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The advent of
IMAM AL-MAHDI (a-s),
the natural course for humanity
HIS LIFE AND HIS LINEAGE.
PART 2
A
study by: Brother Ali Ja’afary Stump.
“In the Name of ALLAH the Merciful, the Compassionate”
INTRODUCTION:
Even though I am somewhat late in completing this project
(I was
away in the Middle East),
I, however, felt that perhaps this is one of the more important parts of
this project. During my voyage to the Middle East I discovered that the
waiting of the Awaited Saviour has truly a collective base which is
backed by both Religious and Scientific proofs. As we have already
mentioned in the 1st part of this article and in the article
by the title:
“Imam
AL-MAHDI (a-s)
OCCULTATION AND OUR DUTIES”
the
advent of Imam Al-Mahdi (a-s)
(Allahumma ‘ajjil farajahu-sh-sharif)
is
without any doubt a reality that can not be ignored, in fact it is a
sure destination for human kind, the Holy Prophet Muhammed (saww)
confirmed this in his (saww) life time when he said:
“Bliss be for the person who will be in the time of the Qā’im
of my Ahlul-Bayt (a-s), who follows the Qā’im
during his occultation before his rise and loves his lovers and
despises his enemies. Such a person is of my friends and lovers and he
is the most honourable of my Ummah to me on the Day of Judgement”.
(Bihar Al-Anwar (Kitab al-Ghaibah) vol. 51,
p.126 with English translation. Allama al-Majlisi (r-a). / Ikmāl
al-Din.)
and when
Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (a-s) said:
“If there are no people on the earth
except two men, one of them must be al-Hujjah
(Imam Al-Mahdi a-s)”. (Al-Kafi, vol. 1 p. 180. Ash-Shaykh Al-Kulayni
(r-a) / Al- Ghayba. Shaykh Ibn Abu Zaynab An-Nu’mani (r-a))
However, I found on my travels many did not exactly know who was the
promised warrior of relief and solace, many people don’t even know that
he (a-s)
(Allahumma ‘ajjil farajahu-sh-sharif)
is
alive today and it is our Islamic duty to follow him and prepare for the
day of his return from this Occultation. As mentioned in our past
articles, we have shed light on all these issues, there is one issue we
have not yet touched is
“Who is
exactly Imam Muhammed Ibn Hasan Al-Askari Al-Mahdi (a-s)?”
In
this the final of this series about Imam Al-Mahdi (a-s)
(Allahumma ‘ajjil farajahu-sh-sharif),
we will explore this most important question. As always I hope that
ALLAH (swt) will be pleased with this small effort and also may he
forgive any mistakes I may make while writing this study, Insha’ALLAH
Ta’ala my dear readers will also find it in their hearts to find
pleasure when reading this study. I will try to triple check all my
sources in hopes that the least possible errors will penetrate through
this very important study. I have in the past 2 months spoken to many
Ullamah both in the Middle East and here in Canada as well I have also
done much reading and research on this subject in hopes it will be an
accurate study Insha’ALLAH.
As usual in the case of these series of studies I have divided this
final part in 2 divisions with different points in each. This final part
is almost completely based on Hadiths with some views of some great
Ullamah. Here are the divisions with their sub-divisions:
HIS LINEAGE:
A-Prophet Ibrahim and Isma’il
(a-s)
B-The Holy Prophet Muhammed (saww)
C-Imam Ali and Fatimah Az-Zahra (a-s)
D-Imam Hussayn (a-s)
HIS LIFE:
A-His (a-s) Birth
B-His (a-s) Teachings
C-His (a-s) Character.
HIS LINEAGE:
A-Prophet Ibrahim and Isma’il
(a-s):
No doubt that when any of us think of the one ALLAH (swt) called his
friend, all mankind (Muslims and non-Muslims) think of the champion of
Tawheed (monotheism) Prophet Ibrahim(a-s), for in the Noble Qur’an ALLAH
it is written:
“And
when Ibrahim said to his father and his people: Surely I am clear of
what you worship. Save HIM Who created me, for surely HE will guide me.
And he made it a word enduring among his posterity; haply so they would
return”.
(The Noble Qur’an 43 Az-Zuhruf 26-28)
Prophet Ibrahim (a-s) was a true defender of Tawheed so much so that he
prayed to ALLAH (swt) to grant him a son as an heir and who would also
teach the people and guide them, ALLAH (swt) gave to him through Hajra a
son who would be named Isma’il (a-s).
