearanceofourQaim.Therefore,whoevergivesupTaqayyahbeforethereappearanceofourQaimisnotfromus.”HisEminencewasasked,“OSonofAllah’sMessenger.WhoisyourQaim?”Hereplied,“Myfourthdescendant.HeisthesonoftheChiefoftheslavemaids.Heshallpurifytheearthofinjusticeandoppression.Heissuchthathisbirthwillbeamatterofdoubtformostofthe

peopleandheshallhaveanoccultation.Andwhenhereappearshewouldspreadlightandhewouldestablishthescalesofjusticeamongthepeopleandnoneshallbeoppressed.Andheissuchthatheshallencompasstheworldandacallershallproclaimfromtheskyandcallthepeopletowardshimandallthepeopleoftheearthshallhearthatcall.Thecallwouldbeasfollows:“Know that!TheproofofAllahhas reappeared from the sideof theHouseofAllah!Thus followhim.Becausethetruthisinhimandwithhim.AnditisthestatementthatHesays:IfWeplease,Weshouldsenddownuponthemasignfromtheheavensothattheirnecksshouldstooptoit.”[3]

[1]GhayatulMaram,Pg.696[2]Taqayyah[3]SurahShoara26:4

AndtheAlmightyAllahhassaid:

“Andlistenonthedaywhenthecriershallcryfromanearplace.Thedaywhentheyshallhearthecryintruth;thatisthedayofcomingforth.”[1]

“Thatistheadventofmyson,MahdiQaim(a.s).”[2]

Thesewere some traditionsnarrated fromImamReza (a.s) regarding ImamMahdi (a.s).ThemostimportantpointderivedfromallthesetraditionsisthattheImamofthetimeshallsoonbethesourceoflightofthewholeearth.

[1]SurahQaf50:41-42[2]FaraidusSimtain,KifayatulAthar

10.HisEminence,ImamMuhammadJawwad

HisEminencehasalsogivenglad-tidings regarding theperfect reformer, theMasterof theAge

(a.s)andconsideredhisreappearanceacertaintyinthefollowingtraditionsquotedfromhim:

a.Thegreat trustworthypersonality,HisEminence,AbdulAzimHasanisays: Icametomymaster,MuhammadbinAli(a.s)andwantedtoaskHisEminenceregardingtheword‘Qaim’,thatwhetheritis for theMahdi or someone else. I saw thatHis Eminence began to speak and toldme, “OAbulQasim,indeedtheQaimisfromamongus,heisthatsameMahdi,whoshouldbeawaitedduringhisoccultation.Andwhenhe reappearshe shouldbe followed.He ismy thirddescendant.By theGodWhosentMuhammad(a.s)andrestrictedtheImamatetous,ifonlyadayremainsfromtheworld,theAlmightyAllahshallprolongthatsamedaytillHisEminencereappearsandfillstheearthwithjusticeandequity justas itwouldbefraughtwith injusticeandoppression.AndtheAlmightyAllahwouldreformhisaffairsinasinglenightjustasHereformedtheaffairofHisKaleem(whoconversedwithAllah),Musa (a.s) when he went to get fire, but he returned in such a way that he had become aprophet and messenger of Allah.” Then he said: “The best deed of my Shias is to wait for thereappearance.”[3]

[3]KifayatulAthar,KamaluddinwaItmaminNi'mah

Intheabovetradition,ImamJawwad(a.s)hasprovedtotheShiasandthenarratorsofhistraditionsregardingtheAwaitedImamthatthereappearanceofHisEminenceisdefiniteandthiswillindeedcometopass.

b.SaqarbinAbuDalfsays:IheardfromHisEminence,AbuJa’farMuhammadbinAli(a.s)thathesaid,“TheImamaftermeismyson,Ali.Hiscommandismycommand,hissayingismysaying.Hisobedienceismyobedience.”Thenhefellsilent.Iaskedhim,“OSonofAllah’sMessenger!WhoistheImamafterAli?”

Hereplied,“Hisson,Hasan.”

Iasked,“WhoistheImam,afterImamHasanAskari(a.s)?”

HisEminence,Jawwad(a.s)weptseverelyandthensaid,“ThesonofImamHasanwilltheQaimwithtruthandtheAwaitedone.”

IaskedHisEminence,“Whyishegiventhetitleof‘Qaim’?”

Hereplied,“Becausehisadvent(Qiyam)shallbeafterheisforgottenandaftertheapostasyofthosewhohadinitiallybelievedinhisImamate.”

IaskedHisEminence,“WhyishegiventhetitleoftheAwaitedone(Muntazar)?”

Hereplied,“Heshallhaveanoccultation,whichshallbegreatlyprolonged,andhissincerefollowerswillwaitforhimandthosewhodoubtshallrejecthim.Andhisdenierswillridiculeabouthimand

thosewhofixthetimeofhisreappearanceshallbeprovedliars.ThepeopleoffalsehoodshallbedestroyedandtheMuslimsandthepeopleofsubmissionshallgetsalvation.”[1]

[1]KifayatulAthar,Kamaluddin,AlaamulWara

11.HisEminence,Alial-Hadi(a.s)

HisEminence, ImamHadi (a.s) has also given glad tidings regarding theHoly existence ofHis

Eminence,theWaliofAlmightyGodinthefollowingtraditionsnarratedfromhim:

a.SaqarbinAbuDalfsays:IheardAlibinMuhammadbinAliar-Reza(a.s)say,"TheImamaftermeismysonHasanandafterhim,hissonQaimwhowouldfilltheearthwithjusticeandequityafteritwouldbefraughtwithinjusticeandoppression."[1]

b.The great religious jurisprudent, SayyidAbdulAzimHasani says: I came tomymasterAli binMuhammad(a.s).WhenHisEminence turnedhisattention tomehesaid,"WelcometoAbulQasimwhoisourrealsupporter."

ItoldhimthatIwantedtopresentmyreligiontohimandifhehadnoobjectiontoitIwouldremainonittillImeetmyLord.HisEminencesaid,"Youmaybeginrecitingit."

I said:There is nothing likeAllah and theAlmightyAllah is beyond the two invalid extremes andcomparison.Hehasnoshape,formorsubstance.RatherHeistheCreatorofallbodies,themakeroffaces, theoriginatorof formsandsubstances.He is themasterandLord, theonewhoappoints foreverything.AndHisEminence,Muhammad(s.a.)istheslaveandMessengerofAllahandsealoftheprophetsandnootherprophetwillcomeafterhim.AndhisShariah(religiouslaw)isthelastShariah.Till the Qiyamat, no other Shariah will arrive. After theMessenger of Allah (a.s), the Imam, theCaliphand theguardian (Wali)of theaffair isHisEminence,AmirulMomineenAlibinAbiTalib(a.s) after that. Imam Hasan, Imam Husain, Ali bin al-Husain, Muhammad bin Ali, Ja'far binMuhammad,MusabinJa'far,AlibinMusa,MuhammadbinAliandafterthatyouaremymaster!

Afterthisstatement,HisEminence,AbdulAzimfellsilent.At

[1]AlaamulWara,KifayatulAthar

thattimetheHolyImamtoldhimabouttheImamafterhimandsaid,"TheImamaftermeismyson,Hasan.ThenafterhimhowwouldthepeoplebewiththesuccessorofHisEminencea"

AbdulAzimeagerlyaskedaboutthesuccessorofHisEminence,HasanAskari(a.s).ImamHadi(a.s)said,"HeistheAwaitedImam,whoisconcealedfromtheeyestillhereappearsandfillstheearthwithjusticeandequityasitwouldbefraughtwithinjusticeandoppression."

AbdulAzimconfessedtowhatImamHadi(a.s)commandedhimandbroughtfaithontheoccultationofHisEminence,ImamMahdi(a.s).After thatHisEminence,Hadi(a.s) turnedtohimandsaid,"OAbalQasim!ThisisthereligionAllahlikesforHisslaves."[1]

[1]Kamaluddin,Pg.325

12.HisEminence,ImamHasanAskari(a.s)

HisEminence, ImamHasanAskari (a.s) has also explainedabouthis son, theQaim, the awaited

Mahdi (a.s).Wehavementioned someofhis traditions in the foregonepages.Oneof themwasasfollows:

Thereliablepersonality,AhmadbinIshaqbinSa'adAsharisays:IwenttoImamHasanAskari,AbuMuhammad (a.s) and wanted to ask him about his successor. His Eminence, Askari (a.s) beganspeakingandsaid,

"OAhmad bin Ishaq! TheAlmighty Allah has not left the earth without a Divine Proof since thecreationofAdam(a.s)andwouldnotleaveitwithoutaDivineProoftillthehourshallbeestablished(Day of Judgment). Through the Divine Proof calamities are repelled from the inhabitants of theEarth,rainfallsandthebountiesoftheearthcomeout."AfterhearingthesewordsAhmadaskedHisEminence,"WhoistheImamandCaliphafteryou?"

ImamHasanAskariarosefromhisseatandhurriedinsidehishouseandreturnedafterashortwhilecarryingonhisshouldersayoungboy,whosefaceseemedtobelikethefullmoonanditseemedthathewasthreeyearsold.Afterthat,HisEminence,ImamHasanAskari(a.s)said,

"OAhmad!IfyouwerenothavingaspecialandexaltedpositionbeforeAllahandtheProofofAllah,Iwouldnothaveshownthissonofminetoyou.HisnameandpatronymicisthesameasthatoftheMessengerofAllah(a.s).Hewouldfilltheearthwithjusticeandequity,asitwouldbefraughtwithinjustice and oppression. O Ahmad! In this community his example is like that of Khizr andDhulqarnain.ByAllah!HewillhaveanoccultationandnoneshallbesafefromdestructionbutonewhomAllahhaskeptsteadfastinthebeliefofhisImamandgiventhedivineopportunity(Tawfeeq)toprayforhisreappearance."

Ahmadimmediatelyasked,"Isthereanysignorsymbolsothatitmaysatisfymyheart?"

Justthentheboy,wholookedlikeafullmoon,begantospeak,

"I am the remnant ofAllah onHis earth and the revenge-taker fromHis enemies; do not demandproofafterwhatisbeforeyou…"

AfterhearingthesewordsoftheProofofAllah,AhmadwentoutofthehouseofImamHasanAskari(a.s)insuchaconditionthathiscompletebeingwassurroundedbyjoy.WhenagainhecametoImamHasanAskari(a.s)afterthatdayhesaid,"OsonofAllah'sMessenger!Iwasverymuchpleasedwiththefavoryoubestowedmethatday.ThuswhatisthecontinuingpracticeofKhizrandDhulqarnaina"

HisEminence,ImamHasanAskari(a.s)said,"Prolongedoccultation."

Ahmadatoncesaid,"OsonofAllah'sMessenger,wouldtheoccultationofthePromisedImam(a.s)bealsoprolonged?"

HisEminence,Imam(a.s)replied,"BymyLord!Yes,somuchso,thateventhosewhohadaccepted

him,wouldturnawayfromtheirbeliefandnoneshallremainexceptonefromwhomAllahhastakenthecovenantofourguardianshipandinwhoseheartsisrootedourloveandthosewhosupportitwiththeirhearts.

OAhmad!ThisisthecommandofAllahandoneofthedivinesecretsandoneoftheUnseenmattersofAllah.SorememberwhatIamtellingyouandkeepitconfidentialandbeofthethankfulonessothatyoumayresideinthepositionofIllyeen[1]withus."[2]

Here we conclude the prophecies of the Messenger of Islam (a.s) and the Infallible Imams (a.s)regarding ImamMahdi (a.s). The conclusion derived from all these traditional reports is that theAwaited Imam shall reappear and make the earth replete with justice and equity and he woulderadicate all injustice and oppressions. Also that he is the son of Imam Hasan Askari and HerEminence,Narjis (s.a.).He is the ninth descendant ofAbuAbdillahAl-Husain (a.s).His name andpatronymicissameasthatoftheHolyProphet(a.s).

[1]ThehighestplaceinHereafter[2]Kamaluddin,ShaykhSaduq,Pg325

23ChapterTHEREAPPEARANCEOFTHEGREATREFORMEROFTHEWORLD–AFUNDAMENTALRELIGIOUSBELIEF

The belief that at the end of the time a universal reformer will arise and provide success to

mankind and save people from their afflictions and calamities, is one of the most ancient andfundamentalbeliefs,thatalltheheavenlyreligioushavegivengladtidingsofthisandallthehistoryofmankindhasrecordeditasasanctifiedandrespectfulbelief.

Themanwho haswitnessed theworst of the disasters, battles and turmoil caused by the inhumanpeopleandsurroundedthewholemankind.Themanwhoistrampleduponbytyrantsanddeprivedbygreedyand selfish elements from theblessings that shouldhavebeenavailable to all in theworld.SuchamanisinanticipationofareformerwhowouldtransformtheflowofhistoryandestablishtheKingdomoftruth.ThereisnodoubtthatheshallbethatsameMahdioftheProgenyofMuhammad.Theworldshallbegracedbyhisknowledge,justice,gooddiplomacyandplanning.TheProphetofIslam(a.s),whoneverspokewithoutrevelation,andhisInfallibleSuccessorswhohadalwaysbeenassociatedwithpietyandgodfearingnesshaveexplainedaboutthatgreatreformer,thatistheQaimoftheProgenyofMuhammad(a.s).Hereitwouldbeappropriatethatwementionsomeexamplesoftheadventoftheuniversalreformerandhisjusticeandtruth.

TheUniversalReformerintheViewoftheChristians

AgreatnumberofreligiousandfaithfulpeoplefromtheChristiansweresubjectedtotorturesand

calamitiesduringthetimeofHisEminence,ProphetIsa(a.s)andalsoafterHisEminenceatthehandsoftheoppressorsandtyrants,especiallyduringthereignofNirunintheyear64A.D.andduringthereigns of Tarajan in 106A.D. andDesius in 249-251A.D. Theywitnessed such atrocities as defydescription.TheywereverysevereonthepeopleduringthereignofNeroandblamedforburningRome, therefore terrible calamities descended upon them and they were stuffed in the skins ofanimalsandthrowntodogsandtorntopieces.InthesamewaysomewereclothedintotarclothesandputtofireandNerohimselfignitedthesetartorchesandtheycontinuedtoburntilltheywerereducedtoashes.

DuringthereignofTarajanalso,differenttypesoftorturesandpunishmentsbefellthem.IfanyonewasfoundtobeabelieverinProphetIsa(a.s),heorshewasimmediatelyputonthestake.However,ifanyoneworshippedidols,drankwineandspokeillofProphetIsa(a.s)hewassavedfromthestake.ThesetorturesandseveritiescontinuedonChristianstillthedeathofTarajan.WhenDesiusascendedthethroneheimposedsuchtorturesonthepeoplethattheyshakethefoundationsofhumanity.

ReturnoftheChristforReformationofthePeople

ChristiansbelievethatHisEminence,ProphetIsa(a.s)istheawaitedreformerandonewhowould

risewith truth.Hewould definitely return to the earth to establish the kingdomof knowledge andlearning and that hemay spreadpeace and security andgeneral prosperity.These are someof thestatementsoftheNewTestament:

1.GospelofJohn

ItismentionedintheGospelofSt.John:

“Truly,truly,Isaytoyou,thehouriscoming,andnowis,whenthedeadwillhearthevoiceoftheSonofGod,andthosewhohearwilllive.ForastheFatherhaslifeinhimself,sohehasgrantedtheSonalsotohavelifeinhimself,andhasgivenhimauthoritytoexecutejudgment,becauseheistheSonofman.Donotmarvelatthis;forthehouriscomingwhenallwhoareinthetombswillhearhisvoice.”[1]

2.GospelofSt.Luke

TheGospelofSt.Lukesays:

“And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and upon the earth distress of nations inperplexityattheroaringoftheseaandthewaves,menfaintingwithfearandwithforebodingpowersofwhatiscomingontheworld;forthepowersoftheheavenswillbeshaken.AndthentheywillseetheSonofmancominginacloudwithpowerandgreatglory.”[2]3.GospelofSt.Matthew

ThisGospelcontainspropheciesregardingthereappearanceofProphetIsa(a.s).Someofthemareasfollows:

(a)“Immediatelyafterthetribulationofthosedaysthesunwillbedarkened,andthemoonwillnotgiveitslight,andthestarswillfallfromheaven,andthepowersoftheheavenswillbeshaken;thenwillappearthesignoftheSonofmaninheaven…”[3]

(b)“Butatmidnighttherewasacry,‘Behold,thebridegroom!Comeouttomeethim.’”[4]

[1]John5:25-28[2]Luke21:25-28[3]Matthew24:29-30[4]Matthew25:6

(c)“Thereforeyoualsomustbeready;fortheSonofmaniscomingatanhouryoudonotexpect.”[1]

ThesepropheciesaboutunfavorablecircumstancesshowthatthereturnofJesusChristshallbeto

removeallpainsanddifficultiesofthepeople.ThisisthebeliefofalltheChristiansoftheworld.

AndWillDurantsays:“ChristiansoftheworldscatteredontheearthbelieveinthereturnofChristandthathewouldreturntotheearthandestablishhisruleandonewhobringsfaithinhimshallbebestowedwithbountiesoftheHereafter.AndthatJesusisthesonofGod,isageneralbeliefamongtheChristians.”[2]

[1]Matthew24:44[2]AlMasihfilQuranwaTauratwaInjeel,Pg.533

SignsofReappearanceofChrist(a.s)

Someof thesignsof the reappearanceof JesusChristarementioned in theNewTestament. It is

mentionedintheGospelofMark:

Andashecameoutofthetemple,oneofhisdisciplessaidtohim,“Look,Teacher,whatwonderfulstones andwhatwonderful buildings!”And Jesus said to him, “Do you see these great buildingsaTherewillnotbelefthereonestoneuponanother,thatwillnotbethrowndown.”

AndashesatontheMountoftheOlivesoppositethetemple,PeterandJamesandJohnandAndrewaskedhimprivately,“Tellus,whenwillthisbe,andwhatwillbethesignwhenthesethingsarealltobeaccomplisheda”AndJesusbegan tosay to them,“Takeheed thatnoone leadsyouastray.Manywillcomeinmyname,saying,‘Iamhe!’andtheywillleadmanyastray.Andwhenyouhearofwarsandrumorsofwar,donotbealarmed;thismusttakeplace,buttheendisnotyet.Fornationwillriseagainstnation,andkingdomagainstkingdom;therewill be earthquakes in various places, therewill be famines; this is but the beginning of the birthpangs.

“But take heed to yourselves; for theywill deliver you up to councils; and youwill be beaten insynagogues;andyouwill standbeforegovernorsandkings formysake, tobear testimonybeforethem.And the gospelmust first be preached to all nations. Andwhen they bring you to trial anddeliveryouup,donotbeanxiousbeforehandwhatyouaretosay;butsaywhateverisgivenyouinthathour,foritisnotyouwhospeak,buttheHolySpirit.Andbrotherwilldeliverupbrothertodeath,andthefatherhischild,andchildrenwillriseagainstparentsandhavethemputtodeath;andyouwillbehatedbyallformyname’ssake.Buthewhoendurestotheendwillbesaved.

“Butwhenyouseethedesolatingsacrilegesetupwhereitoughtnottobe(letthereaderunderstand),thenletthosewhoareinJudeafleetothemountains;lethimwhoisonthehousetopnotgodown,norenterhishouse,totakeanythingaway;andlethimwhoisinthefieldnotturnbacktotakehismantle.Andalasforthosewhoarewithchildandforthosewhogivesuckinthosedays!Praythatitmaynothappeninwinter.ForinthosedaystherewillbesuchtribulationashasnotbeenfromthebeginningofthecreationwhichGodcreateduntilnow,andneverwillbe.AndiftheLordhadnotshortenedthedays,nohumanbeingwouldbesaved;butforthesakeoftheelect,whomhechose,heshortenedthedays.Andthenifanyonesaystoyou,‘Look, thereheis!’donotbelieveit.FalseChristsandfalseprophetswillariseandshowsignsandwonders,toleadastray,ifpossible,theelect.Buttakeheed;Ihavetoldyouallthingsbeforehand.

“Butinthosedays,afterthattribulation,thesunwillbedarkened,andthemoonwillnotgiveitslight,andthestarswillbefallingfromheaven,andthepowersintheheavenswillbeshaken.AndthentheywillseetheSonofmancomingincloudswithgreatpowerandglory.Andthenhewillsendouttheangelsandgatherhiselectfromthefourwinds,fromtheendsoftheearthtotheendsoftheheaven.

“Fromthefigtreelearnitslesson;assoonasitsbranchbecomestenderandputsforthitsleaves,youknowthatsummerisnear.Soalso,whenyouseethesethingstakingplace,youknowthatheisnear,at theverygates.Truly,Isaytoyou, thisgenerationwillnotpassawaybeforeall thesethingstake

place.Heavenandearthwillpassaway,butmywordswillnotpassaway.

“Butofthatdayorthathournooneknows,noteventheangelsinheaven,northeSon,butonlytheFather.”[1]

InallperiodsoftimetheChristianshavebeenwaitingfortheadventoftheJesusChrist.AmirShabibAnsatansays:Huart,theFrenchhistorianandtheauthoroftheHistoryofArabssays:TheBritisherscometotheBaitulMaqdasinthevalleyswhereitissaidthatverysoonjudgmentwillbeestablished.There, every morning they beat the drums and await his reappearance. And I have heard that theEnglishwoman–Ithink–cametoQudsandforthesakeofJesusChristpreparedtea.

AndLaMartinetheFrenchPoetinhistraveloguesaysregardingtheMountainofLebanonthatinthevillagenamedJaun,hemetMadameIstirSatanub, thewellknownministerofBritishIslesandsawthatafemaleattendantwasreadywithasaddledhorsesothatifJesusChristreturnsshemustbereadyforit.[2]

TheseweresomeoftheexamplesthattheChristianthinkersandscholarshavementionedregardingthereturnofJesusChrist.Asfor theMuslims, theyonthebasisofwidelyrelatedreports,have thebeliefthatJesusChristshallcometotheearthandthathewouldnotbedirectlydoingthereformationbuthewillbeassistingImamMahdi(a.s)andhisfollowersintheestablishmentofpeaceandkingdomoftruthandwhatevershallbebestforhumanity.

[1]Marks13:1-32[2]HajirulAalamulIslami,Vol.2,Pg.195

TheGreatReformerintheviewofJews

OneofthebeliefsoftheJewsistheadventofaUniversalreformerintheLastAge.Heistheone

who would purify the evil manners of the people. As Ibne Qayyim says: Indeed the Jews areanticipatingarevolutionfromtheProgenyofProphetDawood(a.s)insuchawaythatevenifhislipsmoveinprayers,allthecommunitiesshallbedestroyed.ThisPromisedoneintheviewoftheJewsisthesaviorwhowaspromisedtotheJews.[1]

[1]HidayatulHayariFeeAjwabalYahoodwanNasari,Pg.133

DescriptionoftheAdventoftheReformerofJews

AsforthedescriptionoftheadventofthereformeroftheJews,aprophetnamedAshiyahassaid

as follows:Very soon, onewho is from theProgenyofProphetDawood shall arise and theHolySpiritwouldenterintohimandtheSpiritofWisdom,understanding,power,recognitionofthefearofGodwould become dominant on him.He shall rulewith justice for the good of the oppressedpeopleandprocurejusticeforthemanddestroythehypocrites.Hewouldestablishpeaceandsecurityinsuchawaythatallthepeoplewouldlivealifeofpeaceandprosperity.[2]

Althoughitisanestablishedfactthatsuchagoldenerahasneveroccurredinthehistoryoftheworldsofar,thatjusticeisestablishedineverycorneroftheearth.ItshallonlybeachievedatthehandsofonlyandonlytheUniversalReformer,theMahdifromtheProgenyofMuhammad(a.s).HeistheonewhowouldfilltheearthwithjusticeandequityandleadthepeoplewithheavenlyguidancesuchthatthereshallbenodeceitandfraudinhisKingdom.

[2]AlBurhanfiAlamateAkheruzZaman1/122

24ChapterSIGNSOFREAPPEARANCEOFTHEIMAMOFTHETIME

The Jews have recorded in their books the signs of the reappearance of the universal reformer

whomtheyareexpecting:

a) All the ten sons of Prophets Dawood (a.s) shall come together and arise from the House ofDawood.b)GogandMagogshallbekilledc)TheMountofOliveshallburstasunderd)ThevalleyofEgyptshallbecomedrye)SweetwaterspringswillburstforthfromJerusalemandfromBaitulMaqdas.f)TenleadersofdifferentreligionsoftheworldshallbedressedupinJewishdressandtheyshallrequesttobetakenintotheirfoldastheyhaveheardthatGodiswiththeJews.g)Allthepeople(communities)shallmigratetoJerusalemtoparticipateintheworshipofAlmighty.h)Themischiefandcorruptionoftheearthshallbedestroyed.TheirviewisthatProphetIsa(a.s)willnot come before one who had arisen on the religion of Bani Israel is destroyed. Therefore it isincumbentoneveryJewthatallthesectsdonotunite.SothatpowerremainsinthehandsoftheJews.BeforeJewsareabletogaincompletedominationoftheworld,itiscertainthattherewouldbewarsas a consequence of which one-third of theworld populationwill perish. The Jews shall rule theworldforsevenyearsatastretchandburnuptheweaponstheyhaveobtainedaftergainingvictory.ItisthesamedaywhentheJewsshallreachanelevatedpositionandbeabsolutemastersofthewealthoftheworld.Verysoonthetreasuresoftheearthwouldfilluptheirlavishhomes.Suchthat300asseswouldberequiredtocarrytheirkeys.ItwouldbethetimewhenpeopleshallenterthefoldofJewsingroupsandallwouldwelcome themexcept theChristianswhoaredestroyed,as theyare from theprogenyofSatan.[1]

ThispartshowsthattheJewshaveanimositytowardsallfaiths,especiallyChristianity.Theydesiretobe themost dominant people on the earth and that the rest of the world should come under theirdominationandpower.

i)Peterhasmentionedoneofthesignsofreappearanceasfollows:

Sinceallthesethings(religions)arethustobedissolved,whatsortofpersonsoughtyoubeinlivesofholinessandgodliness,waitingforandhasteningthecomingofthedayofGod,becauseofwhichtheheavenwillbekindledanddissolved,and theelementswillmeltwithfire.Butaccording tohispromisewewaitfornewheavensandanewearthinwhichrighteousnessdwells.[2]

j)Intheteachings(Talmud),regardingthesignsoftheadventoftheJewishsavioritismentioned:ItisincumbentuponeveryJewthatheorshestrivestoobtainthepowerintheworldandsubjectothers

totheworstformofhumility.Andbeforethelastvictorythereshallbewarandtwothirdoftheworldwouldbedestroyed.AndtheJewsshallremaindominantforsevenyearsandburnuptheweapontheylay theirhandson.Anditwouldbe the timewhentheenemiesof theJewsshallhave their teeth22yardslongandtheyshallbeprotrudingoutfromtheirmouths!!!

