Gate of Knowledge Foundation

A man of knowledge was longing for meeting with Baqiyatallah, Hazrat Imam Mahdi (aj), and he suffered agonies of not being granted the chance and for a long time he underwent severe austerity and pursued spiritual seeking.

It is well-known among the Tullab (Islamic seminary students) of Hawza in Najaf-e-Ashraf and the scholars of the holy shrine of Imam Ali (as) that every one who finds the honor to go the Masjid-e-Sahlah to perform the evening and night prayers every Tuesday uninterruptedly for forty nights, they will be graced with meeting Baqiyatallah, Hazrat Imam Mahdi (aj).

For a while, he struggled to this end but to no effect. Then he resorted to the occult sciences and numerical symbolism and started self-discipline and other ascetic and rigorous practices in seclusion, anxiously seeking to meet the Hidden Imam, Hazrat Baqiyatallah (aj) but all in vain. However, as a consequence of his nightly vigilance and lamenting and wailing at dawns, he had developed some kind of insight and intuition, and occasionally some illuminating flash would be graced on him. He would fall in ecstasy and rapture, often having certain visions and hearing some subtleties.

In one of these mystical states, he was told: “Your seeing and being granted an audience with Baqiyatallah, Hazrat Imam Mahdi (aj) will not be possible, unless you make a trip to such and such a city”. Quite difficult as it sounded at first, but for that sacred purpose, it appeared to be so convenient.

Baqiyatallah, Hazrat Imam Mahdi (aj) in the Blacksmiths’ Bazaar

After several days the above-mentioned man arrived in that city and yet even there he carried on his self-discipline and ascetic practices in seclusion that intended to last forty days long. On the thirty seventh day, he was told: “Right now Baqiyatallah, Hazrat Imam Mahdi (aj) is in the blacksmiths’ bazaar, in a shop belonging to an old locksmith; so, be quick to go now and seek his audience”.

He stood up and as he had already seen in his ecstatic vision, rushed the way down to the old man’s shop where he saw Baqiyatallah, Hazrat Imam Mahdi (aj) sitting there and talking amiably with the locksmith. When he greeted, Baqiyatallah, Hazrat Imam Mahdi (aj) responded and beckoned him to keep silent, and asked him to watch what happens next in the shop.

At this moment I saw a bent, fragile, old woman with a walking stick who showed us a lock with her shaking hand and said: “Will you, for God’s sake, buy this lock from me for “three shahis”?. I need three shahis.”

The old locksmith took a look at the lock and found it intact, and then said: “My sister! This lock costs “Two abbasis” because it’s key will cost no more than “ten dinars”; so if you give me ten dinars, I will make a key to this lock and then its value will be ten shahis and not three.”

The old woman answered: “No, I do not need that, I only need the money; if you buy this lock from me for three shahis, I will pray for you.”

The old man said with utmost naivety: “My sister! You are a Muslim, and I too claim to be a Muslim. So why should I buy a Muslim’s property for a low price and deny someone’s right? The value of this lock is already eight shahis; if I want to benefit from it, I’ll buy it for seven shahis, for it is unfair to make more that a shahi profit in a deal of only two abbasis. If you are sure you want to sell it, I’ll buy it for seven shahis and not three, and I repeat again that the real price is two abbasis. Since I am a businessman I buy it for one shahi less.

The old woman perhaps would not believe what the man said. She was upset and complained that nobody had been willing to buy that price. She said she begged them to buy it for three shahis but no one agreed and here there is someone who is prepared to pay seven shahis. The old man paid seven shahis to the old woman and purchased it from her, though he could have got that lock for three shahis.

When the woman turned back to leave, Baqiyatallah, Hazrat Imam Mahdi (aj) said to me:

My Dear! Did you watch the wonderful scene? You do likewise, become honest and truthful like that locksmith and then I will come to see you. You won’t have to find me.

There is no need for ascetic seclusion and resorting to Jafr (numerical symbolism). Self-discipline and various travels will not be required; instead show good sincere action and be a proper, honest Muslim so that I can interact with you.

Of all people of this city, I picked out this old man, since this man is religious and knows Allah (SWT). And you observed the trial he went through: This old woman requested all in the bazaar, to fulfill her need and since they found her desperate and needy, they were all seeking to buy (her lock) cheap than the actual worth of it. Nobody bought it even for three shahis. This old man, however, bought it for its real price, real worth, i.e. seven shahis. Thus, every week I pay a visit to him and show kindness and amiability to him.”

This is how equity in transactions is effective in self-building and attaining Allah’s favor. You create equity in your transactions and Baqiyatallah, Hazrat Imam Mahdi (aj) of the time will come and visit you personally.

