Story No. 478 – Meeting of Ali bin Ibrahim Mahziyaar (r.a.) with Imam Mehdi (a.t.f.s.)

Dear Children,

 

Friday is an important day of the week. It is a very special day in the eyes of our beloved Imam – Imam Mehdi (a.t.f.s.). We should remember our Imam Mehdi (a.t.f.s.) as much as possible on this day. One way to please Imam Mehdi (a.t.f.s.) on this day is to take out Sadaqah on this day for his safety and to recite his Ziarat as mentioned in Mafatihul Jinaan.

 

When someone sincerely loves Imam Mehdi (a.t.f.s.), then Imam (a.t.f.s.) also loves him and takes care of him. If one requests Allah (SWT) to grant him Ziarat of Imam Mehdi (a.t.f.s.), Allah (SWT) answers his prayers and allows him a meeting with Imam Mehdi (a.t.f.s.).

 

This is a very important point that we must keep in mind. We can meet Imam Mehdi (a.t.f.s.) only if he wants to meet us, we cannot meet him on our own without his permission. Therefore, whoever claims that he can meet Imam (a.t.f.s.) on his own; he is a liar and should no be trusted.

 

Ali bin Ibrahim Mahziyaar (r.a.) was among the fortunate Shias who loved Imam Mehdi (a.t.f.s.) sincerely. He was always sad and depressed at being away from his Imam (a.t.f.s.). That is why his most important prayer was to be granted a chance to meet his Master (a.t.f.s.).

 

With this intention he would go for pilgrimage of Hajj every year. This is because according to a tradition of Imam Sadiq (a.s.) – Imam Mehdi (a.t.f.s.) goes for Hajj every year while in Ghaibat (Occultation). He recognizes all the people over there, but they do not recognize him.

 

Ali bin Ibrahim Mahziyaar (r.a.) went for Hajj with the intention of meeting Imam Mehdi (a.t.f.s.) over there, but was not able to meet Imam (a.t.f.s.). He went for Hajj 20 times, but to no avail. However, he did not get disappointed.

 

Dear children, this proves that one who has faith in Imam Mehdi (a.t.f.s.) is neither disappointed nor does he despair.

 

Then one day a thought came to his mind – Maybe it is not in my destiny to meet Imam Mehdi (a.t.f.s.). Maybe my actions are not good enough to meet Imam Mehdi (a.t.f.s.). I should not go for Hajj any more, because Imam Mehdi (a.t.f.s.) does not want to meet me.

 

But suddenly another thought came to him – You should go for Hajj this year as well. It is possible that your wish gets fulfilled this year and you get to meet Imam Mehdi (a.t.f.s.).

 

This thought encouraged Ali bin Ibrahim Mahziyaar (r.a.) to go for Hajj. He prepared for the journey of Hajj.

 

Imam Mehdi (a.t.f.s.) goes for Hajj every year while in Ghaibat (Occultation)Love for Imam Mehdi (a.t.f.s.) and the expectation to meet him made the difficult journey easy for him. He went to Medina and did the Ziarat of Holy Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.a.) in Masjid al-Nabawi. He did the Ziarat of Janabe Fatima Zahra (s.a.) in Jannatul Baqi. He did the Ziarat of the respected Imams (a.s.) also in Jannatul Baqi. But every moment his heart was awaiting the meeting with Imam Mehdi (a.t.f.s.). He was constantly searching for Imam Mehdi (a.t.f.s.) amongst the people.

 

Ali bin Ibrahim Mahziyaar (r.a.) remained in Medina for some days and was eagerly awaiting the meeting with Imam Mehdi (a.t.f.s.). But when he could not meet Imam Mehdi (a.t.f.s.) he became disappointed. With every passing day, this disappointment grew. He began thinking – what if I do not meet Imam Mehdi (a.t.f.s.) this year also?

 

Then Ali bin Ibrahim Mahziyaar (r.a.) proceeded towards Makkah. He performed the Umrah. The days of the Hajj rituals drew nearer. In his Ehraam (loincloth worn in Hajj) he went to Arafaat, Masjidul Haraam and Mena. Then he went to the Holy Ka’bah and performed the Tawaaf. But his eyes were constantly searching for Imam Mehdi (a.t.f.s.). He was constantly praying to Allah (SWT) to grant him a meeting with Imam Mehdi (a.t.f.s.).

 

Ali bin Ibrahim Mahziyaar (r.a.) narrates, ‘I completed all the rituals of Hajj. I performed a few Umrah. I remained in Makkah for few days. One day I was near the Holy Ka’bah thinking about all this, when suddenly I came right in front of the door of the Holy Ka’bah.’ ‘I saw a very handsome man standing near the Holy Ka’bah in the Ehraam. He had one cloth of Ehraam tied at his waist and another wrapped around on his shoulder. The Ehraam cloth had slipped off his shoulder, which was shining very brightly. I was in a strange condition at this beautiful sight and my state was such that it could not be described. I wanted to meet this handsome man and in my eagerness I started moving towards him. Suddenly, he looked at me and asked:

 

‘Where are you from? Which part of Iraq do you live in?’

 

Ali bin Ibrahim Mahziyaar (r.a.) – ‘I am from the city of Ahwaaz.’ ‘Do you know Hussaini?’

 

Ali bin Ibrahim Mahziyaar (r.a.) – ‘Yes.’

 

May Allah (SWT) have mercy on him. He used to worship Allah (SWT) throughout the night. His eyes were always shedding tears out of fear for Allah (SWT).

 

Do you know Ali bin Ibrahim Mahziyaar?

 

Ali bin Ibrahim Mahziyaar (r.a.) – ‘I am Ali Ibrahim bin Mahziyaar.’ ‘O Abul Hasan, (Abul Hasan was the Kunniyat of Ali bin Ibrahim Mahziyaar and Arabs usually address each other with the Kuniyat and not the name), salutations of Allah be upon you! What you want? Why have you come over here?’

 

Ali bin Ibrahim Mahziyaar (r.a.) – ‘I have come to search for my beloved Imam Mehdi (a.t.f.s.) who is in Ghaibat (Occultation).’ ‘Your Imam is not hidden from you. Your bad actions have become an obstacle between you and your Imam Mehdi (a.t.f.s.). Go to your group and await the meeting with Imam Mehdi (a.t.f.s.). When the stars shine brightly in the sky, I will wait for you between Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad) and Safaa.’

 

Shias who loved Imam Mehdi (a.t.f.s.)’I was delighted at the thought of meeting Imam Mehdi (a.t.f.s.). I cannot explain my condition on being told about this. But I had to wait for that moment. It seemed like a very long wait. Every second seemed like ages. Finally the moment arrived. I took my belongings and proceeded towards the meeting place.’ ‘The same handsome man who had met me earlier was there. He called out – O Abul Hasan, come here. He saluted me and said, ‘Come with me.’

 

‘I started walking with him. We traveled across many valleys until we reached Taif. Then he said, ‘O Abul Hasan, stop, let us pray Namaz-e-Shab. We stopped at that place, prayed Namaz-e-Shab and Namaz-e-Subh after that.’ ‘Then he said – Let us proceed. We continued walking from one valley to another. Finally we reached a beautiful valley. When I saw carefully I noticed a tent that was shining brightly.’ ‘I said – I see a bright tent.’

 

‘My companion replied – Yes, you are right.’

 

He went down the valley and I followed him.

 

He said – Leave the horse and walk along with me.

 

I got off the horse.

 

He said – Leave the horse and let’s go.

 

I said – But this horse will run away. How will I proceed without the horse?

 

‘He said – Only believers (momineen) can enter this valley. And those who leave the valley are also believers.’

 

‘Then he ordered – Stay here, I will be back in some time. He went towards the shining tent.’

 

In that tent was my beloved Imam Mehdi (a.t.f.s.) – the master of the earth and everything in it. I was thinking of this when a thought struck me – What if Imam Mehdi (a.t.f.s.) does not give me permission to enter the tent? After coming so far what if I do not get a chance to meet my beloved Imam Mehdi (a.t.f.s.)?’