[1]Al-Burhan,Pg.8,QuotedfromQisseDiyanat,Pg.376[2]PeterII(3:11-13)

TheJewsduringthistimeshallbeatwaragainstallthecommunitiesandthelastrealsaviorwillcomeandheshallbetheonewhoisanticipated.TheyshallbesuccessfulandtheJewcommunityshallbeattheZenithinmatterofwealthandprosperityastheyshallbethemastersofallworldlywealth.Somuchso,thatatleast300asseswillberequiredtocarrythekeysoftheirtreasures.[1]

ThesestatementsshowthattheJewsharborenmityandanimositytoalltheotherreligiouscommunitiesoftheworldandtheiraimistograballthewealthandpoweroftheworldandthattheybedominantovertheworld.

[1]IsraelandTalmud,Pg.60

TheVastSpreadofBountiesaftertheAdventoftheSavioroftheJews

Jewsbelievethataftertheadventofthesavior,thewidespreadbountiesshallreachtoeverynook

andcorneroftheworld.Suchthatpeopleshallcontinuetoliveforcenturiesandtheirstaturewouldbe200yardsinheight.[2]

Itissaid:VerysoonthelandsofIsraelwillfructifywithbreadandfabricsandthestalksofwheatwillgrowhighinLebanonlikethedatepalmsandtheywouldswayinthewindsofastthattheygrindthegrainsinthem.[3]

Also, the lands of Israel will give out unleavened bread and each grain will produce a thousandgrains.Wineshallbeavailableinabundanceandthecultivationofgrapeswillincrease.BuildingsofJerusalemshallrisehighuptothreemiles.Theirgatesshallbemadeofpearlsandgenuinegemstonessuchthateachpartshallbe30yardslong.[4]Povertywillbeeradicatedandpeopleshallbehealthyandacquiremoregoodqualities.Justice,truth

[2]Al-Burhan,1/129[3]At-TalmudTarrkhiyawaTahmiya,Pg.60[4]QisatudDiyanat,Pg.376

andpeaceshallbedominant.[1]AndthisisthetimewhenJewsshalldominatetheworldandallcommunitieswillsubmittothatsavior.EachJewshallhave2800servantstoattendhim.[2]

Yes!TheJewshavesuchbeliefsanditisthepartoftheirfundamentalprinciplesoffaith.Onthebasisofthistheyaimtosubjugatetheworldandacquireallthewealthoftheworld.

Thusweconcludeourdiscussionregardingthesignsoftheadventofthelastsaviorofmankindthatarepresentintheteachingsofthegreatestworldreligious.Anditisnoteworthythataccordingtothebeliefsofallpeople,theadventofthissaviorisdefiniteandcertain.

WehavealsoestablishedthatthislastsaviorisnonebutImamMahdi(a.s),theAwaitedImam.HeistheoneatwhosehandsChristiansandJesuswouldsubmitimmediatelyandAlmightyAllahwouldsupportandhelphimlikeHesupportedHischosenrepresentatives.HeshallalsobetherecipientofUnseenhelptillthetimeheestablishestruth,justice,peaceandequityamongthepeople.

[1]AtTalmud,TarikhandTalim,Pg.61[2]AlBurhan,1/3,quotedfromAl-MasihfilQuran,walTauratwalInjeel,Pg.526

25ChapterBELIEVERSANDDENIERSOFTHEIMAMOFTHETIME(A.S)

All Islamic scholars are unanimous regarding the belief that Imam Mahdi (a.s) shall indeed

reappearandreformtheworldanddestroyalloppression.ThegovernmentofHisEminenceshallbesuch a great success and achievement, as the mankind has never seen in the history so far. ThescholarsofIslamhavefaithinitandconsiderittobeaninseparablepartofreligiousbelief.ItisduetothewidelyrelatedandauthentictraditionsnarratedfromtheHolyProphet(a.s)andtheImamsofguidance(a.s)sourcesofwhichwehavealreadyquotedintheforegonepages.Thereforethereisnodifferenceofopinionintheabove-mentionedmatter.Ratherthedifferenceisregardingsomeothermatters,forexampleinthebirthandexistenceofHisEminence.AllShias,withoutanyexceptionandalargenumberofAhleSunnatscholarsandhistoriansbelievethatHisEminenceisalreadybornandexists in the present time.However someof them say that he shall be born in the future.We shallinvestigatethisopinionoftheirs.

ThosewhobelievetheImamisbornandexists

ShiaImamitesareunanimousthattheAwaitedHolyImam(a.s)existsandthathehasalreadytaken

birthandatpresentheistheProofofAllahontheEarth.TheAlmightyAllahhaskepthimalivebyprovidingall thenecessitiesforsurvivalandhe isawayfromallweakness,oldageanddeath,andnothingisdifficultfortheAlmightyGod.

TheOneWhohaskeptthestarsandtheplanetsrotatingintheirorbitsinspaceandOneWhohaslifeanddeathunderHiscontrolandhaspowerovereverything.HeistheOneWhohadmadethepeopleofthecaveasleepfor309yearsandthenrevivedthemandkeptthemalive.HeistheOneWhokeptProphetYunusaliveinthewhale’sbelly.Whenhesoughtforgivenesshewasbroughtout.Ifhehadnot sought forgiveness hewould have remained alive inside thewhale tillQiyamat. Such types ofexamplesarenumerous in theHolyQuran.NowweshallmentionsomestatementsofAhleSunnatscholarsthatareinconsonancewiththebeliefsoftheShiaImamiyah.1.MuhammadbinTalhaShafei

MuhammadbinTalhabinMuhammadQarashiNasibisays:

“MuhammadbinHasanKhalis,sonofAliMutawakkil,sonofMuhammadQane’,sonofAliar-Reza,sonofMusaKazim,sonofJa’farSadiq,sonofMuhammadBaqir,sonofAliZainulAbideen,sonofHusainZaki,sonofAliMurtada,sonofAbuTalibistheMahdi,theHujjat(Proof),theKhalafSalih(therighteoussuccessor)andtheawaitedone,peacebeuponhim.”

Thisistherighteousproof(KhalafSalih)

Allahindeedhashelpedhim…

Healsosaid:“Asfortheplaceofhisbirth,itisSar-man-rai(andhewasborn)onthe23rdofShaban258A.H.”

Thesesentencesprove thebeliefofMuhammadbinTalha in theexistenceofHisEminence,Mahdi(a.s)onthebasisoftraditionsandsayingsoftheHolyProphet(a.s)regardingImamMahdi(a.s).2.IbneArabi

MuhyuddinMuhammad bin Ali known as Ibne Arabi Andulusi has explained the Imamate of HisEminence,Mahdi(a.s)andhisbirth.Hesays,“MahdiwillreappearinthelastageandtheMessengerofAllah (a.s) has prophesied about him, and he is from the purifiedAhleBayt (a.s) and from thelineageofMuhammad.

IndeedtheImamisneedfulofavizier.

Anduponthetwoofthemthewholeuniverserotates.

Youshouldknow that theAlmightyAllahhas aCaliphwhowould reappear and fill the earthwithjustice and equity after it would have been filled with injustice and inequity. Even if a single dayremainsfortheearth,theAlmightyAllahwillprolongthisverydaytillthisCaliph,whoisfromtheProgenyoftheMessengerofAllahandfromthedescendantsofFatima,reappears.ThegrandfatherofthisCaliphisHusainbinAlibinAbiTalibandhisrespectedfatherisHasanAskari(a.s).HeshallhavethesamenameasthatoftheHolyProphet(a.s)andpeoplewouldpayallegiancetohimbetweenRuknandMaqam.InappearanceheshallbelikeAllah’sMessengerandinmannersslightlylessthantheProphet,becausenoonecouldbeequaltotheProphet.TheAlmightyAllahhassaid:‘Indeedyouarehavingloftymanners.’

Heishavinganilluminatedforeheadandaraisednose.Peoplewouldbecomefortunatethroughhimandhewoulddistributewealthevenlyamongthepeopleandestablish justice.Therewouldbesuchprosperityduringhistimethatwhenamancomesandaskshimformonetaryhelphewouldbegivenasmuchashecouldlift.Inhistenurebadmannersandeviltraitsshallbetransformedintoamicablemannerisms.

Itwouldbeseenthatapersonwhowasignorantandcowardlyatnightwouldbecomeknowledgeable,kindandbraveinthemorningandsuccess,helpandassistancewouldbesurroundinghim.

Heshallbethehelperandsupporteroftheweakandhelplesspeopleanddominatingandstrictfortheoppressors.

Heshallpracticallyactuponwhathepreachesandteachthepeoplewhatheactsupon.Throughhim,Islamwouldgetrespectabilityandrevival.PeoplewhoarecognizantoftheAlmightyandtruthshallbe surrounding him and they would help and assist His Eminence. His Eminence, Ali (a.s) shalldescendfromtheheavensinsuchamannerthatanangelwouldbeathisrightandanotherathisleft;hewouldassistImamMahdi(a.s)andhewouldbreakthecrossandkillthepig.”[1]

[1]Futuhat-e-Makkiyah,3/429-430

3.IbneSabbaghMaliki

ShaykhNuruddinAlibinMuhammad,popularlyknownas IbneSabbaghMaliki says, “The twelfthImamisMuhammadbinHasan.”ThenhementionsthedateofhisbirthandtheproofofhisImamateandalsosometraditionsregardingHisEminence,hisoccultationandthedurationofhisgovernmentetc.[1]4.IbneAthir

AlibinKaramMuhammadbinMuhammadShaibani,aliasIbneAthirJazarisays,“Inthatyear,thatisin260A.H.,HisEminence,AbuMuhammadHasanAskariAlawipassedawayandhewastheeleventhof the twelveImamsof theImamiyah(Shias).Hewas thefatherof ImamMahdi(Muhammad)whowasbornintheyear232A.H.”[2]5.Shamsuddin

ShamsuddinAbuMuzaffarYusufbinFazaAli,knownasSibteIbneJawzihassaid,“MuhammadbinHasanbinAlibinMuhammadbinAlibinMusaar-RezabinJa’farbinMuhammadbinAlibinHusainbinAli binAbiTalib (a.s),whosepatronymic isAbuAbdullah andAbulQasim, is theCaliph, theProof,theMasterofthetime,theQaim,theAwaitedoneandthelastofthetwelveImams.”[3]6.AbulFida

IsmailAbuFidawrites,“ImamHasanAskari isoneof the twelveShiite Imams.He is the fatherofMuhammad,theAwaitedonewhowasbornintheyear235A.H.”[4]

ShiasdonotbelievethattheImam(a.s)hasdisappearedintothebasement,andinthesamewaytheydonotawaithisreturnatthebasement,rathertheShiassaythatImam(a.s)ishidden

[1]Al-FusululMuhimma[2]TarikhIbneAthir,5/373[3]TadkiratulKhawasal-Aimma[4]TarikhAbulFida,2/152

fromtheeyesofpeopleandheisinoccultation.ShiasawaitforthereappearanceoftheImamattheHouseofAllah(Ka’ba)aswehavealreadyexplainedintheforegonepages.7.Qirmani

Qirmanihaswritten,“ImamAbulQasimMuhammadbinHasanAskariwhowasfiveyearsoldwhenhis fatherpassedawaywasbestowedwisdomby theAlmightyAllah, just asHehadblessedYahya(a.s) with it. He is of medium height, elegant stature, beautiful hair, raised nose and illuminatedforehead.”[1]8.IbneKhallikan

Ibne Khallikan has written in his biography of the Awaited Imam (a.s) as follows, “Abul QasimMuhammadbinHasanbinMuhammadJawwad,isthetwelfthofthetwelveImamsandhewasbornonFriday,the15thofRamadan(15thShaban)intheyear255A.H.”[2]9.Dhahabi

Dhahabi has mentioned regarding the birth of His Eminence, the Awaited Imam as follows, “Animportanteventoftheyear261A.H.wasthepassingawayofHasanbinAlibinJawwadbinReza(a.s)whowasoneofthetwelveImamsandthefatheroftheAwaitedImam(a.s),MuhammadbinHasan.”[3]10.SirajuddinRufayi

Shaykhul Islam,AbulMaali SirajuddinMuhammadRufayi haswritten, “His titlewasNaqi (Pure),Aalim,(Scholar),Faqih(Jurisprudent),Amir(Chief),Daleel(Proof)andAskari(onefromthearmycantonment)…Hehadfiveissues,ImamHasanAskari,Husain,Muhammad,Ja’farandAishah.ButtheAwaited

[1]AkhbaarudDawl,Pg.117[2]WafayatulAyan,2/457[3]TarikhDawlal-Islami,5/115

Proof,theWaliofAllah,ImamMahdiwas(born)fromImamHasanAskari(a.s).”[1]11.ShaykhShablanji

The accomplished scholar, Shaykh Shablanji has mentioned, “This section is about the merits ofMuhammad bin al-Hasan al-Khalis binAli al-Hadi binMuhammad al-Jawwad binAli ar-Reza binMusa al-Kazimbin Ja’far as-Sadiq binMuhammad al-Baqir binAli bin al-Husain binAli binAbiTalib.Hismother isUmmulWalad,Narjis,Saiqal and alsoknownasSusan andhis patronymic isAbulQasimand the ImamiteShiashavegivenhim the following titles:Hujjat[2],Mahdi[3],KhalafSalih[4],Qaim[5],Montazar[6]andSahib-uz-Zaman.[7]ThemostwellknownofthesetitlesisMahdi.HisEminenceisatallyoungmanwithabeautifulfaceandhairthatreachestohisshoulders.Hehasbigeyesandabrilliantcountenance.”[8]12.SulaimanIbneKhwaja

The great scholar, Shaykh Sulaiman bin Khwaja has given a lengthy explanation in which he hasprovedthatthePromisedMahdiaboutwhomtheMessengerofAllah(a.s)hasprophesiedisthesameProofofGod,MuhammadbinHasanAskariandhehasmentionedproofsandtestimoniestosupporthisbelief.AnditisinterestingtonotethatthisShaykhwasfromtheHanafischoolandhefollowedtheSufireligion.[9]

[1]SihahulAkhbar[2]Proof[3]Guidedone[4]RighteousSuccessor[5]Onewhorises[6]Awaitedone[7]MasteroftheAge[8]NurulAbsar,Pg.152[9]YanabiulMawaddah

13.AbdulWahhabSherani

ThemysticShaykh,AbdulWahhabAhmadbinAliSheranisays,“ThebirthoftheAwaitedImamtookplaceon the15thofShaban in theyear255AHandhe is alive andpresent, till the timehewouldreappearandIsabinMaryamwouldalsobewithhim.HeisfromtheprogenyofImamHasanAskari(a.s).”[1]14.KhairuddinZarkali

KhairuddinZarkalihassaid,“MuhammadbinHasanAskariKhalisbinAlial-Hadi,AbulQasimisthelastleaderofthetwelveShiaImams.AmongtheImamites,heisknownastheMahdi,theMasteroftheAge,theAwaitedone,theProofandtheownerofthecellar.HewasborninSamarrahandwhenhe

wasfiveyearsold,hisfatherpassedaway.Whenhewasnine,tenornineteenyearsoldheenteredthecellarinthehouseofhisfatherandheneveremergedfromit.”

Ibne Khallikan says, “In the last age the Shias expect him to reappear from any of the cellars ofSamarrah.”[2]

However,aswehaverepeatedlymentioned,ShiasneverexpecttheImamtoreappearfromacellarofSamarrah;theybelievethattheadventoftheHolyImamshallbefromtheHolyKa’ba.15.Baihaqi

BaihaqiShafeisays,“PeoplehavedifferedregardingMahdi.AgrouphasstoppedandentrustedhisknowledgetoitsscholarandhavethebeliefthatheisfromtheprogenyofFatima,thedaughteroftheMessengerofAllah(a.s).”Hefurthersays,“HislongageisnotimpossiblelikethatofHisEminence,IsabinMaryamandHisEminence,ProphetKhizr(a.s).”[3]

[1]Al-Yuwaqeet[2]AlAlaam,6/309-310[3]Sha'bal-Eimaan

16.HusainKashifi

Husain, thecompilerofQuranicexegesissays,“MuhammadbinHasan is the twelfthImamandhispatronymicisAbulQasimandhewasborninSamarrah.”[1]17.Shuqrani

Shuqranisays,“Thesixty-sixthdiscussionisabouttheconditionsofthecomingoftheFinalHourastheHolyProphet(a.s)hasinformed.AllofthemaretrueandallofthemshallindeedoccurbeforetheDayofJudgment, like theadventof theMahdi (a.s), then theDajjaland thedescentof Isa (a.s), theadventofthecreature(Daabba),therisingofthesunfromthewestandthebreakingofthebarrierofGogandMagog.Somuchso,thatevenifasolitarydayremainsfortheendoftheworld,allofthemshallcometopass.”[2]18.SalahuddinSafadi

ShaykhSalahuddinSafadiwrites,“ThePromisedMahdiisthesametwelfthoftheTwelveImams,thefirstofwhomistheChiefofthePious,Ali(a.s)andthelastisMahdi.”[3]19.MuhammadNajjari

HafizMuhammadbinMuhammadNajjari,aprominentHanafischolarsays,“AbuMuhammadisthefatherof ImamMahdi.His son isMuhammadknown to theclosestmembersofhis familyandhistrustedrelatives.Thenhegoesontodescribethecircumstancessurroundinghisholybirth.”[4]

[1]RauzatushShohada,Pg.326[2]Al-YuwaqeetwalJawahir

[3]YanabiulMawaddah,Pg.471quotedinSharhDairah[4]FaslulKhitab

20.SayyidAhmadZainiDahlan

SayyidAhmadZainiDahlaninrefutationofthebeliefofthosewhosaytheAbbasideMahdiwastheAwaitedImam,says,“Asthetraditionsandnarrativereportsproveandasthescholarshaveexplained,theAwaitedMahdihasnotreappearedtilldateandsomeofthesignsofhisreappearancehavealreadyoccurredandsomeofthemhaveyettooccur.AndtheclearestsignofhimisthattheAlmightyAllahwillimprovehisaffaironaSaturdayandhewouldbefromtheProgenyofFatima…butitiscertainthathewoulddefinitelyreappear.”

TheseweresomeexamplesofthestatementsofAhleSunnatwalJamatscholarsthathavebeenrecordedandallofthemclearlyexplainthatHisEminencedoesexistandhisreappearanceisimminent.Thegreattraditionists,ShaykhNooriinhisbook,KashfulAstar,hasmentionedfortyAhleSunnatintellectualsandscholarswhohaveexpressedfaithinHisEminence,andconsideredhisreappearanceimminent.Andtheaccomplishedteacher,HaajAliMuhammadAliDokhiayyalhasmentioned144booksdealingmainlyaboutthetopicofImamMahdi(a.s)andtheinterestingthingisthatamajorityofthesebooksarewrittenbyAhleSunnatscholars.[1]

[1]Al-Futuhatal-Islamiyyah,2/322

26ChapterBOOKSWRITTENABOUTHISEMINENCE,IMAMMAHDI(A.S)

Scholars and intellectualsof the Islamicworldhavewrittennumerousbooksabout ImamMahdi

(a.s)anditisworthpointingoutthatamajorityofthemarefromAhleSunnatcommunity.Moreover,theShiascholarshavealsowrittenmanybooksaboutImamMahdi(a.s).[1]Belowwementionsomeofthesebooks:

1.Al-BayanFiAkhbarSahibaz-Zaman,writtenbyAbuAbdillahMuhammadbinYusufGanjiShafei.Recently,thegreatresearcherSayyidMahdiKhorasanihaswrittenaveryniceforewordtothisbook.

2.IqdudDurarFiAkhbar-e-MontazarwaHuwalMahdi(a.s),writtenbyAllamahYusufbinYahyabinAlibinAbdulAzizMuqaddasiShafeiSalmiandShaykhMuheebbinSalihBurinihas researched itfully.ItispublishedbyMaktabal-Manar,Jordan.

3. Al-Burhan Fi Alamaat Mahdi Aakhir az-Zamaan, written by Shaykh Ali bin Husam, popularlyknownasMuttaqiHindi.Itisatwo-volumebook.JasimbinMuhammadIlyasinhasresearcheditanditisprintedbyZatulSalasilCo.,Jordan.Itisoneofoursourcesforthisbook.

4.Al-Mahdi al-Maoodal-Montazar IndaAhlasSunnahwal Imamiyah,writtenby thegreat scholar,ShaykhNajmuddinJa’farbinMuhammadAskariintwovolumes.ItispublishedfromDaraz-Zahra,Lebanon.

[1]Al-Imamal-Mahdi,Pg.310-318

5.Ash-ShiawarRaja’,writtenbythescholarandresearcher,ShaykhMuhammadRezaTabasiNajafiwhichhasrecentlybeenpublishedmentioningtheoriginalsources.

6.Al-Fitan,writtenbyNaeembinHammadMaroozi(died228A.H.).CopiesofthismanuscriptareavailableinRiyadh,Medina,MeccafromTurkey,London,IndiaandIraq.[1]

7.Al-Malahim,writtenbyAbulHasanbinManadiAhmadbinJa’far(died336A.H.).[2]

8.Al-MahdiorAkhbaral-Mahdi,writtenbyAbuNaeemIsfahani(died430A.H.)ispresentinmanuscriptform.

9.Al-SunanWaridaFilFitan,writtenbyAbuAmrUthmanbinSaeedDaniMaqri,(died444A.H.)ispresentinmanuscriptform.

10.Al-Ba’athwanNushoor,writtenbyBaihaqi(died458A.H.)isavailableinmanuscriptform.

11.Irtiqaal-Farq,writtenbySakhawi,(died903A.H.).Itismentionedinhisbook,Maqasid.

12.Al-ArfulWardifiAkhbaral-Mahdi,writtenbySuyuti(died911A.H.).Itispublishedalongsidehisanotherbook,Al-HawifilFatawi.

13.Al-Qaulal-MukhtasarFiAlamatal-Mahdial-Montazar,writtenbyIbneHajarHaithamiShafei,(died974A.H.)isalsoavailableinmanuscriptform.

14.Al-Mashrabal-WardifiMazhabal-Mahdi,writtenbyMullaAliQari,(died1033A.H.)andBaranjihasmentionedaboutitinhisbook,Ashraatas-Saa-a.

15.FawaidFawaidal-FikrfilMahdial-Montazar,writtenbyMari’binYusufKaramiHanbali,(died1033A.H.)isavailableinmanuscriptform.AcopyofthesameisavailableinParis,France.

[1]IqdudDurarFiAkhbaral-Montazar,Pg.32[2]IqdudDurarFiAkhbaral-Montazar,Pg.32

16.Al-Ishaa-aliAshratas-Saa-a,writtenbyBaranji(died1103A.H.)isavailableinprintedform.

17.Al-Ahadithal-QaziyaBiKhuroojal-Mahdi,writtenbyMuhammadbinIsmailSanaianditismentionedinthebook,Al-Izaa-a.

18.Al-Bahooras-ZakhirafiUloomal-Aakhira,writtenbyMuhammadbinHaajAhmadSafariniHanbali,(died1088A.H.).

19.At-TauzeehFeemaTawaturfilMuntazarwalDajjalwalMasih,writtenbyShaukani(died1250A.H.).AndShaukanihasmentioneditinhisTafsirFathulQadeer(Vol.I).

20.Talkhisal-BayanfiAlamaatMahdiAakhiraz-Zaman,writtenbyShaykhAkhsaraiisavailableinmanuscriptform.ItispresentintheArifal-HikmahLibraryofMedinaunderthelistingno.26/240/7/Q.

21.At-TasrihBimaTawaturfiNuzoolal-Masih,writtenbyKashmiri(died1352A.H.)isavailableinprintedform.

22.Al-JawabMuqnaal-MuharrarFirRaddeA’laaManTaghawaTajabbarbiDawaAnIsaHuwalMahdial-Montazar,writtenbyMuhammadHabibullahShanqeetianditisavailableinprintedform.

23.Al-Khitabal-MalihfiTahqiqal-MahdiwalMasih,writtenbyShaykhAshrafAliThanavi.ThisbookisavailableinUrdulanguage.

24.Tahdeeqan-NazarbiAkhbaral-Montazar,writtenbyShaykhMuhammadbinAbdulAzizMane’,isavailableinmanuscriptformandonecopyisavailableinDaral-Kutubal-Misriyya.

25.Mukhtasaral-Akhbaral-Masha-afilFitanwaAshraatas-Saa-awaAkhbaaral-Mahdi,writtenby

AbdullahbinShaykhanditispublishedfromRiyadh.

26.Al-BayanaatanilMahdi,writtenbyMauridi.

27.Al-AhadithWaaridafilMahdifiMeezanal-JarahTa’deel,writtenbyAbdulAleembinAbdulAzeemanditwaspublishedintheMakkahMukarramaUniversity.[1]

28.Al-MuntazarA’laaZawaal-Haqaiq,writtenbyMuhammadHusainAdeeb,publishedfromtheHaidariyyaPress,Najafal-Ashraf.

29.Al-Imamal-Mahdi,writtenbytheaccomplishedHaajAliMuhammadAliDokhaiyyal,publishedfromAadaabPrintingPress,Najafal-Ashraf.

30.Muntakhabal-AtharfilImamat-ThaniAshar,writtenbythegreatscholar,ShaykhLutfullahSafiGulpayganiandthisisoneofthebestbooksonthesubjectoftheAwaitedImam.

31.Ibrazal-Wahamal-MaknoonminKalaamIbneKhaldun,writtenbyAhmadbinSiddiqBukharipublishedfromtheTaraqqiPrintingPress,Damascus.

32.ArbaeenHadithanFilMahdi,writtenbyAbulAlaaHamadani.

33.ArbaeenHadithanFilMahdi,writtenbyHafizAbuNaeemAhmadbinAbdullahIsfahani.

34.Talkhisal-BayanFiAlamaatMahdiAakhiraz-Zamaan,writtenbyIbneKamalBashaHanafi,(died940A.H.).

35.Al-Qatarash-ShahdiFiAwsaafal-Mahdi,editedbyShahabuddinAhmadbinAhmadIsmailHalwaniShafei(died1308A.H.).

36.Al-Mahdi,writtenbyAbuDawoodSulaimanbinAshathSajistani.HeisthecompilerofoneofthesixSunniauthenticbooks(SihahSittah).

37.Al-MahdiIlaaMawardFilMahdi,writtenbyShamsuddinMuhammadbinTulun.