Prophet Ibrahim (a-s) and his son Isma’il (a-s) in their glorification
and worship of ALLAH (swt) rose up the great house known as the Kaba, a
sacred place of pilgrimage and worship. This actual fact is perfectly
narrated in the Noble Qur’an:
“And when his LORD tried Ibrahim with
certain words, he fulfilled them. HE said: Surely I will make you an
Imam of men. Ibrahim said: And of my offspring. MY covenant does not
include the unjust, said HE. And when We made the House a pilgrimage for
men and a place of security, and: Appoint for yourselves a place of
prayer on the standing place of Ibrahim. And we enjoined Ibrahim and
Isma’il saying: Purify MY House for those who visit it and those who
abide in it for devotion and those who bow down and those who prostrate
themselves. And Ibrahim said: My LORD, make it a secure town and provide
its people with fruits, such of them as believe in ALLAH and the last
day. HE said: and whoever disbelieves, I will grant him enjoyment for a
short while, then I will drive him to the chastisement of the fire; and
it is an evil destination. And when Ibrahim and Isma’il raised the
foundations of the House: Our LORD! Accept from us; surely THOU art the
Hearing, the Knowing: Our LORD! And make us both submissive to THEE and
raise from our offspring a nation submitting to THEE, and show us our
ways of devotion and turn to us mercifully, surely THOU art the
Oft-returning, the Merciful. Our LORD! And raise up in them an Apostle
from among them who shall recite to them THY communications and teach
them the Book and wisdom and purify them; surely THOU art the Mighty,
the Wise. And who forsakes the religion of Ibrahim but he who makes
himself a fool, and most certainly We chose him in this world, and in
the Hereafter he is most surely among the righteous. When his LORD said
to him, Be a Muslim, he said: I submit myself to the LORD of the worlds.
And the same did Ibrahim enjoin on his sons and so did Yacoub. O my
sons! Surely ALLAH has chosen for you this faith, therefore die not
unless you are Muslims”.
(The Holy Qur’an 2 Al-Baqarah -124 to 132)
This is the beginning of the great lineage of Imam Mahdi (a-s)
(Allahumma ‘ajjil farajahu-sh-sharif),
we can understand the very important roots of our current Imam (a-s),
let us move on to get an even clearer picture.
B-The Holy Prophet Muhammed (saww):
As we have often discussed in past studies, articles and discourses that
all of the Infallible Holy Imams (a-s) are from the progeny of the
master and seal of all the Prophets (a-s); Prophet Muhammed (saww). The
birth of Islam was the single most important event in the history of
mankind, as Islam introduced the extremely crucial message of the final
religion to be adopted by all mankind. For such an extremely important
event that completely changed humanity in every possible way such as
ethics, science, spirituality, technology, morality, philosophy,
psychology, theology, language, education systems, health care,
government, human rights, the doctrine of economics, family values,
etc… In other words we can say the divine Message of Islam introduced
mankind to true freedom. ALLAH (swt) through his last and final
Messenger and Prophet, Prophet Muhammed (saww) opened men’s hearts to
the divine revelation of the Holy Qur’an and the teachings of the
Prophet (saww) guiding to the true freedom
(the
freedom of being enslaved by our desires and vices and our love of
material),
a freedom that can bring to man the opportunity of eternal happiness and
bliss in the Paradise of the heavens. Never had such a true and great
promise been given to man in all of history in such detail as was
revealed to the Holy Prophet Muhammed (saww). For the true foundation of
this freedom is Tawheed (monotheism) and it is the solution to man’s
emptiness and is the opening door to dedication to the only true one
God; ALLAH (swt). And it is only in the practice and belief of Tawheed
and in striving in the path of ALLAH (swt) that this greatest of
freedoms can be achieved.
“…And HE removes from them their burdens and the shackles which were
upon them…”
(The Noble Qur’an 7 Al-A’raf -157)
“O you who believe! Be careful of your
duty to ALLAH and be with the true ones. It did not beseem the people of
Madina and those round and about them of the dwellers of the desert to
remain behind the Apostle of ALLAH, nor should they desire anything for
themselves in preference to him; this is because there afflicts them not
thirst or fatigue or hunger in the way of ALLAH, nor do they tread a
path which enrages the unbelievers, nor do they attain from the enemy
what they attain, but a good work is written down to them on account of
it; surely ALLAH does not waist the reward of the doers of good”.
