Day: 20 October 2020

Ahmed had sat sadly in his room and he has been thinking about what his father has said before his traveling. He has felt a kind of disappointment for the first time in spite of the fact that he has been known of his intelligence, and he has asked himself: “can I succeed to prove to my father that my love to Al-Imam Al-Mahdi (May Allah hastens his gracious appearance) is very tremendous, or let my sister Huda be better than me in showing her love to the hidden Imam? Then he retired to his bed, suddenly he has heard light knocks on his door.

 

Ahmed: come, please. Suddenly, an old man has entered with a great charisma; Ahmed has stood and greeted him.

 

Grandfather: While I have passed near your room, I have seen your light has not switched off; therefore, I have wondered about that, and I have said in myself, Ahmed has forgotten to switch off his light before he has retired to his bed.

 

Ahmed: No, my grandfather, I was unable to sleep.

 

Grandfather: Why my son?

 

Ahmed: My mind was busy with my father speech.

 

Grandfather: I wish that everything is good.

 

Ahmed: First of all, have a seat my grandfather.

 

Grandfather: I am sitting now “tell me what you have heard from your father?”

 

Ahmed: Our father has said to us.

 

Father: If you love Al-Imam Al-Mahdi (May Allah hastens his gracious appearance) as you say, you have to know about him more, because who love certain person, he has to know everything about his beloved, and love will increase according to knowledge. And this is a chance you can prove your ability and intelligence during my traveling; therefore, you have to try to get information about Al-Imam Al-Mahdi (May Allah hastens his gracious appearance), and who get new and further information I will give him a very valuable present.

 

Grandfather: What is wrong with that? O! It is a good matter, Ahmed.

 

Ahmed: That is true my grandfather, but?

 

Grandfather: but, what?

 

Ahmed: I have felt a kind of disappointment, because my information is very little, and this means that my love towards Al-Imam Al-Mahdi (May Allah hastens his gracious appearance) is limited.

 

Grandfather: You have to be patience and courageous, and this is a chance for you to prove your ability and intelligence and you have to go step by step in collecting information, and gradually you will get further information. In this way your love for Al-Imam Al-Mahdi (May Allah hastens his gracious appearance) will be more.

 

Hidden Imam: Al-Imam Al-Mahdi (May Allah hastens his gracious appearance)Ahmed: And how can I get a lot of information, my grandfather?

 

Grandfather: First, you have to think, and then you have to ask lot about what you think about. And after that you have to record what you have got in a private book.

 

Ahmed: That is right, but I am afraid that my sister Huda will be better than me in this matter.

 

Grandfather: The competition is something good in this matter; you have to get the first step; you have to think quietly, then you can ask about matters which you do not know and I will be ready to answer any question you want to ask.

 

Ahmed: So I have to start from the beginning and the first question comes to my mind “why do we call Al-Imam Al-Mahdi (May Allah hastens his gracious appearance) the hidden Imam? And why he is hidden?

 

Grandfather: This is a nice and good question, but you have to know the meaning of the word “hidden”.

 

Ahmed: I think “hidden” means that it can not be seen by our eyes.

 

Grandfather: Ahmed, that is right. But many people may see Al-Imam Al-Mahdi (May Allah hastens his gracious appearance), but they can not recognize him.

 

Ahmed: So he is not hidden.

 

Grandfather: If he is not hidden, why can we not see him?

 

Ahmed: I don’t know.

 

Grandfather: Ahmed, I will tell you, he is called the hidden Imam, because his personality cannot be identified but as a person he is surely existed.

 

Ahmed: I can not understand what you say my grandfather.

 

Grandfather: I will explain for you my dear in a very simple and brief manner; let us suppose that you enter to the school hall and you find in it thousands of children and one of them is called Saeed and you do not know him, in this way “can you recognize him, my dear?”

 

Ahmed: Surely, I can not recognize him among them.

 

Grandfather: So the person who is called Saeed is existed between them, and this is what I mean that he is existed as a person, but his feature is unrecognizable.

 

Hidden Imam, because his personality cannot be identifiedAhmed: I understand this phrase.

 

Grandfather: We may be unable to recognize him among others, this means that his name and feature is unknown to others.

 

Ahmed: Now I know the meaning of the “hidden”, it means that he is existed as a person and may be our eyes can see him but we can not recognize his feature as Al-Imam Al-Mahdi (May Allah hastens his gracious appearance), because his identity is unknown.

 

Grandfather: Ahmed, that is good.

 

Ahmed: The second part of the question is remained.

 

Grandfather: Yes dear, do you want to know “why does Al-Imam Al-Mahdi (May Allah hastens his gracious appearance) disappear and people can not see him?”