[1]IqdudDurarFiAkhbaral-Muntazar,Pg.33-35

38.An-Najmal-ThaqibFiBayanAalal-MahdiminAuladAlibinAbiTalib.

39.Al-HadiyatulMahdaviyyah,writtenbyAbulRajaaMuhammadHindi.

40.Al-AwasimAnilFitanal-Qawasim,writtenbyAlibinBurhanuddinHalabiShafei.[1]

41.Al-Ghaybah,writtenbyShaykhTusi

42.Kamaluddin,writtenbyShaykhSaduq

43.Al-Ghaybah,writtenbyMuhammadbinIbrahimNomani

44.Al-MalahimwalFitan,writtenbyRaziuddinAlibinTawoos

45.BahethHawlal-Mahdi,writtenbyShahidSadr

46.BasharatulImamFiZahooral-Mahdi,writtenbyMustafaAaleSayyidHaiderKazmi

47.Al-Ghaybah,writtenbyShaykhMuhammadHirzuddin,withresearchofShaykhMuhammadHusainHirzuddinisavailableinmanuscriptform.

48.Al-Ghaybah,writtenbyShaykhMufeed

49.MahdiMaood,translatedbyAliDawani

50.Al-Mahdial-Maood,writtenbySayyidMuhammadSadr

TheseweresomeofthebooksthatarewrittenaboutHisEminence,ImamMahdi(a.s)andmostofthemarecompiledbyAhleSunnatscholarsandIdon’tthinkasmanybooksarewrittenregardinganyotherImambyAhleSunnatscholars.

[1]RazailShaykhMufid

27ChapterPOETSWHOBELIEVEDINIMAMMAHDI(A.S)

1.Kumayt

ThepoetofAhleBayt(a.s),KumaytbinZaidAsadihadfaithinHisEminence,ImamMahdi(a.s)anditwasapartofhisreligiousbelief.ThisfaithofhiswasduetothetrainingofthePurifiedImams(a.s)ashewasacontemporaryoftheirs.Thefollowingisoneofhiscouplets:“Whenthetruthshallbeestablishedamongyou.

WhenyoursecondMahdiwillriseup.”2.DibilKhuzai

Thispoetwashavingafirmandadeep-rootedfaithinHisEminenceandheconsidereditanecessaryprincipleofIslamicbelief.HecomposedandrecitedpoeticalcompositionsinthepresenceofImamAliReza(a.s)thatimpressedtheHolyImam(a.s)agreatdeal.

Hecomposedthefollowingcouplets:

“ThenifithadnotbeenwhatIdesirefortodayortomorrow.Anyheartwouldhavebrokeninthegriefofyoursigns.AdventofanImamwhoseadventisimminent.HewillmovewiththenameofGodandwithbounties.”

ImamAliReza(a.s)glancedtowardsKhuzaiandsaid,“TheHolySpirit (Ruhal-Qudus)hasspokenthroughyourtongue.DoyouknowwhothisImamis?”

Hereplied,“No,IhaveonlyheardthatanImamfromamongyoushallreappearandfilltheearthwithjusticeandequity…”

HisEminence,ImamAliReza(a.s)said,“ODibil!Indeed,theImamaftermeismyson,Muhammadandafterhimhisson,AliandafterAlihisson,HasanandafterHasanhisson,Hujjat(Proof)andtheQaim(Onewhorises).Andheistheonewhoshallbeawaitedduringhisconcealmentandwhenhereappears,heshallbeobeyedandheshallfilltheearthwithjusticeandequitylikeitwouldhavebeenfilledwithinjusticeandinequity.ButwhenshallheariseaThisnewsisfromthetimewhenIheardthroughmy father fromhis forefathers, that theHolyProphet (a.s) said, ‘He is like theHour, thatwouldcomeallofasuddenandnoonehasanyinformationaboutit.’”

3.SayyidHimyari

OneoftheprominentpoetsandfollowersofAhleBayt(a.s)isSayyidHimyariwhocomposedpoemsinpraiseofHisEminence,Ali(a.s)andtheoccultationofImamMahdi(a.s).HispoemregardingthereappearanceofHisEminence,theMasteroftheAgeisasfollows:

“AndinthesamewaywehavenarratedfromthesuccessorsofMuhammadAndnoneofusthathassaidithasanyfalsehoodinit.”4.WurdbinZaid

Thispoet,likeKumayt,wasamongthesincerefollowersoftheImamsofAhleBayt(a.s).Hecametothe presence of His Eminence, Imam Muhammad Baqir (a.s) and recited a poem regarding HisEminence.AndalsointheendherecitedcoupletsaboutImamMahdi(a.s)asfollows:

“WhenistheonegoingtobeborninSamarrah,ifitcomestopassThatwillbeshinningliketheshootingstarSomuchsothatifthelandofIraqthrowsittoHijaz,hewillstayatJa’ja’”

Itcanbeunderstood from thesecouplets that thispoethasalreadyheard the traditionsabout ImamMahdi(a.s)muchbeforehisholybirth.

And the saying of the Purified Imams is the saying of the Messenger of Allah and it is thecontinuationoftheknowledgeoftheirgreatgrandfather.InthesecoupletshementionsthequalitiesoftheAwaitedImamthatshallcometogetherinthatnewborninfallibleafterhisbirth.5.MusabbinWahab

MusabbinWahabNausajaniwasacontemporaryofHisEminence,ImamAliReza(a.s).HispoeticalcompositionsinformusabouthisfaithinthetwelveHolyImams,especiallyintheAwaitedImam(a.s)evenbeforehe(theImam)wasborn.

Thefollowingisoneofhiscouplets:

“ThenifheasksmewhatmyreligionisThuswhatIexpressiswhatIhide.(Itisthesame)”

ThesecoupletstellusaboutthefaithofMusabregardingtheAlmightyAllahandtheprophethoodoftheMessengerofAllah(a.s)whoisthegreatestmessengerofGodandthetwelveHolyImams(a.s)whoarethevicegerentsandsuccessorsoftheHolyProphet(a.s).6.MuhammadbinIsmailSaimari

Thispersonalityisoneofthebestandprominentpartisans(Shia)ofAhleBayt(a.s).HecametoImamHasan Askari (a.s) after the passing away of Imam Hadi (a.s) and recited a poem, which alsomentionedaboutImamMahdi(a.s).Asampleofhiscoupletsisasfollows:

“ThereweretenstarsintheskythataresilentandAllahwillmaketoriseotherstarslikethem.”7.AliKhawafi

AlibinAbuAbdillahKhawafiwasacompanionofImamAliReza(a.s)andwhentheIslamicworldwas mourning the martyrdom of Imam Reza (a.s), the poets composed elegies in his honor andKhawafiwasamongthosereciterswhoalsomentionedaboutImamMahdi(a.s)inhiscompositions.

“IneveryagethereisaguidingImamfromamongyou.Thenone-fourthofitisfilledwithyourfollowersandalsofriendly(familiar)people.”8.QasimbinYusuf

Oneof thosewhohad faith inHisEminence, ImamMahdi (a.s) and awaited his reappearancewasQasimbinYusuf.Hehassaidasfollows:

“IndeedIhopethatIreachthemwiththeirhands.Sothatmyheartissatisfiedbyit.”

ThispoetisanticipatingthereappearanceofHisEminence,ImamMahdi(a.s)sothathemayarriveand take revenge from the enemies of God and those who have dishonored whatever He hassanctified.9.IbneRumi

IbneRumiisamongthemostprominentandaccomplishedpoetsofhistimes.Theelegyhecomposedinthehonorofthemartyr,YahyaAlawiandtheatrocitieshesufferedatthehandsoftheoppressorsalsomentionsabouttheMasteroftheAffair,ImamMahdi(a.s).HehasalsodenouncedthetyrannicalAbbasidrulersthroughthis.Hesays:

“Youareindeceitifyousaythetruththatthisconditionwillremainsameforeverforyou.Whiletimeobviouslyhastwocolors.”10.YahyabinAqib

Yahya binAqib in his panegyric regardingHisEminence, theAwaited Imam (a.s) has praised andextolledtheHolyImamandexplainedaboutthepeaceandsecurityofhisreign.JustasitismentionedthattheImamwouldrestoreallthelawsthathavebecomeineffectivedowntheages:

“Thecomplexioniswheaten,thecountenanceisblooming,thefaceissaltyandfreshandripe.”

11.FazlbinRuzbahan

FazlbinRuzbahanhaspraisedanddescribedthePurifiedImam(a.s)andHisEminence,ImamMahdi(a.s)andsays:

“PeacebeontheQaim,theawaitedone.AbulQasim,themaster,thelightofguidance.”12.AbdurRahman

AbdurRahmanBistamiisoneofthosepoetswhobelievedintheexistenceofImamMahdi(a.s)andinhispanegyrichesaysasfollows:

“TheMofthegreatnessoftheProgenyofMuhammadwillreappear.AndfirstofallthejusticeofGodwillcomeinthepeople.”13.IbneAbilHadid

Hehascompiledthefollowingcouplets:

“AndcertainlyIknowthatitisnecessarythatyourMahdiwillcome.AndIamawaitingforthatday.”14.AmirBasri

HeisalsoamongthepoetswhohadfaithintheexistenceoftheImamofthetime(a.s)andconsideredthereappearanceofHisEminenceimminent.Hesaysasfollows:

“Imamofguidance!HowlongwillyoubeawayfromthesightaTowhomdowecomplainaboutyourreturn,Oourfather?”[1]15.AbulMa’ali

AbulMa’aliSadruddinhassaidasfollows:

“HewillbeestablishedontheearthbythecommandofAllahandreappearontheearthInspiteofthemischiefsoftheevilpeople.”[2]

[1]Al-Imamal-Mahdi[2]YanabiulMawaddah,Pg.469

These couplets show thathehasmentioned someof the signsof the reappearanceof ImamMahdi(a.s)onthebasisofthescienceofletters(Huruf)thatwastaughtbytheHolyImam(a.s).16.BahauddinAmili

Muhammad binHusain ShaykhBahai is a prominent personality of the Islamicworld and a greatintellectual of the Shia school. He has written on various subjects like jurisprudence, exegesis,astronomy, mathematics, geometry, divination and prosody etc. He has also composed poemsregardingHisEminence, theAwaited Imam(a.s) that appearunder the titleofWaseelatulFauzwalAmaanfiMadheSahibuzZaman:

“LightningflashedfromNajdandrefreshedthememory.ThecovenantbecameclearasanemberforstrangersatZeeqaar.”[1]17.SayyidHaiderHilli

Sayyid Haider Hilli was a prominent personality and a meritorious and daring person. He hadindependentviewsandwasarespectableman.Hewasamongthefamouslitterateursandaneminentman of letters.He composed elegiesmourning themartyrdomof his ancestor, ImamHusain (a.s).Thesecompositionsareconsideredthetreasuresofourculture.InsomeofhispoeticalcompositionsheaddressedHisEminence,theRemnantofAllah,theGreat(a.s)andimploredhimtoreappearandpurify the earthof thewildwolvesof theUmayyads, polytheismand corruption.The compositionrunsasfollows:

“IsthereanyonetotakemymessagetothemasterofaffairaThatcontainsthetruefeelings(sadness)andallofthemaresparksoffire(embers).”

[1]AreferencetoSermon33ofNahjulBalagha

18.SayyidAliKhan

SayyidAliKhanHuwaizawihassaidthefollowingwithregardtoHisEminence,ImamMahdi(a.s):

“OraQaimwhoistheMahdi,theJabbar[1]oftheSkyTheonewhoistheguidedoneandtheguideofallthecreaturesoftheworldfromthedarknessofthenightofignorance.”[2]19.Khalie-e

Khalie-eisamongthebelieversintheAwaitedImam(a.s)whohasalsoimploredhimtoreappear.

“Holdingstrongspears,onewhodesirestoscalegreatheightsHestopstheshe-cameltoaimthearrow.”20.AbdulGhaniAamili

ThispoetisfromthelineageofthegreatscholaroftheIslamicworld,theLateShaykhMuhammadHurreAamili, thecompilerofWasaelushShia, themost famousbookof theShia Imamiyahandareference book for Islamic jurisprudents. He composed many poems about His Eminence, ImamMahdi(a.s)whichwerepublishedinbookformfromHadariyaPress,NajafAshraf,Iraqin1339A.H.Inoneofhispanegyricshewrites:

“OImamofguidanceandthebestoftheMastersAllahhasappointedangelsashissoldiers.”21.HasanQaftan

ShaykhHasanQaftanisanotherpoetwhohasmanypoeticalcompositionstohiscreditregardingHis

Eminence,theAwaitedImam(a.s).Hesays:

Whenhemountedthehorse,thosebeforehimfledLikegoatsofslaughterfleefromslaughter.

[1]Powerful,strongetc.[2]MinanurRahman,2/230

22.SayyidAbbas

ThispoetisdivinelyinspiredtocomposesuchbeautifulpoemsabouttheHolyImam.Hesaysinoneofhiscompositions:

“OchiefofthosehavingabrightforeheadWhoisforemostamongtherighteousinpietyandforbearance.”23.ShaykhMuhammadSamawi

He composedmany poems aboutHis Eminence, ImamMahdi (a.s) and the following is a coupletfromhisworks:

“CongratulationstotheprophethoodandImamattheonewhoisfirmwiththetruth.Hispersonalityisexaltedandhavingrealpower.”

WiththisweconcludeourdiscussionaboutthepoetswhohadsincerefaithinHisEminence,ImamMahdi (a.s) and who were prominent poets of the Islamic world. They composed their poemsregarding His Eminence, imploring him to reappear and establish justice and truth and destroyinfidelityandoppression.

28ChapterDENIERSOFIMAMMAHDI(A.S)

AgrouphasdeniedtheHolyExistenceofImamMahdi(a.s)whilesomeoftheShiasandbelievers

haveactuallymettheHolyImam(a.s)inperson.HereweshallmentionaboutsomedeniersofImamMahdi(a.s):1.IbneKhaldun

Ina chapterofhisMuqaddimah, IbneKhaldunhasbrought the traditionsof theHolyProphet (a.s)narratedby thenarratorsandhehasendeavored toprove that all these traditionsarebaseless.Thegreatscholarandteacher,AhmadShakirhaswrittenarefutationofIbneKhaldunandsaid:

“However IbneKhaldun has taken up a subject aboutwhich be has no knowledge and spoke of amatterregardingwhichhehadnoproficiency.IbneKhaldunwasinvolvedinpoliticalaffairsandwasbusy in the serviceof the rulers.Thereforeheconjectured that the subjectofHisEminence, ImamMahdi(a.s)wasaShiitebelieforhehasputhimselfindoubtregardingthismatter.Onthebasisofthis,behaswrittenalongchapterinhiswell-knownProglamena.(ChapteronFatimidsorthatwhichthepeoplediduntothem).”[1]

The teacher, Ahmad Shakir, in refutation of Ibne Khaldun’s skepticismwrites that his denial withregardtotheAwaitedImam(a.s)isdenialofanecessaryprincipleofreligion,becausethetraditionsoftheHolyProphet(a.s)aboutHisEminence,ImamMahdi(a.s)reachtothelevelofwidely-related(Tawatur)andthereisnoscopeofdoubtinthem.

[1]SharhMusnadAl-ImamAhmad,5/197

2.MuhammadAminBaghdadi

Muhammad Amin Baghdadi, famous as Suwaidi, has denied the existence of His Eminence, theAwaitedImam(a.s)butsaidthatheshallbeborninthefuture.Healsosays,“TheShiasthinkthathedisappearedintoabasementofSamarrahin262A.H.andheisthesword-bearerandonewhowouldarisepriortoQiyamat.Alsothatbeforehisreappearanceheshallhavetwooccultations,oneofthembeinglongerthantheother.”

I say that there aremany facts that invalidate the statement ofMuhammadAminwhenhe says thatImamMahdi(a.s)willbeborninthefuturebeforeQiyamat;thusimplyingthathedoesnotpresentlyexist.This isagainst theprinciplesofShiafaithavailable in theirbooksofreligion.Theimportantpointscanbesummarizedasfollows:

1-AppointmentofImamisincumbentonGod.2-ItisnotpermissibleforGodtokeepanyperiodoftimedevoidofanImam.3-Imamateisrestrictedtotwelvepersonalities.4-Shiasbelievethatalloftheabovemustbeinfallible.

Onthebasisofwhatthiswritersays,“AllahdidnotbringaboutwhatwasincumbentonHim.Thatis,afterthepassingawayofImamHasanAskari(a.s)HedidnotappointImamMahdi(a.s)immediately.RatherHehaspostponedtheImamateofMahdi(a.s)fortheLastAge!!”

If Shias say that this same Mahdi is now the Imam we shall ask what is the use of an Imam inoccultationaSinceheisincapableofremovingoppression.InspiteofthefactthattheImamspriortohim,eventhoughtheirtenurewasclosetotheperiodoftheProphet,theywerepresentinpublicview.Whereas this period, which is furthermost from the period of the Prophet and oppressions haveincreased,thereisgreaterneedofanImam.

And thatuponwhich the scholarsareunanimous is thatMahdi is theQaimof theLastAgeandhewouldfilltheearthwithjustice.[1]

ThedenialofSuwaidihasnobasisandthebeliefoftheShiasregardingtheImamofthetimehasnocontradictionwiththeotherprinciplesoffaithasSuwaidihasconjectured.BecausetheappointmentoftheImamislogicallyincumbentonAllah,inviewofHisGrace,andShiasarefirmlyconvincedaboutthis.ImamMahdi(a.s)isoneofthetwelveImamswhoaresuccessorsoftheProphetofIslam.Hehasgoneintooccultationawayfromtheviewofpeopleduetohiddenwisdomaswehavealreadyexplainedintheforgonepages.Hewouldindeedreappearandestablishtruth,justice,prosperityandpeaceamongthepeople.3.AhmadKasravi

AhmadKasravihadbeenunjustupontheShiapeopleandattributedfalsehoodandmadeallegationsaboutthemregardingtheImamofthetime(a.s)saying:

“WhenImamHasanAskari(a.s)passedawayin260A.H.,agreatproblemarosebecausehedidnotleave behind any issue.TheRafidis (Shias) fell into great confusion andmany divisions appearedamongthem.AgroupclaimedthatthepurposeofImamatewasoverhenceithadcometoanend.Agroup began to follow Ja’far, the brother of ImamHasanAskari (a.s).WhileUthman binSaeed atrustedaideofImamHasanAskari(a.s)madeaverysurprisingclaimthatImamHasanAskariindeedhadafiveyearoldsonwhodisappearedintothebasementandheshallnotappearforanyoneandthatheistheImamafterhisfather.”[2]

Partialitiesandloyaltiesofthiswritertowardstheimperialistpowersareknowntoall.Hesays:“TheclaimofUthmanbinSaeedadeputyofImamHasan(a.s),thatHisEminencehada

[1]SabaikuzZahab,Pg.78[2]AtTashiyyowash-Shia,Pg.31

sonwhowillnotappeartoanyoneandheistheAwaitedImamandtheMahdaviyatisfirmwithhim,andfromallaspectsallhisclaimsandstatementsarebaseless.”However,hisstatementisabsolutely

invalidbecausewehavealreadyquotedintheforgonediscussions,inaclearmanner,traditionsandreportsfromtheHolyProphet(a.s)andPurifiedImams(a.s)andallthosenarrationsandreportshavegiven glad tidings to theworld of Islam about the reappearance of ImamMahdi (a.s) and thatHisEminencewillrevivethereligionandmakeitstrong.4.AhmadAmin

Ahmad Amin, like the Magian Kasravi is also having malice and jealously against Imams ofguidance, whom the Almighty Allah has purified from all filth and impurities. He also issuedstatementsonthebasisofhisbigotry,insteadofreferringtoauthenticShiasources.Hemadebaselessclaimsand falseallegations regarding themandhehashimselfaccepted this.Due tohisanimositytowardstheShiashehasheapedeverytypeoffalsehoodonthem.ThoseShiaswhoshapeagreatpartof theIslamiccommunityanddesiretruthandjusticeanddespisedispute,rebellionandoppressionarewellknown.

Dr.AbdurRahmanBadawisays,“Shiaspossesgreatervirtueandarepre-eminentamongallbecausetheyhavepreservedIslamwithitsoriginalityandperfectionandbestowedtherestlessandconfusedconsciences with spirituality, steadfastness and aplomb; otherwise petrifaction and a dry andmotionlessstructurewouldbecomedominant.”

In any case, Ahmad Amin has written a treatise in which he has denied Imam Mahdi (a.s) andconsideredtheShiabeliefregardingHisEminenceadefect.Hehasnotgivenanyimportancetothetraditions of the six canonical books of Ahle Sunnat on the subject. The compilers of books ofPropheticnarrations,thewidelyrelatedreportsandwidespreadsayingsoftheProphetofIslam(a.s)regardingImamMahdi(a.s)areknowntoall.Thegreatscholar,HujjatulIslamwalMuslimeenUstadShaykhMuhammadAliZahirihaverefutedAhmadAminwithlogicalargumentsandtextualproofs.HehasrepliedtothebaselessstatementsofAhmadAmin.Thehonorablepersonality,ImamShaykhMuhammadHusainKashifulGhitainhisforewordtothebookofZahirisays:

“ThematterofHisEminence,theAwaitedImaminoccultation–mayoursoulsbesacrificedonhim–isabeliefrootedin truthandasocialprincipleandit isbasedonafirmfoundationandit isnotpossibletodenyit.Itisincludedamongthesignificantandmostimportantprinciples.”[1]5.ShukriAfandi

ShukriAfandiBaghdadi has composed a panegyric inwhich he has expressed doubts about ImamMahdi(a.s)andhasdeniedhim!Hesays:

“O the scholars of the time! O those who know everything (deeply). The thought about him isperplexing.”

Scholars and learnedmenofNajafAshrafhave taken steps to refutehim.MuhaddithNoori–mayAllahtheAlmightybepleasedwithhim–hascompiledabook,KashfulAstarAnilHujjatulGhalibAnilAbsartorefutehim.InthisbookhehascollectedstatementsoffortygreatAhleSunnatscholars– regarding the birth and existence of His Eminence, ImamMahdi (a.s). In the same way, ImamKashifulGhitahasinresponsetoAfandicomposedabeautifulpanegyric,whichrunsasfollows:

“Mylifebesacrificedforonewhoisfarawayfromhome,butwhomremembrancebroughtclose.

Andthefascinationandremembranceofhisfollowershavekepthimnear.”

Thiscompletepanegyricisquotedinthebook,IlzamunNasib.

[1]Al-MahdiwaAhmadAmin,Pg.7

29ChapterSIGNSOFTHEREAPPEARANCEOFTHEIMAMOFTHETIME(A.S)

Traditional reports of the Prophet of Islam and Purified Imams (a.s) on the subject of the

reappearance ofHisEminence, ImamMahdi (a.s),mention about signs and portents of his advent.Theymentionaboutthetimeandplacewherehewouldreappear.However,thesignsofreappearancecanbecategorizedintothecertainandprobablesignsofreappearance.

CertainSigns

Narrations and traditions are unanimous in this respect and some of the signs preceding the

reappearanceofImamMahdi(a.s)arecertainandinevitable.Amongthemarethefollowing:WidespreadInjusticeandOppression

Among the prominent signs of reappearance of His Eminence, Imam Mahdi (a.s) is widespreadinjustice and oppression and total absence of peace and security in such a way that fear, terror,calamities,problems,corruption,mischiefand ignorancewilldominatehumansociety.ThepeopleshalldoanythingforthesakeoftheworldandtheyshallcompetewitheachotheronthewayofsinandevilandintheirviewsinwouldbeconsideredgoodandononehandtheIslamicLaw,likeinthebeginning,wouldbeunknowntothepeople.KingdomsofthegreatoppressorsoftheworldwouldsubjugateMuslimsandtheirreputationandeconomicsourcesshallbedestroyed.Followingaresometraditionsinthisregard:

1.AbuSaeedKhudrihasnarratedthattheHolyProphet(a.s)said,“AftermemischiefswillariseandIhlas(Addiction)isoneofthem.Andinitiswarandflightandafterthatalsomischiefswillarriveinsuchawaythatforeveryageitwouldbesaidthatanothermischiefhasendedinthesamewayitwillmove forward and thesemischiefswill enter each and every centerof the familyof allArabs andMuslimstillamanfrommyprogenywillappear.”[1]

Thistraditionprovesthattribulations,bloodshed,calamitiesandhorribleeventswouldsurroundtheIslamicandnon-IslamiccountriesandthelifeofallArabsandMuslims.

2. Abu SaeedKhudri has narrated that the Holy Prophet (a.s) said, “This severity and suffocationwouldcontinueonyouinsuchawaythattheearthshallberepletewithinjusticeandoppressionandnoonewoulddaretosay,“God”.AfterthattheAlmightyAllahwouldsendamanfrommyprogenywhowouldfilltheearthwithjusticeandequityjustasitwouldhavebeenfraughtwithinjustice.AndtheearthwilldischargeitsbountiesandblessingsandthelifeofMuslimswouldbecomeprosperousandcomfortable.”[2]

3.AbuSaeedKhudrinarrated that theHolyProphet (a.s) said,“In theLastAge, severe tribulationswouldafflictmycommunityfromtheirrulersandkingssuchthattheyhavenotheardofmoresevereatrocities and the earth shall become constricted for them and become filled with injustice andoppressionand thefaithfulbelieverwouldhavenoplaceofrefugefromthoseoppressions.At thattime,AlmightyAllahwouldsendamanfrommyprogenywhowouldfilltheearthwithjusticeandequityandallinhabitantsoftheearthandheavenswouldbesatisfiedandhappyandtheearthwouldspewoutitstreasuresandtheskywouldshoweritsblessings…”[3]

[1]IqdudDurar,Pg.119;Al-Masabih[2]Amali,ShaykhTusi[3]IqdudDurar,Pg.113

4.TheHolyProphet(a.s)said,“AftermeareCaliphsandafterCaliphs,rulersandafterrulers,kingsandafterkings,emperorsandtyrannicalandrebelliousdictators.AfterthatamanfrommyAhleBayt

willreappearandfilltheearthwithjusticeandequityjustasitwouldbefraughtwithinjusticeandoppression.”[1]

ThistraditionshowsthattheadministratorsoftheMuslimsshallbeofvariouskinds:Somecaliphs,somekingsandsometyrants.Theywouldfilluptheearthandcitieswithinjustice.AfterthatAlmightyGodwouldsendthegreatsavior,MahdioftheProgenyofMuhammadandhewoulddestroythetyrantsandestablishDivineLawontheearth.

5.AufbinMalikhasnarratedfromtheMessengerofAllah(a.s)thathesaid,“Howshallyoube,OAufaWhenthecommunitywouldbedividedinto73sects,oneofwhomwouldgotoParadiseandtheresttoHell?”