(The Noble Qur’an 9 At-Tawbah-119-120)
We can understand the vital importance of this freedom by the above
Qur’anic Surahs and also the extreme importance of the Messenger of
ALLAH; Prophet Muhammed (saww) in announcing, promoting, propagating and
governing this Divine Message and Command. Any true believer must be
extremely concerned about this message every single day of his stay in
this transient life. Lady Fatimah Az-Zahra (s-a) said in a most eloquent
way in an extremely touching Hadith:
“My
father the Prophet Muhammed (saww) stood up with his guidance among the
people. And saved them from perversion and aberration, and turned their
blindness into enlightenment and guided them towards the firm religion.
And invited them to the straight path”.
(Ayan u Shia Ataba Al-Jadeeda
vol 1, p.316)
This was to be the most perfect direction
well traced for all mankind to follow and ALLAH (swt) directed this
Message through the greatest human being and Prophet of all times;
Prophet Muhammed (saww), in the Noble Qur’an we can find the following
about our most beloved Prophet Muhammed (saww) :“Truly
ALLAH was gracious to the believers when HE raised up among them a
Messenger from themselves, to recite to them HIS signs and to purify
them, and to teach them the Book and the Wisdom, though before they were
in manifest error”.
(The Holy Qur’an 3 Al-Imran 164)
Again the Master of the Prophets (a-s); Prophet Muhammed (saww) was part
of the great heritage and lineage of our current Imam (a-s); the awaited
Imam Mahdi (a-s)
(Allahumma ‘ajjil farajahu-sh-sharif).
C-Imam Ali and Fatimah Az-Zahra (a-s):
Imagine a human being brought up since childhood by the greatest man and
Holy Prophet that ever lived. And imagine now that this same person was
born in the very House that Prophet Ibrahim and Isma’il raised in honour
and worship of the One God; ALLAH (swt).
(I was
quite astonished during Umrah, at how I was brushed away from the side
of the Kaba that Imam Ali (a-s) was born, and was told to keep moving, I
also notice how the majority of the people would rush quickly past that
area. I could not help but to be overwhelmed with the message at how far
the majority of Muslims have drifted away from the truth, entered total
ignorance and I was at awe at how afraid they were of this truth, surely
they know there’s no escape from the punishment of ALLAH (swt) on the
day of Judgement. For ALLAH (swt) says in the Holy Qur’an:
“And as
for those who strive to oppose Our communications, they shall be the
inmates of the flaming Hell fire”
(The Holy Qur’an 22 Al-Hajj-51))
Anyhow imagine a man for whom the Holy Prophet Muhammed (saww)
said:
“By
ALLAH (swt) faith cannot enter the heart of anyone if he does not love
my nearest relatives for the sake of ALLAH (swt) and for the sake of the
nearest relatives”. (Durre
Manthoor and Zakhairul Uqba, Ihya-il Mayyit be Fazaile Ahlul-Bayt,
hadith 4 Shaykh Jalaluddin Suyuti).
“O Ali, whoever hates you, ALLAH (swt)
shall cause him to die the death of infidels, and on the day of
Judgement, will ask him to account for his deeds (also)”.
(Al-Amaali Shaykh al-Mufid #10 eight Assembly).
“I am the master of the first and the last, and you, O Ali, are the
master of the creation after me. I am just like you and you are just
like me.”
(Bihar V.12 p.360 H.17, Ghayatol Maram p.450h.14 and 610 h17, Khawarazmi
in Manaqeb p.31 and in Maqtal V.1 p.39, Misbah Al-Anwar p.61).
“No
one has a higher status than Ali Ibn Abi Talib (a-s) except me .He is
the Imam of my nation; he is my heir; and he is my successor. Those
who follow him are guided to the right path; those who follow anyone
other then Ali (a-s) are lost and have strayed off the right path.
Indeed I am the chosen Prophet. I do not say this about Ali (a-s) from
my own inclination. What I say is nothing but revelation brought by
Jibraeel from ALLAH (swt), who owns everything in the skies and in the
earth, and whatever is between the skies and the earth, and whatever is
under the earth.
(Bihar Al-Anwar v.12 p.361 h31, Ghayatol Maram p.45 h.54, Rowzat
Al-Jannat v.6 p.185).