 

Ahmed: Yes, my grandfather.

 

Grandfather: I will narrate for you certain tale and you can get the sufficient answer.

 

Ahmed: Surely, I am very eager to hear you.

 

Grandfather: I have lived in a very small and beautiful village, and this village is surrounded by trees and hills in everywhere. And this village has one way that people using it to reach the town, and at that time I has been very little boy. One day, the manager of the municipality decided to erect electric pole in the middle of the town and making very large lamp to enlighten the way to people, so the people have become very glad; and I remember that we gather in that night around the electric pole and we play and get fun under that lamp. But their happiness never last long.

 

Ahmed: Why?

 

Grandfather: There have been some thieves and agitators in the village; they break the lamp at night.

 

Ahmed: O! Allah, why do they do that?

 

Grandfather: They have been stolen chickens and animals, and they do that in order not to be seen by any one.

 

lamps of the earth, (twelve Imams)Ahmed: What happen after that?

 

Grandfather: Next day, the municipality has replaced the broken lamp with another one, but they break the new lamp again; so the manager of the municipality has asked the villagers to guard the electric lamp.

 

Ahmed: Do the villagers response positively?

 

Grandfather: Yes, at the beginning; but they gradually felt a kind of boredom, and the thieves have decided to use the chance to break the lamp. This situation has continued, and the lamp has broken for eleven times. Therefore, the municipality has determined to prevent putting new lamps, in order to oblige the villagers to guard the lamp from the thieves. Since the municipality has declared the decision, the village ways have remained in a complete darkness, because the villagers have given up guarding the lamp from thieves.

 

Ahmed: I think you tell me this tale to mention that human beings do not benefit from these lamps of the earth, (twelve Imams), so they dear to kill Imam Ali bin Abi Talib (peace be upon him) and his infallible Imams, his sons.

 

Grandfather: Yes, my son. Therefore; people live in a kind of darkness and Allah (SWT) has ordered Al-Imam Al-Mahdi (May Allah hastens his gracious appearance) to hide himself until his followers be ready to undertake the responsibility, so Allah (SWT) will give him the permission to appear.

 

Ahmed: Thank you my grandfather to give me these valuable information and I will record everything in my private copybook.

 

Grandfather: Now, you have to sleep swiftly to be able to pray the dawn prayer.

 

Ahmed: Good night my grandfather.

Huda has sat in front of her computer, and her love out of curiosity has pushed her to search inside some Islamic Web sites. During that time, she has faced some questions about Al-Imam Al-Mahdi (May Allah hastens his gracious appearance). And this has pushed her to look deeply in her readings, but she has found herself powerless to solve them. Therefore, she has brought her private copybook about Al-Imam Al-Mahdi (May Allah hastens his gracious appearance), and she has recorded all the questions in order to get enough and satisfied answers. After she has finished, she has closed her computer. Then, she has begun to look for her mother inside the house, but she has not found her. Thus, she has gone to the garden, and she has found her grandmother sitting there.

 

Huda: Oh! My grandmother, where is my mother, I have been looking for her?

 

Grandmother: She has gone to the neighbor, and she will come soon.

 

Huda: Well, I will sit with you for awhile, until the return of my mother. But you have to tell me “why are you sitting alone?”

 

Grandmother: I like to enjoy the Sun light, because our bodies need this kind of light.

 

Huda: But the sky is covered with clouds, and cloud has kept the Sun.

 

Grandmother: This does not form an obstacle. Though, light can reach us. But can you tell me about the copybook in your hand?

 

Huda: It is a note book about Al-Imam Al-Mahdi (May Allah hastens his gracious appearance); you have made me remember to ask you, my dear grandmother.

 

Grandmother: I am at your command, with pleasure.

 

Huda: There are people who say that the Shiites believe in a hidden Imam. And he has disappeared for more than one thousand year. Until now, they talk about him and mention his favors and they are continually calling Allah (SWT) to support him. And they are waiting his appearance to fill the earth with justice. But nowadays he is hidden. What is the benefit which people will get from this disappearance? And I have seen some web sites have dared to say that there is no difference between the existence of Al-Imam Al-Mahdi (May Allah hastens his gracious appearance) and his absence. In both cases, there is no difference. The grandmother has smiled after she has heard that speech.

 

Huda and GrandmotherHuda: Why do you laugh?

 

Grandmother: I have laughed about the bats’ speech.

 

Huda: The bats’ speech?

 

Grandmother: Yes, my dear. This question has made me remember a tale I have heard from my teacher; when I have been at your age.

 

Huda: What is that tale?