 

‘Finally, that handsome man returned from the tent. He said – You are blessed, Imam Mehdi (a.t.f.s.) has given you permission to meet him. I started moving towards the tent with the hope of meeting Imam Mehdi (a.t.f.s.). I cannot explain how I felt at that moment. Finally I entered the tent, which was filled with the brightest light.’

 

‘I looked at Imam Mehdi (a.t.f.s.) and did salaam to him.’

 

Imam Mehdi (a.t.f.s.)’Imam Mehdi (a.t.f.s.) replied to my salaam and said – We were waiting for you day and night. Why did you come so late?’

 

‘O my master! I could not find anyone to lead me towards you. I wanted to meet you for so many years.’

 

‘You could not find anyone to guide you towards me?’

 

Then Imam Mehdi (a.t.f.s.) wrote something on the ground and he said – No, it is not as you say that there was no one to guide you towards me:

 

  1. You were busy gathering money and wealth.

 

  1. You behaved proudly with the poor and weak believers.

 

  1. You broke relations with your near ones.

 

Now, you tell me, after all these actions, is it possible for you to give an excuse that there was no one to guide you towards me?

 

‘I said – O my master! I am extremely sorry for the sins I have committed. Please forgive me and excuse my faults and sins.’

 

Imam Mehdi (a.t.f.s.) said, ‘O Ali bin Ibrahim Mahziyaar, if some of you had not sought forgiveness for the others, all the people of this world would have been destroyed except for some special Shias. The special Shias are those whose actions are just like their words.’

 

(Dalaaelul Imamat by Muhammad b. Harir Tabari, pg. 539-542)

Story No. 480 – Imam Mehdi (a.t.f.s.) and Allamah Shaikh Muqaddas Ardebeli (a.r.)

Many people have been graced with the opportunity to meet Imam-e-Zamana (as) in person. Following are the two examples:

Allamah Shaikh Muqaddas Ardebeli (a.r.) was an illustrious Shia scholar. It is well known about him that whenever he used to encounter a difficult problem which he was unable to solve, he used to go to the tomb of Ameerul Momineen, Imam Ali ibne Abi Talib (as) and present his problem. Imam Ali (as), invariably provided the solution.

One of the students of Allamah Shaikh Muqaddas Ardebeli (a.r.) who was following his teacher closely states: “It was near midnight when being tired of studying, I was strolling in the courtyard of the shrine of Ameerul Momineen, Imam Ali ibne Abi Talib (as). In the luminous night, when all the doors of the sanctum were locked, I saw a person coming towards the tomb of Ameerul Momineen, Imam Ali ibne Abi Talib (as). For a moment, I thought that it was a thief who intended to commit a robbery. I followed him.

But when he reached the main door, to my utter amazement, the door swung open and the padlock opened by itself in welcome. He continued to move towards the grave and whenever he neared a door, it opened by itself till he entered the sanctum of Ameerul Momineen, Imam Ali ibne Abi Talib (as) in a grand manner. He stood there and saluted Ameerul Momineen, Imam Ali ibne Abi Talib (as). He received the reply to his salutations and commenced the conversation. When the dialogue ended, he emerged and headed towards the mosque of Kufa.

I followed him in order to get to the bottom of the mystery. When he reached the mosque of Kufa, he entered the Mihrab (niche of prayers where the Imam stands) and began to converse with someone in a subdued voice. After the conversation was over, he came out of the mosque and walked back to Najaf al-Ashraf. It was almost dawn when he was near the gate of the twin city. Suddenly, I felt like sneezing and though I tried my best to suppress it, I could not. The person ahead of me turned around and came towards me. On a closer look, I recognized him to be my honorable teacher, the great scholar Allamah Shaikh Muqaddas Ardebeli (a.r.).

After conveying my salaam to him, I said, “From the time, you entered the Holy Mausoleum till now, I have been following you. I beg to know with whom were you talking at the mausoleum of Ameerul Momineen, Imam Ali ibne Abi Talib (as) and the mosque of Kufa?”

Allamah Shaikh Muqaddas Ardebeli (a.r.) first put me under an oath not to disclose this secret till he was alive. Then proceeded to tell me that whenever he came across a difficult problem in Islamic laws which he could not solve, he used to present this query to Ameerul Momineen, Imam Ali ibne Abi Talib (as) and obtain the solution for the same. Last night, Ameerul Momineen, Imam Ali ibne Abi Talib (as) directed me to contact Imam-e-Zamana (as) and said, “My son Mahdi (as) is at the Mosque of Kufa. He is the Imam of your time. Go to him and seek the solution of your problem.”

Obeying the order of Ameerul Momineen, Imam Ali ibne Abi Talib (as), I went to the mosque of Kufa and found Hazrat Imam-e-Zamana (as) standing in the Mihrab. I presented my problem to my Master and received the solution.

Story No. 479 – Imam Mehdi (a.t.f.s.) and Allamah Shaikh Hurr-e-Amili (a.r.)

Dear Children,

We all know that our beloved twelfth Imam, Imam Mehdi (a.t.f.s.) is in Ghaibat (Occultation). During Ghaibat we cannot meet Imam Mehdi (a.t.f.s.) on our own, but Imam Mehdi (a.t.f.s.) can meet us whenever he wishes. In fact there are some fortunate people who called Imam Mehdi (a.t.f.s.) for help when they faced problems and Imam Mehdi (a.t.f.s.) met them and solved their problems. In fact Imam Mehdi (a.t.f.s.) is more kind towards his Shias than a loving mother is to her child. Imam Mehdi (a.t.f.s.) himself says: “Surely We have not forgotten you…”

Allamah Shaikh Hurr-e-Amili (a.r.) is one of those fortunate people who were cured by Imam Mehdi (a.t.f.s.). He was a very great scholar and Marja’e Taqleed of his time. He is the author of very famous book ‘Wasailush Shia’. He is buried in the courtyard of our eighth Imam, Imam Ali ibn Musa Reza (a.s.).

When Allamah Shaikh Hurr-e-Amili (a.r.) was 10 years old he fell ill very severely. His illness was so severe that his family and relatives lost all hopes of him getting cured and were weeping profusely over him.

Meanwhile, Allamah Shaikh Hurr-e-Amili went to sleep and dreamt that Holy Prophet Mohammad (s.a.w.) and A’immah (a.s.) are standing near him. He saluted and shook hands with all of them. While saluting and shaking hands with Imam Mehdi (a.t.f.s.) he started weeping uncontrollably and complained to Imam Mehdi (a.t.f.s.) in the following words:

“O my Master, I am afraid that I will die due to this disease and will be unable to seek knowledge and do good deeds.”

Imam Mehdi (a.s.) replied: “Don’t be afraid, Allah (SWT) will cure you and grant you a long life.” Imam Mehdi (a.s.) handed over a cup of water to Allamah Shaikh Hurr-e-Amili (a.r.). As soon as he drank from the cup his illness was cured and he was well once again.

In this way Allamah Shaikh Hurr-e-Amili (a.r.) was cured by our kind and affectionate, Imam Mehdi (a.t.f.s.).

Moral of the story:

We should seek help from the Tawassul of Imam Mehdi (a.t.f.s.) whenever we face any problem.

Imam Mehdi (a.t.f.s.) helps his Shias when they call him for help.

We should always seek religious knowledge like Allamah Shaikh Hurr-e-Amili (a.r.).

Story No. 477 – A Meeting with Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.), 12th Imam – Imam-e-Zamana (a.t.f.s.)

Dear Children,

 

Allah (SWT), the Almighty, has blessed our beloved living Imam – Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) with many special bounties that He has not given anyone else. This tells us how important Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) is and how much Allah (SWT) loves our beloved Imam.

 

On the occasion of 15th Shaban, the day of Imam’s (a.t.f.s.) birth, we must greet our friends and companions. We must pray to Allah (SWT) through the medium of Janabe Qasim (a.s.) and Aun (a.s.) and Muhammad (a.s.), the young companions of Imam Hussain (a.s.), and we must ask Allah (SWT) to include us among Imam Mahdi’s (a.t.f.s.) close companions.

