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Birth
and Imamate
The
promised Mahdi, who is usually mentioned by his title of
Imam-i 'Asr (the Imam of the "Period") and Sahib
al-Zaman (the Lord of the Age), is the son of the
eleventh Imam. His name is the same as that of the Holy
Prophet. He was born in Samarrah in 256/868 and until
260/872 when his father was martyred, lived under his
father's care and guidance.
Sayyida Hakima who was the sister of the 10th Imam (Imam
Mohammad Taqi(a.s.)) relates that she went to her
nephew's (11th Imam - Imam Hasan Askari(a.s.)) house for
iftaar on the 14th of Sha'ban 255 A.H.The 11th Imam
asked her to stay as his son was to be born soon. There
was no sign of pregnancy on Sayyida Narjis. The 11th
Imam asked her to recite Suratul Qadr on Sayyida Narjis.
At the time of Fajr on 15th Sha'ban Sayyida Hakima heard
the Sura being recited from the womb of Sayyida Narjis.
The 11th imam told her that the birth would occur very
soon.
As soon as the 12th Imam was born he did sijda and
proclaimed the oneness of Allah and the Prophet hood of
the Prophet (S.A.W.)
He
also recited the 5th aya of Suratul-Qasas
"And We intend to bestow (Our) favours upon those who
are weak in the land and make them the Imams (leaders)
and make them the heirs".
On his right hand was written the 82nd aya of Suratu
Bani Israel
"The truth has come and falsehood has vanished; Indeed
falsehood (is a thing by nature) vanishing". The 11th
Imam only told a handful of his most trusted believers
of the birth of his son and to a few of his household
slaves.
One of
the women slaves called Naseema relates that when she
went to see the baby Imam in his cradle she greeted him
with salaam and was replied to. She then sneezed and the
Imam said: "Yarhamukallah - it is a blessing from Allah
and you have 3 days immunity from death".
The
last Imam(a.s.) was hidden from public view and only a
few of the elite among the Shi'ah were able to meet him.
After the martyrdom of his father he became Imam and by
Divine Command went into occultation (ghaybat).
Thereafter he appeared only to his deputies (na'ib) and
even then only in exceptional circumstances.
Ghaibat (occultation) of the last Imam (a.s.)
The
Imam's ghaibat (occultation) was in two phase -
Ghaibat-e-Sughra (minor occultation) was for about 69
years - 260 A.H. (872 A.D.) to 329 A.H. (939 A.D.) and
the Ghaibat-e-Kubra (greater occultation) started in 329
A.H. (939 A.D.)and will continue until Allah(swt) so
wills.
Why
Ghaibat?
the
6th Imam, Imam as-Sadiq (a.s.) states the reason of the
ghaibat as prevention against being killed.
Ishaq bin Yaqub (on authority from 12th Imam) says that
all the Imams were under oppressive rulers. Our 12th
Imam is hidden in order to rise in arms with obedience
to no one.
Muhammad Yaqub Al-Kulayni has said that ghaibat is a
test from Allah to test the steadfastness of belief in
Imam.
If he
is to remain in Ghaibat, what is the use of his
existence?
Belief creates hope giving strength to the oppressed.
It is a deterrent for the committing of injustice as one
is always aware of the constant presence of the Imam.
Why
insist on 12? Why Imamat not continued and last Imam
near Quiyama to do 12th Imam's work?
For
one who is to cleanse the earth of all wrong and
injustice is necessary for him to be born near early
Islam and carry pure and pristine Islamic ideas. It is
necessary to look from his vantage point at all the
upheavals in the world. Personal experience of the past
will make him fearless of the seemingly invincible
superpowers no matter how strong they are.
Why
Ghaibat-e-Sughra?
To make the Shias used to approaching scholars instead
of Imam himself. It started during the time of the 10th
Imam who was under almost constant house arrest in
Samarra and continuing through
GHAIBAT-E-SUGHRA (160 A.H. to 329 A.H.)
During
Ghaibut-us-Sughra, the Imam(a.s.) appointed four
deputies/representatives to represent him among the
people. After the death of the fourth deputy, the
Imam(a.s.) went into Ghaibut-e-Kubra (major
occultation). This was on the 10th Shawal 329 A.H. The 4
representatives were :
1.
Janabe Abu Amr Usman Ibne Saeed Amri(a.r.)
It is said that at the age of 11 years he was a servant
in the house of the 9th Imam(a.s.) later to enjoy the
confidence of Imam. He occupied the same position of
trust with the 10th and 11th Imam who told their Shias
that after him they would not see the 12th Imam and
would have to obey Uthman. After the 11th Imam's
martyrdom Uthman moved to Baghdad and disguised as a
butter seller he set up the collection of khums for
Imam. He served the 12th Imam for 18 months and received
a letter near his death from Imam(a.s.) telling him to
appoint his son Mohammed as the next representative.