 

Grandmother: I will answer these questions, and then I will narrate the tale of “blind bat”.

 

Huda: Well my grandmother. I am eager to hear you, and my pen is ready to record your answers.

 

Grandmother: Huda you have to know that the main reasons behind asking these wicked questions is that those people have weak faith and lack of knowledge in their God and his Holy Book. What I want to say: Is it reasonable to say that anything we can not see is useless?

 

Huda: Are there things we can not see them, and we can get benefits from them?

 

Grandmother: Yes, my dear. I will give a simple example. Can you tell me that there is a person has seen the air which is considered the main element of life?

 

Huda: No one has seen it.

 

Grandmother: If we can not see it, can we deny its effect in the life of human beings?

 

Huda: Absolutely not.

 

Grandmother: Therefore, there is a similarity between the existence of Al-Imam Al-Mahdi (May Allah hastens his gracious appearance) and the existence of air. All beings depend in her existence upon Him, but he is hidden. His disappearance dose not mean that beings become independent, and not in need of him? Absolutely, they are in need of him in every minute, because the earth must have a successor from Allah (SWT). Otherwise, the earth will be filled with chaos.

 

Sun Behind The CloudsHuda: I can say that this is the first benefit.

 

Grandmother: Yes, my dear. The existence of Al-Imam Al-Mahdi (May Allah hastens his gracious appearance) is a source of getting knowledge and faith. Therefore, who does not know the Imam of his era, he will die as those who do not believe in Islam in the earlier ages.

 

Huda: This is the second benefit.

 

Grandmother: You know my dear that Al-Imam Al-Mahdi (May Allah hastens his gracious appearance) is the right Imam who is chosen by Allah (SWT) in our era to be a witness for us in the Hereafter. If he is not existed in our world, who will be a witness for us in the Hereafter?

 

Huda: This is the third benefit.

 

Grandmother: His existence among us is considered a source of safety and stability for ourselves, because his existence as the existence of the prophet of Allah (Allah’s blessings be upon him and his progeny). If we are assured of his existence, even if he is absent. We will know that torture will be away from us and mercy will include us. And his existence has to be a reliable source of safety and stability.

 

Huda: This is another great benefit.

 

Grandmother: The existence of Al-Imam Al-Mahdi (May Allah hastens his gracious appearance) is a kind of mercy for us, he helps poor people, guide the lost people, and save the believers. Do you see how many sick man was recovered by the blessings of Al-Imam Al-Mahdi (May Allah hastens his gracious appearance).

 

Huda: Are there any other benefits?

 

Grandmother: The benefits of Al-Imam Al-Mahdi (May Allah hastens his gracious appearance) existence can not be counted, his existence is giving hope to those who waiting him. Also, there are another benefits, he is taking care of his Shiites and call Allah (SWT) to send His blessings on them. Therefore, people will get great benefits from his call which Allah (SWT) will never disappoint him at all.

 

Al-Imam Al-Mahdi (May Allah hastens his gracious appearance)Huda: I wonder how I forget all these benefits.

 

Grandmother: I have not finished until now. His existence is giving vitality to the message of Islam and continuing its existence and keeping its sacred rules.

 

Huda: I have never imagined all these benefits.

 

Grandmother: And those who believe in his Imamate and wait for the last moment in their life, they will get Allah’s blessings absolutely.

 

Huda: Praise be to Allah (SWT) for all these benefits and blessings.

 

Grandmother: I will end my speech with another great benefit. The benefit which we get it from his existence as the benefit which we get it from Sun even if it is covers by clouds. All beings like trees, human beings, plants, lands need sun light. And if it is beyond clouds: If night is continuing for ever, can we say that life will continue in this world? The existence of Al-Imam Al-Mahdi (May Allah hastens his gracious appearance) gives brightness to this world and without him the world will be dark. Without him there is no light, stability, etc. Can we live without the existence of sun?

 

Huda: I think I have got acceptable answer. Now, I am eager to hear the tale of “The Blind Bat.”

 

Grandmother: I have been told that there has been a blind Bat, who flew during the brightness of the day to hunt insects to eat them.

 

Huda: How can this blind bat hunt them?

 

Grandmother: The bat has an unbelievable high sensitive ability to hear. The bat produces ultrasound and when it hits certain things, this ultrasound will go back to him. Thus, the bat will be able to know the place of this thing and attack on it swiftly, and this bat hates high sounds because these sounds will disturb him. Whenever the feast has come, children group around the swings, and they have been laughed loudly; therefore, the bat has disturbed from that.

 

Blind Bat Children StoryHuda: What the bat has done to them.

