Gate of Knowledge Foundation

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

 

We can divide the answer in three parts.

 

To Await (Intezar)

To recite recommended supplications during the occultation (Dua)

Purifying the self (Taqwa)

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

All the family members sat around Grandfather in the evening.

 

Son: How was your journey to Bahrain, father?

 

Grandfather: It was enjoyable, son.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Minister: Look at this pomegranate.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Minister: But sir…

 

Ruler: But what?

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Grandfather: The caller went out by drumming.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Son: What were these conditions?

 

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

 

Son: What are the conditions?

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Grandson: What happened after that?

 

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

 

Grandson: What were the solutions?

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Son: Did God reply his ask?

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Son: What a sly game was it!

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Doyen: My master, we got another miracle.

 

Ruler: What is it?

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Doyen: Go ahead my master.

 

Ruler: How did you know the solution?

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

Uncle Jamil: But you came early this time.

 

Ahmad: I have finished my homework.

 

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

 

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

 

Uncle Jamil: Why not?

 

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

 

Uncle Jamil: What a sudden change it is.

 

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

 

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

 

Ahmad: It is a big favour from you Uncle Jamil

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Ahmad: Great project!

 

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

 

Ahmad: Thank you.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Uncle Jamil: That’s good.

 

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

 

Uncle Jamil: Good idea.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Ahmad: Thank you sir.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Ahmad: All right.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Ahmad: What are these questions?

 

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

 

Ahmad: Allah (SWT) is our creator.

 

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

 

Ahmad: Of course not.

 

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

 

Ahmad: What is that purpose?

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Ahmad: What are these characteristics?

 

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

 

Ahmad: This is the first one.

 

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

 

Ahmad: This is the second one.

 

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

 

Ahmad: Of course it is impossible.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Ahmad: That’s right.

 

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

 

Ya Sahib uz ZamanAhmad: Absolutely not.

 

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

 

Ahmad: I have another question Uncle Jamil.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Ahmad: how proud I am of this nice gift.

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.