 

Allah (SWT) has granted many bounties to our Imam (a.t.f.s.). One of these bounties is that Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) has been given the title of Ghous. Ghous means the one who helps, solves problems and removes difficulties, particularly of those who while travelling, have got separated from their companions.

 

We find several incidents like this in books of traditions. We find that Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) has helped such people find their way and has reunited them with their separated companions. He (a.t.f.s.) has helped them in every possible way.

 

This is the incident of a man whose entire family belonged to the Ahle Sunnah. They were very rigid in their belief and called the Shias disbelievers (Kafir). They considered them impure (Najis) and did not tolerate their presence in any way.

 

Once a Shia approached this Ahle Sunnah family for work. This poor Shia was facing lot of problems and difficulties and had no means of livelihood. He took up work in this family as he had no choice. This Shia practiced Taqiyyah (concealing one’s religion or faith due to fear, but in one’s heart, the person must believe in the religion s/he is concealing) out of helplessness and did not reveal his Shiite beliefs. But he found it very difficult to live under those conditions. When he used to meet another Shia, he would narrate to him his difficulties. He could not practice his religion the way he wanted to and lived in constant fear of being caught.

 

Once this Shia saw a young, handsome man from that family praying namaz like the Shias pray the namaz. He was very surprised to see a youth pray namaz like the Shias in such a staunch Sunni household, that too openly, without any fear. Gradually, this Shia found himself drawn towards this youth. He began liking this youth. He got worried about his safety and prayed for him. But he did not get a chance to ask him how he could practice the Shiite faith so openly. He had a lot of questions concerning that youth:

 

If this youth is a Shia why don’t these people stop him? If he is a Shia how is he practicing his faith so openly amongst the staunch Sunnis?

 

Why isn’t he afraid of them? He did not have a reply to any of these questions. One day he got an opportunity to meet the youth while he was alone. He could not understand how he got the chance. Maybe it was Imam-e-Zamana (a.t.f.s.) who arranged this meeting for him.

 

When the Shia was alone with the youth, he looked around him and when he was sure there was no one else, he asked the youth politely, ‘My dear friend, I have an important question to ask you. Why don’t you pray namaz like the others in your family? Why is your namaz different from the others around you?

 

‘Yes, that is correct. I pray my namaz in a different manner.’ ‘Are you a Sunni?’ ‘Of course not!’ ‘You are not a Sunni?!’ ‘I told you, I am not a Sunni.’

 

The poor Shia asked very cautiously: ‘Then are you a Shia?’ ‘Yes I am a Shia. And I am firm in my faith. Why do you look so surprised with this?’

 

‘Your entire family is Sunni. In this area, there is not a single Shia and everyone over here is against the Shias. In this harsh environment, I am surprised to see you pray namaz openly like the Shias.’

 

12th Imam – Imam-e-Zamana (a.t.f.s.)You are right. There is a long story behind this:

 

If you feel it fit, please narrate this story to me. Actually, even I am a Shia. But out of fear for your Sunni family I have not revealed my true faith to anyone and I practice Taqiyyah. I am forced to do this to earn my livelihood.

 

My story goes like this: When I was only a few months old, a very poor lady came to our house looking for work. She was so poor that my family members took pity on her and kept her in the house. She was put in charge of me and became my nurse. She was a Shia. She did not hide her faith, but openly practiced it by praying namaz like the Shias and following their beliefs. My family members did not like this and kept away from her. They considered her to be Najis and kept all her utensils and belongings separately. While eating food, they were careful that her plates and glass be kept at a distance and did not touch their own plates and glasses. That poor lady had no choice but to live under those difficult conditions. However, she loved me a lot and took good care of me. Even I felt very close to her and never wanted to be separated from her. One day she stepped out of the house for some household work.

 

I was so pained at being separated from her that I began crying loudly. My family members were very disturbed and tried to console me, but I did not stop crying. Only when she returned and took me in her arms did I stop crying. It is because of my attachment to her that my family members could not remove her.

 

I grew up with the same love and attachment for her. When I was about 6-7 years old, I still remained with her. She was also very compassionate towards me and kept telling me about her faith.

 

One day she informed me about the twelve Imams (a.s.). She narrated something on each Imam (a.s.). When she reached the 12th Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) she revealed, “My dear son! Our 12th Imam – Imam-e-Zamana (a.t.f.s.) is the son of Imam Hasan Askari (a.s.). He is alive but has gone into Ghaibat (occultation) by Allah (SWT)’s Command.”

 

I asked, “What do you mean that he has gone into Ghaibat?”

 

My son! By Ghaibat we mean that we cannot see Imam-e-Zamana (a.t.f.s.) with our eyes or if we see him then we cannot recognize him. But he sees us and recognizes each and everyone of us.

 

But if he cannot be seen or recognized and is in Ghaibat, then what is the benefit of his existence?

 

“My son! Our Imam-e-Zamana (a.t.f.s.) helps us even while he is in Ghaibat (occultation). When someone calls out to him for help, he answers his call. If someone gets separated from his group of companions and loses his way and in this difficulty requests Imam-e-Zamana (a.t.f.s.) to help him, he (a.t.f.s.) will most certainly come to his aid.” She even narrated incidents of such a nature.

 

It was 17 years since she told me about Imam-e-Zamana (a.t.f.s.). When I was 23 years old, I left for Hajj Pilgrimage with my family members. In that age, performing Hajj was a very difficult task. We had to travel on camels and in our journey we had to pass through several jungles and fields. The nights used to be extremely cold and the days were very hot. We had heard many incidents of bandits and beasts attacking the pilgrims and even killing them.

 

Nevertheless, we proceeded for Hajj Pilgrimage and suffered all hardships on the way. We were nearing Makkah and Medina. Traveling day and night had made me very tired. Our family halted at a place. We rested for a while. I was very tired and the breeze was very refreshing. I fell asleep. When I woke up, I was surprised to find myself alone in that jungle as my family had left without me. Even my camel had deserted me and had strayed into the desert. After much searching I could neither locate my family nor my camel. Dusk was nearing and the sunset was upon me. I was overcome by fear and panic. I cannot explain how scared I was at that time. I began thinking – what will happen to me over here? I am so thirsty, but I see no signs of water in this desert. If the beasts attack me, what will I do? I was very disturbed and confused.

 

Ya Sahib uz Zaman! Help me!All sorts of strange and scary thoughts came to my mind. I felt dejected and hopeless. The possibility of dying in that desert frightened me. I began thinking that if I die in this place I would not even get a proper bath (Ghusl), shroud (Kafan) and burial. My corpse would just be lying like this and the wild animals would tear my body to shreds.

 

Thinking of this gave me the shivers. I looked around me with desperation. I called out to anyone who would listen to me, but in that lonely desert no one answered my cry for help.

 

In that moment of loneliness and fear, I remembered that lady’s advice – our 12th Imam – Imam-e-Zamana (a.t.f.s.) is in Ghaibat, but he helps those who have got separated from their companions in a journey and call out to him for help. He will certainly help that person, solve all his problems and reunite him with his companions.

 

In that moment of gloom, this thought refreshed me and gave me hope. I had already called out to my leaders for help but did not get a response. In my heart, I decided to ask the 12th Imam – Imam-e-Zamana (a.t.f.s.) for help, as he was my last hope.

 

Ya Sahib uz Zaman! Help me! Ya Sahib uz Zaman! Help me!

 

“O my master, help me. My nurse had informed me about you. She had complete faith in you. I am in great difficulty, O my master please help me!”

 

I called him for help while I was sobbing – I cannot express how much comfort I felt while calling out his name. I kept repeating his name and was crying at the same time. In the meantime, I saw a man on horseback approaching me. I thought that it could be a pilgrim from another group.

 

I also began thinking about other things, which I cannot mention. The man approached me, he spoke to me in my own language and called me by my name. He asked me about my problem.

 

I explained the whole situation to him. The stranger was an Arab but he could understand my language. Finally, after listening to me, he said, “Come with me.”

 

I followed him. He was on horseback while I was walking behind him. After some time he turned towards me, pointed in the distance and said, “That is your group. Those are your companions.” I was reunited with my companions.