 

Grandmother: The bat has cried loudly, don’t play here. Go to your home. I hate loud sounds.

 

Grandmother: But the children have not pay attention to him or obey his order. The bat has decided to cut the swings ropes because they have been an obstacles restrain his flying.

 

Huda: Has the bat done that?

 

Grandmother: Yes, the bat has cut the swing ropes into small pieces in order to prevent them from playing with swings and not tie them again.

 

Huda: This bat is an animal without heart or conscience.

 

Grandmother: Yes, my dear. This is the habit of wicked people.

 

Huda: Surely, the children have become sad.

 

Grandmother: Off course my dear. But fortunately sun was seeing what happened.

 

Sun: I have to do something to prove for those children that I love their laugh and their playing.

 

Huda: What can sun do?

 

Grandmother: Sun has cried loudly.

 

May Allah hastens his gracious appearanceSun: Do you think I will be silent without punishing you. Oh, blind bat.

 

Huda: What has sun done to bring back happiness for children again?

 

Grandmother: Sun has sent its ropes of light to all children in order to make new swings. The children have become very happy. The blind bat has feared a lot when the laughs of children have spread again and the bat has wondered. Thus the blind bat has decided to cut sun ropes also. But the blind bat can not do that because they have been very strong. Whenever the bat has been flown and hits one of the sun ropes, the bat has become very tired and fallen on the ground and had no longer able to control himself.

 

Huda: What has happened then?

 

Grandmother: When the children have finished their play and sun has set, the bat has got up and it has begun to fly without hearing their laughs. Therefore, the bat has decided not to fly during the brightness of the day and the blind bat has begun to tell the animals about sun. The bat has told them that sun is useless and harmful and many other lies about sun. From that day whenever I hear someone talks about our sun Al-Imam Al-Mahdi (May Allah hastens his gracious appearance) I remember this tale.

The appearance of the Imam Mahdi (as) is Allah’s favour for the oppressed and the weak, and is a means of their coming to power and gaining the promised divine succession of the world. Holy Qur’an says “We have decided to grant favour to the suppressed ones by appointing them leaders and heirs of the earth”, (Al-Quran: Chapter al-Qasas, 28:5). The appearance of Imam Mahdi (as) means the realization of the promise Allah (SWT) made to the righteous in Holy Qur’an. “Verily we have written in the Psalms (zaboor) after the Torah had been revealed: My righteous servants shall inherit the earth.” (Al-Quran: Chapter al-Anbia, 21:105)

This auspicious occasion of birth anniversary of Imam Mahdi (atfs) surely revives our hopes for a better future ahead when Imam Mahdi (as) reappears from the occultation. Additionally, it is a special reminder to those suffering under oppression and tyranny that resistance and resilience in the face of injustice will only serve them in the long-haul. The belief in Imam Mahdi (as) is a manifestation for global community that the battle between truth and falsehood will culminate in favour of forces of truth once the Promised one returns.

The continuation of the occultation of Imam Mahdi (as) is meant to preserve the vigilance and advance the cause of justice. It is important that as part of our waiting of Imam Mahdi (as), we persistently oppose all bullying powers (global, domestic, secular, religious or in any other form or shape), and remain steadfast during adversarial times. The global dominance of few arrogant and oppressive powers has yielded two billion starved people across the globe, millions displaced due to warmongering policies and majority of nations subservient. In such circumstances, the silver lining is the belief in the eventual global just governance of the ultimate saviour. It convinces human beings that the world status quo must be denounced and wait for a turnabout in the living conditions of the humanity at large. Hence, it is imperative and incumbent upon the well-wishers and followers of Imam Mahdi (as) to lay the practical groundwork necessary for his return in addition to the prayers.

Ali and his family were very pious and religious people, they would visit Islamic Center’s and Masjid’s every Thursday and Friday, they would seldom missed any opportunity as far as “rights of Allah” like performing prayers and other mandatory religious requirements was concerned but the same could not be said when it came to the rights of the oppressed. Not that they did not like to help the oppressed but their “hectic schedule” and “low priority” prevented them from making the necessary effort in that direction.

It was the auspicious night of 15th Shab’an the birth anniversary of Imam Muhammad al-Mahdi (ATFS) and Ali was extremely please with himself as he was able to joined the congregation at the Islamic Centre to celebrate the occasion and to perform special prayers, including the supplications invoking Allah (SWT) to hasten the advent of Imam Muhammad al-Mahdi (ATFS). After staying awake throughout the night in prayers and assuming close proximity of Imam Mehdi (ATFS), he peacefully went to sleep.