Aufimmediatelyasked,“How?”

TheProphetofIslam(a.s)said,“…AtimewhenfoolswouldoccupythepulpitsandZakatwouldbeconsideredalossandtrustsshallbeconsideredaswarbooty.ContemplationinreligionofAllahshallbeforotherthanAllah.Menshallobeytheirwivesandbedisownedbytheirmothers.Theyshallbecomealooffromtheirfather.ThelastofthisUmmahwillcursethefirstandthetransgressingtribesshallbeleadingthemandtheleadersofthepeoplewillbetheworstpeopleamongthem.Peoplewouldrespectthemforbeingsafefromtheirmischief.AtthattimepeoplewilltakerefugeinDamascuswhichisthebestcityofSham(Syria)andtheyshallremainsafefromtheenemies.”

[1]KanzulUmmal,Pg.7/186

Itwasasked,“OAllah’sMessenger!WouldShambeconquereda”

Hereplied,“Verysoon(itwouldbeconquered),afterthatmischiefwillarise.Thenthemischiefoftheworstkindwouldappear.Inshort,therewouldbemischiefaftermischieftillfinallyamanfrommyAhleBaytwouldappear,whosenameisMahdi(a.s).”[1]

6.TheProphetofIslam(a.s)said,“TheMahdiofthiscommunityisfromus(ourfamily).Whenconfusion,turmoilandmischiefwouldsurroundtheworldandthepathsshallbecutoffandpeoplewilldestroyeachotherandtheeldersshallnotbemercifulontheyoungandtheyoungshallnotrespecttheelders.Inthatperiod,theAlmightyAllahwouldsendourMahdi,whoistheninthdescendantofImamHusain(a.s)andhewouldconquerthecentersofdeviationandtheobliviousheartsandestablishreligionjustasitwerefoundedandheshallfilltheearthwithjusticeandequityjustasitwouldbefullofinjusticeandoppression.”[2]

7.ItisnarratedfromImamMuhammadBaqir(a.s)thathesaid,“Mahdi(a.s)willreappearatthetimewhenfear,mischiefs,calamities,epidemics,violence,divisionsinreligionandtransformationofthepeoples’conditionshallbedominantontheworldandsociety.Dayandnightpeoplewouldyearnfordeathandshallbeateachother ’sthroat.Inotherwordsdespairandhopelessnesswouldhaveconqueredthem.AtthattimeHisEminencewouldreappear;andcongratulationstotheonereachesImamMahdi(a.s)andbecomeshissupporterandwoetotheonewhoopposeshim.”[3]

[1]KanzulUmmal,6/44[2]BiharulAnwar,13/174

[3]QalaidudDurar,Pg.133

8.HisEminence,ImamMuhammadBaqir(a.s)saidtoagroupofhisShiasregardingHisEminence,ImamMahdi(a.s),“OurQaimwouldreceivehelpininstillingfearandaweintheheartsoftheenemies,andtheearthwillcomeintohiscontrolanditstreasureswouldbeuncoveredforhim.Hisrulershipwillextendtotheeastandthewest.TheAlmightyAllahwouldmakeHisreligiondominantevenifpolytheistsdetestit.Hewouldrevivethebarrenlandsandtheearthwouldsproutoutitsvegetationandduringhistime,peoplewouldbeimmersedinblessingssuchthatitsparallelhasneverbeenseen.”

Amaninthegatheringasked,“WhenwouldyourQaimreappear?”

TheHolyImam(a.s)inreplytothisquestionrelatedthesignsofreappearancesaying,“Atimewhenmenshallresemblewomen.Whenwomenshallbeinsaddlesandmenshallomitprayersandfollowthebasedesiresandtakeusuryandconsiderspillingofhumanbloodeasyanddealwithusuryandopenlycommitfornicationandconstructhigh-risesandconsiderlyingpermissibleandacceptbriberyandfollowsensualdesiresandsellreligioninexchangeofmaterialbenefitsanddissociatefromrelativesandconsiderforbearanceasweaknessandoppressionaspride.Therulersshallbesinners,theadministrators,liars,thetrustees,misappropriatorsandfriendsandhelpersshallbeoppressors.RecitersofQuranshallbesinners.Oppressionwouldbeopenanddivorcescommonandsinswouldbecommittedopenlyandfalsetestimonieswouldbeaccepted,winewouldbeimbibedandmanshallmountuponmanandwomenshallbeneedlessofmenandpublicfundswouldbeconsideredspoilsofwar,almswouldbeconsideredamonetaryloss.Theywouldbeafraidofthetongueoftheevilpeople.AtimewhenSufyaniwouldarisefromShamandYamaniwouldappearfromYemenandadescendantoftheProgenyofMuhammadwouldbeslainbetweenRuknandMaqam.Acallerwillcalloutfromthesky:Thetruthiswithhimandhisfollowers.ThisisthetimeofthereappearanceofourQaim.WhenhereappearshewouldleanontheKa’baand313ofhisfollowerswillgatheraroundhim.Thefirstwordsheutterswouldbe:TheremnantofAllahisbestforyou,ifyouonlyknewit.Thenhewouldsay:IamtheremnantofAllahandtheCaliphofAllahandHisproofuponyou.AtthishispointeveryMuslimwouldsalutehiminthefollowingmanner:Peacebeuponyou,OremnantofAllahonHisearth.AndwhententhousandmengatherbeforehimneitherwouldJewssurvivenorChristiansorthosewhoworshipotherthanAllah.Ratherallwouldbringfaithonhimandtestifyabouthimandasinglecommunity,thatistheIslamiccommunityshallcomeintobeing.IndeedafirewoulddescendfromtheskyandburnupallthedeitiesotherthanAllahthataredeifiedineverynookandcorneroftheworld.”[1]

[1]AlFusululMuhimmaIbneSabbaghMaliki,Pg.248

TheSignsoftheHour(Qiyamat)

SometraditionsmentiontheeventsoftheFinalAge,likethemischiefs,calamitiesandtribulations

and it is assumed that these are also signs of the reappearance of ImamMahdi (a.s) andwe shallmentiontwotraditionsofthistype:FirstTradition

Ata, sonofAbuRiyahnarrated from theRabbi of theUmmah,Abdullah binAbbas that he said: IperformedtheFarewellHajjwiththeHolyProphet(a.s).HisEminenceheldthedooroftheKa’baandglanced to the people and said, “Do youwantme to inform you about the signs of theHour andQiyamata”

SalmanFarsiwhowasthemostproximatetotheProphetreplied,“Yes,OAllah’sMessenger!”

His Eminence began to reply and said, “One of the signs ofQiyamat is that the Prayerwould bewasted–thatisthePrayeroftheMuslimswilllapse.Andsensualdesiresshallbefollowed.

[1]AlFusululMuhimmaIbneSabbaghMaliki,Pg.248

Andpeoplewouldbeinclinedtotheircarnaldesires.Religionwouldbelostformaterialgains.Itisthetimewhenheartsofthefaithfulshallbeterrifiedofwidespreadevilsthattheywouldwitnessbutwouldbeunabletochange.Itwouldbelikesaltdissolvesinwater.

Salmaninquiredinsurprise,“OAllah’sMessenger!Indeed,wouldsuchatimereallycometopassa”He replied, “Yes!By theGod inWhose control ismy life!OSalman!At that time leadership andguardianshipofMuslimsshallbeinthehandsoftyrannicalrulers.Rulers,whoseministersshallbetransgressorsandthenobles,unjustandthetrustees,misappropriators.”

Salman(r.a.)asked,“Wouldsuchconditionsreallyoccur,OAllah’sMessenger!”Hereplied,“Yes!BytheGodinWhosehands ismylife!At that timeevilshallbeconsideredgoodandgood,evil.Themisappropriatorwouldbeatrusteeonpaperonlyandthetrusteewouldmisappropriate.Theliarshallbetestifiedforandthetruthfuldeemedaliar.”

Salmanaskedinastonishment,“OAllah’sMessenger!Woulditindeedbeinthiswaya”

Hesaid,“Yes!BytheGodinWhoseControlismylife!OSalman!Inthatage,womenshallberulersandmaidservantswouldbecomeconsultantsandchildrenwouldmountpulpits.Lyingwouldbeawayoflife,Zakatwouldbeconsideredamonetaryloss,andmisappropriationofpublicfundswouldbeconsideredatypeofprofit.Menshalloppresstheirparentsandbekindtotheirfriendsandacometshallappear.”

Salmanagainasked,“OAllah’sMessengerwoulditindeedbeinthiswaya”Hereplied,“Yes!BytheGodinWhosecontrolismylife!OSalman!Atthattime,thewifewouldbeapartnerinthetradeofherhusbandandrainwouldnotfallinitsseason.Butitwouldfallinsummer.Thekindpeoplewould

be very hot- tempered. The poor man shall be humiliated. At that time markets shall becomeproximatetoeachother.Atimewhenonewouldsay:Ihavenotsoldanythingandanotherwouldsay:I have made no profit. In such a way that everyone who hears this would understand that he isthanklesstoGod.”

Salmanasked,“OAllah’sMessenger!Wouldthisindeedcometopass?”

Hereplied,“Yes!BytheGodinWhosecontrolismylife!OSalman!Atthistimesomegroupswouldbedominatingthem.Suchthateveniftheymovetheirlipstheyshallbekilledandiftheydon’tsayanythingtheirenemieswouldconsidertheirpropertypermissibleforthemselves.Tilltheywouldfilltheirpocketswithpublicfundsandmisbehavewith their ladies,spill theirbloodand their fill theirheartswithfear,terrorandawe.Inthosedaysyouwillnotseethebelieversexceptinaconditionoffear,terrorandawe.”

Salmanbeseeched,“OAllah’sMessenger!Wouldsuchatimecomeforthebelievers?”

Hereplied,“Yes!BytheGodinWhosehandsismylife!OSalman!Atthistime,theywouldgetsomethingsfromtheeastandsomefromwestsothattheymayleadtheMuslimcommunity.Inthatperiodwoebetothehelplessconditionofmycommunitybythemischiefsoftheeastandwest.Andwoebeontheconditionoftheeasternersandwesternersfromdivinechastisement.Yes,neitherwouldtheybemerciful on the young nor have any respect for elders and nor would they condone anyonewhocommitsamistake.Theirnewsareallindecenciesandimproper.Theirbodiesarehumansbuttheirheartslikesatans.”

Salmanimplored,“OAllah’sMessenger!Wouldsuchadayreallycometopass?”

TheMessengerofAllah(a.s)replied,“Yes!BytheGodinWhosehandsismylife!OSalman!Atthattimemales shall satisfy their lustswithmales and femaleswith females.And in the sameway thefatherandpeopleof familywillbepossessiveof theirowndaughtersandsons (that is theywouldwantthemforthemselves).Menshallresemblewomenandwomenshallresemblemenandwomenshallridemounts.MaycurseofAllahbeonthem.”

Salmanaskedinsurprise,“OAllah’sMessenger!Wouldthisindeedhappena”

TheMessengerofAllah(a.s)replied,“Yes!BytheGodinWhosehandsismylife!OSalman!Atthattimemosqueswouldbedecoratedwithgoldlikechurchesandsynagogues.Quranswouldbetakenasornamentanddecorationandshopswouldbeelevatedandrows,elongatedbuttheywouldbeinimicaltoeachotherandeveryoneshallhavetheirownjustifications.”

Salmanasked,“OAllah’sMessenger!Wouldthisreallyhappen?”

TheMessengerofAllah(s.a.w.s)said,“Yes!BytheGod,inWhosehandsismylife!Atthattimemenandboysofthecommunitywouldweargoldandsilkanddealinleopardskins.”

Salmanasked,“OAllah’sMessenger!Wouldthisalsohappen?”

TheProphetreplied,“Yes!BytheOneinWhosehandsismylife!OSalman!Atthattimeusurywould

bewidespreadanda commonactivity andbusiness transactionswould compriseofbackbiting andbribery.Religionshallbehumiliatedandtheworldshallbehonored.”

Salmanasked,“OAllah’sMessenger!Wouldthisalsocometopass?”

He replied, “Yes!By theOne inWhose hands ismy life!O Salman!At that time divorceswouldincreaseandnopenaltywouldbecarriedoutalthoughAlmightyAllahwouldnotbeharmedbyallthisinanyway.”

Salmanasked,“Wouldthisalsohappen?”

Hereplied,“Yes!BytheGodinWhoseHandsismylife!OSalman!Inthatagesinginggirlswouldappearandthemischiefsofmycommunityshalldominate.”

Salmanasked,“OAllah’sMessenger!Wouldsuchcircumstancesreallyappear?”

TheProphetreplied,“Yes!BytheOneinWhosehandismylife!OSalman!TheaffluentpeopleofmycommunitywouldgoforHajjforthesolepurposeofrecreationandthemiddleclasswouldgoforbusinessandthepoorforshowoff.InthattimethecommunitywouldlearnQuranfor(apurpose)otherthanAllahandreciteitwithmusicalinstruments.Agroupofpeoplewillobtainknowledgeofreligious jurisprudence forother thanAllah. In that time illegitimate childrenwill increase,Quranwillberecitedintuneforentertainment.”

Salmanrequested,“OMessengerofAllah!Wouldsuchadaycometopass?”

Hereplied,“Yes!BytheGodinWhosehands ismylife!OSalman!It is the timewhenno typeofsanctityandlimitsshallbeobservedandpeoplewouldknowinglyandwillinglycommitsinsandevilpeoplewilldominaterighteoussouls.Lyingwouldbecomeopenandflatterywillbecomegeneral,thepoorshallopenlydisplaytheirpoverty,somewouldprideuponotherswithregardtotheirclothes.Rainshallbeunseasonal.Peoplewouldconsiderchess,backgammonandmusicasfavoriteactivitiesandincomparisontoittheywouldconsiderAmrbilMaroof(Advisinggood)andNahyAnilMunkar(Restraining from evil) as bad. Somuch so, that a faithful person shall be themost degraded anddespisedpersonof the community.The reciters (ofQuran)will denounce theworshippers and theworshippers shall denounce the reciters. These are the people who are considered as filth in thekingdomoftheheavens.”

Salmanaskedinastonishment,“OMessengerofAllah!Wouldsuchadayreallycome?”

Hereplied,“Yes!BytheGodinWhosehandsismylife!OSalman!Inthattimethe‘Ruwabyiza’willspeak.”

Salmanasked,“OMessengerofAllah!Myparentsbesacrificedonyou!Whatis‘Ruwabyiza’?”

He replied, “A thing or a person’s speaking about the generalmatters that has never been spokenabout.Inthattimepeoplewillnothavealonglife,suddenlytheearthwillcalloutandeverypersonwillthinkitisforhimorher.AfterthattheworldwouldremaininthatconditiontillAllahlikesandafterthatitwouldbedestroyed.Theearthwouldspewoutwhateveritcontains.TheProphethimself

said:ThatisGoldandSilver.Atthatmomenthepointedouttothepillarsandsaid:Likethis,butonthatdayneithergoldnorsilverbeofanyuse.Thisisthemeaningoftheverse:Nowindeedthetokensofithavecome…”[1]SecondTradition

Humranhas related that ImamSadiq (a.s)was speaking about thepompand splendorof the tyrantrulersandthepovertyandbadconditionsoftheShias.Hesays,“IwasinthepresenceofAbuJa’farMansurDawaniqiwhile hewas the ruler and hewas riding hismount accompanied by numerousattendants.Someotherswereridingastridehim.Heaskedme,‘OAbaAbdillah!IndeeditisafactthattheAlmightyAllahhasgivenuskingdomandsecurityandanhonor,whichHemadeeasyforus.BehappywithitanddonotsaytothepeopleyouandyourAhleBaytaremoreeligiblethanusforthisrulership because if you utter such a thing it would be as if you have instigated yourself and thepeopleagainstme.’”

Hesays,“Isaid,‘Whohastoldyousuchathing.Whoeverhassaidithaslied.’”Mansurasked,“Canyouswearthatyouhavenotsaidanythinglikeit?”

Hesays,“Ireplied,‘Peoplearemagicians.Theyliketoinstigateyouagainstme.Itisuptoyoutokeepyourearsprotectedanddonotacceptall theysaybecauseourcautionregardingyou ismore thanyourcautionaboutus.’

[1]SurahMuhammad47:18,TafsirQummi

Atthattimehesaidtome,‘DoyourememberthatdaywhenIaskedyouwhetherIwouldreachyourthroneaYousaid:Yes!Aruleoflongdurationwidespreadandsecure,whichwillnotdeclineinyourkingdomyouwillbegivenrespiteandcomfort.AndinyourworldwouldbeincreaseandexcesstillthetimethatintheHolymonthandtheHolycitytheirhandsshallbesmearedinourblood.’”

TheImamsays,“IunderstoodthatIrememberedthatincident.Isaid,‘Yes!IhopeAllah,theMightyandtheSublimewouldkeepyousafeandIalsoonthatdaybythosewordsdidnotmeanyoubythatperson.RatheritwasatraditionIhadquotedforyou.Althoughitispossiblethatpersonwhowouldsmearhishandswithourbloodmaybeapersonfromyourfamily.’

WhenItoldhimthishefellsilentanddidnotsayanythingelse.Afterwereachedourdestinationoneofoursupporterscametomewithsomepeopleandsaidtome,‘MayIbesacrificedonyou!IsawyouinthecaravanofAbuJa’far(Mansur).Youwereonanasswhileherodeahorse.Hisheadwasbowedtowardsyouandhewasspeakingtoyou.Asifhewantedtocontrolyou.Isaidtomyself:Oflatterer!ThisistheproofofGodonthecreaturesandistherealownerofthiskingdomandgrandeur.Andheistheonewhomalltherulersoftheworldshouldfollow.Andthisotherpersonisanoppressor,atyrantandtheslayerofthechildrenoftheprophetsandablood-shedderwhospillsinnocentbloodandwhomAllahdoesnotlike.Atthattimehewasridingahorsewhileyourodeanass.ThatthoughtworriedmesomuchandIgotsuchadoubtthatIbegantodoubtaboutmylifeandmyreligion.’

Imam(a.s)said,“Itoldyouthatifyouhadseenthehonorandtheserviceoftheangelswhoweremovingaheadofmeandbehindme,Mansur ’skingdomwouldhavebecomeworthlessinyourview.”

Whenmyfollowerheardthishesaid,“Nowmyheartissatiated.”

329

Andthenheasked,“ForhowlongwouldthesepeopleremaininpoweraAndinwhichtimewouldIslambecomesafefromtheirmischief?”

Irepliedtohim,“Butyoudon’tknowthatthereisalimittoeverything.”Hesaid,“Whynot!(Iknowit)”

Isaid,“Ifyouknowwhenthiswouldoccur,beforetheblinkoftheeye.Atthattimeyourknowledgewouldbebeneficialtoyou.Yes!YouknewthepositionthesepeoplehavenearAllahatthattimeyourhatredtothemwillincrease.Ifyouandallthepeopleoftheearthendeavortomakemoreseveretheconditioninwhichtheyare,youarenotatallcapableofit.ThenShaitanwouldnottouchyouthathonorisforAllah,theMessengerandthebelieversbutthehypocritesdonotknow.”

Doyounotknowthatonewhoisinanticipationofouraffairandarepatientondifficultiestheyface,tomorrowheshallbeinourarmy.ThuswheneveryouseethattruthisextinctandinhabitantsoftheeartharedestroyedandinjusticeandoppressionhavesurroundedfromallsidesandQuranhasbecomeold-fashionedandthosethingsbecomeapparentinitthatarenotinitandyouseeQuraninterpretedbyselfishmotivesandseethatreligionisinvertedlikeabowl.(Anotherversionsays:Likewaterisinverted).Andyouseepeopleoffalsehooddominatingoverpeopleoftruthandseemischiefbecomingcommonbutnoonerestrainingit.Ratherthemischief-makersshallbedefendedandyouwillseethattransgressionisopenlycommitted.Menshallsatisfytheirlustwithmenandwomenshallsatisfytheirswithwomen.Youwillseethatthebelieverassumessilenceashisadvicewillnotbeaccepted.Youwillseethetransgressorlyingandalsoseethathisliesarebeingacceptedandnooneisrefutingandfalsifyinghiswords.Youwillseetheyounginsultingtheelders.Youwillseethatdissociatingwithrelativeshasbecomecommon.Youwillseethatwhenapersonpraisessinhewoulddoitlaughinglyandonewhosaysitwillnotberefuted.Youwillseeboyswillbegiventothosewhomtheygivewomen.Youwillseewomenmarryingwomen.Youwillseethatpraiseandextollingwouldincrease.YouwillseethatpeoplespendingtheirwealthonthewayofotherthatGodandtherewouldbenonetorestrainthemandholdbacktheirhands.Youwillseethatwhenpeopleseeabelievermakingeffortandsearching,theywouldseektherefugeofAllahthattheymaynotbecomelikehim.Youwillseeaneighborharassingotherneighborandnoonewouldstophim.Youwillseethatwhenadisbelieverseesthepoorconditionofthebelieverhewouldbeelatedbyhisownconditionandwhenheseescorruptionwidespreadontheearthhewouldbehappy.AndyouwillseethatwineisopenlyimbibedandpeoplewhoaregatheredaroundtablesdonotcareaboutAllah,theMightyandtheSublime.Youwillseethatenjoininggoodhasbecomeextinct.YouwillseethatthetransgressorispowerfulandisbeingdefendedandpraisedindeedsdislikedbyAllah.Youwillseethatthosehavingthesigns(Anotherversion:Thosehavingtherelics)wouldalsofacehumiliation.Youwillseethatthepathofgoodisclosedandthepathofmischiefisopenandfullofpeoplewhowalkuponit.YouwillseethattheHolyKa’baisrenderedemptyandpeopleshallbepreventedfromitsvisitationandencouragedtoleaveit.Youwillseeeachoneadvisingotherswhathehimselfhasn’tdone.Youwillseemendressingupformenandwomenshalldressupforwomen(andshowoffthemselvesastheyarenot).Youwillseemenearningtheirlivingthroughserviceandwomenthroughtheirprivateparts.

Youwillseewomenarrangingforthemselvesassemblieslikemendo.YouwillseedescendantsofBaniAbbasopenlycommittingsodomyandwomenbecomingmen.Thatiswhytheydyeandcombtheirhairlikeladiesmakeuptheirhairfortheirhusbands.Menwouldspendtheirwealthfortheirprivateparts.Manypeoplewouldfightforonemanandeachofthemwouldtrytoputtoshametheother.

Youwillseethatonepossessingwealthismorerespectedthanabeliever.Usurywouldbeopenlypracticedandnoneshallbechastisedaboutit.Youwillseeawomanpraisedforheradulterousexploits.Thewifewouldhelpandsupportherhusbandincommittingsodomywithanotherman.Youwillseepeoplehelpingtheirladiesinsensualdeedsandtheyshallbeconsideredthebestfamilymen.

Youwillseethebelieveralwaysinsorrow,degradationandhumiliation.Youwillseeinnovationsandadulterycommon.Youwillseepeoplecompetingwitheachotherintestifyingfalsely.Youwillseethattheprohibitedhasbecomepermissible,thepermissiblehasbecomeprohibited.YouwillseepeoplejustifyingtheirreligiononthebasisoftheirpersonalviewsandopinionsandtheBookofGodanditscommandsarerendereduseless.

Youwillseethatnooneiscommittingsinsinthedarknessofthenight.Ratheryouwillseethemcommittingsinsinbroaddaylight.Youwillseethebeliever,exceptbyhisheart,cannotrefutetheevils.YouwillseeunprecedentedwealthbeingsquanderedonactivitieshatedbyGod.Youwillseewealthierpeoplemoredeservingofleadershipofthepeople.Youwillseerelativesofprohibiteddegreesatisfyingeachotherandmarryingeachother.Youwillseepeoplekilledmerelyonallegationsanddoubts.Youwillseemendroppingtheirshameincompetingfortheloveofaboy.Somuchso,thattheywouldsacrificetheirlifeandwealthonthislove.

Youwillseepeopledenouncingmenwhogotowomenforsatisfyingtheirlusts.Youwillseepeoplelivingofftheadulterousearningsoftheirwivesknowingly.Youwillseewivesdominatingandsuppressingtheirhusbands.Theyactcontrarytotheirdesiresandspendmoneyonit.Youwillseepeoplehiringouttheirwife,daughter,andmaidforsexandbesatisfiedtoeatanddrinkthingspurchasedbysuchmoney.Andyouwillseethatfalseoathiscommon,chessisplayedopenlyandwineissoldopenlyandnooneisprohibitingit.AndyouwillseeMuslimwomengivingtheirkinswomentodisbelievers.

Andyouwillseemusicandsingingveryopenandcommon.Muslimswouldgobeyondthatandnoneshallrefraintheotherandnoneshalldaretopreventhim.Youwillseerespectablepeoplehumiliatedbythosewhosepowertheydread.Youwillseethattheclosestpeopletotheirleadersshallbethosewhospeakillofus,AhleBaytandpraisethoseleaders.YouwillseethatpeoplewouldfinditverydifficulttolistentoQuranicrecitationwhileontheotherhand,itwouldbeeasyandacceptableforthemtolistentoimpermissiblesounds.

Youwillseepeoplerespectinganeighborforfearofhissharptongue.Youwillseethemosttruthfulpeoplelying.Youwillseethatmischiefisopenandtaletellingiscommon.Youwillseethatrebellionandinjusticehascomeoutinopen.Youwillseebackbitinghasbecomeasortofgoodandjovialmannerandpeoplewouldgiveglad-tidingstoeachotherthroughit.YouwillseethattheaspectofotherthanAllahwouldbefoundinHajjandJihad.Youwillseetherulerhumiliatingabelieverbecauseofadisbeliever.Youwillseedestructionsdominatingtheirlives.Youwillseethathumanlife

wouldbecomeasaleablecommodity.Youwillseethatbloodshedwouldbecomeaneasyandverycommonmatter.

Youwillseethatsomeoneisstandingupforleadershipwhilehissoleaimwillbetheworldandhewouldintroducehimselftobeaharsh-tonguedpersonsothatnonemaydaretoopposehimandthroughithemayhavehispurposesolved.YouwillseethatcarelessnessisexercisedwiththePrayer.YouwillseethattherichhasmuchwealthcollectedwithhimandsincehehasstartedhoardingithehasnotpaidZakatonit.Youwillseethattheywouldtakeoutthecorpseoutofthegrave,hurtitandselloffitsshroud.Youwillseethatthereistoomuchoftopsy-turvy.Youwillseethatpeopleareintoxicatedinthemorningandlateafternoonwithoutanycareforanyoneoranything.Youwillseethemhavingsexualintercoursewithanimals.Youwillseeanimalsfightingandkillingeachother.