Of course we can understand that we do not need to imagine for this man
is undoubtedly Amir al-Mu’mineen Imam Ali Ibn Abi Talib (a-s) he lived
one of the greatest stories in the history of mankind and has often been
proved that he (a-s) was the only Divinely commanded successor to
Prophet Muhammed (saww). ALLAH (swt) confirms the authority of Imam Ali
(a-s) when he says:
“O you who believe! Obey ALLAH and obey the Apostle and those in
authority from amongst you”.
(Holy Qur’an 4 Surah An-Nisa 59).
And
“Verily, verily, your guardian is ALLAH and his apostle (Muhammed) and
those who believe, those who establish prayer and pay the poor rate,
while they are (even) bowing down”.
(The
Holy Qur’an 5 Surah Al-Maidah-55)
* (Note: almost all
commentators and exegesis of the Noble Qur’an agree that this verse was
revealed about Amirul-Mu’mineen Ali Ibn Abi Talib (a-s) while in prayer
giving away a ring to a beggar).
The
Prophet Muhammed (saww) said:
“Fatimah is a part
of me; whoever pleases her pleases me and whoever displeases her,
displeases me. She is dearer to me than all beings”.
(Al-Amaali,
Shaykh Al-Mufid (r-a): 13th Assembly, hadith # 2).
The Prophet Muhammed (saww) said:
“As
for my daughter Fatimah, she is the mistress of all women; from the
beginning of history until the end. She is part of me; she is the light
of my eye and the fruit of my heart. Fatimah is my spirit which I hold
in me; she is a human houri. Whenever she keeps up prayers in her Mehrab
before her LORD, her light illuminates the angels in the Heaven just as
a star shines to mankind on Earth. So ALLAH, Exalted is HIS name, says
to the angels:
‘My angels, look at my servant, Fatimah, who is the mistress of all my
female servants, keeping up prayers before ME. Her limbs shake from fear
of ME and she worships ME wholeheartedly. Bear witness that I have
safeguarded her Shiites (followers) from Hellfire…’”
(Bihar Al-Anwar vol.10)
Lady Fatimah Az-Zahra (s-a) status amongst all Muslims was of a high
position because of her divinely inspired virtue, her character (which
resembled that of the Holy Prophet (saww)), her kindness, her high
spiritual position, her dedication to Islam and the true path of ALLAH
(swt), etc… That is why despite the fact that many of the notables
amongst the Muslim Ummah asked for her hand in marriage
(Fatimah Az-Zahra (s-a) the Mistress of all the women of the world and
the heavens).The
Holy Prophet (saww), would tell them:
“I am
waiting for a call from the Heaven in regard to her Marriage”.
Imam Ali (a-s) was the one for whom the Divine call told Prophet
Muhammed (saww) to marry his daughter. And indeed this pair of saints
(Imam
Ali (a-s) and Lady Fatimah Az-Zahra (s-a))
were wed.
They and their progeny would be raised to the highest level of
Infallibility by the command of ALLAH (swt) and as revealed in the Noble
Qur’an:
“ALLAH intendeth but to keep off from you (every kind of) uncleanness,
O’ye the people of the house (Ahlul-Bayt) and purify you (with) a
thorough purification”.
(The
Holy Qur’an 33-Al-Ahzab-33).
The Holy Prophet Muhammed (saww) said:
“The
Mahdi is from my Ahlul-Bayt (a-s) from the offspring of my daughter
Fatimah (s-a)”.
(Kitab al-Ghaibah / Bihar al-Anwar vol. 51, p.148 Eng/translation)
Our present Imam; Imam Al-Mahdi (a-s)
(Allahumma ‘ajjil farajahu-sh-sharif)
is among those for who the above Surah is about. He (a-s) is from the
seed of Prophets (a-s), the seed of the seal of the Prophets; Prophet
Muhammed (saww) and the seed of Imam Ali (a-s) and Lady Fatimah Az-Zahra
(s-a) who’s purity, truth and infallibility is revealed in the Holy
Qur’an the greatest miracle from ALLAH (swt) sent down to man in this
world.
D-Imam Hussayn (a-s):
Imam Hussayn’s (a-s) story is much too detailed and lengthy to write in
this article, however, Insha’ALLAH I hope to write a special series on
Imam Hussayn (a-s) and his great sacrifice for Ashura. Here we must
understand that not only is Imam Hussayn (a-s) one of those for who
ALLAH (swt said:
“ALLAH
intendeth but to keep off from you (every kind of) uncleanness, O’ye the
people of the house (Ahlul-Bayt) and purify you (with) a thorough
purification”
(The
Holy Qur’an 33-Al-Ahzab-33),
he (a-s) was also given the title of the master of the youth in
Paradise, Master of the Martyrs and he sacrificed absolutely all he had
in the way of ALLAH (swt) in order to save the true Islam and Tawheed.
