LIFE OF IMAM MAHDI - Islamic Mobility · The concealed birth of Imam Mahdi (a.s) closely resembles...
Transcript of LIFE OF IMAM MAHDI - Islamic Mobility · The concealed birth of Imam Mahdi (a.s) closely resembles...
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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