Ali woke up on a bright, sunny morning and looked out of the window. It looked like a perfectly normal day, but then he remembered it wouldn’t be as perfect as he would’ve liked it to be. Just this past week, the sun had started rising from the west and setting in the east. The meteorologists at NASA kept saying again and again on the news media that it was only the dust from the severe earthquakes occurring around the world that was causing this outstanding mirage. That it wasn’t the only thing making ‘top headlines’ on the news though. A powerful man was slowly taking over the world under the guise of “war on terror”. Could he be the prophesized “Sufiani” Ali wondered, the evil person appearing before the advent of Imam Mehdi (ATFS) as he sat in his bed trying to remember where he had heard about him before. Was it in one of the Islamic speeches or at “Sunday Madrassa”, Yes, he said to himself it was at “Sunday Madrassa” that’s where he had heard. But what did they warn us about “Sufiani”? He is a rich, powerful man with plenty of resources. He will buy the high profile people from the Muslim Ummah to promote his evil plan while the majority will remain completely oblivious to what is really going on, their primary and only concern would be to satisfy their desires whatever that may be, consumption, sex, love, status, money, etc. In the mean time, Sufiani and his army shall be pulling the strings and profiting from global exploitation with no resistance because the masses were simply mindless zombies.

Ali was just getting ready to get out of bed when he heard a loud voice saying that the one who will rid the world of injustice has come. Just as the voice stopped speaking, Ali heard another voice that spoke to him softly, in a very soothing tone that immediately made him feel very sleepy. “Go back to sleep” it said. “There is no one here your mind is playing tricks on you. Think of how tired you are and how warm your bed is. Go on back to sleep.” Like a fool, Ali listened to the voice and went back to sleep.

The sound of the doorbell woke him up, Ali tried to ignore it but the persistent ringing convinced him that whoever was there was not going away. Finally Ali dragged himself out of the bed to open the door. He saw a handsome young stranger staring at him with kindness. The stranger greeted him in an extremely polite way. Ali usually wouldn’t invite strangers in his house, but something about this man made him to invite him inside. As the stranger stepped in, he said “are you ready to join me in my struggle to spread justice in this world”. On hearing this, Ali was baffled, confused and perplexed, gathering enough courage he asked, “Who are you?” The stranger politely replied, “you always stood-up whenever my name was uttered as a indication of joining me in my struggle, on hearing my name you would place your right hand on your head as a sign of offering your head in my cause” – The time has come, Islam needs your sacrifice in order to restore the justice and peace”. He further continued “I am preparing an army that will help us get rid of these evil people, and restore peace and justice”. On hearing his words, rush of adrenaline soared through Ali’s vein, comprehension dawned on him as he realized that he was in the presence of his Imam. Ali’s knees felt weak as relief washed over him.

Ali replied, “O my Imam, I have patiently waited for you all along during these hard times and I would be highly obliged to join your army if you could solve my simple little problems, you see I just bought my first big house and to pay the “mortgage” for this I and my wife have to work round the clock. The big house without the furniture was worthless so we bought new furniture’s. In this new neighbourhood all my neighbours had new latest car so we got new cars. To watch the annual Hajj Pilgrimage live from Makkah and Ashura live from Karbala we bought new plasma TV, all this recent expenditures has put us in tremendous debt. Than we have this “recurring” expense of my children’s that are undergoing graduation, can you help me with this small problem. The Imam stood in silence, he did not speak……

Ali continued……if my problems could be solve, I would gladly joined you. I know I am sounding similar to my forefathers that left your forefathers stranded before but let me tell you that my forefathers were wrong because they had more time then we have, you see we are terribly swamp at times for weeks together I don’t get time to see my wife or my children’s we just exchange messages on “voice mails” and “emails”. If I had time I would have gladly joined you however I promise you that every evening I will perform additional prayers for your success, please consider me with you spiritually and financially. The Imam looked at Ali walked away towards the door saying, “You are the real cause of my delay, you are still not ready for my mission”.

Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar! Ali opened his eyes, he was jolted awake by the sound of the adhan emanating from his digital alarm clock. He sat up in his bed and looked around his master bedroom. His heart was still beating fast as he realized that it was a tragic dream. A dream that has shattered all his hope, all along he has thought that he was waiting for his Imam but his dream has proved otherwise. He had gathered enough “signs on the appearance” of Imam but failed to meet the “conditions of appearance” he realized how unprepared he was for his Imam’s advent, he cried from the depth of his heart, he fell to the floor crying in shame and saying “O Allah let this tragic dream become wake-up call for my preparation, give me courage and hope to work for the condition that will result in the final uprising of Imam Muhammad al-Mahdi (ATFS)”.