Youwillseepeoplegoingtoplacesofworshipandcomingbackinconditionofhavingtheirgarmentslooted.YouwillseethattheheartsofthepeoplehavebecomehardandtheireyeshavenoshameandtheremembranceofAllahishardonthemandconsumptionofprohibitedwouldbecomeopenandtheywouldcompetewitheachotherinthis.Youwillseethatifaworshippergoestotheworshiphousehedoessowiththeintentionofshowingoff,thatpeoplemayseehim.Ifyouseeajurisprudentiscontemplatingsomethingotherthanreligiousaimitisthatheintendstoobtainmaterialgainsandworldlypower.Youwillseethatpeoplearesupportingonlythosewhoarepowerfulandthosewhoarevictoriouswithoutanythoughtofwhetherhehadbeenontherightorwrong.

Youwillseethatthosewhotrytoearnthroughlawfulmeansaredenouncedandcriticizedandthosewhoseekthroughunlawfulmeansarerespectedandpraised.YouwillseesuchactivitiesinthetwoholysanctuariesofKa’baandMedina,thattheAlmightyAllahdoesnotlikeandnonewouldbetheretostopit.Rathertherewouldbenoobstaclebetweenthemandtheirignorance.Youwillseethatmusicisplayedopenlyinthetwosanctuaries.YouwillseeapersonissuinggoodexhortationbutsomeonewouldstandupandsaythatAllahdoesnotwanthimtosaythesethings;whilehewouldbeconsideredawell-wisherofthisman.Youwillseepeopleunitedinfollowingthepeopleofmischief.Youwillseethatpathsofgoodaredesertedandnoonewalksuponthem.

Youwillseethattheyshakeupthedeadbodyandnoonewouldbedisturbedbyit.Youwillseethateveryyearthereisincreaseininnovationsandmischiefwouldincrease.Youwillseethatpeopleandgroupsdonotfollowanyoneexcepttherich.Youwillseethattheneedsoftheneedyarefulfilledlaughinglyandmockinglyandtheirkindnessshallbeforulteriormotives.Youwillseethattheheavenlysignsshallbecomeapparentbutnonewouldbeafraidofthem.Youwillseepeopleclingingtoeachotherlikeanimalsandnonewouldconsideritbad.Eveniftheyconsideritbad,theywouldnotsayanythingagainstitduetothefearofthepeople.YouwillseepeoplespendingmostoftheirwealthinwaysotherthanAllah’sandtheywouldbeunwillingtospendevenalittleonthewayofAllah.Andyouwillseethathurtingparents,beingdisownedbythemorinsultingtheparentswouldbecommon.Parentswouldbeconsideredtheworstofthepeopleinviewoftheirchildren.Somuchso,childrenwillbepleasedwhenallegationsaremadeagainsttheirparents.Youwillseewomendominatingrulershipandtheywouldbehavingpoweroneverythingthatfulfillstheirsensualdesires.

Youwillseechildrenmakingallegationsagainsttheirparentsandcriticizingthem.Theywouldbeelatedonhearingthenewsoftheirdemise.Youwillseethattheconditionsreachtosuchastagethatifadaypassesforamanwithouthavingcommittedanysin,short-selling,misappropriation,usurpation

andwine-drinkinghewouldthinkthatadayofhislifeiswasted.YouwillseetherulerhoardingessentialcommoditiesandthepropertyofthenearkinderedoftheProphet(a.s)beingdistributedunjustly.Andhewillspenditingamblinganddrinking.

Youwillseehimseekingcurethroughwine,andhewouldpraiseandrecommenditforthosewhoaresick.Hewouldsay:Suchandsuchwineisbeneficialforyou.Hewouldseekcurefromalcohol.Youwillseepeopleunitedinleavingofftheenjoiningofgoodandrestrainingfromevil.Youwillseethattheflagofhypocritesisflyinghighandtheflagofpeopleoftruthmissing.YouwillseecallerstoPrayerandworshipperscallingAzanandperformingprayersformoney.

YouwillseethemosquesfullofpeoplewhodonotfearGod.Theyhavegatheredtobackbiteandconsumethefleshofthepeopleoftruth.Theyshalldiscussaboutwine-drinkers.Youwillseetheprayerleaderleadingprayerinastateofintoxication.Suchthathewouldnotunderstandwhatheisrecitingandnonewoulddenouncehim.Ratherifheisintoxicated,peoplewouldrespecthimduetofearandleavehimalone.Theywouldnotpursuehim;rathertheywouldconsiderhimworthyofbeingexcused.Youwillseepeoplewhousurpthepropertyoforphanspraised.Youwillseejudgesissuingjudgmentsagainstdivinecommands.Youwillseerulers,becauseofgreed,seekingrefugeofthosewhomisappropriate.

YouwillseetheguardiansgivingoffthewealthtotransgressorsandsinnersagainstAllahratherthanpaytheinheritanceaccordingtoreligiouslaw.Theywouldaccepttheirbribesasfees.Andtheyshallleavehimfreesothatinheritorsmaydowhatevertheylike.Youwillseepeopleadvisinggoodfromthepulpitbutthemselvesnotactinguponit.YouwillseethatPrayerisnotrecitedontimeandpreferencewillnotbeaccordedforprayingattheearliesthour.Youwillseecharity(Sadaqah)andalmsarebeingpaidonthebasisofrecommendation.AndinittherewouldbenointentionofseeingAllah’spleasurebutitwouldbeonlybecausepeoplearepetitioning.Youwillseethatpeoplearefreeinsatisfyingcarnaldesiresandtheydonotcarewhattheyeatandwheretheyfulfilltheirlust.Youwillseethattheworldismovingtowardsthepeople.

Youwillseethatthesignsofreligionhavebecomeoutdated,antiquatedandold.ThenbewareofsuchadayforthesakeofAllahandbeseechtheAlmightyforsalvation.Knowthatinsuchdayspeopleshallbedeepindivinechastisement.AndiftheAlmightyAllahhasgiventhemrespiteitisbecauseyoumustwaitforthetimeAllahhasappointedforamatter.Youmusttrytobesuchthatyouareopposedtothesetypesofpeoplesothatifchastisementdescendsuponthem,youmaysoonreachthemercyofAllah.Iftheirchastisementisdelayedandtheyfallintoit,youmaybeoutoftheirmidst;youmustnotbetheonewhohasdaredtodisobeyAllah.YoushouldknowthattheAlmightyAllahdoesnotwastetherewardsofthegooddoers.AndthemercyofAllahisneartotherighteousones.”[1]

[1]RauzatulKafi,Vol.8,Pg.36-42

HereweconcludeourdiscussionabouttraditionsthatspeakaboutthesignsoftheDayofJudgment.Thesetraditionsclearlyshowthatthemoralandethicallevelofthepeopleshallbeatthelowestandtheyshallbemiredinthefilthsofignorance.ItisverylikelythatthesewouldalsobethesignsofthereappearanceofImamMahdi(a.s).

AdventofDajjal(Anti-Christ)

OneofthesuresignsofreappearanceofHisEminence,theAwaitedImam,istheadventofDajjal.

HewouldmisguidethethinkingofthepeopleandJewswouldaccepthimandbecomeattachedtohimand be fond of him. Dajjal would deceive the gullible people with wealth and money. He wouldbecome sopowerful thathewouldcontrol somepartsof the Islamicworld.Herewe shall explainsomethingsrelatedtohim.EmphasisoftraditionsfortheadventofDajjal

Traditions are emphatic thatDajjalwould appearbefore the adventofHisEminence, ImamMahdi(a.s).Herearesomeofthesetraditions:

1.HishambinAamirhasnarratedfromtheMessengerofAllah(a.s)thathesaid,“ThereisnothinggreaterthanDajjalbetweentheCreationofAdamandtheDayofJudgment.”[1]

2. Anas binMalik has related from theMessenger of Allah (a.s) that he said, “All prophets havewarnedabouttheliarDajjal.ButonDajjal’sforeheadistheinscriptionthatheisadisbeliever.”[2]

3.AsmabinteYazidhasnarratedthattheMessengerofAllah(a.s)wasinherhousewhentherewasadiscussionaboutDajjalandhe(a.s)said,“His tenureshallbefor threeyears. Inoneyear, itwouldrain for a third of the year and for the rest two-thirds of the year therewould be drought. In thesecondyearthe

[1]IqdudDurar,Pg.324[2]IqdudDurar,Pg.323

earthandskywouldhaveno rainandcultivation, thusall cattleandquadrupedswouldperish.ThemostterriblemischiefoftheDajjalisthathewouldcometoaBedouinandsay,‘IfIbringyourdeadcamelback to lifewouldyounotacceptmeasyourLorda’TheBedouinwould reply, ‘Yes!’ThusSatanswillappear in theformofafitfulcamelwithhugeuddersandlongteethandgoto themanwhosebrotherandfatherhavediedandsaytohim,‘Ifwebringyourbrotherandfatherbacktolifewouldyounot create a belief in our divinity ?’Hewould reply, ‘Yes!’At that time the satanswillappearintheformofhisbrotherandfather.”

Asmasays:HisEminenceleft thehouseforsomeworkandthenreturned.Thepeople inhishousewerestillshockedandsorrowfulduetowhattheyhadheardfromtheProphetaboutDajjal.Then,HisEminencetookmenearthedoorandasked,“Areyouperplexedandworried?”

Asmareplied,“OAllah’sMessenger!ThediscussionaboutDajjalhasmademedistraught.”

TheMessengerofAllah(a.s)said,“IfDajjalappearsandIamaliveIwouldstanduptoconfronthimand Iwouldpreventhis deceits.OtherwisemyLordwouldbe theprotector anddefenderof everybeliever.”[1]

4. Abu Amama Bahili has quoted the Messenger of Allah (a.s) that he said, “From the time theAlmightyAllahcreatedAdam, therehadbeennomischiefgreater than thatofDajjal.AllprophetshaveissuedwarningsagainstthemischiefofDajjal.Iamthelastofthem(prophets)andyouarethelast community. On the basis of this, Dajjal is sure to appear in this community…He would bebetweenSyriaandIraqandwhereverhegoeshewouldcreatechaosandconfusion.Iamexplaininginawaynoprophethasexplained.Thenhe(Dajjal)wouldsay,‘I

[1]IqdudDurar,Pg.329

am a Prophet and afterme there is no prophet.’ Then he would say, ‘I am your Lord.’ From hismischiefsistheclaimthatHellandheavenarewithhim(inhiscontrol).Thenhishellisheavenandhisheaven,hell.AndwhoeverfallsintohisHellshouldseekrefugeofAllahandreciteSurahKahfsothat it becomes cool and safety for him. Just as the fire became such for Ibrahim. And from hismischiefisthatheshallsaytoaBedouin,‘IfIbringyourparentsbacktolifewouldyoutestifythatIamyourlorda’Hewouldreply,‘Yes!’AtthattimetwoSatansshallcomeintheformofhisparentsandtellhim.‘OSon,obeyhim,becauseheisyourLord.’”[1]TitlesofDajjal

Hisnameisnotclearbuthewouldbefamousbythetitlesof‘Aawar ’(one-eyed)andDajjal.Anothertitleofhisis‘Christ’.Itisduetothefollowingreasons:

(a)Hiseyehasbeenrubbedout.(b)HewouldconquertheearthfromMecca,MedinatoBaitulMaqdas.[2]PatronymicsofDajjal

1-AbuYusuf2-‘AmirusSalem’or‘Ilahkar ’;thesetitlesaregivenbyJews.[3]3-‘Raees’–theChristianshasgivenhimthistitle.[4]4-Dictator[5]5-TheGreatRuler[6]

[1]IqdudDurar,Pg.332-334[2]Al-Fitan,IbneKathir,Pg.172[3]Al-Masihad-Dajjal,Pg.237[4]Al-Masihad-Dajjal,Pg.238[5]Al-Masihad-Dajjal,Pg.238[6]Al-Masihad-Dajjal,Pg.238

CharacteristicsofDajjal

ThequalitiesofDajjalareabhorringanddespicableandshowhisevilandfilthycharacter.InsometraditionsoftheMessengerofAllah(a.s)itismentioned:

1-Hislefteyeisblind.[1]

2-Hisrighteyeisblind.[2]3-Heisblindandthepupilsofhiseyesareprotrudingout.[3]Inotherwordsheisone-eyedorheisblindintherightorthelefteye.4-Heisfaircomplexioned.[4]Thereisrednessinhisface.5-Hehasbroadforeheadandlongneck.[5]6-Hehaslongandcurlyhair.[6]FabricatedTraditions

ZahakhasnarratedthatDajjalhasnobeardandhasalongmustacheandhisfaceistwoyardslongandhisstatureiseightyyardstothesky.Hisdress,shoes,saddleandbridleareofgoldandpreciousstonesandthereisacrownonhishead,setwithpreciousstones…[7]

It is not possible for a human being to posses these characteristics and no other tradition hassupportedtheabovereport.Thereforeitshowsthatitisafabricatedtradition.

[1]SahihMuslim,Tibrani[2]Bukhari,4/537[3]Mustadrakal-Hakim,4/537[4]MusnadAhmad,Tibrani,Az-Zawaid7/337[5]Mustadrakal-Hakim,4/535[6]SahihMuslim,18/62[7]Al-UnsulJaleelBiTarikhulQudswalKhaleel,1/233

PlightoftheBelieversunderDajjal

ThepeopleofbeliefshallbetroubledandoppressedunderthetyrannyofDajjalandsomesaythatnothingismoreterriblethanthescourgeofDajjal.[1]

Nawawisays,“DajjalisapersontowhosescourgetheAlmightyAllahwouldsubjectthepeopleandinstallhimuponsomeofthedestinedaffairs.[2]Throughhimsomeofthesignsandmiracles,liketherain etc. shall be brought out. And this would causemany people to be deceived by him. But theAlmightyAllahwouldmakehistacticsknowntothepeopleoffaith.Howeverthegullibleandsimple-mindedpeopleshallbefooledbyhim.”[3]

ItisnarratedfromtheMessengerofAllah(a.s)thathesaid,“Howshallyoubewhenamanshallbecontrolling the streams and fruits of the earth and you are involved with hima While he wouldprovidefoodtowhosoeverfollowshimandhewouldturnhimintoadisbeliever.”[4]

TheaimofDajjal ismischief, calamities and testsof thepeople.Onewhobrings faith inhimhasexited from Islam. One who denies him shall be a believer, whose heart the Almighty Allah haspreparedforfaith.Faithhasbecomedeep-rootedinhim.However,Dajjalshallwreaktheworstofthetorturesonthebelievers.FollowersofDajjal

AsforthefollowersandsupportersofDajjal—mostofthemshallbeJews—aretheactualsourceof

mischief in the world. It is narrated from the Messenger of Allah (a.s) that he said, “The firstsupportersofDajjalwouldbeseventythousandJews

[1]KitabusSunnahIbneHasim,1/173[2]SahihMuslim,18/58[3]Al-Fatawial-Kubra,IbneTaiymiyah20/456,At-Tawatur,Pg.368[4]Az-Zawaid,Tibrani7/346

wearingsilkgarmentsandtheJewmagiciansandsooth-sayersthatdeceivethepeople–shallbewithhim.”[1]

Inanother tradition ithascome that, “Seventy thousandJewsof Isfahanshallbecome followersofDajjal;theyshallbewearingskins.”[2]

Also13000womenwouldfollowhim.TheMessengerofAllah(a.s)says,“Agroupofpeoplewouldgo out to him and shall be deceived by his propaganda and the greedy people shall become hissupporters.”

Itisquotedinprophetictraditionsthat,“SomecommunitieswouldgatheraroundDajjalandsay,‘Wearewithhimso thatwemayget food fromhimandweknowthathe isan infidel.’Thuswhen thedivinechastisementdescends,itwouldfallonallofthem.”[3]FaithofJewsonDajjal

TheJewswouldbringfaithonDajjalandconsiderhimtheirgreatestleaderandguide.Theywouldthink that he is the promised savior of their scriptures.They shall say, “He is that same savior, inwhoseanticipationswehadbeenforalongtime.HeisthesamepersondescribedinourHolyBook.”

Theactualcauseof theJewshaving faith inDajjal is theiranimosity towards IslamandverysoonDajjalwouldbattleagainstMuslims;whichinfactistheultimateaimofJewsandZionists.

[1]Al-Masihad-Dajjal,Pg.248[2]Al-Masihad-Dajjal,Pg.249[3]Al-Masihad-Dajjal,Pg.549

SignsoftheAdventofDajjal

Among the portents of advent ofDajjal are:Widespreadoppression, injustice andusurpationof

rights, corruption, discords, ill manners, deviations and other social evils. It is mentioned in atraditionoftheHolyProphet(a.s)thathesaid,“FiveyearspriortotheadventofDajjalthereshallbedroughtandnothingshallbecultivated.Suchthatallthehoofedanimalsshallperish.”

Dajjalwouldbring food for themso thathemaydeceive themandprevent them from thepathofGod.Itisthattimewhenhungerwouldmelttheirbodiesandinaconditionthattechnologyshallfailtoprovidefoodtothepeople.

Atraditionsays,“WeknowwhatDajjalhas;therearetwostreamswithhim;oneofthemisofwhitewaterandotherofblazingflamesoffire.”[1]TreasuresunderDajjal’scontrol

Oneof the torturesofDajjal is that the treasuresof theearthwouldcomeunderhiscontrol. Ithascomeintraditionsthat:Dajjalwouldpassbyaruinandsaytoit:Throwoutyourtreasure.Theruinwouldalsobringoutitstreasure.[2]

In another tradition it ismentioned thatDajjalwould say to the earth: Sprout forth.And the earthwouldalsosproutforthvegetation.[3]Themeaningoftheseacts is that inordertoachievehisaimandtodeviatethepeople,Dajjalwouldresorttomagicandsorcery.Thusmagicisthatsoleweaponandmediumthatwoulddominateoverpeoplewhoaregullibleandthegeneralpublic,whichdoesnothaveknowledgeandpiety.

[1]Muslim,18/61[2]Al-Masihad-Dajjal[3]Al-Masihad-Dajjal

TheEndofDajjal

TheendofthisdangerouscriminalandsinnershallbeatthehandsoftheAwaitedImam(a.s),theGreatreformerofhumanity.HisEminence,ImamSadiq(a.s)narratesfromhisfatherandhefromhisgreatgrandfather,theMessengerofAllah(a.s)thathementionedabouttheadventofDajjal,theplaceofhisappearanceandsomeofhischaracteristicsandsaidthattheDajjalwouldclaimdivinityandonthefirstdayofhisappearance,seventythousandJewsofillegitimatebirth,habitualdrinkers,singers,musician,bedouinsandwomenshallfollowhim.

Hesaid,“ThenDajjalwouldmakefornication,sodomyandallsinfulactivitieslawful.Sothatpeoplemayhaveillicitrelationshipswithwomenandchildrenopenlyontheroads.Hisfollowersshallbeprolificinconsumingpork,wineandalltypesofsinfulacts.TheywouldobtaincontrolovervariousareasoftheearthexceptMecca,MedinaandshrinesoftheHolyImams(a.s).Atthetimewhenhistransgressionwouldexceedalllimitsandtheearthfullofhisoppressionandhisfollowers,onebehindwhomIsabinMaryam(a.s)shallpraywouldslayhim.AndthatpersonisImamMahdi

(a.s).”[1]

ForthesakeofZionism,Dajjalwouldcontinuetoincreaseterroristattacksandkeeponincreasingcorruptionanddestruction.HewouldriseuptofightagainstGod.Hisendshallbeatthehandsofthegreatestreformerofsociety,HisEminence,theRemnantofAllah,theGreat(Baqiyatullah-il-Aazam).

[1]MuntakhabulAthar,Pg.480

AdventofSufyani

OneofthesuresignsofthereappearanceoftheAwaitedImam(a.s)istheadventofSufyaniwhois

oneofthepillarsofmischiefandcorruptionontheearth.Weshalldiscussinbriefabouthimalso.Sufyani’sLineage

SomesourcesexplainthatSufyaniisfromthelineageofKhalidbinYazidthegreatgrandsonofAbuSufyan,theoldestenemyoftheHolyProphet(a.s)andIslam.ActuallythisclanwasnurturedforthesolepurposeofanimositytowardsIslam,Quranandwickedness.PhysicalfeaturesofSufyani

Heshallbehavingafatbodyandaswollenfaceandthereisawhitespotonhiseye.[1]Sufyani’sCharacter

Sufyanishallbehavingamischievoustemperamentandoppressivenaturetowardspeople.Actually,heshallbeapersonwhohastransmogrifiedandthefilthiestofthem.Whenappears,hewouldhavechildrenkilledandbelliesofwomenslit.[2]Hewouldputrighteouspeopletodeathandcommittheworstofdeedsanddestructions.

[1]IqdudDurar[2]IqdudDurar

TraditionofHisEminence,Ali(a.s)regardingSufyani

His Eminence, Ali (a.s) issued an important and detailed narration regarding the crimes,

oppressions and tyranniesofSufyani.AfterHisEminencementioned thenameofSufyanihe said,“He is the accursed one in the heavens and the earth and themost oppressive of the creatures ofAllah…Thushewouldappearsuddenly,andgreedyandhatefulpeoplewouldgatheraroundhimandtheirfigureshallreach50000.ThenhewouldsendthemtotheKalbtribe.Theywouldcometowardshim like floodwaters. At that time Berbers shall fight with Abbaside rulers and they are fromDailamites,Turks andnon-Arabs.They shall haveblack flags andBerbers shall haveyellow flagswhiletheflagofSufyanishallbered.TheyshallhaveaseverebattleinthecenteroftheJordanvalleyand 60000 men shall be killed and as a result of this Sufyani would be victorious and he shalladjudicate regarding them so that the sayer says, ‘Nothing but lies have been told about him.’ ByAllah, they themselves are liars. If they realize what benefits the community of Muhammad hasobtainedfromthem,theywouldneverspeakabouttheminthismanner.HewoulddispensejusticeinthiswayandmoveforwardsandpassbytheEuphratesRiverandthenreturntoDamascus.HewouldpreparetwoarmiesandsendoneofthemtoMedinaandanothertotheEast.However,thearmythathe dispatches to the East would kill 70000 people in Zura (Baghdad) and slit the bellies of 300women;andfromBaghdaditwouldmovetoKufaandslaysomepeopletherealso.

The army sent towardsMedinawould accomplishwhat it had intended, thenmove towardsMecca.Whentheyshallbeinthemiddleofthedesert,acallerwouldcalltothem.AndheisJibraeel.ThennonewouldremainamongthemexceptthatAllahshallcausethemtosinkintotheearth.Therewouldbeonlytwosurvivors.Oneshallbe thegiverofglad-tidingsandtheotherawarner.SothetwoofthemwouldreturntoSufyaniandinformhimaboutthefateofhisarmy.ThesetwopersonsshallbefromJuhaina.

After that a group from the descendants of theMessenger ofAllah (a.s) shall flee towardsRome.SufyaniwouldasktherulerofRometosendthembackandtheRomankingwoulddeportthem.ThenSufyaniwouldslay themin theeasternsideof theDamascusMosqueandnonewouldsayanythingagainstit.Then70000personswouldmovetoKufaandBasra.Theywouldsurroundthecities,killtheenemies,burntheQuran,demolishmosques,makeunlawfulaslawful,makesinfulactslawfulandmakeeverythingthatAllahhadmadeobligatoryonthemasunlawful.Theywillnotrefrainfromanytransgressionandsinfulact.OnthebasisoftheiranimositytowardstheProgenyoftheMessenger,theywouldputtodeathanyonehavingthenameofAhmad,Muhammad,Ali,Ja’far,Hamzah,Hasan,Husain,Fatima,Zainab,Ruqaiyyah,UmmeKulthum,KhadijahorAatika.

Afterthattheywouldcollectchildren,boiloliveoilforthem,andkillthem.Childrenwouldpleadthateven if their parents had opposed them, they have caused them no harm. He would take out twochildrenfromthemnamedHasanandHusainandcrucifythem.

Then theywould rush toKufa and do the same thingwith children there.Here also two children,namedHasan andHusainwould be crucified at theMosque gate. Their bloodwould boil like thebloodofYahyabinZakaria.Sowhenheseesthemhewouldbecomecertainthatcalamityanddeathisinevitable.After thathewouldgoSyriaandnotbear to seeanyoneopposinghim.WhenheentersSyriahewouldmakewineandsinfulactivities lawful forhimselfandhis followersandcommand

themfortheseacts.Sufyaniwillcomeoutopenlyarmedandcatchawomanandthrowhertowardshiscompanionsandtellthemtorapeher.Theywouldrapeherinthemiddleoftheroadandthenslitherbellyandtakeoutthefetusfromherandnonewouldraiseanyvoiceagainst it.ThenangelsofGodwouldbecomerestlessintheheavens.AtthattimetheAlmightyAllahwouldcommandJibraeeltoscreamoverthefestivitiesofDamascus,‘OcommunityofMuhammad!Therefugeandshelterhasarrived.Yourreleasehascome.ThisisMahdi,whohasarisenfromMecca.Soharkentohim.’”

ThenHisEminence,Ali (a.s)explained thecharacteristicsof ImamMahdi (a.s), characteristicsandnumberofhisfollowers,theHasanidSayyidwhowouldpledgeallegiancetohimetc.

“AndclamorwouldariseinSyriathattheBedouinsofHijazaremovingtowardsthem.ThenSufyanishallaskhiscompanions,‘Whatdoyouthinkaboutthiscommunitya’Theywouldreply,‘Theyarearchersandcamelriderswhilewearestrongandarmedwithweapons.Takeusoutsothatwemayconfrontthem.’TheythinkthatSufyanisarefearfulandheknowswhatisexpectedofhim.Afterthat260personsshallcomeoutandreachHira(Tiberia)andMahdishallalsomoveforwardandonhiswaynotownorcitycomesbutthatitgivesthemessageofpeace,securityandgladtidings.Jibraeelshall be to his right and Mikaeel to his left and people would join him from all sides. In thesecircumstancesthereisconfrontationwithSufyaniatTiberia.TheAlmightyAllahsendsHiswrathonSufyani andhis followers andall the creatures, including thebird arewrathfulonSufyani andhisfollowershittinghimwiththeirwingsandfeathers.ThemountainshittheSufyaniarmywithstonesandtheAlmightyAllahdestroysthearmyofSufyani.DuetothedefeattheyfleethebattlefieldandamannamedSabah,afollowerofImam,arrestsSufyaniandbringshimtoImamMahdi(a.s)whilehewasconcludinghisnightPrayer(Isha).TheImamconcludeshisPrayerandcomesouttoseethataturbanisputaroundtheneckofSufyaniandisbeingpulled.AfterthatSufyaniisleftwiththeImamandheaddressestheImam,‘Ocousin!HavepityonmesothatImaysurvive.IgiveyoumywordthatIwouldbeyourswordandfightyourenemies.’Whilehe(theImam) isamonghiscompanionshesays,‘Catchholdofhim.’