 

I even recovered my belongings. All my loneliness and fear disappeared. I wanted to thank that man. When I turned around, I could not find him anymore, he seemed to have vanished.

 

At that moment I remembered the words of my nurse, who had informed me about the 12th Imam – Imam-e-Zamana (a.t.f.s.) who always helps those who have lost their way. I was convinced that the man who helped me was none other than Imam-e-Zamana (a.t.f.s.).

 

On that day, the truthfulness of the Shia faith became clear to me. After that incident I became a Shia. My family knows I am a Shia. Earlier they tried to make me change my faith and wanted me to be a Sunni once again. They called several senior Ahle Sunnah scholars to speak to me. They all tried to convince me but I did not want to leave the Shia faith. When the truth was so clear to me, how could I leave it and turn towards falsehood.

 

Ghaibat (occultation)”Why don’t your family members take some action against you?” “That is because in our family, unity and stability of the family unit is more important than religion. If anyone tries to take action against me, the entire family will turn against him. That is why I have openly accepted the Shia faith and practice it without any fear. I have accepted the Shia faith with all my heart and believe in it completely.”

 

Dear children, read this incident carefully. It is not a story, but a true incident. Try to note down points that you have learnt from this incident. See if you have learnt the following lessons:

 

We should always call out to our beloved 12th Imam – Imam-e-Zamana (a.t.f.s.) in difficulties.

 

We should not get scared of difficulties.

 

We should inform our friends about 12th Imam – Imam-e-Zamana (a.t.f.s.).

 

It is possible that our friends may also ask 12th Imam – Imam-e-Zamana (a.t.f.s.) for help in their difficulties and in this way truthfulness of the Shia faith may become clear to them.

 

When our beloved Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) loves us so much, we must also pray for his safety and reappearance.

Story No. 476 – First deputy of Imam al-Mahdi (as): Othman bin Sayid al-Omary

Othman bin Sayid al-Omary: Hello my friends and welcome. I’m really glad to see that you want to know everything about your awaited Imam al-Mahdi (as). The most important thing that you have to know, is the duration of the minor occultation (Ghaibat-e-Sughra), which I was one of its men. Do you want to know me and my relationship with Imam al-Mahdi (as)?

 

My name is Othman bin Sayid and my surname is Abu Omar. I’m from a tribe which is called Bani Asad. It is an Arabic tribe, which was known as its love for Ahlul Bayt (as). I think you heard about that tribe after the battle of Karbala. My tribe had buried the bodies of the martyrs who were the followers of Imam al-Hussain (as), when the army of Ubayd Allah ibn Ziyad left them in the desert without enshrouding. Imam Zain al-Abedin (as) was present at that battle and he had buried his father’s body. By the way, Prophet Muhammad’s (saw) companion Habib ibn Muzahir al-Asadi was a martyr with Imam al-Hussain (as) in that battle, is a person who belongs to my tribe.

 

So, you have known my name and my tribe. Now, I’m going to tell you about my given names. I had gotten many given names, which one of them is al-Askary. I was given that name, because of the name of a neighbourhood in Samarra, because I lived in there, beside Imam Ali al-Hadi. I was given the name al-Zayat and al-Saman, because I was selling ghee for hiding my real job, which was the deputy of Imam al-Mahdi (as) and I’ll talk to you about that later. Another name, which I was given, is al-Omary. You may ask, why do I have such many given names? Well, I’ll make the reason clear for you. The Abbasids were looking for Imam al-Mahdi (as) to kill him, so Imam al-Mahdi (as) got hidden. Then the Abbasids started looking for him and trying to know everybody who attempts to visit him from his followers. Therefore, I was changing my given names from time to time so as not the enemies doubt and capture me. I think you know that Imam al-Mahdi (as) had gotten so many given names, al-Sayed, Imam-e-Zamana, Saheb al-Nahia, Sahib uz Zaman and so on. Therefore, we were making the spies and the police go astray.

 

After this long conversation, do you want to know my relationship with the awaited Imam al-Mahdi (as)? And when did it start?

 

All right my friends. I think you know that Imam al-Mahdi (as) has two occultation’s. The minor occultation (Ghaibat-e-Sughra) which was started after the death of the Imam’s father, Imam al-Hasan al-Askary (as) in the year 260 AH and it ended in the year 329 AH at Shaban 15th. Therefore, after that, the major occultation (Ghaibat-e-Kubra) had begun and it will be continued until Allah (SWT) gives him the permission to appear. However, the minor and the major occultation’s, differ from each other, that in the minor occultation, Imam al-Mahdi (as) had a connection with his followers by the means of deputies, who were bringing the Shias’ letters to Imam al-Mahdi (as) and they were bringing the letters’ replies to the Shias.

 

I am the first deputy and my son Mohamad is the second one.

 

Now, I’ll talk to you about my relationship with Imam al-Mahdi (as) and how it began.

 

While I was eleven year old, I joined to serve Imam Ali al-Hadi (as) who was the Imam al-Mahdi’s (as) grandfather. Therefore, I was beside him and I learnt a lot from him, so he trusted in me so much. Following are some of the evidences.

 

Evidence number 1:

 

Ahmad bin Eshaq: I am from Qom and I am one of Imam Ali al-Hadi’s (as) companions. One day, I visited Imam Ali al-Hadi (as) and I asked him to introduce a person who we can trust in him to bring my letters to Imam. Do you know what Imam Ali al-Hadi (as) replied?

 

Imam Ali al-Hadi (as) and Imam al-Hasan al-Askary (as)Imam Ali al-Hadi (as): This is Abu Amr, the truthful, and what he tells you, it is from me, and what he takes from you, he will bring it to me; so listen up to him and obey him, because he is the truthful with us.

 

Ahmad bin Eshaq: This evidence which Sheik al-Omary can be proud of it. Not just this one, because after Imam Ali al-Hadi’s (as) death, I visited Imam al-Hasan al-Askary (as) and he stated.

 

Imam al-Hasan al-Askary (as): This is Abu Amr, the truthful, my father’s trust and my trust in my life and after my death, so what he tells you, it is from me, so listen up to him and obey him, because he is the trustful man with us.

 

Evidence number 2:

 

Badr al-Kadem: I am Imam al-Hasan al-Askary’s (as) servant. One day, a group of Shia had come from Yaman to visit Imam al-Hasan al-Askary (as), they were bringing with them Imam’s money (Haqooq al-Sharia). Imam al-Hasan al-Askary (as) was busy with his followers then, so he asked me to call Othman bin Sayid al-Omary. Then I went after him, when he entered.

 

Imam al-Hasan al-Askary(as): Go Othman and bring the money from the Yamanies, because you are the deputy and the trusty truthful of Allah’s money.

 

Othman bin Sayid al-Omary: I promised that I talk to you about the meaning of deputy. Because this word was used a lot by the Shias in that time, so the deputy is a person who is trusted in him in completing the missions.

 

I was the deputy of Imam Ali al-Hadi (as) and Imam al-Hasan al-Askary (as), because the Abbasids were watching them to know who has a connection with them from their Shias, and who brings Imam’s money (Haqooq al-Sharia) to them. Therefore, I was a connection between Imam and his Shias. Therefore, I was bringing the questions to Imam and the replies to the Shias and so on. Both of the Imams (as) were depending on me in doing their jobs. When Imam al-Mahdi (as) was born. Imam al-Hasan al-Askary (as) ordered me to buy ten thousand pounds of bread and ten thousand pounds of meat to divide them to Bani Hashem because of the newborn. He was depending on me in doing many things, not just this one, because he chose me as a deputy for his son Imam al-Mahdi (as) in front of a group of Shias. Let’s listen to one of them.