Equity in all tasks, especially in transactions is an important issue that has been highly stressed in Islam. Imam Ali (as) said: “Equity is the best of virtues.” And he further said: “The greatest reward is one granted for equity.”

Taken from Life and Times of the Famous Scholar Shaykh Rajab Ali Khayyat

The distinguished scholar, Sheikh Baqir Kadhimi, who lived near Najaf-e-Ashraf, narrates that a truthful barber, once related the following story: I had an old father, whom I served diligently. I exercised such great care never to be neglectful towards him, that I would even place water for him in the toilet and remain in wait outside till he emerged. All throughout (the week) I would be watchful of him, except on Wednesday evenings when I would proceed to Masjid-e-Sahlah hoping to meet Baqiyatallah, Hazrat Imam Mahdi (aj). One Wednesday I was very busy and did not find a spare moment until it was almost sunset. Nevertheless, I set off towards Masjid-e-Sahlah alone in the dark. It was a moonlit night and I still had one third of the journey to cover when suddenly I observed an Arab, seated on a horse, coming towards me. I said to myself, “This Arab is surely going to loot me”, but when he had come closer, he spoke in the local dialect, and sought to know where I was heading for? I told him that I intended to go to Masjid-e-Sahlah, whereupon he inquired if I had anything with me to eat. When I replied that I did not, he spoke with some sternness, and said: “You have some food in your pocket.” Putting my hand into my pocket, I found some raisins, which I had purchased for my son but had forgotten to give him. The Arab then said: “I recommend you to serve your father”, and, repeating this three times, he suddenly disappeared. It was only later that I realized that it was Baqiyatallah, Hazrat Imam Mahdi (aj) himself that I had seen and that he was not pleased that I stopped serving my father, even for the purpose of going to Masjid-e-Sahlah on Wednesday evenings.

We believe that the lengthening of a man’s life is not an impossibility, because it is explicitly said in the Noble Qur’an that:

“We (once) sent Noah to his people, and he tarried among them a thousand years less fifty:” (29:14)

What is more, research undertaken in the biological sciences has corroborated the possibility of lengthening the human lifespan. Even great scientists are of the opinion that food and drugs may be prepared which can prolong man’s life. The late Ayatullah Sadr [A learned scholar of Qom (1882-1953), father of the well-known Imam Musa al-Sadr of the Lebanon.] in his book “al-Mahdi”, quoted from a scientific article written in 1959 which stands as a witness to what we have said above. Here we shall give a summary of it. Authoritative scientists say that all the basic tissues of the animal body can live forever, and it is possible for man to live for a thousand years, provided that it doesn’t happen that the thread of his life is severed.

These scientists do not speak on the basis of guesswork or surmise, for they have arrived at their conclusion through scientific experiment.

The miracles of the prophets, the cooling of the fire for Hazrat Ibrahim al-Khalil, the turning into a serpent of Hazrat Musa al-Kaleem’s staff, the bringing to life of the dead through Hazrat Isa al-Roohullah, and so forth, are all against the usual flow of things, but Allah (SWT) brought another order into existence by His own power and a miracle occurred; all Muslims, Jews and Christians, believe in miracles. Similarly for the length of the life of the Imam of the Age there remains no place for any kind of objection, because if someone says that such a length of life is impossible, his claim cannot be at all accepted after the stipulation of the Noble Qur’an concerning the length of Hazrat Nuh’s life, and also after the latest revelations of biology. If it is said that it is possible, but against the normal natural order of things, it can be retorted that the length of life of the Imam of the Age is against the natural order just as the miracles of the prophets, and is carried out according to the will of Allah (SWT). Someone who believes in the power of Allah (SWT) and the occurrence of the miracles of the prophets cannot have the slightest objection to the length of the Imam’s life.

Hazrat Baqiyatallah, Imam Mahdi (aj) has occulted for an unknown period, but benefits mankind like the Sun behind the clouds. There would be relief (Faraj) after this occultation (Ghaibat) by the will of Allah (SWT) which is known as “Reappearance” era.

At first, Hazrat Baqiyatallah, Imam Mahdi (aj) will rise from Makkah and will organize a worldwide revolution to spread justice. He will destroy all the wicked and will propagate honesty and theism. He will govern the entire world several years and in the golden era of his appearance, people will experience a divine government, which was desired by all of previous prophets and Imams. In this era, Jesus Christ (Hazrat Isa al-Roohullah) will come from sky to the earth to help Hazrat Baqiyatallah, Imam Mahdi (aj). The number of his leading companions are 313 (same as the number of soldiers in the first battle of Islam at Badr) who are the outstanding people in the history. In fact most of them do not belong to that time but they will gain their lives once again by the command of Allah (SWT) to help Hazrat Baqiyatallah, Imam Mahdi (aj). Further, he will punish the enemies of previous Imams.