The belief in the Mahdi is not only an essential doctrine deep-rooted in Islamic faith; it is rather an embodiment of human nature regardless of one’s religious affiliations. For it is the universal desire of humans as a whole to try to achieve or at least witness the realisation of the ultimate objective of their existence, through which they will achieve perfection and social happiness in its entirety. Therefore, by reason of inner necessity and inspiration, humans will see a day when society will be replete with justice.

 

More importantly, from a religious perspective the concept of the Mahdi is the culmination of human struggle in their path towards Allah the Almighty. It is when true Justice will be established through human hands but with Divine succour resulting in the prevalence of truth over falsehood and all its offshoots.

 

And say: “Truth has (now) arrived, and Falsehood perished: for Falsehood is (by its nature) bound to perish.” (Holy Qur’an, 17:81)

 

Having identified that the need for the Mahdi is a subject of inner necessity that is instilled into the hearts of humans, it is essential to outline the duties of the human race as a whole in trying to achieve a purgatory state of social felicity in the outward absence of the Mahdi that would lay a foundation for his imminent reappearance.

 

However, in the case of such a state being reached, it prompts one to question the fundamental motive behind the concealment of the Mahdi despite when the social and political factors are welcoming to his presence and his precepts. To this we say; Yes Indeed, this is exactly where the problem lies! The principle reason that is delaying the reappearance of the Mahdi is that the people aren’t ready to acknowledge the perfect leader and the perfect ideology that is to be established by him, as clearly mentioned by the Mahdi himself in one of his narrations;

 

‘If our Shi’a (followers), may Allah help and succeed them to His obedience, were united in wholeheartedly honouring the promise and obligation that is upon them, there would have been no delay in meeting us (i.e. in our reappearance), and bliss and felicity for them would have hastened by seeing us with full knowledge and certainty of testifying to our (leadership)’

 

Therefore, each and every one of us has to be very cognisant of their acts, in relation to the part we play during the occultation of the Mahdi. This period has been like none other before nor is the test set upon the Muslim Ummah and humanity at large like any before. With lack of direct contact with the divine leader of the time and the many injustices that have overwhelmed today’s society resulting in moral demise on another side, many seek the help of Allah (SWT) and pray for the hasty reappearance of the Mahdi and his promised victory. Strong faith in the promised triumph in the midst of injustice and darkness is a means of separating the true believers from the rest. A brief look into history shows endless of these so-called followers who eventually betrayed their leaders and thus put eternal shame and disgrace on themselves. A perfect example being the story of the inhabitants of Kufah in Iraq at the time of the great ancestor of the Mahdi, Imam Husayn son of Imam Ali (as), for whom he weeps blood each day until the day of his reappearance.

 

Certainly those fortunate and blessed individuals who will take part in this grand culmination of servitude, which will result in the prevalence of Truth over all forms of falsehood, will be those whose conviction in the Mahdi and the promised day is resolute. The believers will be constantly tested by those whose aim is staunchly fixed in denying the Mahdi, by using arguments such as his age, for the Mahdi’s age is now 1176 years. Many find it difficult to believe that a human can live for a period of this length, however, the impossibility in this objection is relative and its relation is to some person, place and time. What is impossibility to one person, time or place may be very possible to another, as we well know. Moreover, it should be said that living for such a length of time is neither a scientific nor a logical impossibility. Today scientists have succeeded in prolonging the life of certain animals, hundreds of times beyond their normal life spans by artificially creating conditions that delay the degeneration of their tissues and cells. The failure of this being effectively carried out on humans is merely due to the increased difficulties involved, however, it is in no way an impossibility, from a scientific point of view, to achieve this in the future.

 

Imam Mahdi (as) was born on the fifteenth of Sha’ban in the year two hundred and fifty five (255) after Hijrah. His birth was kept secret since the authorities of the time were actively seeking to execute him should he be found alive. The circumstances of his birth were therefore, very similar to that of the Prophet Moses (as) who was also been searched for by the authorities of his time, for the Pharaoh was well aware of the prophecy that a child would grow up to prevail over him and his evil rule and would replace this with the belief in the true One God whose Power, Might and Wisdom is Absolute.

 

Similarly, the Abbasid Caliphate was well aware of Imam Mahdi (as) and of how he would fill the world with justice and truth after it had been filled with injustice and falsehood, from several traditions originating from Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw). These narrations are present to date in both Shi’a and Sunni books.

 

Birth of Imam Mahdi (as)”The world will not come to an end until a man from the descendants of Husayn takes charge of the affairs of the world and fills it with justice and equity as it is filled with injustice and tyranny.”