2.
Janab Abu Jafar Mohammad Ibne Usman Ibne Saeed Amri
(a.r.)
He continued in his fathers footsteps also acting as a
butter seller. He managed to keep Imam's existence a
secret from the Abbasids until the early years of the
reign of Al-Mutadid. The rulers then started searching
hard for Imam and killed countless mu'mineen with even
the slightest resemblance to Imam. Spies were set up to
probe the khums network. Imam issued an order for Shias
not to take his name nor show mas'ala of khums to anyone
until absolutely sure of them. As instructed by Imam he
appointed Husayn bin Rawh as the next representative
after his death in 305 A.H.
3.
Janab Abul Qasim Husain Ibne Rauh Nawbakhti (a.r.)
His kuniyya was Abul Qasim. His sociable nature won him
respect even from the Ahlul-Sunnah. He managed to keep
his activities a secret from the rulers whilst
maintaining good relations with them. It is to him that
we address the 'ariza' to be delivered to Imam. He
served faithfully until he died in Sha'ban 326 a.h.
revealing the appointment of Ali bin Muhammad Samry
after him.
4.
Janab Abul Hasan Ali Ibne Mohammad Seymouri (a.r.)
He served for only three years. A week before his death
he received a letter from the Imam(a.s.) telling him of
his forthcoming death and that there would be no
representative after him and that Imam(a.s.) was now
going into Ghaibat-e-Kubra (major occultation).
Imam(a.s.) would then appear when Allah(swt) wills it.
Ali bin Muhammad Samry(a.r.) died on 15th Sha'ban 329
A.H.
GHAIBAT E KUBRA (329 A.H. to present)
Imam's
ghaibat is described by the Aimma like that of Prophet
Yusuf (A.S.) who was amongst his brothers yet they did
not recognise him.
Imam is known to meet a believer on 3 occasions:
1. At
the time of trouble.
2. He is present at every Hajj.
3. He attends the funeral of every believer who has no
religious obligations pending on him/her e.g. Khums.
During
this time he continues to guide. Numerous letters have
been received from him by (to quote a few) Ishaq bin
Yaqub, Sheikh Mufeed...
. It is reported that 30 people all over the world meet
with him regularly. It is also reported that Jaziratul
Khadra (green islands or Bermuda Triangle) is a vast
land in Imam's kingdom occupied by a large number of
Shia and governed by Imam's family.
Responsibilities During Ghaibat e Kubra
Pray
for the safety of Imam(a.s.) at all time.
Be in waiting for Imam(a.s.) at all times.
Give Sadaqa for Imam(a.s.).
Pray for his re-appearance.
Whenever faced with difficulty (whether small or big)
ask for assistance from Imam(a.s.).
Whenever his name is heard or recited, one should stand
if possible, send salaams on him, put hand on head and
bow.
If possible perform Hajj/Umra for Imam(a.s.).
(Hajj-After own Wajibat)
RE-APPEARANCE OF IMAM AL MAHDI (A.S.)
" The
actual time of appearance is only known by Allah"
However various indications have been given by our
Aimma.
- It
will be the day of Friday.
- It will be the 10th of Muharram.
- The century will be an odd number.
- There will be both a solar and lunar eclipse in the
month of Ramadhan but contrary to all norms and
calculations.
- A voice will be heard announcing the appearance of
Imam which will be heard by all in their own language.
- Imam Ali (a.s.) related to Sa'sa bin Sawhaan: The 12th
Imam will appear when:
There will be a loud noise from the sky with which the
eardrums will pierce.
- Nasibayn (Iraq) will burn on all four sides.
- Basra will be abandoned.
- Turkey will be ruled by Usmanis.
- People will usurp that which they are trusted with.
- People will 'kill' Salaa. (It will not be abandoned
but its essence destroyed).
- People will carry music in their pockets.
- The 5th , 6th and 7th Imams have said:
"A great man from the people of Qum will rise up and
take a stand. He will invite people will invite people
towards the truth. Brave people like strong mountains,
not fearing fighting and having trust in Allah will come
to his help.......... Finally the enemy of Islam will
withdraw.............. The rule of Islamic Law will be
established by the people themselves".
"Kufa
will become barren of Islamic knowledge...........
whilst Qum will become the centre of Islamic
Fiqh............ so much so that it will spread
throughout the world that not a single person will
remain ignorant of the message of Islam".
"These
people will be the vicegerents of the 12th Imam. Their
rule will continue and link with the appearance of the
12th Imam. They will not entrust the rule established by
them to any but Imam on his reappearance".