The Holy Prophet Muhammed (saww) said:
“Then know that ALLAH (swt), will rise in my Ummah a just ruler and
virtuous Imam who will fill the earth with justice and equity as it
would be full of oppression and injustice; and he is the ninth from the
children of my son Al-Hussayn (a-s); his name is my name and his kunya
is my kunya. Truly there will be no good in the life after him; and his
rule will continue until forty days before Qiyamat (Resurrection)”.
(Kitab-e-Sulaym Ibn Qays Al-Hilali: Sulaym Ibn Qays Al-Hilali(r-a),
Hadith # 91 Eng-Trans)
This was a short look at the ancestry of our current day Imam (a-s) in
order that we understand without doubt his extremely high position and
his truthfulness and infallibility. This Imam is so awaited not only
because of his great mission, but also because of his uniqueness and his
lofty status. He (a-s) is the only one who can lead us to the true Islam
and help us achieve the true freedom the Holy Prophet Muhammed (saww)
established for all mankind some 1426 years ago.
HIS LIFE:
A-His (a-s) Birth:
Surprisingly, I found a large amount of information on this subject, the
Hadiths for which I found to be repeated the most often and classified
as Mutawatir are those for which we can depend on their information as
being correct; here are some of them:
“Hakimah Khatun, the daughter of Imam Muhammed Jawad (a-s) and the aunt
of Abu Muhammed Hasan Askari (a-s) use to always pray, lament and ask
ALLAH (swt) to be able to meeting the son of Imam Askari (a-s) who was
to be the awaited Al-Mahdi (a-s). One day
(according to this Hadith it was the 15th Sha’aban 255),
when visiting Imam Askari (a-s), he (a-s) asked her to stay because of
the event to lay ahead
(the
birth of Imam Mahdi (a-s)
(Allahumma ‘ajjil farajahu-sh-sharif)).
When
the time of dawn began to appear, Nargis
(mother
of Imam Mahdi (a-s) also carried the names: Sawsan, Maryam, Rayhana)
started to feel the uneasiness of childbirth. Then Hakimah hastened
towards her and a few moments latter Nargis delivered a blessed child,
clean and pure, while circumcised. When Hakimah looks fell upon the
child, she took him in her arms and went to Imam Hasan Al-Askari (a-s).
Imam Askari (a-s) embraced him, rubbed his blessed hands over his back
and eyes and then placed his mouth over his mouth. Thereafter he recited
‘Azan’ in the right ear and Eqamah in his left ear and then said:
“O
Aunt, take him to his Mother”.
Hakimah obeyed and took the child back to his mother. Hakimah says:
“Once
again I visited Abu Muhammed Hasan Askari’s (a-s) house. All of a
sudden, I saw the Imam (a-s) carrying a child who was wearing a yellow
dress and the baby’s face was beaming and glowing with light. Then, his
love superseded my heart and I said: “O my Master what have you to say
about this blessed child?” He (a-s) replied:
“O
aunt, he is the same Expected one about whom we were given glad
tidings”.
I then, threw myself on the ground and prostrated as an expression of
thanksgiving”.
(Fasl-ul-Khetab. Yanabi-ul-Muwadda’ p. 387, Raudath-ul-Sefah, vol 3
p.18-19, Al-Mahdi (a-s) Sayed Sadrudin Sadr, Ghayba by: Shaykh Tusi
(r-a) p.141-142. Also very similar narration in Ikmal-al-Din and
reported in Bihar Al-Anwar vol; 51by: Allamah Muhammed Baqir al-Majlisi
(r-a))
Abu Ghanim, The house servant at Imam Askari’s (a-s) home related:
“On the 3rd day Imam Askari
(a-s) showed his son to his companions and said:
“This son of mine will be your master and
Imam after me. He is the Qa’im who is being awaited by everyone. When
the earth is filled with injustice and tyranny, he will rise and fill it
with justice and equity”.