And finally, after years of his governorship, he will be martyred by the most vicious of all people and that is the time when all people will die and will be raised by Allah’s (SWT) will in the day of resurrection for the final judgment.

Gar Ho Meri Hayat Meray Ikhtayar Main,
Sadiyaan Guzaar Doun Ga Teray Intezar Main

Moula Ab Aap Parda-e-Ghaibat Uthyae,
Do Din Tu Zindage ke Guzaroun Bahar Ke

City of Birds in the light of a HadithThe place was very lonely and it seemed that there was none except Allah (SWT) in that place. It was surrounded by mountains. It was called the ‘City of Birds’. The city was the most beautiful place on earth. The birds over there led a very comfortable life. There were all kinds of birds – parrots, sparrows, pigeons, and etc.

 

At the break of dawn, the cock’s cry used to wake up everyone and then everyone began working. There lived a family of pigeons in that city. In that family there were several baby pigeons. These baby pigeons were very beautiful. They were milk white and there were brown lines along their necks, which added to their beauty. They used to wake up with the rising Sun and used to do salaam to the Sun with a lot of love and respect.

 

The Sun replied to their salaam and used to converse with them. The Sun loved them more than the other birds. Everyday the Sun used to wake them up and encouraged them to work.

 

The days passed in this manner, until it was winter. The birds, which could not tolerate the extreme cold, flew to another warmer city. Slowly many birds left the city and the place became very lonely.

 

One day, the cock crowed as usual. The pigeons and other birds began rising slowly. But today they did not see the Sun. The Sun was hidden behind a very dark cloud. With this, the birds felt very cold and uncomfortable. The baby pigeons asked their mother, ‘Why did the Sun not come out today?’

 

The mother pigeon took her little ones under the shelter of her wings and said, ‘Dear children, be patient, surely one day the Sun will come out.’

 

Many days passed, however there were still no signs of the Sun. Without the Sun, the birds felt more and more uncomfortable. And as the dark clouds surrounded them, the whole place was very dull and gloomy.

 

The birds used to sit alongside each other and consoled one another, ‘Don’t worry, surely one day the Sun will come out and drive the dark clouds away. It will fill our lives with light and happiness like before.’

 

But the dark clouds continued to surround the ‘City of Birds’. The thunder of the clouds frightened everyone, and the lightening made the birds feel very uneasy. The whole atmosphere was very tense. In this atmosphere, there were some who continued to do their work and were not affected by the thunder and lightening around them.

 

But there were some who were very afraid and even became hopeless of the Sun ever coming out again. They started telling the other birds, ‘O those who await the rising of the Sun, don’t be so hopeful of the Sun, because it will never come out again! You will never see it again. So don’t have any hopes on seeing the Sun, otherwise you will be disappointed.’

 

Such talks saddened the birds. They began thinking, ‘Will the Sun ever come out again?’ Then the dark cloud also began frightening the birds with its talks. The cloud said, ‘If you all don’t do as I say, then there will be so much snow, that all of you will be covered in it.’

 

Now while the cloud was saying this, suddenly it became very cold and it began raining heavily. Then some of the weak birds began believing the cloud and said, ‘O cloud, we believe you and will do as you command.’

 

However, the pigeons were not afraid of the cloud’s threat. They spoke to the other birds thus, ‘Dear brothers, what are you saying. Don’t be fooled with the dark cloud’s talks. Surely the Sun is present behind the dark cloud. One day the Sun will definitely come out from behind the dark cloud.

 

Hadith of Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw)However the situation was such that no one was listening to anyone and everyone had his own opinion.

 

Some were saying. ‘Surely the Sun has died’, while some were saying, ‘The Sun is unhappy with us and will never return’, while some others were saying, ‘The Sun has gone on a long journey and no one knows when it will return.’

 

There was a lot of confusion among the birds. Finally the birds decided that they would ask the Hoopoe’s advice about the Sun. So they all went to the Hoopoe’s nest and explained the matter to him. The Hoopoe listened to them very carefully. Then it said, ‘The pigeons are absolutely right. The Sun has neither died, nor has it gone away on some journey. Right now, the Sun is present above our heads.’