 

Ali bin Bilal: I am from Baghdad and I am one of the followers of both Imam Ali al-Hadi (as) and Imam al-Hasan al-Askary (as). I visited Imam al-Hasan al-Askary (as) along with other Forty Shias to ask him about the coming Imam after him; so Imam al-Hasan al-Askary (as) entered somewhere and came back with a child. That child was as handsome as the moon and he was the most similar one to Imam al-Hasan al-Askary (as). Then, he stated:

 

Imam al-Hasan al-Askary (as): this is my son al-MahdiImam al-Hasan al-Askary (as): this is my son al-Mahdi. He is your leader after me and my caliph for you; so obey him and don’t move away after me. You have to know that you will not see him again; you have to listen up to Othman bin Sayid al-Omary and obey him, because he is your leader’s caliph.

 

Othman bin Sayid al-Omary: After that time, I was known as the Imam al-Mahdi’s (as) deputy. So when Imam al-Hasan al-Askary (as) died, Imam al-Mahdi (as) ordered me to enshroud Imam al-Hasan al-Askary (as) and then, he prayed on his father.

 

I think you would like to know the meaning of the word “deputy.” Well, the deputy is a person who delegates somebody to other people. There is a difference between a deputy and an agent, because the deputy is one person, but an agent, may be more than one person. Imam al-Mahdi (as) had agents in different cities, for example Mohamad bin Mahziar in Ahwaz and the Shias in there, were asking him. Mohamad bin Eshaq in Qom, Mohamad bin Shathan in Neishabour and all of them were connecting to me and I connected to Imam al-Mahdi (as), and I was bringing their letters to Imam; I was hiding them secretly in the ghee’s boxes.

 

This was a short summery of my life. What do you want to know more? Ok, I will narrate the sayings (al-Ahadith) from my Imams, and I had written many books about Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence), but most of them were lost and there is just a little Hadiths in the books, in addition of that, I narrated al-Samat supplication, which is read at the last times of Fridays. It is a great supplication and don’t forget me while you read it. I had two sons, Mohamad who was the second deputy and another son was Ahmad.

 

Now, it is the time to go, good luck.

Story No. 475 – Abu al-Adian al-Basry: Trusty of Imam al-Hasan al-Askary (pbuh) in Samarra in Iraq

Abu al-Adian al-Basry: Welcome my dear friends. Do you know me and my story? Well, I think you don’t. I will tell you but you have to pay attention to what I will say.

 

My name is Abu al-Adian al-Basry. I am from Basrah in Iraq. I was a servant for my master Imam al-Hasan al-Askary (pbuh) in Samarra in Iraq. My mission was bringing the letters which were written by my master Imam al-Hasan al-Askary (pbuh) to his Shias and lovers. Similarly make sure the letters written by his Shias were reaching to Imam al-Hasan al-Askary (pbuh) from everywhere. Imam al-Hasan al-Askary (pbuh) trusted in me so much, therefore, he gave me this mission.

 

In Safar 260 AH/874 AD, Imam al-Hasan al-Askary (pbuh) fell ill because of the poison, which was given to him by the Abbasid caliph Al-Mutamid. Therefore, Imam al-Hasan al-Askary (pbuh) called me.

 

When I entered, I saw Imam al-Hasan al-Askary (pbuh) was in front of Qiblah in the bed.

 

Imam al-Hasan al-Askary (pbuh): Abu al-Adian, take this letter to a person who is called Ahmad bin al-Hasan in Madain and give him this packet and wait for his reply.

 

Abu al-Adian al-Basry: Ok my lord, but what if I don’t find him or get no reply?

 

Imam al-Hasan al-Askary (pbuh): Don’t come back until you get the reply. Some of my Shias will give you some letters to bring them to me.

 

Abu al-Adian al-Basry: Do I bring them?

 

Imam al-Hasan al-Askary (pbuh): Yes, and you have to know that you will come back after fifteen days. In the day of your coming back, you will hear the sound of cry from my home.

 

Abu al-Adian al-Basry: For what my lord?

 

Imam al-Hasan al-Askary (pbuh): Because I will die before your entrance to Samarra. You will find me lying in the mortuary.

 

Abu al-Adian al-Basry: Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un (We are to God, and we are to Him returning). I can’t stand without you my lord.

 

Imam al-Hasan al-Askary (pbuh): Do what I have ordered you to do.

 

Abu al-Adian al-Basry: But if that happen, to whom should I give the letters?

 

Imam al-Hasan al-Askary (pbuh): Give them to the person who will ask them from you.

 

Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un (We are to God, and we are to Him returning)Abu al-Adian al-Basry: How will I know him?

 

Imam al-Hasan al-Askary (pbuh): I’ll give you another sign. The person who prays on me is the Imam after me.

 

Abu al-Adian al-Basry: Is there another sign?

 

Imam al-Hasan al-Askary (pbuh): The person who will tell you what is in the yellow packet is the Imam after me.

 

Abu al-Adian al-Basry: You know, the Imam introduced to me three signs of the coming Imam, but the Imam’s awe didn’t let me to ask him about another sign. Now you have to remember these signs. Well, they are:

 

First: He should request the letters from, which I bring them with me from Madain.

 

Second: He should be the person who prays on Imam al-Hasan al-Askary (pbuh) after his death.

 

Third: He should know how much money is in the yellow packet.

 

After that, I left Imam al-Hasan al-Askary (pbuh) and then, I left Samarra. I moved toward Baghdad. I stayed in Baghdad for a day and a night. Then, I moved toward Madain in the next day. Madain is an ancient city, which is near to Baghdad. It contains the shrine of Salman al-Mohamady and Iwan Kasra.

 

When I arrived there, I asked about Ahmad bin al-Hasan. When I found him, I gave him the letter. Ahmad bin al-Hasan kissed the letter, put it on his eyes, and passed it on his face. He entered me his house and stayed there for a few days. I was thinking about my lord Imam al-Hasan al-Askary (pbuh). Then, Ahmad bin al-Hasan asked me to move to the house of one of his followers, because of the fear from being discovered. When the lovers and the Shias of Imam al-Hasan al-Askary (pbuh) knew my being in Madain, they started visiting me secretly and writing letters, and they asked me to bring the letters to Imam al-Hasan al-Askary (pbuh). When the time was over, Ahmad bin al-Hasan gave me the reply of the Imam’s letter. Then I took it and returned to Samarra. I entered there at 8th Rabi al-Awal in 260 AH/874 AD, and it was the fifteenth day since my exit from Samarra like the Imam’s saying.

 

When I reached near the door of the home, I heard the sound of crying from the home, then I entered and I saw the Imam in the mortuary. I cried a lot. When I saw Jafar bin Ali the brother of Imam al-Hasan al-Askary (pbuh), was at the door of the home and people were mourning his brother’s death and were greeting him for his being Imam. I told myself: If Jafar is the Imam, so the imamate became invalid, because I know Jafar well, he was stealing in the castles and was drinking wine and was gambling and playing with the music instruments.

 

I walked toward him, mourned his brother’s death, and greeted him for his being Imam, but he didn’t ask me anything. Then the servant got out of the home.

 

Imam al-Hasan al-Askary (pbuh)The servant: My lord! Your brother was enshrouded. Come and pray on him.

 

Abu al-Adian al-Basry: Jafar bin Ali, the Shias and the people entered the home. They saw Imam al-Hasan al-Askary’s (pbuh) body in the pall. Jafar walked forward to pray on his brother. He was going to say Allah Akbar, but a little brown boy, came out from inside and caught the Jafar’s clothes.

 

The child: Go back uncle; I have the right to pray on my father more than you.

 

Abu al-Adian al-Basry: It was a shock for Jafar bin Ali, so he moved back, but the characters of his face got changed. The child moved forward and prayed on his father as well as possible. Then, he carried the pall and buried the hilly body beside his grandfather Imam Ali al-Hadi (pbuh). The child looked at me.

 

The child: al-Basry! Give me the letters, which you had brought them with you.

 

Abu al-Adian al-Basry: I gave him the letters and I told myself that two signs have done but one. Then, I walked toward the door and I saw Jafar bin Ali and some of the Shias, which surrounded him, were shocked.

 

One of the Shias: My lord! Who is the child who prayed on your brother?

 

Jafar bin Ali: I swear I never had seen him before and I don’t know him.

 

A Shia: Why don’t we ask him to be a proof on him?