(Ithbat al-Hudat Vol. 6, p. 431/ Al-Imam Al-Mahdi the just leader of
humanity by Ayatullah Ibrahim Amini)
Imam Hasan Al-Askari (a-s) said:
“All
praise is due to ALLAH (swt) who did not take me out of the world until
HE showed me my successor; most resembling the Holy Messenger of ALLAH
(saww) in features and character. ALLAH (swt) will keep him safe during
his occultation, then HE will make him reappear; and he will fill the
earth with equity and justice as it would be filled with injustice and
oppression”.
(Mukhtasaru Ithbāti’r-Raj’ah
Hadith # 10. Al-Fadl ibn Shadhan (r-a))
On the authority of Allan al-Razi:
“One of our scholars have informed me
that when the bondmaid of Abu Muhammed (a-s) became pregnant, he (a-s)
said:
“You shall carry a male and
his name is M.U.H.A.M.M.E.D.
and he is the Al-Qa’im after me”.
(Ikmal-al-Din/
Bihar al-Anwar vol. 5)
Shaykh Tusi (r-a) reports, on the authority of Nasim, saying:
“I
entered upon the Patron of the Age ten nights after his birth and
sneezed in his (a-s) presence. He said:
“May
ALLAH bless you!”
That
made me very happy .He said (a-s):
“May I
not give you glad tidings about sneezing?
It is protection from death for 3 days”.
(Al-Ghaiba by Shaykh Tusi (r-a)/ Ikmal al-Din/ Bihar al-Anwar by:
Allamah Muhammed Baqir al-Majlisi (r-a))
B-His (a-s) Teachings:
Obviously as we have understood in earlier parts of this research Imam
Mahdi (a-s)
(Allahumma ‘ajjil farajahu-sh-sharif)
is our
current day Imam, therefore his teachings started at the early age of 5
and are still continuing today. We will investigate this subject through
a question that will clear many of our inquiries of how the Imam (a-s)
can lead, when in Occultation. The question then is: from his birth
until now, how can Imam Mahdi (a-s) possibly teach us if he is hidden?
From his birth until now, how can Imam Mahdi (a-s) possibly teach us if
he is hidden?
Shortly after following the time of his (a-s) birth, the Holy Imam went
into what is called the short or lesser Occultation, at that time he
(a-s) appointed emissaries (Safirs) in order to propagate and to teach
the true Muslims; those who followed the Holy Prophet Muhammed (saww)
and the 12 Imams from his Ahlul-Bayt (a-s). The great Message of Islam
for which the Holy Prophet Muhammed (saww) had spent his Prophethood
spreading and teaching needs until the very last second of life in this
transient life, one who will safeguard, protect and spread the Message
of True Islam. Today from the great writings and from current secret
spreading of this information the Islamic Ummah stay well educated.
(Here I speak of those who have true hearts and are open and ready to
learn this extremely important and accurate message which is the only
truthful Islam)
In fact, if we deeply explore the teachings of Imam Mahdi (a-s)
(Allahumma ‘ajjil farajahu-sh-sharif).
and those of all the Infallible Imams (a-s), back to Prophet Muhammed’s
(saww) time, we quickly understand that they are all of the same nature
and at one with the teachings of our most loved Prophet Muhammed (saww).
Also they are exactly the principles and teachings sent down to all
mankind in the Noble Qur’an, the greatest Miracle sent to man by the
Most Merciful ALLAH (swt). We naturally come to the conclusion that the
only way to;
“The
path of those whom you have favoured”.
(The Noble Qur’an 1 Al-Fatiha-7)
we must follow the exact teachings of the Holy Qur’an, which order us
to;
“O you who believe! Obey ALLAH and obey the Apostle and those in
authority from amongst you”.
(Holy Qur’an 4 Surah An-Nisa 59).
Therefore it is very clear what we must do and who we should be close to
in order to be on the ‘Straight Path’. The Holy Prophet Muhammed
(saww) said: “I am leaving for you a
thing which if you will keep hold of, you will never go astray after me
and those two things which are greater and higher than one another. One
of them is the Book of ALLAH which is a rope drawn from earth up to the
sky and another one is my progeny who are my Ahlul-Bayt (a-s). These
two will never separate from one another until they arrive to me on the
Hauz of Kauthar. So just think how you will act for me on their
matter”. (Zaid
bin Arqam – Sahih Tirmidhi).
Through the short (lesser) Occultation, the 4 Safirs took care of all
the affairs of the holy Imam (a-s) and prepared people for his (a-s)
long Occultation. These 4 men were the only link between the Ummah and
their Imam, such precautions were taken because of the enormous threat
of the ruling Khilafah who’s only intention was to kill the Imam (a-s).