- Imam
Ali (a.s.) took Kumayl bin Ziyad to the outskirts of
Kufa and showed him where he was to be buried. He then
told him that all round his grave there would be tall
buildings carrying the sign of Shaitan on them. The sign
would be called Antennae.
-
Sufyani will appear. He will be a Jew but make himself
apparent as a Muslim. He will be supported fully by the
Christian governments and his mission will be to destroy
Shias. He will offer booty to anyone who kills a Shia.
The result will be such that even neighbours who have
lived as brothers for years will kill Shias for money.
He will be finally killed by Prophet Isa (A.S.)
- Imam
will appear in Makka and his 'zahoor' will be in two
stages (similar to Prophet hood of the Prophet).
1st Stage - This will be in secret and not announced to
all (only to close followers).
2nd Stage - Open announcement on the 10th of Muharram
(Ashura).
- In
the Zil-Hajjah of the preceding to Imam's appearance on
Ashura, 40 momineen who will be Imam's closest
companions will realise the nearness of 'zahoor' and go
for Hajj. They will not return home and on the 15th of
Zil-Hijjah they will go to the Ka'ba and cry a lot.
- One
of them will be called by Imam(a.s.), introduced and
told to be the representative of the 40. They will all
meet Imam(a.s.) between the 16th and 22nd of Zil-Hijjah.
Imam will tell them that one of them will have to
announce the arrival of Imam(a.s.) at the door of the
Ka'ba but whosoever would do this would be killed
immediately.
- On
the 25th Zil-Hijjah the announcement will be made and
the announcer killed (This is the blood of Nafse Zakiyya
- pure soul, those whose blood will touch the Ka'ba and
who is mentioned in numerous prophecies).
His blood will be avenged 2 weeks later when Imam(a.s.)
will appear himself at the Ka'ba.
-
Those who answer the first call will be 313 in number.
- Imam's army will consist of 10.000 momineen.
- Imam will establish his government in Kufa and his
treasury in Masjidus Sahla.
Additional notes on the re-appearance of Imam(a.s.).
In
Sheikh Tusi's 'Ghaybat', Abu Baseer quoted Imam Ja'fer
As-Sadiq (A.S.) as saying
"The call in the name of QAIM (i.e. Imam Al Mahdi (a.s.)
) will be made in the night of the 23rd Ramadhan and he
will make his appearance on the day of Ashura, the day
of Imam Hussain's (a.s.) martyrdom".
Sheikh
Sudooq in his book Kamaaluddin relates from Zararah that
Imam Jafer as-Sadiq(a.s.) said "The announcer will call
the name of the Qaim(a.s.)". I asked whether this call
is for a particular group or if it is meant for
everyone, Imam Jafer Sadiq(a.s.) said:
"Shaitan will not leave the people alone. He will call
late in the night and will plunge people into doubt".
In the
13th volume of Bihar-ul-Anwar, Imam Al-Baqir(a.s.) is
quoted as saying that "The Qaim (Imam Al-Mahdi(a.s.))
will send one of his companions to Makka and will ask
him to inform them that I'm sent by so-and-so to you and
that we are the merciful Ahlul-Bayt and the Store-house
of 'Risalat' (religious guidance) and 'Khilafat' and we
are the progeny of Muhammad(pbuh&hf) and from the time
that the Prophet of Islam(pbuh&hf) left this world until
now, we've been oppressed and deprived and our rights
have been usurped. So we call you to befriend us. When
that young man will utter these words, he will be caught
and beheaded between 'Rukn' and 'madam' (in Masjidul
Haram) and this young man is the 'Nafse Zaki'..........
And between the death of the 'Nafse Zaki' and the
re-appearance of Imam Al-Mahdi (A.S.) there will not be
a gap of fifteen nights".
Other
signs heralding the reappearance of Imam al-Mahdi (a.s)
Prophet Muhammed (saws) has said:
"Even
if the entire duration of the world’s existence has
already been exhausted and only one day is left before
Doomsday, Allah will expand that day to such length of
time as to accommodate the kingdom of a person from my
Ahlul-Bayt who will be called by name. He will fill out
the earth with and justice as it will have been full of
injustice and tyranny (by then)"
From
this Hadith, it is clear to every Muslim that the
twelfth Imam will reappear when this world is full of
sins and injustice.
There
are many signs mentioned by the Masumeen (a.s) on the
reappearance of the 12th Imam. It is reported in Biharul
Anwar that after the last pilgrimage the Prophet made,
the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.) stood near the Kaaba, and
called his people to listen to him. The Prophet said:
“listen to me carefully so that you transmit these words
of mine to those who are absent today.” The Prophet
began, “My people, a time will come when kings and
rulers will be tyrannical.” The Prophet also said that
the payment of Zakat will be stopped.