 

Abu al-Adian al-Basry: While people were talking to each other, a group of people arrived. It was clear that they were in a long journey. The group contained an old doyen. The doyen moved forward and greeted Jafar bin Ali; He replied.

 

The doyen: We are from Qom and we are Imam al-Hasan al-Askary’s (pbuh) shia. We came to ask about him.

 

Abu al-Adian al-Basry: When they knew about his death, they started crying.

 

The doyen: Now, after the Imam’s death, whom we mourn?

 

Jafar bin Ali: I am his brother Jafar bin Ali and the Imam after him.

 

Abbasid caliph Al-MutamidAbu al-Adian al-Basry: The doyen started mourning his brother’s death and greeting him for being Imam.

 

The doyen: If you are the Imam after him, so tell us the name of the letters’ writer, which I brought them with me, and how much money is in this yellow packet. If you answer the questions, so you are the real Imam after him.

 

Abu al-Adian al-Basry: Jafar bin Ali stood up while he was shaking his clothes and said: You want me to know prescience? A servant got out of the home, started saying the names of the letters’ owner, requested the yellow packet, and said: It contains one thousand and ten dinars. Then, they gave him the letters and the packet.

 

The doyen: you’re right; Who has sent you?

 

The servant: Imam al-Mahdi al-Hujjah bin al-Hasan (pbuh) has sent me.

 

Abu al-Adian al-Basry: When Jafar bin Ali heard that, he went to the Abbasid caliph Al-Mutamid and told him the story. Therefore, the knights and the soldiers attacked Imam al-Mahdi al-Hujjah bin al-Hasan’s (pbuh) home to catch him, but he got hidden.

Story No. 474 – Moments of Pondering on Imam Muhammad al-Mahdi (pbuh)

Today the entire world asking the Man whose reappearance is the ultimate wish of mankind. He is the Infallible Imam of our Age, Imam al-Mahdi (a.t.f.s.), whose justice shall fill every nook and cranny of the world… But those who are truly awaiting their Imam al-Mahdi (a.t.f.s.), do not content themselves with just praying and shedding tears; We must believe that Imam al-Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) beholds us even if we are deprived from seeing him with our eyes …

We must know that the revolution of Imam al-Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) – as the greatest change throughout the whole history of mankind – shall take place only after his steadfast companions are gathered round; companions who would be ready to sacrifice their souls for the fulfillment of the sacred ambitions of their Imam al-Mahdi (a.t.f.s.).

Have we prepared ourselves for such a day? Who knows, perhaps tomorrow will be the time for his advent. But really, what should we do to be among those who are truly awaiting his Zohoor (advent) and those who are preparing the ground for his coming? Let’s ponder on this question for a few minutes …

O Holy Imam al-Mahdi (a.t.f.s.)! Today, the cry of oppressed people could easily be heard from everywhere; a cry, which shall be recorded within the pages of mankind’s history forever.

O Holy Imam al-Mahdi (a.t.f.s.)! Your devoted followers shall remain patient in the hope of meeting you someday…

Gar Ho Meri Hayat Meray Ikhtiyar Mein,
Sadiyaan Guzaar Doun Ga Teray Intezar Mein

Story No. 473 – Loader of the black stone: Twelfth Imam, the living Hujjah, Imam Muhammad al-Mahdi (pbuh)

15th of Shaban, a very auspicious day in the Islamic Lunar Calendar, because it is the birth anniversary of our twelfth Imam, the living Hujjah, Imam al-Mahdi (a.t.f.s.).

 

Our duties/responsibilities during occultation (Ghaibat)We would like to invite all of us to do something, no matter how small, for this joyous day. We would like to bring our humble contribution by mentioning some of our duties/responsibilities during occultation (Ghaibat) and about how could we make our twelfth Imam, the living Hujjah, Imam al-Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) satisfied.

 

We can divide the answer in three parts.

 

To Await (Intezar)

To recite recommended supplications during the occultation (Dua)

Purifying the self (Taqwa)

  1. Awaiting: To await for the reappearance of Imam al-Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) is highly recommended right from Holy Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H.&H.F.) till Imam-e-Zaman (a.t.f.s.) himself. There are plenty of traditions to prove this. Holy Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H.&H.F.) said, “Best deed (Amal) of my nation is to wait for Faraj (Imam al-Mahdi (a.t.f.s.)).” “One who await for reappearance and Faraj of Imam Mahdi. Is like the one who gives his blood in the way of Allah.” If we refer the Islamic books under the title of Intezar Faraj we can find plenty of traditions about Intezar.

 

  1. Recommended Duas during occultation: There are many Dua’s recommended to be recited during the occultation, of which some of them are recommended by Imam himself, such as Ziyarate Ale Yasin, Dua-e-Istighasa, Dua-e-Nudbah, Dua-e-Ahad, Dua-e-Faraj, Ziyarat-e-Sardab etc.

 

  1. Taqwa: In the traditions, it is said that during the occultation a person who waits for him should be pious. He should have firm belief in Allah (SWT), Prophet and Imams. He should refrain from sin and try to protect the religion and belief of the people. They should try to guide the people towards the right path so that the ground for his reappearance is ready.

Story No. 472 – Twelfth Imam, the living Hujjah, Imam Muhammad al-Mahdi (pbuh): Minister and Pomegranate

Children Story Minister and PomegranateGrandfather has arrived from Bahrain after spending two weeks there, because of the invitation of one of the friends. The sons got happy because of him coming back home.

 

All the family members sat around Grandfather in the evening.

 

Son: How was your journey to Bahrain, father?

 

Grandfather: It was enjoyable, son.

 

Grandson: You promised me to narrate a story for me after your arrival from Bahrain.

 

Granddaughter: I am longing for listening to your nice stories.

 

Grandfather: Ok, Ok, I will tell this story which I heard it from a friend in Bahrain.

 

Bahrain was a small country, which was surrounded by sea, so the Bahrainian’s job was fishing and finding pearls. Their homes were close to each other and they were living with each other with peace and loving one other. They were kind and helping each other.

 

In a specific time, Bahrain was under the lead of a ruler who didn’t like anybody just himself. This ruler had gotten a sly minister. One day the minister visited the ruler.

 

Minister: My master, my master! Look at here my master.

 

Ruler: What is the matter with you my dear minister?

 

Minister: Look at this pomegranate.

 

There is no god except Allah (La ilaha illa Allah)Ruler: What is it?

 

Minister: It was imprinted on it: There is no god except Allah (La ilaha illa Allah), Mohammad is god’s Prophet (Mohammad Rasool Allah), and the names of the four Caliphs.

 

Ruler: What? It’s a miracle, from where did you get it?

 

Grandfather: The ruler got surprised from the minister’s saying. He stand up from his chair and started checking the pomegranate.

 

Minister: it is really a miracle, I got it by chance. I saw it on a tree, so I took it.

 

Ruler: Now, what do you suggest to do with it?

 

Minister: It is our duty to introduce this miracle to people.

 

Ruler: Ok, we will put it in the center of the castle and ask people to see it.

 

Minister: But sir…

 

Ruler: But what?

 

Minister: But what if they deny the miracle or don’t believe in it?

 

Ruler: Oh yes my minister, so what do you suggest?

 

Minister: I suggest that we invite all the people to come to the castle and then we show the pomegranate, so who believes in it, we let him go, but if a man denies it, we will put some conditions for him. First, we have to send a caller to invite people to come to the castle tomorrow to discuss the matter.

 

Grandfather: The caller went out by drumming.

 

Caller: Listen up people! The present tells the absent. The ruler (god save him) invited the doyens of people to come to his castle tomorrow for an important matter, and who disagree with that, his punishment will be hard and will be sent to prison.

 

Grandfather: In the morning, the doyens of people went to the castle. The ruler told them the story of the pomegranate, then he ordered to bring the pomegranate and show it to everybody in there and what was imprinted on its hull. Everybody saw the pomegranate carefully and got surprised.

 

Living Hujjah, Imam Muhammad al-Mahdi (pbuh)Son: What had happened after that?

 

Grandfather: The ruler let them to choose one of the three conditions.

 

Son: What were these conditions?