Therefore only the most trustworthy men in the community could uphold
such a position. These men had to be the absolute straight and truthful
believers, they had to have no material interest, could not be overtaken
by base desires and had to be both the best example and the most
honourable of the Islamic Ummah. These specially chosen men were the
following:
1-
Uthman ibn Sa’id al-Umari Asadi (r-a).
2-
Muhammed ibn sa’id al-Umari (Abu Ja’far) (r-a).
3-
Abu al-Qasim al-Hussayn ibn Ruh ibn Abi Bahr al-Nawbakhti (r-a).
4-
Abu al-Hasan Ali ibn Muhammed al-Sammari (r-a).
These 4 men were commissioned to take care of the affairs of Imam Mahdi
(a-s) and were the carriers, reporters, messengers, enforcers and
teachers of the teachings or our great Imam (a-s) from whom they would
receive direct orders. They were, during the period from the death of
Imam Hasan Al-Askari (a-s), right up until 329 A-H, the direct links to
the Holy Imam (a-s).
During the lesser Occultation these 4 brave emissaries would not only
spread the orders and teachings of our great Imam (a-s), but they would
also keep the true Islamic movement alive, this during a time full of
chaos and confusion, most drifted away from the true Islam, while others
were corrupted with the luxuries of this transient life. They were spied
on, abused at times, cheated by some and repressed by others. Therefore
we must understand that the Imam (a-s) had to choose men who were not
only of the highest moral behaviour and conduct, but who were also
strong and steadfast about concealing the secret place of Imam Mahdi
(a-s)
(Allahumma ‘ajjil farajahu-sh-sharif)
and dedicated and unshakeable about defending the true Islam, the
religion that ALLAH (swt) chose for all mankind and sent the last
Messenger and Prophet Muhammed (saww) as a mercy to all mankind to
spread this Divine programme.
It is very clear for us now, how all of these events are linked up until
the present day, how this most Merciful and Divine of Messages; Islam
can only survive through Divinely commanded Imams (a-s) until the end of
this time and the Day of Resurrection. Since the year 329 A-H, the
greater Occultation started and this is a great test for mankind. During
this period, man will truly be at the edge of the cliff that is his
existence and future. If mankind chooses to stand strong and firm on the
edge, he will succeed. However, if he is weak to his base desires and
whims he will undoubtedly fall off the edge of the cliff and down to an
existence of doom and disasters. Throughout history since the date of
329 A-H, there have been many sightings and meetings of different people
with the Imam of our age; Imam Mahdi (a-s)
(Allahumma ‘ajjil farajahu-sh-sharif).
I ask my kind readers to refer to different books on this subject, for
this article, I cannot unfortunately elaborate on this particular
subject. However, we can understand that there is still the guidance on
earth of a living Imam and we absolutely understand that he is: Imam
Muhammed Ibn Hasan Al-Askari Al-Mahdi (a-s)
(Allahumma ‘ajjil farajahu-sh-sharif).
This is exactly what is meant in the Hadith by Imam Sadiq (a-s) who
said:
“The benefit for people from the Imam, who is in occultation, is in the
same way as they benefit from the sun behind the clouds”.
(Yanabi
al-Mawadda, Vol. 2, p. 317)
C- His (a-s) Character:
As Islam’s birth was the single greatest event witnessed on earth by all
mankind, the Advent of Imam Mahdi (a-s)
(which
in fact will be the advent (or return) of the true Islam as the world
authority Divinely guided and commanded by ALLAH Azz wa Jall),
will also undoubtedly be such an earth shaking event, in fact we must
ready ourselves and prepare ourselves for this great re-appearance
(Please
read the following article for more information on this particular
subject:
Imam AL-MAHDI (a-s)
OCCULTATION AND OUR
DUTIES.
Part TWO.).
For the
purpose of this article, through the science of Hadith, we will only
look briefly at the character of our Imam; Imam Mahdi (a-s)
(Allahumma ‘ajjil farajahu-sh-sharif).
Amir Ul-Mu’mineen Imam Ali Ibn Abi Talib
(a-s) said:
“Blessed is the son of the best of the bondmaids (Imam Mahdi (a-s)). He
will humiliate the arrogant and water them a bitter nauseous drink. His
sword will kill them terribly. Then the arrogant of Quraysh will wish
that they could redeem themselves with the world and all that it has
just to be forgiven. He will not stop until he pleases ALLAH”.