According to the Masumeen(a.s), Muslim countries will
seek aid from non Muslim countries. This is already
evident in a number of Muslim countries. Another
prediction that is come true is that 60 impostors will
claim to be Prophets. By their attractiveness, their
persuasion, and their personality, they will misguide
the people. 58 false Prophets have already emerged since
the days of the Prophet (s.a.w.). We have only two more
to witness.
It is
reported in Qayamat-e-Sughra citing “Oqdatud-Durr” that
Hazrat Amir(a.s) has said that the Mahdi will not appear
until one-third of the world population will die by
being killed and one-third will die as a result of
epidemics.
The
Last Signs Heralding the Appearance of Imam al-Mahdi
(a.s)
There
is a Hadith from Imam Muhammed Baqir (a.s) that for
three or seven consecutive days, one will see reddish
yellow fire raging in the East.
Sufiani will emerge in Palestine, where he will start a
revolt in the month of Rajab. He will be an
uncompassionate rebel and his rule will last for eight
consecutive months. He will conquer and rule Egypt for
four consecutive months. Sufiani will conquer Tunisia,
Algeria, Morocco, Jordan, and Syria. Sufiani has been
specifically described by Aimma A.S. as an ugly,
blistered, green-eyed, cross-eyed person who will be an
enemy of the friends of the Ahlul-Bait. Imam Ali (a.s)
has said that Sufiani’s hatred of the devotees of the
Ahlul-Bait will be such that any person named Ali,
Fatema, Hassan, Hussein, Zainab, Ruquaiya will be
arrested and beheaded straight away without further
investigations. Sufiani will rip the Mimber of the Holy
Prophet (s.a.w.). The holy house of the Prophet which
contains his grave will be pulled and used as a stable.
Horses will be tied in that Holy place.
Sufiani will then decide to attack Makka. His purpose
would be to demolish the Holy Kaaba and kill the entire
population of Makka. Sufiani’s army will set out via
Baghdad but, as Allah would have it, when they get
between Medina and Makka, in the desert of Baida,
suddenly one night they will hear a voice from the sky
which will say, “O Baida eat up the entire army of
Sufiani.” It is said that the entire army numbering
100,000 persons will be swallowed up by the earth,
except for two. The two who will be spared will suddenly
encounter an angel. He will slap both of them turning
their faces right round, looking behind instead of
front. And that will be the time when Imam al-Mahdi
(a.s) will already have reappeared in Makka. The Imam
will establish his authority in the Holy Mosque at Makka
in the Haram. The angel will then order one of them
calling him Bashir. “O Bashir, go straight to Makka,
into the Haram and inform the Imam that Sufiani’s army
has been swallowed up by the land. The other called
Nazir will be ordered to go to Sufiani and tell him that
the Imam has already appeared. He should proceed
straight to Makka and declare allegiance to him.
Sufiani will prepare to attack the Imam but will not
have enough courage. The Imam will catch Sufiani in
Jerusalem and will kill him.
Imam
Ali (a.s) has said that nine definite signs will precede
the emergence of Hazrat Mahdi (a.s). These nine signs
are:
1.
Dajaal
will emerge.
2.
A loud
voice will be heard from the sky.
3.
Sufiani will appear and wage a fierce war.
4.
The
army of Sufiani will be swallowed by a sudden opening of
the land between
5.
Makka
and Medina in the desert of Baida.
6.
A
revered wise saint will be murdered in Makka. (This
saint is to be a Hashimite descent.)
7.
A
Seyyid descendant of Imam Hassan (a.s) will emerge with
his army.
8.
The
army of Seyyid-e-Hassan and an image of a man will
appear in the sky opposite the sun.
9.
There
will be two eclipses in the holy month of Ramadhan
contrary to the normal order and calculation and the
eclipse of the moon.
10.
On
three occasions a loud voice from the sky will be heard
in the holy month of Ramadhan.
Other
Prophets(pbut) will join the Imam(a.s.)
Hazrat
Isa, Hazrat Khizr, Hazrat Ilias, and Hazrat Idris(pbut)
will give allegiance to the Imam(a.s.) when he reapers.
Also Hazrat Jibrael(a.s.) will announce 313 companions
of the Imam(a.s.). These 313 companions will be people
of eminent piety, great knowledge and absolutely
steadfast in their determination and faith towards the
Imam(a.s.). Another 1000 people will be in the army of
the Imam(a.s.). These people will fight battles and kill
enemies like Dajjal, who will appear from India. Dajjal
will have the musical tunes with him. Then the
Imam(a.s.) will lead the prayers, Hazrat Isa(pbuh) will
be behind him.
Lets
us all pray for the reappearance of Imam al-Mahdi(a.s).
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