 

Then all those birds, which did not believe the pigeon earlier, were very surprised at the Hoopoe’s talks. They asked, ‘Is the Sun really present over our heads. But we cannot see anything. If the Sun had been there…

The Hoopoe interrupted them and said, ‘Just think a little and you will understand that whatever life is there on this earth, it is only because of the Sun. If there was no Sun we would all have died. Very often we don’t see the Sun with our eyes, but its effects are very clear to everyone. For example, at night we don’t see the Sun, but the Sun is very much there. It provides us with enough heat so that we remain alive.

 

Even when the weather is very cold, we get our heat from the Sun.’ ‘Don’t be so sad and disheartened. Be patient and pray so that the dark clouds go away and the Sun becomes visible once again. Pray so that our eyes can be comforted with a glance at the Sun.’

 

All the birds, especially the baby pigeons, prayed that night for the Sun. In the morning the Hoopoe, the birds and the pigeons woke up. The baby pigeons were very happy, and why not, their prayers had been answered. They all looked towards the sky very happily and said with love and affection, ‘O generous Sun. Peace be upon you!’

 

Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) said: “In occultation (Ghaibat) Imam is like a sun hidden behind the clouds.”

Allamah Shaikh Hilli (a.r.) the great shia scholar narrates….

I had heard that a person wrote a book in which he had criticized the Shia faith and had written false and wrong traditions to prove lies as truth and truth as lies.

I know that the writer teaches only his students from his book and he never gave that book to anyone else, so that the book should not come into the hands of Shia Ulama and scholars, so that the false things written cannot be disclosed.

I was very disturbed when I hear this and I made every possible attempt to lay my hands on that book. There was only one way to get the book and that was to become the student of the writer, and that is what I did.

Till three months I attended every lecture and listened to his false talks and had to bear it. I used to return very tired in the afternoon to my house. And slowly I gained his confidence and he started to trust me.

I persuaded his to lend that book and he could not refuse to lend me the book. He took an oath from me that I could keep the book only for one night and return it back the next day in the morning.

I took the book and hurried towards my home and I know that it was not possible to copy all the pages in one night. But I said to himself that I will try to copy down as many as pages and answer them and then distribute them among people. I did this so that the people may know the truth.

As I reached near my house I realized that I did not have enough ink in the house to copy the book. I hurried towards a shop to buy some ink. After that I quickly walked towards to my home.

I reached home, performed my prayers and quickly started to write. I draw lines on white papers and copied down a few pages. It had completely slipped my mind that I had not eaten anything and had no provisions for my dinner also.

And soon it was night. I performed my evening prayers and after lighting the candles I again sat down to write. Time passed by quickly and I realized that I had not even finished half of the book but being hungry and tired my eyes grew heavy and I slowed down and after a few pages it become too difficult to continue.

Suddenly I heard a knock on the door. I wondered who it could be at this time of the night. Again I heard the knock. I opened the door and saw a handsome young man standing out whose face was shining like a moon and he was smiling at me.

I did not know him and when he called out my name I was surprise that how he knew my name. I was so engrossed in my thoughts that I forget to invite the visitor in the house. I welcomed him in the house but was worried that I could not finish the book in time.

He walked calmly and went and sat near the pages I wrote. I wondered what he wanted but did not have the courage to ask the man what he wanted at this time of the night. The young man asked me why I was awake at this time of the night. I replied that I was copying down a book but he did not ask me why I was doing so. He suggested to me that I should draw the lines on the pages while he copied down the book.

I was overjoyed and started to quickly draw the lines on the pages while he copied it down. He was writing quickly and very beautifully. He was so fast that I could not catch up with him in drawing the lines.

I was very tired now and the young guest asked me to lie down and rest while he wrote.

It was a good idea and I requested the young man to wake me up before he left so I could finish the book. Soon I went to sleep.

When I wake up in the morning I saw that the guest had left. I was upset that he left without waking me up and now I could not complete the book. I rushed towards the book and turned the pages of it to see how much is left? But as I turned the pages I realized that he had completed copying the book.

How was this possible? It was impossible that he could finish the book.

The young man had left a signature at the end of the book. I looked at the sign and my whole body trembled and I started to weep profusely.

The signature read as “Writer – Hujjat (Proof of Allah).”

I realized that the guest was no other then my beloved Imam-e-Zamana (as).

This meant that Imam (as) had written these pages. He came to my help and I could not recognize him. I slept while he did my work.

Allamah Shaikh Hilli (a.r.) cried and trembled. He could not stop crying as all the time he could see only the handsome face in front of him.

He took the book and quickly hurried towards the writer’s house.

When he stepped out of the house he looked towards the sky and prayed “O Allah! If possible, let me meet him again.”

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.

 

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

 

3. 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)

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.

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.).

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.

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.