(Al-Fitan by ibn Hammad, vol.1 p.350, Urf by as-Sayooti, vol.2 p. 73,
Kanzul Ommal, vol.14 p.589, al-Malahim wel fitan by ibn Tawoos p.66,
Ithbat al-Hudat vol.3 p. 539, Mo’jam Ahadeeth al-Imam al-Mahdi, vol.3
p.117, Al-Ghaybah by: Shaykh ibn Abu Zaynab an-Nu’mani (English
translation) p.311).
Imam As-Sadiq (a-s) said:
“He will act as the Prophet
(saww) has acted. He will annul all what has been established before him
as the Prophet (saww) annulled all that has been established in the
pre-Islamic age. He will resume Islam anew”.
(Ithbat al-Hudat, vol.3 p.539, Hilyatul Abrar, vol.2 p.627, Biharul
Anwar, vol.52 p.352, Muntakhab al-Athar p.305, Mo’jam Ahadeeth al-Imam
al-Mahdi, vol.4 p.51, Al-Ghaybah by: Shaykh ibn Abu Zaynab an-Nu’mani)
Harith-ibn-Mughaira Nazri asked Imam Hussayn (a-s): “By what sign should
we recognize The Mahdi?
Imam Hussayn (a-s) replied:
“By his calmness and dignity”.
(Eqdud-Durar’ by; Abu Badr Shaykh Jamaluddin Yusuf-Ibn-Yahya-ibn-Abdul
Aziz-ibn-Ali Muqaddasi, Shafa’ee, Selmi, Damashqi. chapt.3, Al-Mahdi
(a-s) Sayeed Sadrudin Sadr)
Imam Hussayn (a-s) said:
“When
Imam Mahdi (a-s) emerges nothing will judge between him and the Arab and
Quraysh except the sword. For what reason do they make haste in the
Mahdi’s emergence!?
I swear by ALLAH that Imam Mahdi (a-s)
will not wear but coarse and rough clothes and will not eat but bread
made of barley and death will be hidden beneath his sword”.
(Eqdud-Durar’
by; Abu Badr Shaykh Jamaluddin Yusuf-Ibn-Yahya-ibn-Abdul Aziz-ibn-Ali
Muqaddasi, Shafa’ee, Selmi, Damashqi. Section 3, chapt 9
narrated by: Abu Rumiyah; from the book: Fatan. Al-Mahdi (a-s) by:
Sayeed Sadrudin Sadr.)
Imam Baqir (a-s)
was asked how would Imam Mahdi (a-s) be recognized, he answered:
“With guidance, calmness, gravity, acknowledging his virtue by
Muhammed’s (saww) progeny and that he will not be asked about anything
in the east or in the west unless he will give the right answer”.
(Al-Ghaybah by: Shaykh ibn Abu Zaynab an-Nu’mani (English translation)
p.334, Bihar ul-Anwar vol.52 p.156).
The Holy Prophet and Messenger of ALLAH, Muhammed (saww) said:
“Bliss
be for the person who will be in the time of the Qā’im
of my Ahlul-Bayt (a-s), who follows the Qā’im
during his occultation before his rise and loves his lovers and
despises his enemies. Such a person is of my friends and lovers and he
is the most honourable of my Ummah to me on the Day of Judgement”.
(Bihar Al-Anwar (Kitab al-Ghaibah) vol. 51, p.126 with English
translation. Allama al-Majlisi (r-a). / Ikmāl
al-Din.)
Imam Musa Ibn Ja’far Al-Kadhim (a-s) said:
“The Qā’im
is the castaway, the loner, away from his home, hidden from his family,
the son of an un-avenged father”.
(Bihar Al-Anwar (Kitab al-Ghaibah) vol. 51,
p.222 with English translation. Allama al-Majlisi (r-a). / Ikmāl
al-Din.)
In this series of short studies about our current Imam; Imam Mahdi
(a-s), we looked briefly at certain issues surrounding the Occultation
and our responsibilities during this waiting period, because of a very
busy schedule I was delayed on finishing this study, however, it was
important to me on my effort on the path of ALLAH (swt) to finish it.
May ALLAH (swt) be pleased with my intention and small effort. May ALLAH
(swt) bless you all.
Brother Ali Ja’afary. |