 

Minister: listen up people. The ruler (god save him) decided to let the man who denies this divine miracle to choose one of the three conditions.

 

Son: What are the conditions?

 

First: He has to pay money to the ruler the same as the Jewish man or the Christian man.

 

Second: If he can’t pay the money, so he have to give us a suitable answer for this miracle and prove that it is not right and it is false.

 

Third: If he doesn’t do the first and the second condition, so he will be killed and his money, family and house will be divested, because of his denying this divine miracle.

 

Grandfather: When the people heard the minister’s speech, they got fear and anxious, so they confer with each other, then they asked the ruler to respites them three days to discuss the matter. The ruler agreed with their request.

 

Grandson: What happened after that?

 

Grandfather: The doyens of people gathered in a mosque and they invited their adviser to discuss how to get rid of this dangerous trouble.

 

Grandson: What were the solutions?

 

Grandfather: They decided to choose the best three men, and each one of them goes to the desert each night to ask twelfth Imam, the living Hujjah, Imam Muhammad al-Mahdi (pbuh) to help him.

 

Son: Did the three man do what the people asked them?

 

Grandfather: Yes son, the first man went to the desert, then he started asking and begging God and worshipping him, but without any replies. Same happened with the second man. In the third night, people became very anxious.

 

Twelfth Imam, the living HujjahGranddaughter: Did the third man go to the desert?

 

Grandfather: Yes dear, he was a worshipper and ascetic. He went to the desert. He was discalced and started begging twelfth Imam, the living Hujjah, Imam Muhammad al-Mahdi (pbuh) to save them from the trouble.

 

Son: Did God reply his ask?

 

Grandfather: Yes, he saw a light was getting closer and closer while he was crying and asking God.

 

After that the doyen got relax when he ensured that it was twelfth Imam, the living Hujjah, Imam Muhammad al-Mahdi (pbuh).

 

Doyen: My master, if you are twelfth Imam, the living Hujjah, Imam Muhammad al-Mahdi (pbuh), there is no doubt that you know our request and our hardship.

 

Imam: Yes, I know your request and your hardship because of the pomegranate and what was imprinted on it.

 

Doyen: My master! What is the solution for this hardship?

 

Imam: The minister aimed to schism the Muslims and to make divorcement by this sly game. There was a pomegranate tree in his house. When the tree bloomed, the minister made a mud case in shape of a pomegranate and halved it and wrote those words, the he put the pomegranate in that case while it was on the tree, so when the pomegranate grew, its hull got the shape of the case and the words were imprinted on it.

 

Son: What a sly game was it!

 

Imam Muhammad al-Mahdi (pbuh)Grandfather: When the doyen got the solution twelfth Imam, the living Hujjah, Imam Muhammad al-Mahdi (pbuh), he returned to the city and told the people that he will give the solution to the ruler. So Allah (SWT) saved them from that hardship by twelfth Imam, the living Hujjah, Imam Muhammad al-Mahdi (pbuh).

 

In the morning, people gathered in front of the ruler’s castle and the doyen was at the forefront.

 

Ruler: Did you bring the solution for what I had asked you about?

 

Doyen: Yes, but I won’t tell it to you here, only in the minister’s house.

 

Ruler: Ok, no problem, let’s move to the minister’s house.

 

Grandfather: Everybody went to the minister’s house. The minister got surprised from the ruler’s coming with people. The doyen asked the ruler to enter one of the rooms, but the minister rejected that. The doyen insisted to enter the room and he have to enter first with the ruler before the minister. The ruler accepted that request.

 

Son: it seems that there is something in the room.

 

Grandfather: Yes my dear, when the doyen and the ruler entered the room, they found a white packet, and then the doyen took the packet and opened it. He put his hand in the packet and then he looked at the ruler and smiled. He put out from the packet the mud case, which was similar to the pomegranate. He showed it to the ruler, and then he ordered to bring the pomegranate and put it in the case. It resembled the case in shape and words.

 

Ruler discovered the truth and got so angry from the minister.

 

Doyen: My master, we got another miracle.

 

Ruler: What is it?

 

Doyen: There is nothing in the pomegranate except ash and smoke, because it was kept away from the sunlight and air because of being inside the case. If you want to be sure, let the minister open it.

 

Grandfather: Then, the ruler ordered the minister to open it while he was angry. When the minister opened it, the ash and the smoke started moving and flying on the face of the minister, then the ruler shouted on him.

 

Pomegranate MiracleRuler: You damned, you wanted to cheat me and make trouble between people. I will teach you a lesson, which you will never forget it. Guard! Take him to the prison until I see what should I do with him, and you the doyen, I ask you to answer my question before we leave.

 

Doyen: Go ahead my master.

 

Ruler: How did you know the solution?

 

Doyen: I knew the solution from our twelfth Imam, the living Hujjah, Imam Muhammad al-Mahdi (pbuh) and I asked him to help us.

 

Ruler: I think I am one of the most lucky men today, because I got the truth and from now on, I became a believer in twelfth Imam, the living Hujjah, Imam Muhammad al-Mahdi (pbuh).

 

Doyen: My master, these lands are trusteeship with us and we have to protect them.

 

Ruler: You’re right, let our people be in peace with the blessing of twelfth Imam, the living Hujjah, Imam Muhammad al-Mahdi (pbuh).

Story No. 471 – Allah’s Caliph on Earth Imam Muhammad al-Mahdi (p.b.u.h) [Ya Sahib uz Zaman]

On Friday morning, as a weekly custom Ahmad got out of his house and went to the public library, which was near to his house. When he arrived there, he saw Uncle Jamil who was in charge of the library was giving water to the flowers in the garden of the library. “As Salaam Alaikum Uncle Jamil” Ahmad said. Uncle Jamil replied: Wa Alaikum Salaam Ahmad, what a nice weather, isn’t it?

 

Ahmad: Beautiful flowers. Uncle Jamil said: I expected your presence today.

 

Ahmad: Uncle Jamil, you know that today is Friday and it is my holiday in the week, and it is a time for my extracurricular activities and hobbies.

 

Uncle Jamil: But you came early this time.

 

Ahmad: I have finished my homework.

 

Uncle Jamil: well, I have finished giving water to the flowers. Come with me inside the library to see what are the new stories, which you are going to choose this time.

 

Ahmad: No, I am sorry Uncle Jamil, I don’t like reading stories right now.

 

Uncle Jamil: Why not?

 

Ahmad: This time, I would like to read some books about Imam Muhammad al-Mahdi (p.b.u.h) [Ya Sahib uz Zaman]

 

Uncle Jamil: What a sudden change it is.

 

Ahmad: My father asked me to get a little more information about Imam Muhammad al-Mahdi (p.b.u.h) [Ya Sahib uz Zaman], and I need your assistance on this subject.

 

Uncle Jamil: Nice project, I am ready for help.

 

Ahmad: It is a big favour from you Uncle Jamil

 

Uncle Jamil: Well, come with me to this side of the library and look at the shelves.

 

Imam al-Mahdi’s publicationsAhmad: What do they contain?

 

Uncle Jamil: There are all the books which you need about Imam Muhammad al-Mahdi (p.b.u.h) [Ya Sahib uz Zaman].

 

Ahmad: There are a great number of them! How didn’t I pay attention to these books?

 

Uncle Jamil: Look at this group of books. These are ancient. These were written about one thousand years ago, like this book (Ekmal al-Din Wa Etmam al-Nimah) and it is one of the most important books about Imam Muhammad al-Mahdi (p.b.u.h) [Ya Sahib uz Zaman]. It was written by Sheikh al-Sadooq and this is the Gaibah book which was written by Sheikh al-Toosi which is about the occultation of Imam Muhammad al-Mahdi (p.b.u.h) [Ya Sahib uz Zaman], and this is (al-Najm al-Thaqeb) book. It is one of the most wonderful books about the hidden Imam al-Mahdi (as), and these shelves contain the specialist studies center of Imam al-Mahdi’s publications.

 

Ahmad: what? A special foundation about Imam al-Mahdi (as)?