Thecompanionswouldask, ‘Osonof thedaughterof theMessengerofAllah!Wouldyou lethimlivewhilehehaskilledthedescendantsoftheMessengerofAllah?’

HisEminenceshallsay,‘Thedecisionisuponyou.’

SabahalongwithagroupofpeoplewouldtakeSufyaninearSidra,beheadhimandbringhisseveredheadtoHisEminence,ImamMahdi(a.s).ThenShiasofMahdishallglanceattheseveredheadandraiseslogansof‘AllahistheGreatest.ThereisnoGodexceptAllahandPraisebetoAllah.’ThenHisEminencewouldcommandthemtoburyit.’”[1]

Since the chain of narrators of this tradition is authentic it provides a detailed account thecircumstances of Sufyani, that he shall be a sinful and tyrannical fellow who would render theprohibitedofGodaslawful.AndthathisendshallbeatthepowerfulhandsofHisEminence,theWaliofAllah,theGreatest.

DurationofSufyani’sRule

TheperiodofSufyani’sruleandhisoppressionshalllastforeightmonths.Inthisbrieftimespan

hewouldexceedall limitsinwreakinghavocandterror.Heshallslaytherighteousandduringhistenurethehopeoftheweak,thedeprivedandtheoppressed,HisEminence,ImamMahdi(a.s)shallreappear.BlackFlags

AnothersuresignofthereappearanceistheformationofIslamicarmy,whichwouldraiseupblackstandardsanditisstronglyconjecturedthattheblackflagsshallbeforthesakeofthemourningforthechiefofthemartyrsandthebelovedgrandsonoftheMessengerofAllah(a.s),ImamHusain(a.s).Herewenarratesometraditionsonthissubject:

1. Thauban narrates from the Messenger of Allah (a.s) that he said, “When you see black flagsapproachingfromKhorasan,jointhem,becausetheCaliphofGod,HisEminence,ImamMahdi(a.s)isamongthem.”[2]

2.HasannarratesfromtheMessengerofAllah(a.s)thatHisEminencementionedthecalamitiesthatwouldbefallhisAhleBayt(a.s)andthensaid,“TillthetimetheAlmightyAllahbringsouttheblackflagsfromeast;andHeshallhelpallthosewho

[1]Al-MahdiMaoodAl-Muntazar,2/97-100quotedfromIqdudDurar[2]KanzulUmmal,7/182

helpit.AndwhosoevercausesdisrespecttohimshallbedegradedbyAllah.Tillthetimetheyshallgathernearapersonhavingmynameandentrusttheiraffairstohisguardianship(Wilayat).ThentheAlmightyAllahwouldsupportandhelphim.”[1]

3.JabirhasquotedfromImamMuhammadBaqir(a.s)thathesaid,“TheflagsthatarrivefromKhorasanshallreachKufa.AndwhenHisEminence,ImamMahdi(a.s)reappearsfromMecca,theseflagsshallgotowardshimandpledgeallegiancetohim.”

4.AbdullahbinMasudsays,“WewerewiththeMessengerofAllah(a.s)andsuddenlywesawthatsomeHashemiteyouthsapproachedanduponseeingthem,HisEminencebecameworriedandhiseyesopenedwideandhiscomplexionchanged.Iasked,‘OAllah’sMessenger!What’swrongwithyouaWhyyourmoodhaschangedsuddenlya’Hereplied,‘WeandmyAhleBayt,theAlmightyAllahhasselectedforustheHereafterovertheworld.VerysoonmyAhleBaytshallfallintocalamities,arrestsandflights.Tillthetimegroupswillcomefromeast,holdingblackflags.Thentheywouldnotgetanythingbutgood.Theywouldfightabattleandtheyshallbevictoriousandwhatevertheydesireshallbegiventothembuttheyshallnotacceptit.ApersonfrommyAhleBaytwouldbegiventhepowertofilltheearthwithjusticeandequity,asitwouldbefullofinjusticeandoppression.Whomsoeverofyoureachesthemshouldjointhatgroup.’”

5.JalaluddinSuyutiquotedtheMessengerofAllah(a.s)thathesaid,“Blackflagsshallcomeoutof

KhorasanandnothingcouldhalttheirmovementtilltheyreachEliya.”

IbneKathirsays,“ThesearenotflagsofAbuMuslimKhorasanithattheUmayyadsmaydestroy.RathertheyaresomeotherflagsthatshallbewithHisEminence,ImamMahdi(a.s).”

[1]Al-MalahimwalFitan,IbneTawus1/100

6.AbuTufailAamirnarratedfromHisEminence,Ali(a.s)thathesaid,“OAamir!WheneveryouhearthatflagsaremovingfromKhorasan,andyouareinacasketanditislocked,youmustbreakthelocksothatyoumaylayyourlifebelowthoseflags.Ifyouarenotabletobreakit,youmustoverturnitsothatyoumayreachundertheflags.”

OtherstraditionsthatprovethatblackflagswouldappearfromtheeastorfromKhorasan,implythatitistheprefacetothereappearanceofHisEminence,ImamMahdi(a.s).

VoicefromtheSky

Oneof the sure signsof the reappearanceof theAwaited Imam is thevoiceof the angelof sky

giving glad-tidings of the reappearance of His Eminence and it would invite people towards theImam.Therearetherekindsoftraditionsinthisregard:FirstGroupofTraditions

ThisgroupclearlysaysthatwhentheAwaitedImam(a.s)reappearstherewouldbeanangelabovehisblessedheadproclaiming:ThisisthesameMahdi,sofollowhim.

(a)Abdullah binUmar narrated from theMessenger ofAllah (a.s) that he said, “TheMahdi shallreappear and there would be a cloud above him and in it shall be angel proclaiming: This is theCaliphofAllahandthesameMahdi,soobeyhim.”[1]

(b) AbuNaeem quoted from Ibne Umar that theMessenger of Allah (a.s) said, “TheMahdi shallreappearinsuchawaythatanangelshallproclaimabovehishead:ThisisthesameMahdi,whoistheCaliphofAllah.Sofollowhim.Andpeoplewouldbringfaithonhimandhisloveshallenterthehearts of the people. He is one who shall rule over the east and the west and those who pledgeallegiancetohimfirstshallbesameasthe

[1]Al-ArfulWurdi,2/61

numberofBadrfighters.TheyshallgiveallegiancetohimbetweenRuknandMaqam.”[1]

(c) Abu Naeem quotes from Ibne Umar that theMessenger of Allah (a.s) said, “TheMahdi shallreappearinsuchawaythatanangelshallproclaimfromabovehishead:ThisMahdiistheCaliphofAllah.Soobeyandfollowhim.”[2]SecondGroupofTraditions

AnangelshallproclaimfromtheskythattheAwaitedImam(a.s)hasreappeared,soyouallfollowhim:

(a)HisEminence,ImamReza(a.s)said,“WhenHisEminence,ImamMahdi(a.s)reappears,theearthshallbeilluminatedbyhiseffulgenceandscalesofjusticeshallbeestablishedamongpeople.Thennoneshalloppresstheothersandtheearthshallbeathisdisposal.Acallershallproclaimfromtheskyandalltheinhabitantsofearthshallhearit:Knowthat,theProofofGodhasreappearedneartheHouseofGod.Thetruthisinhimandwithhim.Soyouallfollowhim.AndthatisthesayingofAllahwhenHesays:

IfWeplease,Weshouldsenddownuponthemasignfromtheheavensothattheirnecksshouldstooptoit.”[3]

(b) Rabi bin Kharrash narrates from Huzaifah regarding the tradition about Sufyani that he said,

“WhentheslaveswhohavefledfromRomereachthegatesofDamascusacallershallproclaimfromthesky:OPeople!Thetimeoftheoppressors,hypocritesandtheirfollowersisoverandthebestofthe Progeny ofMuhammad (a.s) that is the sameMahdi, themaster of guardianship over you hasarrived.ThengoandjoinhimatMecca.”[4]

[1]IsafurRaghibeen,printedonthemarginsofNurulAbsar,Pg.127-130[2]FaraidusSimtain[3]SurahShoara26:4[4]Al-MalahimwalFitan,3/104

(c) Huzaifah Yamani narrated from the Prophet of Islam (a.s) that he said, “At that time – that isduringthetyrannyofSufyani–avoiceshallproclaimfromthesky:Opeople!AlmightyAllahhasendedthereignofthetyrantsandoppressorsandthebestmemberofthecommunityofMuhammad,thatisHisEminence,Mahdiisappointedasyourguardian.SojoinhimatMecca.”[1]

(d)HisEminence,Ali(a.s)said,“AwaitforthereappearanceoftheAwaitedOneonthreeoccasions.”HewasaskedwhatthosethreeoccasionsareaHereplied,“WhentheSyriansfightamongthemselves,whenblackflagsarrivefromKhorasanandwhenthereisterrorandfearinthemonthofRamadan.”HisEminencewasaskedastowhatistheterrorandfearofthemonthofRamadanaHereplied,“Acallerwillproclaimfromtheskyinsuchawaythatall thosewhoareasleepshallwakeupandallthoseawakeshallbeshookup.Ayoungmaidenshallcomeoutfrombehindtheveilandallshallheartheheavenlycall.Andwhoevercomesfromwhicheversidewouldsay:Ihavealsoheardthevoice.”

(e)HisEminence,AmirulMomineen(a.s)said,“Whenthecallerproclaimsfromthesky:TheTruthisindeedwiththeProgenyofMuhammad–ThatisthesametimewhenHisEminence,ImamMahdi(a.s) shall reappearandpeople shallbecomeprosperousand thematterof the reappearanceofHisEminence,willbecomeknowntoall.”[2]ThirdGroupofTraditions

ThisgroupstatesthattheangelwhoproclaimsfromtheskygivinggladtidingsofthereappearanceofHisEminence,ImamMahdi(a.s),isJibraeel:

HisEminence,ImamMuhammadBaqir(a.s)says,“ThatcallshallberaisedinthemonthofRamadanonFridayEve.Sopay

[1]IqdudDurar,Chap.3,Tradition49[2]Al-MalahimwalFitan,Pg.36

heedtoitandobeyit.AndattheendofthedaytheaccursedShaitanwouldraiseacallthatsuchandsuch–probablySufyani–hasbeenkilledunjustly.Hewouldmakethepeoplefallintodoubtandonthatdaymanypeopleshallbeperplexed.”HisEminencesaid,“IfyouhearthecallinthebeginningofthemonthofRamadandonotdoubtitasthatcallisfromJibraeelanditssignisthathewouldcallbythenameofMahdiandhisfather.”[1]

[1]IqdudDurar,Chap.4,Tradition148

JesusshallpraybehindImamMahdi(a.s)

Among the sure signs of the reappearance of His Eminence, theMaster of the Age (a.s) is the

comingdownonearthofHisEminence,JesusChristandhispayingallegiancetoandprayingbehindincongregationPrayersledbyHisEminence,ImamMahdi(a.s).WhenChristiansseehim,theyshallbringfaithonIslamandembraceitandabandonChristianity.

1. The Prophet of Islam (a.s) said, “Isa binMaryam shall descend to the earth at dawn, decked inMahar and Deen. And Mahar and Deen are two pieces of saffron garments. He shall be faircomplexionedandhishairwouldbered,shinningandthin.Itwouldbeasifoilisdrippingfromhishair.Inhishandheshallholdaweaponwithwhichheshallbreakthecross,killthepiganddestroyDajjal and recover the Imam’spropertyand thePeopleof theCaveshallwalkbehindhim.Andheshallbethevizier,therighthand,theguardandprotectoroftheQaimoftheProgenyofMuhammad.HeshallspreadpeaceintheEastandtheWest.”[2]

2.After the description of the scourge ofDajjal,HisEminence,Ali (a.s) says, “When itwould beFridayandthepeoplewouldbereadyforPrayers,IsabinMaryamshalldescendtotheearthwearingtwopiecesofbrightgarments.Asifoilisdrippingfrom

[2]GhayatulMaraam,Pg.697quotedfromTafsirofThalabi

hishair,heshallhaveanelegantfaceandheshallresembleProphetIbrahim(a.s)greatly.ThenHisEminence,ImamMahdi(a.s)wouldglanceathimandsay,‘OSonoftheChastelady(Maryam)!YouleadthePrayer.’JesusChristwouldreply,‘LeadingthePrayersisyourprerogative.’ThenImamMahdi(a.s)wouldstepforwardandleadthecongregationPrayerandChristwouldpraybehindhim.Thenhewouldpayallegiancetohim.WhenHisEminence,Isa(a.s)comesouthewouldseeDajjaltaunting;he(Dajjal)wouldmeltlikelead.”[1]

3.SaeedbinJubairhasnarratedfromIbneAbbasthattheMessengerofAllah(a.s)said,“MyCaliphsandsuccessorsaretwelvepersons,firstofwhomismybrotherandthelastmygreatgrandson.”Hewasasked,“OAllah’sMessenger!Whoisyourbrothera”Hereplied,“AlibinAbiTalib.”Hewasasked,“Whoisyourgreatgrandsona”Hereplied,“Mahdi,whoshallfilltheearthwithjusticeandequitylikeitwouldbefraughtwithinjusticeandoppression.BytheOneinWhosehandsismylife!Evenifadayremainsfortheearth,theAlmightyAllahwillprolongthisdaytillmyson,MahdireappearsandIsabinMaryamdescendstotheearthandrecitesprayerbehindHisEminence.Theearthshallbeilluminatedfromtheeasttothewest.”[2]

4.AbuAmamaBahilihasrelatedthattheMessengerofAllah(a.s)recitedasermonforusandspokeabouttheDajjalandhismischief.Thenhesaid,“AndtheImamofthepeopleisarighteousandworthyperson,whowouldbeHisEminence,theMahdi.ItwouldbetoldtoHisEminencetoleadtheMorningPrayerandwhenherecitestheTakbir(AllaahoAkbar)andbeginstheprayer,IsaIbneMaryamshalldescendandwhenImamMahdi(a.s)seeshim,heshallrecognizehim.HewouldslowlymovebehindtillIsabinMaryambecomesaheadofhim.HoweverIsa(a.s)wouldputhishandonhisshoulderandsay,

[1]IqdudDurar,Tradition352[2]FaraidusSimtain,GhayatulMaraam,Pg.43

“Youleadtheprayer,astheestablishmentofprayerisforyou.”ThenIsa(a.s)shallrecitehisprayersbehindHisEminence,ImamMahdi(a.s)andthensay,“Openthegates,”andgatesshallbeopenedandthereshallappearDajjalwith70000armedJews.WhenDajjalseesProphetIsa(a.s)heshallmeltlikeleadmeltsinfireorliketheicemeltsinwaterandisdissolvedinit…”[1]

5.MuhiyyuddinArabisays,“KnowthatHisEminence,Mahdi–MayAllah,theHigh,hastenhisreappearance–whenhereappears,allMuslimsshallbeinaprosperousconditionandpeopleofGodshallaccepthisinvitation.Theyshallhelphimandbehisdeputiesastheywouldberesponsibleforimportantfunctionsofhisgovernment.IsabinMaryamshalldescendtothewhiteminaretontheeastofDamascuswhileanangelshallbeonhisrightandanotheronhisleftandheshallmeetHisEminence,ImamMahdi(a.s).”[2]

AlthoughnumerousnarrationsprovethedescentofHisEminence,JesusChristfromtheskyandalsomentionthatIsa(a.s)shallpaytheoathoffealtyatthehandsofHisEminence,ImamMahdi(a.s)andassisthimintruthandjustice.

AlthoughothersignsandportentsliketheadventofYamani,killingofthePureSoul(Nafs-e-Zakiyyah),risingofthesunfromthewestetc.havebeenrecordedintraditionalsourceswehaverefrainedfromquotingthemhere.Thosewhodesiremayrefertotheconcernedbooks.

[1]Al-Mahdial-Maood,2/236,quotedfromAl-MalahimwalFitan2/110[2]Al-Futuhat-e-Makkiyyah

30ChapterTIMEANDVENUEOFTHEREAPPEARANCEOFHISEMINENCE,THEMASTEROFTHEAGE(A.S)

Herewe shall discuss in brief traditions of theMessenger ofAllah (a.s) regarding the time and

placeofreappearanceofHisEminence,systemofhisgovernmentandthespecialcharacteristicsofthecompanionsofHisEminence.TimeofReappearance

AsforthetimeofthereappearanceofHisEminence,ImamMahdi(a.s),itwouldbeaSaturdayofthemonth of Mohurrum. It shall be the day when the chief of the martyrs, Imam Husain (a.s) wasmartyred(10thMohurrum).

1. Abu Basir narrated from Imam Ja'far Sadiq (a.s) that he said, “Our Qaim shall reappear onSaturday,thedayofAshura–thedaywhenImamHusain(a.s)wasmartyred.”[1]

2.AliIbneMahziyarnarratedfromHisEminence,ImamMuhammadBaqir(a.s)thathesaid,“AsifIamseeingtheQaimonaSaturday,thedayofAshura,standingbetweenRuknandMaqamandJibraeelis in thefrontcallingthatoathoffealtybegiventohimfor thesakeofGod.Thenheshallfill theearthwithjusticeandequitylikeitwouldhavebeenfullofinjusticeandoppression.”[2]

[1]Kamaluddin[2]Ghaybah,ShaykhTusi

3.AbuBasirnarratedfromImamJa'farSadiq(a.s)thathesaid,“OurQaimshallnotreappearbutinanoddnumberedyear,likeone,three,five,sevenornine,onthedayofAshuraand(itwouldbe)aSaturday. He shall stand between Rukn and Maqam and someone standing before him would becalling:‘Allegiance,allegiance!’ThusthehelpersofHisEminenceshallrushtowardshimfromallaround theworld andgive allegiance tohim.Then throughhim theAlmightyAllahwould fill theearthwithjusticeandequity,justasitwouldhavebeenfilledwithinjusticeandoppression.Thenhewouldmove fromMecca toKufa and camp atNajaf. From there hewould dispatch his armies tovariouscities.”[1]TimeofthecalloftheAngel

AsforthetimeofthecalloftheangelorJibraeelandhisglad-tidingsaboutthereappearanceofHisEminence,ImamMahdi(a.s) it is theeveof23rdof themonthofRamadan.Someof the traditionsaboutthisareasfollows:

MuhammadbinMuslimsays:ApersonaskedHisEminence,ImamJa'farSadiq(a.s),“WhenwouldyourQaim reappeara”He replied, “Whenmisguidance shall bemore and guidance less…at suchtime,withtheblessednameofQaimontheeveofthe23rdofthemonthofRamadanacallshallbeissuedandhewouldariseonthedayofAshura.”[2]

And it is said that the call of the angel is in themonth of Ramadan and the reappearance of HisEminenceisinthemonthofShawwalofanoddnumberedyear.[3]

[1]Muntakhabal-Athar,Pg.465,quotedfromKashfulAstar,Pg.181[2]KashfulAstar,Pg.181[3]YanabiulMawaddah,Pg.194

WidespreadPoweroftheImamoftheTime(a.s)

HisEminence,theAwaitedImam(a.s)isthefirstrulerofIslamwhosedominionshallstretchfromtheeasttothewestandintheworldtherewouldbenocommandwithouthiscommand.

1.IbneAbbashasnarratedfromtheMessengerofAllah(a.s)thathesaid,“Caliphs,successorsandproofsofGodonthecreatures,aftermearetwelvepersons.Thefirstofthemismybrotherandthelastofthemismy(greatgrand)son.”Itwasasked,“OMessengerofAllah(a.s)!Whoisyourbrothera”Hereplied,“AlibinAbiTalib(a.s).”Hewasasked,“Whoisyoursona”Hereplied,“Mahdi,whowouldfilltheearthwithjusticeandequityjustasitwouldhavebeenfraughtwithinjusticeandoppression.BytheOneWhohassentmeasagiverofgladtidings,evenifasolitarydayremainsforthetenureoftheworld,theAlmightyAllahshallprolongthisdaytillmyson,Mahdireappearsinit,thenHisEminence,theSpiritofAllah,JesussonofMaryamshalldescend(fromtheheavens)andstandtopraybehindtheImamandtheearthshallbewashedindivinelightandhisruleshallsurroundtheeastandthewest.”[1]

2.AbuSaeedKhudrinarratedfromtheMessengerofAllah(a.s)thathesaid,“TheworldshallnotendtillamanfrommyAhleBayt(a.s)isatthehelmofaffairsandfillstheearthwithjusticeandequityjustasitwouldhavebeenfraughtwithinjusticeandoppression…”[2]

3.AbdullahIbneAbbasnarratedfromtheMessengerofAllah(a.s)thathesaid,“Fourpersonshadbeenabsoluterulersontheearth,twowerebelieversandtwoinfidels.ThusthetwobelievingoneswereDhulqarnainandSulaimanHashmatullahandthetwoinfidelswereBakht-e-NasrandNimrodandsoonthefifthone,apersonfrommyAhleBayt(a.s)shallbeitsundisputedruler.”

[1]FaraidusSimtain,YanabiulMawaddah,Pg.447[2]Al-ArfulWardi,Pg.2/63

31ChapterSYSTEMSOFTHEIMAM'SGOVERNMENT

Theprogramofthegovernmentandhispoliciesshallbemainlyconcernedwithspreadingoftruth

andjusticeandmakingpeaceandsecuritygeneralforallthepeople.Hispoliciesshallbebasedoncommands of the Book of Allah, practice of the Messenger of Allah (a.s) and manners of hishonorablegrandfather,AmirulMo-mineen(a.s).HisEminenceshallbethestandardbearerofsocialjusticeandonetoestablishjusticeandtruth.Herewequotesometraditionsonthissubject:

1.JabirnarratedfromImamMuhammadBaqir(a.s)thathesaid,“MahdishallreappearinMeccaatthetimeofIsha(NightPrayer)andtheflag,thedressandtheswordoftheMessengerofAllah(a.s)shallbewithhimandheshallbehavingthesignsofeffulgenceandmodeofspeech.ThusafterhecompletestheIshaPrayer,heshallraisehisvoiceandsay,‘IwouldmakeyourememberAlmightyAllahwhileyouareinfactintheserviceofyourLord.AndtheproofiscompleteuponyouandthemessengershavebeensentandthebookshavebeenrevealedandtheycommandyounottoassociateanythingwithGodandobeyAllahandHisProphet.WhatevertheQuranhaskeptaliveyoualsokeepaliveandwhatevertheQurandestroysyoualsodestroyit.Besupportersofguidanceandremainwithpietybecausetheworldissoontoendandtoannounceitsfarewell.AndIinviteyoutoAllahandtheMessengerofAllah(a.s)andtoactontheBookofAllahandtodestroyfalsehoodandtorevivethepracticeoftheProphet…’”

2.HisEminence, ImamMuhammadBaqir (a.s)said,“WhenourQaimreappearsheshalldistributeequallyandjudgebetweengoodandbadforthecreaturesofAllah.”[1]

3.HisEminence,ImamMuhammadBaqir(a.s)said,“WhenourQaimreappears,heshallrulewithjustice, and injustice and oppression shall be destroyed and roads shall become safe and the earthshallspilloutitstreasuresandeveryrightshallberestoredtoitsrightfulowner.”[2]

4. His Eminence, Imam Muhammad Baqir (a.s) said, “His Eminence, Mahdi (a.s) shall ward offoppressionsofthepeople.Somuchso,thatevenifitisheldbetweentheteeth,hewouldrestoreittoitsowner.”[3]

Infact,themethodanddiplomacyofHisEminence,ImamMahdi(a.s)isonlythecontinuationofthepracticeofhisgrandfather,theMessengerofAllah(a.s)andthelegateeandtheGateoftheCityoftheknowledgeoftheHolyProphet(a.s).Hewouldriseupjustastheyhadrisen.ImamMuhammadBaqir(a.s)wasaskedaboutthesystemofthegovernmentofHisEminence,theRemnantofAllahandtheImamreplied,“HewouldcancelthepastjustastheMessengerofAllah(a.s)haddoneandestablishIslamanew.”[4]TheImam’sCompanions

CompanionsandhelpersofHisEminenceshallbepersonsofpiety,caution,meritsandpurity.Theyshallbethebestkindofpeople.

[1]BiharulAnwar[2]Al-Irshad[3]Al-MalahimwalFitan[4]GhaybatNomani,Pg.123

CharacteristicsoftheCompanionsofImamMahdi

1.MuhammadbinHanafiyyahhasnarratedthatapersoninquiredfromImamAli(a.s)aboutImamMahdi(a.s)andAli(a.s)replied,“HeshallreappearintheLastAge.”Thenhementionedthecharacteristicsofhiscompanionsandsaid,“ThentheAlmightyAllahshallcollectagroupofpeoplenearhimlikepiecesofscatteredcloudsandheshallcreateloveamongthemselvesandnoneofthemshallbefearful…”[1]

ThistraditionmeansthatcompanionsofHisEminenceshallbehavingreligiousinsightandtheproofsofAllaharecompleteonthem.Theyshallnotbepleasedorsadtoseeanyonejoiningorleavingthem.TheirheartsarefilledwiththeblessingsofAllahandwithfaith,andtheyareappointedfortheserviceofIslam,itssignificanceandtheaimsofHisEminence.

2.HisEminenceAli(a.s)hassaidabouttheircharacteristics,“TheyshallbeagroupthatdoesnotobligeAllahbyitspatience.Andtheydonotconsiderthemselvesgreatwhilesacrificingtheirlivesonthepathoftruth…”[2]

3.HisEminence,AmirulMomineen(a.s)hassaidregardingtheircharacteristics,“TheyarewarriorsonthepathofGodandthearrogantandtransgressorsconsiderthemlowly.Theirworthisnotknownontheearthbuttheyarewellknownintheheavens.”[3]

4.MuhiyuddinArabisaid,“ThepeoplehavingdivinerecognitionshallpaytheoathofallegiancetoHisEminenceandtheyaretheservantsofGodwhoshallharkentothecallofHisEminenceandbecomehissupporters.Theyarethosedeputiesofhiswhoshalltakeuptheresponsibilityoftheimportantfunctionsofhisgovernment…theAlmightyAllahwouldselectthosepersonsashisdeputieswhomHehasmadecognizantofdivinerealities.”