 

At the age of five, after the tragic martyrdom of his father, the eleventh divine successor of Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) – Hassan son of Ali, Imam Mahdi went into a minor occultation. During this period, Imam Mahdi (as) was in contact with his followers through appointed deputies. This lasted for a period of about sixty nine years. A few days before the death of his fourth and final deputy Imam Mahdi (as) informed his followers, through his deputy, that there would be no more deputies after the death of the current one and after this period Imam Mahdi (as) would go into a Major Occultation, which would continue until the day Allah (SWT) grants permission to the Imam Mahdi (as) to manifest himself. During this period, none would be able to approach Imam Mahdi (as) through deputies or through direct contact. In regards to the duration and the importance of this period, Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) was once asked about the nature of the reappearance of Imam Mahdi. In his reply Holy Prophet likened the time of the Reappearance of Imam Mahdi to that of the Hour of Resurrection and then narrated the Quranic verse;

 

“He alone will manifest it at its proper time. It is heavy in the heavens and the earth. It cometh not to you save unawares” (Holy Qur’an, 7:187)

 

An important question is raised in relation to this specific period, by those who doubt or question the existence of Imam Mahdi (as). What is the benefit of divine Imam to his followers during his occultation?

 

In order to answer this question, one should realise that the position and the role of an Imam is not only to administer the affairs and the needs of Muslim Ummah, rather he is the link between man and God, the link between the material and the spiritual worlds. Moreover, his physical presence or absence has no bearing on his position in regards to this role. This can be derived from one of the sayings narrated by Imam Mahdi (as) himself;

 

‘My benefit (to the people) during my occultation is similar to that of the sun when it disappears from sight behind the clouds.’

 

Examining the above saying from a scientific approach, we understand that just like how the Earth is sustained with the Sun’s energy and light irrespective of whether it is behind clouds, similarly, we derive immense spiritual benefit from our Imam regardless of whether he is physically with us or not. Furthermore, one can also obtain another important role of Imamate from the saying above. Today, we know that the Sun is the centre of the solar system and its existence nourishes and nurtures for the planetary objects around it, similarly Imam’s sole presence, whether active or not, is of paramount importance as it is the source of life for all as without the existence of God’s proof on Earth the world is tantamount to complete annihilation.

 

We therefore have to be mindful of what we do and should endeavour in making our souls pure by nourishing them with the Divine light thus making our souls the abode for Allah (SWT) and his beloved angels. Spiritual perfection should be our goal and if there is any doubt as to whether Imam is aware of our acts and is overlooking the welfare of his followers, a saying by Imam Mahdi (as) should suffice;

 

‘We have not ignored your consideration, and have not forgotten your mention; otherwise hardship would have descended upon you and your enemies would have exterminated you.’

 

Imam Mahdi (as) is therefore watching over our affairs and is patiently awaiting our response to his call. The matter regarding the return of Imam is not one simply related to awaiting a time frame chosen by the Almighty Allah (SWT), rather in accordance to the narration from Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw), it has a direct relationship with our own actions, as he says;

 

‘The best of actions is awaiting Al-Faraj (the return)’

 

The emphasis in this saying is on the word ‘actions’, because it is in reference to participating in an action in order to bring about that awaited time. From this narration stems the School of Awaiting which is a comprehensive study into the necessary approaches and actions of the Muslim community in order to hasten the appearance of the return.

 

It is therefore necessary for everyone to work tirelessly for this objective and to remember that this mission is the only legitimate solution to the problems faced by mankind at large. It is the responsibility of everyone to remind those around them of this sacred mission and it is likewise their responsibility to sacrifice their time, efforts and even their finances for the cause of the awaited Imam.

 

It is a frequent saying amongst many Muslims, when they remember the martyrs of Karbala to chant: “If only we were with you, for surely we would have been victorious.” We today have that option, we have an Imam in occultation waiting for us to reach out towards him. He is patiently waiting for that time to come where a small group of people would truly be of his followers such that he may appear and lead this Muslim Ummah towards salvation, and yet we as a people sit and do nothing.

• Your guaranteed sustenance (Rizq) should not take you away from fulfilling your religious duties.
• Generosity has a limit, which when crossed becomes extravagance; caution has a limit which when crossed becomes cowardice; thriftiness has a limit, which when crossed becomes miserliness; courage has a limit, which when crossed becomes fool-hardiness. Let this moral lesson suffice: refrain from doing anything which you would disapprove of if done by someone else.

Bishr Al-Ansari said: When I returned with her to Samarra. She met my master Imam Ali Al-Naqi (as), her husband’s father, who asked her: “How Allah showed you the dignity of Islam and the honor of Mohammad and his progeny (as)?” She said: “What can I say O’ son of the Messenger of Allah about what you know better than I do.”