 

Uncle Jamil: Yes my dear, this foundation publishes everything about Imam Muhammad al-Mahdi (p.b.u.h) [Ya Sahib uz Zaman].

 

Ahmad: Great project!

 

Uncle Jamil: Now, I can’t stay here anymore, because there are some readers in the library. I can let you choose the books that you want to read. I will comeback later, good luck.

 

Ahmad: Thank you.

 

Uncle Jamil: Not at all, you have not to lose any chance.

 

Ahmad: Well, from where should I start? Probably I can find something in this shelf. Oh my God! I couldn’t imagine that I can find this large number of books. I’m going to take this group, they are enough for now. I have to find an easy seat for researching.

 

Uncle Jamil: What’s up? What’s the matter with you Ahmad? Two hours were gone and I see you that you are putting your hand on your cheek. What are these books, which are in front of you?

 

Imam Muhammad al-Mahdi (p.b.u.h) deputy of Allah (SWT)Ahmad: I am confused and I don’t know what I should do?

 

Uncle Jamil: Well, first tell me what are you looking up? Probably I can help you.

 

Ahmad: I was looking up an answer for a question, which I wrote it in my notebook, but I couldn’t find the answer. I am disappointed.

 

Uncle Jamil: It’s clear that you made yourself tired.

 

Ahmad: That’s right, but I still have some hopes.

 

Uncle Jamil: That’s good.

 

Ahmad: When my father asked me to make a research about Imam Muhammad al-Mahdi (p.b.u.h) [Ya Sahib uz Zaman], my grandfather suggested a way to complete this mission successfully, and the way is to write down all the questions in my mind in this notebook, and then I look up them one by one.

 

Uncle Jamil: Good idea.

 

Ahmad: But I looked up these books and I couldn’t find a suitable answer for my question.

 

Uncle Jamil: well, I can help you. What’s the question?

 

Ahmad: The question is: why do we look for Imam Muhammad al-Mahdi (p.b.u.h) [Ya Sahib uz Zaman] himself. Isn’t there anybody else?

 

Uncle Jamil: It’s a nice and interesting question. It is a proof that you think well and accurate.

 

Ahmad: Thank you sir.

 

Uncle Jamil: We are looking for the hidden Imam, Imam Muhammad al-Mahdi (p.b.u.h) [Ya Sahib uz Zaman] because he is the only Allah’s caliph on the earth.

 

Ahmad: What do you mean that he is the Allah’s caliph?

 

Uncle Jamil: First you have to know the meaning of caliph, then you have to know, why Imam Muhammad al-Mahdi (p.b.u.h) [Ya Sahib uz Zaman] is called with this name.

 

Imam al-Mahdi, Sahib uz Zaman (p.b.u.h)Ahmad: So, what does it mean?

 

Uncle Jamil: The meaning of caliph is the deputy of another, so caliph is an agent. I’m going to give you an example.

 

Ahmad: All right.

 

Uncle Jamil: When your father had traveled, of course he put a person who does your father’s works in buying some necessary things for home or to solve the problems and to manage the works at home as well as possible.

 

Ahmad: Yes, my older brother Sayyed is in charge of the house when my father is not at home.

 

Uncle Jamil: So we can say that your brother Sayyed is your father’s caliph at home. I’ll give you another example: In the school, you study, and the manager of the school is in charge of the school, so he is the caliph of the manager of the education office in the province. He manages the school by the instructions of the manager of the education office and so am I. I work in this library as the caliph of the responsible in the town hall, and any other place which contains manager.

 

Ahmad: but how can Imam Muhammad al-Mahdi (p.b.u.h) [Ya Sahib uz Zaman] be the deputy of Allah (SWT)?

 

Uncle Jamil: Well Ahmad, I ask you to answer these questions to find the solution from your answers.

 

Ahmad: What are these questions?

 

Uncle Jamil: The first question is: Who had created us?

 

Ahmad: Allah (SWT) is our creator.

 

Uncle Jamil: So, did he create us for nothing?

 

Ahmad: Of course not.

 

Uncle Jamil: So, Allah (SWT) didn’t create us for nothing, because he is an adviser. It means that Allah (SWT) created us for a purpose.

 

Ahmad: What is that purpose?

 

Uncle Jamil: Allah’s purpose of creating the human beings is worshiping him. Allah (SWT) stated in Noble Qur’an (I did not create the Jinn and mankind except to worship Me, 51:56), so that we have to know how to worship Allah (SWT) in a right way.

 

Imam Muhammad al-Mahdi (p.b.u.h)Ahmad: How do we know that?

 

Uncle Jamil: So we need somebody to teach us how to worship correctly and to tell us Allah’s orders, instructions, and he should have some special characters.

 

Ahmad: What are these characteristics?

 

Uncle Jamil: He should not make mistakes, because if he does any mistakes, how can we be sure that he is telling Allah’s orders correctly?

 

Ahmad: This is the first one.

 

Uncle Jamil: He should not make any sin, because how can we obey a person who makes some sins, which are prohibited, for us?

 

Ahmad: This is the second one.

 

Uncle Jamil: He should not forget anything, because if he is a forgetful man, how can he tell Allah’s instructions correctly? Is it right to say: I forgot to tell you this order.

 

Ahmad: Of course it is impossible.

 

Uncle Jamil: So, it means that we need a person who has above mentioned all the characters, which we call them, the infallible (al-Ismah).

 

Ahmad: So, the meaning of the chaste Imam is who has these characters.

 

Uncle Jamil: Yes Ahmad, so as not to fall in a wrong worshipping way of Allah (SWT), the person who tells us Allah’s instructions should be chaste to be our guide, and this chaste man should be chosen by Allah (SWT) himself, because Allah (SWT) is the most aware one, who knows the person who is suitable for leading the human beings and to be their guide.

 

Ahmad: Do you mean that the Imam should be chosen by Allah (SWT) like the prophets?

 

Uncle Jamil: Yes my dear. Allah (SWT) chooses his caliphs, therefore Allah (SWT) told the angles (I am going to put a caliph on the earth) and the phrase “I am” means that I will choose a caliph for the earth, because I know it all and the prophets are Allah’s caliph on the earth, the first one is Prophet Adam(p.b.u.h.) and the last one is our Prophet Mohammad (p.b.u.h.) and after him, the chaste Imams, the first one is Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (p.b.u.h.) and the last Imam is Imam al-Mahdi, Sahib uz Zaman (p.b.u.h), so we can not be without a chaste Imam.

 

Ahmad: Why can’t we be without a chaste Imam?

 

Uncle Jamil: I will give you an example: Every day you go to school to learn.

 

Ahmad: That’s right.

 

Uncle Jamil: Let’s guess that there is no teacher in the school, so can we say that Ahmad goes to school for learning?

 

Ya Sahib uz ZamanAhmad: Absolutely not.

 

Uncle Jamil: The same as for the human beings. We need a teacher to teach us how to worship Allah (SWT) and to guide us to the right behavior. Therefore, this teacher is a connection between Allah (SWT) and us. He is the Allah’s (SWT) deputy.

 

Ahmad: I have another question Uncle Jamil.

 

Uncle Jamil: Go ahead Ahmad. What is that question?

 

Ahmad: You said that the Prophets and the Imams are Allah’s caliph on the earth, so what is the difference between our Prophet Mohammad (p.b.u.h.) and our twelve Imams (p.b.u.t.)?

 

Uncle Jamil: Nice question Ahmad. The prophet is the leader of people in their religion and their life action, directly from Allah (SWT) without any connective things. I mean, Allah (SWT) sends him to the human beings directly, but the Imam is the leader of people in their religion and life actions by the way of the Prophet. I mean that Allah (SWT) chooses the Imam and the Prophet should introduce him to the human beings, therefore Prophet Mohammad (p.b.u.h.) is the introducer of the twelve Imams.

 

Ahmad: I don’t know how to thank you Uncle Jamil. Your answer was sufficient and clear.

 

Uncle Jamil: Not at all; I will give you a gift. The gift is a book about Imam Muhammad al-Mahdi (p.b.u.h) [Ya Sahib uz Zaman].

 

Ahmad: how proud I am of this nice gift.

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