[1]MustadrakHakim,4/554[2]YanabiulMawaddah,Pg.437[3]YanabiulMawaddah,Pg.437

NumberofthecompanionsofImamMahdi(a.s)

AsforthenumberofthecompanionsofHisEminence,ImamMahdi(a.s)whoshallpayallegiancetohimaresameasthenumberofthewarriorsofBadr,thatis313.SulaimanbinHaroonAjalinarratedthatheheardHisEminence,ImamSadiq(a.s)saying,“Indeedthemasterofthisaffair,thatistheQaimoftheProgenyofMuhammadissafe,suchthatifallthepeoplegoaway,theAlmightyAllahshallbringhiscompanionsandtheyarethesamethatareimpliedinthewordsofAllah:

Oyouwhobelieve!Whoeverfromamongyouturnsbackfromhisreligion,thenAllahwillbringapeople,HeshalllovethemandtheyshallloveHim,lowlybeforethebelievers,mightyagainsttheunbelievers…”[1]

Andalso:

“…whereveryouare,Allahwillbringyoualltogether…”[2]

TheyshallbethecompanionsofHisEminence,ImamMahdi(a.s).HisEminence,ImamAli(a.s)said,“ByAllah!IamawareofthecompanionsofImamMahdi(a.s);Iknowtheirnames,tribesandthenamesoftheirchiefs.ThesearethepeoplewhomAlmightyAllahshallgatherinonesandtwosfromdifferenttribesandcommunitiestilltheyarenine.ThentheirnumbershallreachthewarriorsofBadr,thatis313persons.AndthatisthesayingofAlmightyAllah:

“…whereveryouare,Allahwillbringyoualltogether;surelyAllahhaspoweroverallthings.”[3]

Somuchso,thatpeoplewouldnothavetimetochangeandAllahwouldmakethemreachtheImam.[4]

AbuKhalidKabulinarratedfromHisEminence,ImamZainulAbideen(a.s)thathesaid,“Theyaresuchthattheysleepontheirbeds(ItmeansthattheywereasleepandAllahtookthem

[1]SurahMaidah5:54[2]SurahBaqarah2:148[3]SurahBaqarah2:148[4]Ghaybah,ShaykhTusi

outandgathered theminMecca).Theyare313persons,sameas thenumberofBadrwarriorsandtheyshallbeinMeccaovernightandthatisthesayingofAllah:

‘…whereveryouare,Allahwillbringyoualltogether…’[1]AndthesearethecompanionsoftheQaimoftheProgenyofMuhammad.”[2]VenueofAllegiance

ThevenuewherecompanionsofHisEminence,ImamMahdi(a.s)paytheoathoffealtyathishandsisbetweentheRuknandMaqam,whichisthemostsanctifiedandexaltedspots.Andamanytraditionshavebeenrecordedonthissubject.[3]ConditionsimposedbytheImamofthetime(a.s)forgivingallegiance

NarratorsoftraditionsandhistorianshavementionedthatHisEminence,theMasteroftheAge(a.s)wouldputsomeconditionsforacceptingallegiance.Theyareasfollows:

HisEminence,AmirulMomineen(a.s)afterdescribingthecharacteristicsofthecompanionsofImamMahdi (a.s)mentions theconditions that ImamMahdi (a.s) shall impose for thosewhowish topay

allegiancetohim:Theyshouldpromisethattheyshallnotstealandcommitfornication.Shouldnotcommitmurderordefilehonor.Theymustnot speak ill to theMuslims.Theymustnot attackanyhouseandmustnotkillanyoneexceptforjustification.

(Hewouldmean to say:)You shall not tie bands of gold orwear silk.You shall not desecrate themosque and you shall not block the paths. You shall not oppress the orphans andmake the pathsinsecure.Youshallnotresorttointrigueanddeceit.Youshall

[1]SurahBaqarah2:148[2]Kamaluddin[3]IqdudDurar,MusnadAhmad

not usurp the property of the orphans. You shall not commit sodomy, drink wine and domisappropriationwithImamateandguidance.Youshallnotbreakoathsandpromises.Youshallnothoardwheat and barely.You shall not kill the onewhohas taken asylumwith you.Donot pursuethosewho flee.Donot shedbloodanddonot attackan injuredperson.Wearcoarsegarments andprostrateonthebareearth.EatbarelybreadandfightonthewayofAllah.Wearperfumesanddespisetheimpurethings.

Meanwhile, His Eminence will impose upon himself the condition that there shall be no obstaclebetweenhimandhisfollowers.Allhisactivitiesshallbebeforethem.HeshallbesatisfiedwithlessandbythehelpofAllahheshallfilltheearthwithjusticejustasitwouldbefraughtwithoppression.AndheshallserveAllahasHeoughttobeserved…[1]

These conditions and characteristics show that the aim of His Eminence is spreading justice andequalityandtheestablishmentoftheruleofAllahontheearthinsuchawaythatnopowerandvalueremainsforthetyrants.Alsoitshowsthattherulerandthesubjectsareeligibleforequityandthereshallbenokindofdiscriminationbetweendifferentclassesofpeopleexceptthatitbehavingafirmbase.Hishumilityandhisbeingwith thecommonpeopleshallbeamongthecharacteristicsofHisEminence,theMasteroftheAge,theRemnantofAllahtheGreat(a.s).TheStandard-BearerofImamMahdi(a.s)

Accordingtotraditions,thestandardbearerofHisEminence,ImamMahdi(a.s)shallbeShuaib,thesonofSalih,whoshallbethecommanderofahugearmy.HeshallarrivefromKhorasantohelpandpayoathofallegiancetoImamMahdi(a.s).[2]Andit

[1]Al-MahdiMaood3/11,quotedfromAl-MalahimwalFitan,IbneTawus2/104[2]KanzulUmmal,7/260

issaidthatheisfromtheTamimandheistheonewhoshalldefeattheSufyanisothattheycometoBaitulMaqdasandpreparethegroundforthegovernmentofHisEminence,theremnantofAllah.AndfromthetimeofthereappearanceofImamMahdi(a.s)tillthetimehiscommandgainsabsoluteauthority,thereisaperiodof72months.[1]

ItisnarratedthatontheflagofImamMahdi(a.s)shallbewritten:TheallegianceisonlyforAllah.[2]ThephilosophybehinditisthattheallegiancetoHisEminence,ImamMahdi(a.s)isallegianceto

Allah,andhiscommandistheCommandofAllah.

[1]Al-Malahimwal-Fitan,1/3[2]Al-MahdiMaood

PeriodofImamMahdi’sGovernment

ThereisdifferenceofopinionamongnarratorsoftraditionsasregardstheperiodoftheImam’s

governmentsincetherearevariousnarrationsonthissubject.

1.Theperiodofhisgovernmentshallbe40yearsandthisisnarratedfromImamAli(a.s).[3]2.Itis30years[4]3.Itis21years[5]AbundanceofrichesandblessingsduringthereignofHisEminence,ImamMahdi(a.s)

NumeroustraditionsarerecordedthatconveythatduringtheperiodoftheImam’sgovernmentthereshallbewidespreadblessings:

[3]Al-BayanFi-Akhbaar-e-Sahebuzzman,MinanurRahman2/42[4]MuntakhabKanzulUmmal,6/34[5]IsafurRaghibeen,Pg.140

1.AbuSaeedKhudrinarratedfromtheProphetofIslam(a.s)thathesaid,“Mahdiwillbefrommyprogeny.Inhisregime,mynationshallbebestowedwithbounties,withoutparallelinthehistoryofmankind.Everythingwillbeavailableanddistributedfreely.Wealthandricheswillbeinexcess.Apersonshallimplore,‘OMahdi,giveme,’Imam(a.s)willreply,‘Takewhateveryouplease.’”[1]

2.AbuSaeedKhudrinarratedfromtheProphetofIslam(a.s)thathesaid,“Inthelastageofmynation,theMahdishallreappear.AndtheAlmightyAllahwouldshowerHisblessingsuponhimandtheearthshallputforthitswealth.Andtheearthshallproducemoreandperfecteconomicpossibilities.(GoodVegetation).”[2]

3.HisEminence,ImamAli(a.s)saysregardingHisEminence,ImamMahdi(a.s)that,“ImamMahdi(a.s)shallinstructhisrepresentativesinallcitiesthattheyshoulddealjustlywithpeopleinsuchawaythatthejackalandtheewemaygrazeatthesameplace.Andevilmaydisappearandonlygoodnessremains.Thosewhosowonemudd(unit)shallreapsevenmuddsastheAlmightyAllahhassaid.Fornication,winedrinkingandusuryshallbefinishedandpeopleshallbeinclinedtowardsworship,IslamicLaw,charitabledeeds,Prayersandreligiousprograms.Andthetrustsshallberestoredtotheirowners;thereshallbeincreaseinvegetationandblessingsshallincrease.EvilsshallbedestroyedandgoodnessshallremainandnonewhoharborsanimositytowardsAhleBayt(a.s)shallsurvive.”[3]

[1]MustadrakHakim,4/558[2]MustadrakHakim,4/558[3]MuntakhabulAthar,Pg.474quotedfromKashfulAstar

32ChapterZIYARATOFIMAMAL-MAHDI(A.S)

Peacebeuponyou;O thevicegerentofAllahandthevicegerentofyourwell-guidedfathers.

alssalamu `alayka ya khalifata allahiwakhalifataaba’ihialmahdiyyina

اللها ةفیلخ ای كیلع ملاسلانییدهملا هئابآ ةفیلخو ،

peace be upon you;O the Successor of the pastSuccessors(oftheProphets).

alssalamu `alayka ya wa siyyalawsya‘ialmadina

يصو ای كیلع ملاسلانیضاملا ءایصولاا ،

Peacebeuponyou;OthekeeperofthesecretsoftheLordoftheworlds.

alssalamu `alayka ya hafi¨a asrarirabbal`alamina

ظفاح ای كیلع ملاسلانیملاعلا بر رارسأ ،

peace be upon you; O Allah’s remainder fromamongtheelite,selectones.

alssalamu `alayka ya baqiyyata allahiminaalssafwatialmuntajabina

اللها ةیقب ای كیلع ملاسلانیبجتنملا ةوفصلا نم ،

peacebeuponyou;Osonoftheluminouslights.

alssalamu `alayka yabna alanwarialzzahirati

راونلاا نب ای كیلع ملاسلاةرهازلا ،

peacebeuponyou;Osonofthesplendidsigns.

alssalamu `alayka yabna ala`lamialbahirati

ملاعلاا نب ای كیلع ملاسلاةرهابلا ،

peace be upon you; O son of the immaculateprogeny.

alssalamu `alayka yabna al`itratialttahirati

ةرتعلا نب ای كیلع ملاسلاةرهاطلا ،

peacebeuponyou;OtheessenceofthePropheticknowledge.

alssalamu `alayka ya ma`dinaal`ulumialnnabawiyyati

مولعلا ندعم ای كیلع ملاسلاةیوبنلا ،

peace be upon you; O Allah’s gate—the only gatefromwhichonecanentertoHim.

alssalamu `alayka ya baba allahialladhylayu´taillaminhu

اللها باب ای كیلع ملاسلاهنم لاإ ىتؤی لا يذلا ،

peacebeupon you;OAllah’s course that perditionwillbetheresultofanyonewhotakesotherthanit.

alssalamu `alayka ya sabila allahialladhymansalakaghayrahuhalaka

اللها لیبس ای كیلع ملاسلاكله هریغ كلس نم يذلا ،

peacebeupon you;O theobserver of theTreeofBliss(tuba)andtheFarthestLot-tree.

alssalamu`alaykayana¨irashajaratitubawasidratialmuntaha

ةرجش رظان ای كیلع ملاسلاىهتنملا ةردسو ىبوط ،

peace be upon you; O Allah’s light that neverextinguishes.

alssalamu `alayka ya nura allahialladhylayutfa

يذلا اللها رون ای كیلع ملاسلاىفطی ،لا

peacebeuponyou;OAllah’sdecisiveargumentthatisneverhidden.

alssalamu `alayka ya hujjata allahiallatylatakhfa

اللها ةجح ای كیلع ملاسلاىفخت لا يتلا ،

peace be upon you; O Allah’s decisive argumentagainstallthoseintheearthandintheheavens.

alssalamu `alayka ya hujjata allahi`alamanfial-ardiwalssama‘i

اللها ةجح ای كیلع ملاسلاضرلاا يف نم ىلعءامسلاو ،

peace be upon you—a salutation of one whorecognizesyouasexactlyasAllahhasintroducedyou,

alssalamu `alayka salama man`arafakabima`arrfakabihiallahu

نم ملاس كیلع ملاسلااللها هب كفرع امب كفرع ،

and one who mentions only some of yourcharacteristicsthatyouareworthyofandevenmore.

wa na`ataka biba`di nu`utika allatyantaahluhawafawqaha

كتوعن ضعبب كتعنواهقوفو اهلهأ تنأ يتلا ،

I bear witness that you are the argument against thepastandthecominggenerations,

ash-haduannakaalhujjatu`alamanmadawamanbaqiya

نم ىلع ةجحلا كنأ دهشأيقب نمو ىضم ،

andthatyourpartyarethetruetriumphant, waannhizbakahumualghalibuna نوبلاغلا مه كبزح نأو

andyourfriendsarethetruewinners, waawlya‘akahumualfa’izuna نوزئافلا مه كءایلوأو

andyourenemiesaretrulylosers. waa`da‘akahumualkhasiruna نورساخلا مه كءادعأو ،

andthatyouarethekeeperoftheentireknowledge waannakakhazinukulli`ilmin ملع لك نزاخ كنأو ،

andthatyouaretheopenerofallclosedthings wafatiqukulliratqin قتر لك قتافو ،

andthatyouaretheestablisherofallrights wamuhaqqiqukullihaqqin قح لك ققحمو ،

andthatyouaretheeradicatorofallwrongs. wamubtilukullibatilin لطاب لك لطبمو ،

Omymaster: Iacceptyouasmy leader,guide,master,andadviser.

radituka ya mawlaya imamanwa hadiyan wa waliyyan wamurshidan

يلاوم ای كتیضرایلوو ایداهو امامإادشرمو ،

I never seek any alternative and I never betake anymastersaveYou.

la abtaghy bika badalanwa laattakhidhumindunikawaliyyan

لاو لادب كب يغتبأ لاایلو كنود نم ذختأ ،

Ibearwitness thatyouareverily theunchanging right that isfreeofanydefect

ash-hadu annaka alhaqqualththabitualladhyla`aybafihi

تباثلا قحلا كنأ دهشأهیف بیع لا يذلا ،

andthatAllah’spromiseconcerningyouissotruethatIneverdoubtnomatterhowlongtheoccultationwilltakeandthetime(ofyouradvent)willbefar

wa anna wa `da allahi fikahaqqun la artabu litulialghaybatiwabu`dial-amadi

قح كیف اللها دعو نأوةبیغلا لوطل باترأ لادملاا دعبو ،

andIwillneverhavemisgivingslikethosewhoignoreyouandignoretherightthatyourepresent

wa la atahayyru ma`a manjahilakawajahilabika

كلهج نم عم ریحتأ لاوكب لهجو ،

andIamwaitingandexpectingyourage

munta¨irun mutawaqqi`un li-ayyamika كمایلإ عقوتم رظتنم ،

andyouaretheunmatchedintercessor

wa anta alshshafi`u alladhy latunaza`u

لا يذلا عفاشلا تنأوعزانت ،

andtheirrefutablemaster. walwaliyyualladhylatudafa`u عفادت لا ىذلا يلولاو ،

Allahhassavedyouforthesupportofthereligionandforthefortificationofthebelievers

dhakharakaallahulinusratialddiniwai`zazialmu´minina

نیدلا ةرصنل اللها كرخذنینمؤملا زازعإو ،

andforretaliatinguponthedeniersandtheapostates.

wal-intiqami mina aljahidinaalmariqina

نیدحاجلا نم ماقتنلااونیقراملا ،

Ibearwitness that through the loyalty toyou,deedsareapproved

ash-hadu anna biwilayatikatuqbalual-a`malu

لبقت كتیلاوب نأ دهشألامعلاا ،

andactsarepurified watuzakkaalaf`alu لاعفلاا ىكزتو ،

andrewardsaredoubled watuda`afualhasanatu تانسحلا فعاضتو ،

andwrongdoingsareerased. watumhaalssayyi’atu تائیسلا ىحمتو ،

therefore,hewhobearsloyaltytoyou famanja‘abiwilayatika كتیلاوب ءاج نمف

andrecognizesyourImamate wa`tarafabi-imamatika كتمامإب فرتعاو

willhavehisdeedsapproved, qubilata`maluhu هلامعأ تلبق

hissayingscredited, wasuddiqataqwaluhu هلاوقأ تقدصو

hisrewardsdoubled, watada`afathasanatuhu هتانسح تفعاضتو

andhiswrongdoingserased. wamuhiyatsayyi’atuhu هتائیس تیحمو ،

whileifonerejectstheloyaltytoyou waman`adala`anwilayatika كتیلاو نع لدع نمو

andignorestherecognitionofyou wajahilama`rifataka كتفرعم لهجو

andfollowsanyoneelse, wastabdalabikaghayraka كریغ كب لدبتساو

AllahshallthrowonedowninHellfireonthenose,

kabbhu allahu `ala mankharihi fialnnari

يف هرخنم ىلع اللها هبكرانلا ،

andHeshallneverapproveanyofone’sacts walamyaqbaliallahulahu`amalan لامع هل اللها لبقی ملو

andshallneversetupabalanceforoneontheDayofResurrection.

wa lam yuqim lahu yawmaalqiyamatiwaznan

ةمایقلا موی هل مقی ملوانزو ،

I askAllah andHis angels and you,mymaster,totestifytothisforme

a’ushhiduallahawaa’ushhidumala’ikatahuwaa’ushhidukayamawlayabihadha

هتكئلام دهشاو اللها دهشااذهب يلاوم ای كدهشاو ،

theoutwardofthisdeclarationisassameasitsinward

¨ahiruhukabatinihi هنطابك هرهاظ

and its secret is as same as itsovertness,

wasirrhuka`alaniyatihi هتینلاعك هرسو ،

and you are the witness on thisdeclaration,

waantaalshshahidu`aladhalika كلذ ىلع دهاشلا تنأو ،

and this is my pledge with you and mycovenanttoyou

wahuwa`ahdyilaykawamithaqyladayka يقاثیمو كیلإ يدهع وهوكیدل ،

since you are verily the system of thereligion

idhantani¨amualddini نیدلا ماظن تنأ ذإ ،

andtheleaderofthepiousones waya`subualmuttaqina نیقتملا بوسعیو ،

andthedignityofthemonotheists

wa`izzualmwahhidina نیدحوملا زعو ،

and this is the commandof theLordoftheWorldstome.

wabidhalikaamaranyrabbual`alamina نیملاعلا بر ينرمأ كلذبو ،

eveniftimestakelongerperiods falawtatawalatialdduhuru روهدلا تلواطت ولف ،

andevenifagestakeextend watamadatial-a`maru رامعلاا تدامتو ،

thiswillincreaseinmenothingbutbeliefinyou lamazdadfikaillayaqinan نیقی لاإ كیف ددزأ مل

andloveforyou walakaillahubban ابح لاإ كلو ،

andrelianceandtrustinyou

wa `alayka illa muttakalan wamu`tamadan

لاكتم لاإ كیلعوادمتعمو ،

andanticipationandexpectationofyouradvent

wa li¨uhurika illamutawaqqi`anwamunta¨iran

اعقوتم لاإ كروهظلوارظتنمو ،

andwaitingtostrivehardinyourpresence

wa lijihady bayna yadaykamutaraqqiban

كیدی نیب يداهجلوابقرتم ،

So, Iprovidemyself,my fortune,mysons,my familymembersandallthatwhichAlmightyAllahwillgrantmeforyoursakeandforobeyingyourordersandrefrainingfromthatwhichyouordermenottodo.

fabdhul nafsy wa mali wa waladywaahlywajami`amakhawwalanyrabby bayna yadayka wal-ttasarrufa bayna amrika wanahyika

يلامو يسفن لذبأفام عیمجو يلهأو يدلووكیدی نیب يبر ينلوخكرمأ نیب فرصتلاوكیهنو ،

Omymaster:IfIcatchyourthrivingdays

mawlaya fa-in adraktu ayyamakaalzzahirata

كمایأ تكردأ نإف يلاومةرهازلا

andIwillseeyoursplendidsigns, waa`lamakaalbahirata ةرهابلا كملاعأو

then,hereI,aservantofyou,amyieldingtoyourordersandabstainingfromthatwhichyouordermenottodo.

faha anadha `abdukaalmutasarrifu bayna amrika wanahyika

كدبع اذ انأ اهفكرمأ نیب فرصتملاكیهنو ،

through all that, I hope for martyrdom before you andsuccessinyourview.

arju bihi alshshahadata baynayadaykawal-fawzaladayka

نیب ةداهشلا هب وجرأكیدل زوفلاو كیدی ،

Omymaster: But if death comes uponme before youradvent,

mawlayafa-inadrakanyalmawtuqabla¨uhurika

ينكردأ نإف يلاومكروهظ لبق توملا

then I beseech you and your immaculate fathers tomediateformebeforeAlmightyAllah

fa’inni atawassalu bika wa bi-aba’ikaalttahirinailaallahita`ala

كئابآبو كب لسوتأ ينإفىلاعت اللها ىلإ نیرهاطلا

WhomIpraytosendblessingsuponMuhammadandtheHouseholdofMuhammad,

wa as’aluhu an yusalliya `alamuhammadin wa alimuhammadin

ىلع يلصی نأ هلأسأودمحم لآو دمحم ،

andtodecideformeareturnafteryouradvent

wa an yaj`ala li karratan fi¨uhurika

يف ةرك يل لعجی نأوكروهظ

andasecondlifeduringyourdays waraj`atanfiaiyyamika كمایأ يف ةعجرو ،

so that I will attain obedience to you, which is mydesire,

li-ablughaminta`atikamuradi يدارم كتعاط نم غلبلإ

andtohealmyheartfromyourenemies. waashfiyamina`da’ikafu´adi يداؤف كئادعأ نم يفشأو ،

Omymaster:WhileIamvisitingyou,Iamstandinginthepositionoftherepentantwrongdoers,

mawlaya waqaftu fi ziyaratikamawqifaalkhati’inaalnnadimina

كترایز يف تفقو يلاومنیمدانلا نیئطاخلا فقوم

whofearthechastisementoftheLordoftheWorlds

alkha’ifina min `iqabi rabbial`alamina

بر باقع نم نیفئاخلانیملاعلا ،

and I am, meanwhile, depending upon yourintercessionforme

waqadiattakaltu`alashafa`atika كتعافش ىلع تلكتا دقو ،

andI,throughmyloyaltytoyouandyourintercessionforme,wishforeradicationofmysins

wa rajawtu bimuwalatika washafa`atikamahwadhunubi

كتعافشو كتلااومب توجرويبونذ وحم ،

andcoveringofmydefects wasatra`uyubi يبویع رتسو ،

andforgivenessofmyslips. wamaghfiratazalali يللز ةرفغمو ،

So,Omymaster,(please)helpme,yourservant,achievemyhope

fakun liwaliyyika ya mawlaya `indatahqiqiamalihi

دنع يلاوم ای كیلول نكفهلمأ قیقحت

and(please)askAllahtoforgivemyslips wasaliallahaghufranazalalihi اللهز نارفغ اللها لأساو ،

verily,Iamclingingtoyourrope faqadta`allaqabihablika كلبحب قلعت دقف ،

andholdingonmyloyaltytoyou watamassakabiwilayatika كتیلاوب كسمتو ،

anddeclaringmydisavowalofyourenemies. watabarra’amina`da’ika كئادعأ نم أربتو ،

O Allah: (please) bless Muhammad and hisHouseholdandfulfillYourpromisetoYourFriend.

allahumma salli `ala muhammadin waalihiwaanjizliwaliyyikamawa`adtahu

هلآو دمحم ىلع لص مهللاهتدعو ام كیلول زجنأو ،

OAllah:(please)makeprevalenthisword allahummaa¨hirkalimatahu هتملك رهظأ مهللا ،

andelevatehismission waa`lida`watahu هتوعد لعأو ،

andsupporthimagainstYourandhisenemies;OtheLordoftheWorlds.

wansurhu `ala `aduwwihiwa `aduwwikayarabbaal`alamina

هودع ىلع هرصناونیملاعلا بر ای كودعو ،

OAllah:(please)sendblessingsuponMuhammadandtheHouseholdofMuhammad

allahumma salli `ala muhammadinwaalimuhammadin

دمحم ىلع لص مهللادمحم لآو

andallowYourPerfectWordandYourconcealedoneinYourlands

wa a¨hir kalimataka alttammata wamughayybakafiardika

ةماتلا كتملك رهظأوكضرأ يف كبیغمو

—theafraid,thevigilant—toreappear. alkha’ifaalmutaraqqba بقرتملا فئاخلا ،

OAllah:(please)supporthimwithpowerfulsupport allahummaunsurhunasran`azizan ارصن هرصنا مهللا

ازیزع

andgivehimanighvictory. waftahlahufathanyasiran اریسی احتف هل حتفاو ،

OAllah:(please)fortifythereligionthroughhimafteritwillhavebeensluggish,

allahumma wa a`izza bihi alddinaba`daalkhumuli

دعب نیدلا هب زعأو مهللالومخلا ،

anddemonstratetherightthroughhimafteritwillhavedeclined,

waatli`bihialhaqqaba`daal-ufuliدعب قحلا هب علطأولوفلاا ،

andremovedarknessthroughhim waajlibihial¨¨ulumata ةملظلا هب لجأو

andrelievegriefsthroughhim. wakshifbihialghummata ةمغلا هب فشكاو ،

O Allah: (please) spread security over the landsthroughhim

allahummawaaminbihialbilada دلابلا هب نمآو مهللا ،

andguidetheservants(ofYou)throughhim. wahdibihial`ibada دابعلا هب دهاو ،

OAllah:(please)filltheearthwithjusticeandequalitythrough him as it will have been filledwith injusticeandwrong.

allahumma imla bihi al-arda `adlanwa qistan kama muli’at ¨ulman wajawran

لادع ضرلاا هب لأما مهللااملظ تئلم امك اطسقوروجو

verily,YouareAll-hearingandResponsive. innakasami`unmujibun بیجم عیمس كنإ ،

Peacebeuponyou;OAllah’sfriend. alssalamu`alaykayawaliyyaallahi اللها يلو ای كیلع ملاسلا ،

(please)permitme,yourservant,toenteryourholyplace.

i’dhan liwaliyyika fi alddkhuli ilaharamika

ىلإ لوخدلا يف كیلول نذئاكمرح

May Allah’s blessings, mercy, and benedictions beuponyouandyourimmaculatefathers.

salawatu allahi `alayka wa `alaaba’ika alttahirina wa rahmatu allahiwabarakatuhu

ىلعو كیلع اللها تاولصاللها ةمحرو نیرهاطلا كئابآ

هتاكربو .