Imam Ali Al-Naqi (as) said: “I want to honor you. What shall you choose, ten thousand dinars or the news of good tidings of an everlasting honor?” She replied: “The good news of a son from me.” Imam Ali Al-Naqi (as) said: “Glad tidings for you, for you shall beget a child who will rule over the East and the West and fill the earth with justice and equity as it is filled with injustice and tyranny.” Nargis Khatoon (sa) asked: “By whom (I shall have this son)?” Imam Ali Al-Naqi (as) replied in Roman language: “By the one for whom Prophet Mohammad (SAW) had betrothed you on the night of so and so, the month of so and so, and the year of so and so….”

Imam Ali Al-Naqi (as) described in detail the visions that she had. He added: “By the one to whom Jesus (as) and his disciple gave you in marriage.” She said: “Your son Imam Hassan Askari (as).” Imam Ali Al-Naqi (as) said: “Do you know him?” She replied: “There was not a night, he has not visited me since the time I embraced Islam at the hands of Fatima daughter of Prophet Mohammad (SAW).”

By: Dr. Jawad Larry Ansari

Bishr Al-Ansari asked: “Then how you became a captive?” Nargis Khatoon (sa) said: “Imam Hassan Askari (as) told me one night that my grandfather will send out a big army to fight the Muslims on day so and so, and then he would join that army later on. When that happens, I am to follow them taking so and so route disguised as a maid with some of my maids. As I did what I was told, I found myself and the maids surrounded by the vanguard of the Muslim army. We were taken captives. No body knew that I was a Roman princess and I never told anyone. Even the old man, in whose bounty I became captive, the one you have bought me from, asked me my name. I said it was Narjis (meaning a narcissus flower). He said that it is a maid’s name. The rest of the story you witnessed in the slave market.”

Roman Princess Narjis learned Arabic

 

Bishr Al-Ansari asked: “How come you are a Roman and you speak Arabic?” She said: “Yes, my grandfather loved me so much that he wanted me to study literature and languages. He appointed his royal female interpreter as my teacher. She came day and night to teach me Arabic until I became proficient with it.”

Nargis Khatoon (sa) then said: After fourteen nights, 1 saw another vision where I saw Fatima daughter of Prophet Mohammad (SAW) and Mary mother of Jesus (sa) along with a number of maids of honor came to visit me. Mary said to me: “This is Fatima your husband’s mother.” I embraced her and cried and complained that Imam Hassan Askari did not come to see me. She said that her son would not visit me as long as I was of a different religion. I would have to embrace Islam to see him. She said: “If you were inclined to satisfy God and satisfy Jesus (as) and Mary (sa) and wanted Imam Hassan Askari (as) to visit you then you would have to say Ash’hado An La Ilaha Illa Allah, Wa Anna Mohammadan Rasoolul Allah (I bear witness that there is no God but Allah, and that Mohammad is His messenger).

I was willing heart and soul to accept Islam, and spoke those words: Ash’hado An La Ilaha Illa Allah, Wa Anna Mohammadan Rasoolul Allah. Fatima daughter of Prophet Mohammad (SAW) embraced me and said: “Now expect the visit of Imam Hassan Askari, I will send him to you”.

I woke up very happy and eager for meeting my beloved. On the following night, I saw as if he came to see me and I am saying O’ beloved, you have forsaken me, while I was suffering in your love. He said that my belief was the reason for his delay, but from now on he would visit me every night until Almighty Allah will join us together. He visited every night ever since.

Nargis Khatoon (sa) said: “That night, I had a vision as I saw Jesus (as) with Shimeon and a number of other disciples gathered in my grandfather’s palace, where a high tribune of bright light was erected in the same place where my grandfather was enthroned. I saw Prophet Mohammad (SAW), his son-in-law and Imam Ali Al-Mortadha (as) with eleven of his sons entering the place. Jesus (as) advanced to receive them and embraced Prophet Mohammad (SAW). Prophet Mohammad (SAW) said to Jesus: “O’ spirit of God, I came to you to betroth and engage your disciple Shimeon’s daughter Malika to this son of mine, pointing out to Imam Hassan Askari (as), and the writer of this letter.” Jesus (as) looked at Shimeon and said: “Honor has marched towards you. Relate your kin to the kinship of the progeny of Prophet Mohammad (SAW).” Shimeon replied: “I did”. Then Prophet Mohammad (SAW) ascended the tribune and gave an eloquent speech and conducted my marriage ceremony to his son. Jesus (as) bore witness as well as Prophet Mohammad (SAW) and the present disciples of Jesus (as).