33ChapterSUPPLICATIONFORIMAMAL-MAHDI(A.S)

OAllah!defendYourfriend allahummaidfa’`anwaliyyika كیلو نع عفدا مهللا

andrepresentative—adecisiveargumentformankind wa khalifatika wa hujjatika ‘alakhalqika

ىلع كتجحو كتفیلخوكقلخ

YourmouthpiecewhospeaksonbehalfofYou walisanikal-mu’abbiri‘anka كنع ربعملا كناسلو

ThespeakerwithYourwisdom an-natiqibi-hikmatika كتمكحب قطانلا

YoureyethatseeswithYourpermission wa‘aynikan-na¨iratibi-idhnika كنذإب ةرظانلا كنیعو

YourwitnessonYourservants washahidika‘ala‘ibadika كدابع ىلع كدهاشو

Themasterandthestruggler(forthesakeofAllah) al-jahjahil-mujahidi دهاجملا حاجحجلا

TheseekerofYourshelterandthefullworshipperinYourmeasures

al-‘a`id'ibikal-‘abidi‘indak كدنع دباعلا كب ذئاعلا

KeephimsafefromtheintriguesandevilschemesofallthatwhichYoucreatedandmade

waa’idhhuminsharri jami’imakhalaqtawabara`t

ام عیمج رش نم هذعأوتأربو تقلخ

AndthatwhichYouestablishedandformed waansha`tawasawwart تروصو تأشنأو

And protect him from that which is there in his presence,fromthatwhichcomesfrombehind

wahfa¨-hu min bayni yadayhiwaminkhalfih

هیدی نیب نم هظفحاوهفلخ نمو

And from that which comes from his right and from thatwhichcomesfromhisleft wa‘anyaminihiwa‘anshimalih هلامش نعو هنیمی نعو

Andfromthatwhichcomesfromaboveandfromthatwhichcomesfrombeneath waminfawqihiwamintahtih هتحت نمو هقوف نمو

WithYourthoroughsafetythatpreservestheoneonwhichitispracticedfromanyloss

bihif¨ikal-ladhi la yadi’u manhafi¨tahubih

عیضی لا يذلا كظفحبهب هتظفح نم

AndkeepYourMessengerandhis(Imamal-Mahdi)fatherssafethroughsavinghim wahfa¨fihirasulakawaaba`ah كلوسر هیف ظفحاو

هءابآو

TheyareverilytheguidesandthepillarsofYourreligion a`immatakawada’a`imadinik كنید مئاعدو كتمئأ

AndincludehimwithYourdepositthatneverloses waj’alhufiwadi’atikal-latilatadi’ كتعیدو يف هلعجاوعیضت لا يتلا

AndwithYourvicinitythatisneverviolated wafijiwarikal-ladhilayukhfar لا يذلا كراوج يفورفخی

And with Your protection and power that are neverdefeated

wafi man’ika wa ‘izzikal-ladhi layuqhar

يذلا كزعو كعنم يفورهقی لا

And afford security to him in Your safe and trustworthysanctuarythatdoesnotforsakehimwhotakesasyluminit

wa aminhu bi-amanikal-wathiqil-ladhi la yukhdhaluman amantahubih

قیثولا كنامأب هنمآوهتنمآ نم لذخی لا يذلا

هب

AndmakehimunderYourprotectionthatsaveshimwho waj’alhu fi kanafikal-ladhi la يذلا كفنك يف هلعجاو

isputunderitfromanyharm yuramumankanafih هیف ناك نم ماری لا

AndgivehimYourinsuperablevictory wansurhubinasrikal-‘aziz كرصنب هرصناوزیزعلا

AndaidhimwithYoursuperiorweaponry waayyid-hubijundikal-ghalib بلاغلا كدنجب هدیأو

AndstrengthenhimwithYourstrength waqawwihibiquwwatik كتوقب هوقو

AndputYourangelsathisdisposal waardifhubimala`ikatik كتكئلامب هفدرأو

Andsupporthimwhoeversupporthim wawalimanwalah هلااو نم لاوو

Andbetheenemyofhimwhoeveropposeshim wa‘adiman‘adah هاداع نم داعو

AnddresshimYourfortifiedarmor waalbis-hudir’akal-hasinah ةنیصحلا كعرد هسبلأو

Andmaketheangelssurroundhim wahuffahu bil-mala`ikatihaffa فح ةكئلاملاب هفحو

OAllah!throughhim,patchupthedifferencesofopinion allahummash-‘ab bihis-sad-’ عدصلا هب بعشا مهللا

Andbringintoorderagainconfusion wartuqbihil-fatq قتفلا هب قتراو

Anderadicateoppression waamitbihil-jawr روجلا هب تمأو

Andmanifestjustice waa¨-hirbihil-‘adl لدعلا هب رهظأو

Andadorntheearthbyalengthylifeforhim wazayyin bi-tuli baqa`ihil-arda

هئاقب لوطب نیزوضرلأا

Andsupporthimwithvictory waayyid-hubinnasri رصنلاب هدیأو

And give him victory through throwing horror in his enemies’hearts wansurhubir-ru’b بعرلاب هرصناو

Andreinforcehissupporters waqawwinasirih هیرصان وقو

Andthwarthisenemies wakhdhulkhadhilih هیلذاخ لذخاو

Andgiveovertodestructionthosewholaytrapsforhim wadamdimmannasabalah هل بصن نم مدمدو

Andannihilatethosewhocheathim wadammirmanghashshah هشغ نم رمدو

Andthroughhimkill thechiefs,pillarsandsupportsofinfidelity

waqtul bihi jababiratal-kufr wa‘umudahuwada’a`imah

رفكلا ةربابج هب لتقاوهمئاعدو هدمعو

Andthoughhimcrushtheheadsofdeviationandtheinnovatorsofheresies

waqsim bihi ru’usad-dalalati washari’atal-bida’

ةللاضلا سوءر هب مصقاوعدبلا ةعراشو

Andtheeradicatorsof theSunnahand thebackersofwrong

wa mumitatas-sunnati wamuqawwiyatal-batil لطابلا ةیوقمو ةنسلا ةتیممو

Andthroughhimhumiliatethehaughtytyrants wadhallilbihil-jabarin نیرابجلا هب للذو

And through him terminate the infidels and all theatheists

wa abir bihil-kafirina wa jami’al-mulhidin

عیمجو نیرفاكلا هب ربأونیدحلملا

Wherevertheyare—intheeastorwestoftheworld fimashariqil-ardiwamagharibiha هبراغمو ضرلأا قراشم يف

Onthelandsorinoceans wabarrihawabahriha هرحبو اهربو

Inplainsoronmountains wasahlihawajabaliha هلبجو اهلهسو

UntilYouwillnotleaveasingleoneofthem hattalatada’aminhumdayyara راید مهنم عدت لا ىتح

Andyouwillnotevenleaveasingletraceofthem walatubqilahumathara راثآ مهل يقبت لاو

OAllah!clearupYourlandsfromthem allahumma tahhir minhumbiladak كدلاب مهنم رهط مهللا

Andhealyourservants’heartsfromthem washfiminhum‘ibadak كدابع مهنم فشاو

Andconsolidatethefaithfulbelievers waa’izzabihil-mu`minin نینمؤملا هب زعأو

Andthroughhim,revivethenormsoftheMessengersandtherulesoftheProphetsthatwereobliterated

wa ahyi bihi sunanal-mursalinawadarisahukmin-nabiyyin

نیلسرملا ننس هب يحأونییبنلا مكح سرادو

AndrenewthoughhimthesignsofYourreligionthatwereerasedandYourjudgmentsthatweredistorted

wajaddid bihi mamtaha mindinikawabuddilaminhukmik

نم ىحتما ام هب ددجوكمكح نم لدبو كنید

UntilyourekindleYourreligionthroughhimandathishands hatta tu’ida dinaka bihi wa’alayadayhijadida

ىلعو هب كنید دیعت ىتحدیدج هیدی

Aswell-defined,pureandsoundasitis ghaddanmahdansahiha حیحص اضحم اضغ

Freefromloopholesandheresies la‘iwajafihiwalabidhatama’ah هعم ةعدب لاو هیف جوع لا

And until You illumine the murk of unfairness bymeansofhisjustice

wahatta tunira bi-‘adlihi ¨ulamal-jawr روجلا ملظ هلدعب رینت ىتحو

Andextinguishthefiresofatheismthoughhim watutfi`abihiniranal-kufr رفكلا نارین هب ئفطتو

And elucidate the positions of truth and theconcealedjustice

watudiha bihi ma’aqidal-haqqiwamajhulal-‘adl

قحلا دقاعم هب حضوتولدعلا لوهجمو

ForheisverilyYourservantthatYouhavesavedforYourself

fa-innahu ‘abdukal-ladhis-takhlastahulinafsik

هتصلختسا يذلا كدبع هنإفكسفنل

And You have chosen him for keeping the unseenmattersofYou wastafaytahu‘alaghaybik كبیغ ىلع هتیفطصاو

AndYouhaveprotectedhimagainstsins wa’asamtahuminadh-dhunub بونذلا نم هتمصعو

AndYouhavecleanedhimfromanydefect wabarra`tahuminal-‘uyub بویعلا نم هتأربو

AndYouhavepurifiedhimfromfilth watahhartahuminar-rijs سجرلا نم هترهطو

AndYouhavekepthimawayfromdirt wasallamtahuminad-danas سندلا نم هتملسو

OAllah!WewillverilytestifytohimontheDayofResurrection

allahumma fa-inna nashhadu lahuyawmal-qiyamah

موی هل دهشن انإف مهللاةمایقلا

Andonthedaywhentheoverwhelmingevent wayawmahululit-ta(a)mmah ةماطلا لولح مویو

Thathedidnotcommitasinglesin annahulamyudhnibdhanba بنذ بنذی مل هنأ

Nordidhepracticeanunlawfulthing waatahuwba بوح ىتأ لاو

Nordidhedoanyactofdisobedience walamyartakibma’siyah ةیصعم بكتری ملو

Nordidhemissanyactofobedience(toAllah) walamyudayyi’lakata’ah ةعاط كل عیضی ملو

Nordidheviolateanysanctifiedthing walamyahtiklakahurmah ةمرح كل كتهی ملو

Nordidhedistortanyprecept walamyubaddillakafaridah ةضیرف كل لدبی ملو

Nordidhechangeanylaw walamyughayyirlakashari’ah ةعیرش كل ریغی ملو

Andheisverilytheguideandtherightlyguided wa-annahul-hadil-muhtadi يدتهملا يداهلا هنأو

Thepureandthepious at-tahirut-taqiyy يقتلا رهاطلا

Theimmaculate,theapproved,therighteous an-naqiyyur-radiyyul-zaki يكزلا يضرلا يقنلا

OAllah!givehimwhathewishesregardinghisownself allahummaa’tihifinafsih هسفن يف هطعأ مهللا

Andhis familyandhissonsandhisoffspringandhisnationandallofhissubjects

wa-ahlihi wawaladihi wadhurriyyatihiwa-ummatihiwajami’ira’iyyatih

هتمأو هتیرذو هدلوو هلهأوهتیعر عیمجو

Allthatwhichmakehimdelighted matuqirrubihi‘aynah هنیع هب رقت ام

Andallthatwhichpleasehim watasurrubihinafsah هسفن هب رستو

And put under his sphere of influence allkingdoms

watajma’ulahumulkal-mamlakatikulliha هلك تاكلمملا كلم هل عمجتو

Thenearandtheremote qaribihawaba’idiha هدیعبو اهبیرق

Thepowerfulandtheweak wa’azizihawadhaliliha هلیلذو اهزیزعو

UntilYoucausehisruletoprevailoneveryrule hattatujriyahukmahu‘alakullihukm لك ىلع همكح يرجت ىتحمكح

And his right (issue) will overcome all wrongones wayaghlibabihaqqihikullabatil لطاب لك هقحب بلغیو

OAllah!Leadus,athishands,tothecourseofguidanceandtothegreatestPath

allahummas-luk bina ‘ala yadayhiminhajal-hudawal-mahajjatal-‘u¨ma

جاهنم هیدی ىلع انب كلسا مهللاىمظعلا ةجحملاو ىدهلا

And the equitable way of life to which will come back(repentant) thosewhohadgone too far and catchup thosewhohadfallendown

wat-tariqatal-wustal-latiyarji’u ilayhal-ghaliwayalhaqubihat-tali

يتلاىطسولا ةقیرطلاوقحلیو يلاغلا اهیلإ عجریيلاتلا اهب

Andencourageustocarryouttheactsofobediencetohim waqawwina‘alata’atih هتعاط ىلع انوقو

Andmakeusstandfirmlyinfollowinghim wathabbitna ‘alamushaya’atih هتعیاشم ىلع انتبثو

Andmakeusthefavoroftheadherencetohim wamunu ‘alaynabimutaba’atih هتعباتمب انیلع ننماو

Andincludeuswithhisgroupwhoachievehiscommands waj-‘alna fi hizbihil-qawwaminabi-amrih

نیماوقلا هبزح يف انلعجاوهرمأب

Andwhoaresteadfastandwhoareseekinghispleasurebyleadingtohim

assabirina ma’ahuttalibinaridakabimunasahatih

نیبلاطلا هعم نیرباصلاهتحصانمب كاضر

So thatYouwill gatheruson theResurrectionDaywithhissupporters

hata tahshurana yawmal-qiyamatifiansarih

ةمایقلا موی انرشحت ىتحهراصنأ يف

Andhisbackersandthosewhoconsolidatehisauthority wa-a’wanihiwamuqawwiyatisultanih هناطلس ةیوقمو هناوعأو

OAllah!Makeusdoallthesethingswithoutanydoubtorconfusion

allahummawaj’aldhalikalanakhalisanminkullishakkinwashubhah

اصلاخ انل كلذ لعجاو مهللاةهبشو كش لك نم

Orostentationorseekingreputation wariya`inwasum’ah ةعمسو ءایرو

SothatwewillrelyuponnonesaveYou hattalana’tamidabihighayrak كریغ هب دمتعن لا ىتح

AndwewillseeknonesaveYoursake walannatlubabihiillawajhak كهجو لاإ هب بلطن لاو

AndYouwillputusupinhisvicinity wahattatuhillanamahallah هلحم انلحت ىتحو

AndYouwillplaceuswithhiminParadise wataj’alanafil-jannatima’ah هعم ةنجلا يف انلعجتو

And protect us against weariness, lazinessandlethargy

wa a’idhna minas-sa`mati wal-kasali wal-fatrah

لسكلاو ةمأسلا نم انذعأوةرتفلاو

AndincludeuswiththosewhomYoutakeupforbackingYourreligion waj’alnamimmantantasirubihilidinik كنیدل هب رصتنت نمم انلعجاو

And whom You take up for increase thevictoryofYourSaint watu’izzubihinasrawaliyyik كیلو رصن هب زعتو

Andputnotothersinourplaces walatastabdilbinaghayrana نریغ انب لدبتست لاو

For it is easy for You to put others in ourplaces

fa`innas-tibdalaka bina ghayrana ‘alaykayasir

كیلع انریغ انب كلادبتسا نإفریسی

ButitisextremelydifficultforusifYoudoit wahuwa‘alaynakathir ریثك انیلع وهو

OAllah!sendblessingsuponhis representativesandontheleaders(Imams)afterhim

allahumma salli ‘ala wulati ‘ahdihiwal-a`immatiminba’dih

هدهع ةلاو ىلع لص مهللاهدعب نم ةمئلأاو

Andfulfilltheirwishes waballigh-humamalahum مهلامآ مهغلبو

Andincreasetheirages wazidfiajalihim مهلاجآ يف دزو

Andsupporttheirvictory waa’izzanasrahum مهرصن زعأو

Andmakeperfect for them thatwhichprops them incarryingoutYourwill

watammim lahum ma asnadtailayhimminamrikalahum

مهیلإ تدنسأ ام مهل ممتومهل كرمأ نم

Andstrengthentheirpillars wathabbitda’a`imahum مهمئاعد تبثو

Andmakeustheirhelpers waj’alnalahuma’wana ناوعأ مهل انلعجاو

AndthesupportersofYourreligion wa‘aladinikaansara راصنأ كنید ىلعو

FortheyarethesourcesofYourWords fa`innahumma’adinukalimatik كتاملك نداعم مهنإف

AndthetreasuresofYourknowledge wakhuzzanu‘ilmik كملع نازخو

Andthepillarsof(callingto)YourOneness wa-arkanutawhidik كدیحوت ناكرأو

AndthepostsofYourreligion wada’a`imudinik كنید مئاعدو

AndtheonesinauthorityofYourcommand wawulatuamrik كرمأ ةلاوو

AndthechoicesofYourservants wakhalisatukamin‘ibadik كدابع نم كتصلاخو

And the well-chosen ones among Yourcreatures wasafwatukaminkhalqik كقلخ نم كتوفصو

And Your saints and the offspring of Yoursaints wa-awliya`ukawasala`iluawliya`ik كئایلوأ لئلاسو كؤایلوأو

And the selected descendants of YourProphet wasafwatuawladinabiyyik كیبن دلاوأ ةوفصو

Peace and Allah’s mercy and blessings beuponthemandhim.

wassalamu ‘alayhi wa ‘alayhimwarahmatul-lahiwabarakatuh

ةمحرو مهیلعو هیلع ملاسلاوهتاكربو هللا

34ChapterGLOSSARYOFISLAMICTERMS

a.s. :Anabbreviationofalaihissalaam,thatisPeacebeonhim.

a.t.f.s. :Anabbreviationofajjilallaahutaalafarajahushareef,thatisMayAllahhastenhisreappearance.

AaleMuhammad: ProgenyofMuhammad

Aamal: Rituals

Ababeel :LittlebirdsthatdestroyedthearmyofthePeopleofElephantsbydroppingonthempebblesofbakedclaytheyhadcarriedintheirbeaksandclaws.

Abjad :NumericalvaluesofArabicletters

Ahle SunnatwalJamat :MajorityMuslimswhobelieveAbuBakrtobethefirstcaliph

AhlulBayt :Peopleofthehouse.TheyaretheHolyProphet(a.s),JanabeFatimaZahra(s.a.),Ali(a.s)andhiselevensuccessors.

Allamah :Alearnedscholar

AmirulMomineen :Leaderofthebelievers.TitleofImamAlibinAbiTalib(a.s)

Amr-e-Takveeni :Thingsbeyondthecontrolofman.Naturalfactorsetc.

Amr-e-Tashri :Thingsunderthecontrolofman.Voluntarydeedsetc.

AqiqaCeremony :Islamicritualofsacrificingagoat

Arsh :Throneorheavens

Ashura :10thofMohurrum,dayofthemartyrdomofImamHusain(a.s)andthetragedyofKerbala

Asr :Afternoon(prayer)

Ayat :VerseoftheHolyQuran

Azan :Callforprayer

Bada :Changeindivinewill

Baseer :All-seeing

Bismillah :IntheNameofAllah

Dirham :Unitofcurrency

Dua :Invocation

Etekaaf :ArecommendedritualconsistingofacontinuousstayofatleastthreedaysinthemosqueduringthelasttendaysofthemonthofRamadan.

Fajr :Morning

Faqih :Jurisprudent

Firon :Pharaoh

Ghusl :Ritualbath

Hadith-e-Nabawi :AstatementoftheHolyProphet(a.s)oraMasoom(a.s)

Hadith-e-Qudsi :AsayingofAllahapartfromtheversesofQuran

Hafiz :OnewhoknowstheQuranbyheart

Hajj :AnnualpilgrimagetoMeccaduringthemonthofZilqad

Halaal :Permissible,legal

Haraam :Prohibited,illegal

Hasanah :Unitofheavenlyrewards

Hijrat/Hijrah :FlightoftheHolyProphet(a.s)fromMecca

toMedina. Beginning of the Islamiccalendar.

HourulEein :Black-eyedHouriesofParadise

Hujjat :Proof

Iblis :Satan

Iddah :Waitingperiodforwomenbeforetheycouldremarry

Ihram :Pilgrimdress

Ijma :Consensus

Imam-e-Zaman :Imamofthetime

Insha-Allah :IfAllahwills

Iqamah :ShortercallforPrayer

Isha :Lateevening

Istekhara :SeekingtheadviceofAllah

Janabat :AstateofritualimpuritythatcanberemovedbyperformingGhusl(Bath)

JannatulMaawa :Paradise,Lit.Gardenofperpetuity

Juz :Arabicwordforpart.30thpartofQuran

Kaba :The Holy House of Allah, the directions that Muslims face duringprayers.

Kaffarah :Fine,penalty

Khariji :AgroupwhicharoseagainstAlibinAbiTalib(a.s)afterthebattleofSiffin.Ahereticsect.

Khilqat :Creation

Liaan :Swornallegationofadulterycommittedbyeitherhusbandorwife

Maghrebain :ThetwoprayersofMaghrib(earlyevening)andIsha(lateevening)

Maghrib :Eveningprayer,timeofsunset

Mahram(pl.Mahrams) :Relativesbetweenwhommarriageis

prohibited

Makrooh :Detestable,intheIslamicterminologyitdenotesanactionperformingwhichdoesnotincursinbutrefrainingfromwhichearnsdivinerewards

Makruh :variantspellingofaboveterm

Maliki :FollowersoftheSunniteImam.ImamMalik

MarajaTaqleed :TheMujtahidwhompeoplefollowinmattersofpracticallaw

MasjidulHaram :ThesacredmosqueinMecca

Masoomeen :(Singular-Masoom):Infallible

Mehr :Dower

Mithqal :Ameasureofweightofabout4.6gms.

Momin :Believer

Mubah :Permitted.Itdenotesanactionperformingwhichearnsnorewardsandrefrainingfromitisnotpunishable.

Muhrim :OnedressedinIhram(pilgrimdress)

Mullahs :Muslimscholars/leaders

Mureed :TheRestorer

Mushaf :Scroll

Mustahab :Recommended. It is an action performingwhich earns rewards and refraining from it is notpunishable.

Mutawatir :Atraditionrelatedthroughsomanynarratorsthatitisconsideredabsolutelyauthentic

Najis :Unclean

Nasibi :ApersonwhoharborsmaliceagainstanyoneofthemembersofHolyAhleBayt(a.s).

Nawafil :Recommendedprayers

Para :30thpartofQuran

q.s. :AnabbreviationofQuddasaSirruhu,which literallymeans:Mayhis restingplace remainpure.

Qaim :Onewouldrise.AtitleofImamMahdi(a.s)

Qibla :Prayerdirection

Qunut :Supplicationrecitedinritualprayers,usuallyinthesecondunit(rakat)

Quraish :thetribeoftheMessengerofAllah(a.s)

Rajm :Stoning,punishmentforadultery

Rakat :Aunitofritualprayer

Rizq :Sustenance

RuhulQuds :Anangel

Ruku :Bowingdownorgenuflectionintheritualprayers

(a.s) :Anabbreviationofsallallaahualaihiwasallam,thatisBlessingsbeonhimandpeace.

Sadat :Sayyid,descendantsofImamAli(a.s)throughImamHusain(a.s).

Sadaqah :Voluntarycharity,alms

Safar :SecondmonthoftheIslamiccalendar

Salaam :Salute,Islamicgreeting

Salaat :Ritualprayers

Salawat :AllaahummaSallealaaMuhaammadinwwaaaliMuhammad

Samee :All-hearing

Saqifah :TheplacewhereAbuBakrtookcaliphate

Sayyid :Lit.chief.AtermfordescendantsofLadyFatimathroughImamHusain(a.s)

SayyidushShohada :ChiefoftheMartyrs,atitleofImamHusain

(a.s)

Shabaan :TheeighthmonthoftheMuslim(Lunar)calendar

Shab-e-Qadr :TheNightofPoweror19th,21stand23rdnightsofthemonthofRamadan

Shaf :Lit:Middle.ItisaTwoUnitprayerandapartofSalaatofShab(MidnightPrayer)

Shahadatain :thetwotestimoniesofIslamicfaith.

Shariat/Shariah :Islamiclaw

Shaykh :Lit.elder.AgenealogicaldivisionamongMuslims

Sheb-e-AbiTalib

:Valley inMeccawhere theMessenger of Allah (a.s) and the earlyMuslims took refuge forsometime

Shura :ConsultationcommitteeformedbyUmarforselectingUthmanasthenextcaliph

Siraat :Path

Sujud :PluralofSajdah,prostration

Sunnah :Practice(esp.oftheMessengerofAllah)

Surah :ChapterofQuran

t.s. :AbbreviationofTaabaSaraa.Seethemeaningofq.s.

Tabiin :FollowersofthecompanionsoftheProphet

Tahlilaat :Saying:LaaIlaahaillallaah

Takbir :AllahoAkbar,GodistheGreatest

TakbiratulIhram :SayingAllahoAkbaratthebeginningoftheritualprayer

Taqayyah :Dissimulation

Taqleed :EmulationofascholarinIslamicpracticallaw

Taqwa :Piety

Tasbeehaat :Plural of Tasbih, glorification of Allah (esp. in bowing and prostrations in the ritualprayers)

Tasbeehaat-e-Arba :GlorybetoAllahandPraisebetoAllahandThereisnogodexceptAllahandAllahistheGreatest.

Tasbih :Rosary

Tashahud :Recitationinthesittingpositioninthesecondandthelastunitoftheritualprayer

Tawakkul :Reliance

Tawfeeq (pl.Tawfeeqaat) :Divineinspiration

Tawheed :BeliefintheabsoluteOnenessofAllah

Tayammum :Substituteofablution/ritualbathwhenuseofwaterisnotpossibleoradvisable

Taziyah :AreplicaofthetombofImamHusain(a.s)

Thawr,caveof :ThecavewheretheMessengerofAllah(a.s)hidonwaytoMedina

Torah :TheOldTestament

TwoShaykhs :AbuBakrandUmar

Umrah :OptionalpilgrimagetoMecca

UmratulQaza :LapsedUmrah

Wajib :Obligatory

Wali :Guardian

Watr :SingleUnitPrayer.ApartofMidnightPrayer

Wilayat :Guardianship,beliefintheguardianshipofAhleBayt(a.s)andlovetowardsthem

Wudhu :Ritualablution

Zakat :ObligatoryIslamicwealthtax

Ziyarat :Visitation/orrecitationofsalutationwhilefacingthetombofreligiouspersonalities

Zihar :Pre-Islamicformofdivorce,consistinginthewordsofrepudiation:Youaretomelikemymothersback.(antialayyahka-zahriummi).

Zinnoorain :Masteroftwolights.Uthman,thethirdcaliph

Zuhoor :Reappearance(ofImamMahdi[a.t.f.s.]).

Zuhr :Noonprayers

Zuhrain :ThetworitualprayersofZuhr(noon)andAsr(afternoon)

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