Imam Mahdi

The Birth of Imam Mahdi The name of the mother of Imam Mahdi (A) is Bibi Narjis Khatun (A). Her other names were Malika, Sausan and Rayhana. She was the grand-daughter of the Roman Emperor of the time. The history of her arrival into Samarra is narrated by Bashir bin Sulayman as follows: "Once Imam Ali an-Naqi (A) called for me and said, "Since you are a descendant of our helpers and amongst our friends, I wish to assign to you a responsibility as I place full confidence in you." I asked him to issue his command as I was ready for any service. He said that he desired to purchase a female slave. He asked me to proceed to Baghdad for this purpose and upon my arrival to go to the river bank the next morning. There I would see a number of boats and some female captives for sale. I should approach one Umar bin Yazid who would have for sale a female who would be dressed in two silk clothes. She would disapprove of any buyer and would be speaking in the Roman language. He gave me 120 Dinars and said that the seller would accept only this price. He also gave me a letter written in the Roman language to hand over to the female slave. I proceeded to Baghdad and in accordance with the signs Imam (A) had given me, I identified the lady and handed the letter to her. Upon reading the letter tears flowed from her eyes and she said to her master that she wanted to be sold only to me and that she would accept no other buyer. So I returned to my lodging with the lady who placed the letter on her eyes and wept profusely. I asked her why she was kissing the letter and weeping, when she was a visitor from Rome and did not know the author of the letter. She said, "I am the grand-daughter of Kaiser, the king of Rome, and my name is Malika. My father's name is Prince Yashua and the name of my mother is Shamunussafa. My grandfather had betrothed me to his nephew. One day he called to the palace all the Christian priests, ministers, leaders and courtiers. He seated his nephew on a throne studded with diamonds and asked the priest to perform my marriage with him. No sooner had the priest commenced the recitation from the book, when the idols on the walls collapsed and the prince fell off the throne which had broken into pieces. Another attempt met with the same result. My grandfather was deeply distressed by this unexplained occurrence. The same night Prophet Isa (A) appeared in my dreams. He was present with his companions at the same marriage ceremony. A high throne had been placed exactly where the prince's throne had been, and on it was seated an elderly gentleman with a glowing face. Soon some illuminated personages arrived and Prophet Isa (A) rose to welcome them. I asked someone in my dream as to their identity. He informed me that they were the Prophet of Islam (S) with the eleven Imams (A) from his progeny, who were his successors. The Prophet of Islam (S) asked Prophet Isa (A) for the hand of Malika, the daughter of Shamunussafa, for his son, pointing at the shining face of Imam Hasan al-Askari (A). (This request was made to Prophet Isa (A) as Malika was the descendant of Prophet Shamoon (A) who was the successor of Prophet Isa (A). ) Prophet Isa (A) invited the views of Prophet Shamoon (A) who instantly consented as he regarded the request a great honour, and so my marriage was performed with Imam Hasan Askari (A). My eyes abruptly opened and I was full of joy on recalling the dream. However, overcome by fear, I did not narrate this to anyone. Then, in a dream I saw the daughter of the Prophet of Islam (S) and rose in reverence to her and complained about my condition and my separation from Imam (A). She told me to recite the Kalima to testify to the Unity of Allah and the Prophethood of Muhammad (S) and become a Muslim and then only she would ask Imam (A) to visit me daily in my dream. I became a Muslim and since then, Imam (A) came in my dream and consoled me. Once he told me that my grandfather would send an army to attack a Muslim country and that I should change my dress and join the army as one of the attendants. The Muslims would win and I would be arrested with the others and taken as a prisoners of war." Bashir continues, "I was overwhelmed with joy on hearing this narration and brought Bibi Narjis Khatun (A) to Samarra to Imam Ali an-Naqi (A) who welcomed her and handed her into the care of his sister Halima Khatun. Later he arranged for her to marry his son, Imam Hasan al-Askari (A) and prophesied that they would have a son who would be the Hujjat (Proof) of Allah on earth. When the earth will have been saturated with oppression, evil and dishonesty, he would emerge to spread justice and piety." Imam Mahdi (A) was born in Samarra at dawn on Friday, the 15th of Sha'baan 255 A.H. in the house of his father. Such a brightness shone on his face, that it penetrated through the roof of the house towards the sky. Immediately upon his birth, he first prostrated in Sajdah and raised his right index finger towards the sky and recited the Kalima. This was the practice of all our Imams (A) During the ceremony of shaving the head of the new-born, Imam Hasan al-Askari (A) instructed his attorney Uthman bin Said Umri to distribute meat and loaves of bread to the poor. Name : Muhammad Title : al-Mahdi (The Guided One) Kuniyat : Abul Qasim Father : Imam Hasan al-Askari (A) Mother : Bibi Narjis Khatun (A) Birthdate : 15th Sha'baan 255 A.H. in Samarra Imamat : From 260 A.H. till today Martyrdom : He is still alive Imam (A) was born in the time of the Abbaside Caliph Mu'tamad. Mu'tamad had tried to prevent his birth but had been unsuccessful. Amongst the titles of Imam (A) are Al-Qayim (the Established one), al-Hujjat (the Proof), al-Muntazar (the Awaited one), al-Muntazir (the Waiting one) and Sahib uz-Zaman (the Master of this Age). Allah granted Imam (A) with wisdom and excellence at birth. Like the Prophets Isa (A) and Yahya (A), he had the ability to speak in infancy and used to recite verses of the Holy Qur'an from the cradle. On the day just following his birth, a servant sneezed near his cradle. Imam (A) immediately said in the usual Muslim tradition, "May Allah have mercy on you" but also added, "Whoever sneezes, his life is assured for at least the next three days." During his childhood, his father never used to let him stay in one place in the house. He used to move him to a different location every so often, so that Mu'tamad would not come to know of his existence. Imam Hasan al-Askari (A) only let a few trusted companions into the secret of his son and advised them that he would be his successor. At the time of the death of Imam Hasan al-Askari (A), his brother Ja'far was preparing to lead the funeral prayers when Imam (A) suddenly appeared. He was only 5 years old and most people had never seen him. Imam (A) told his uncle to move aside because only an Imam (A) could lead the funeral prayers for another Imam (A). He led the prayers and then disappeared. Mu'tamad received the news that the prayers had been led by a young boy, from whose face light shone out like the full moon. He immediately knew that he had failed in his plan and despite all his efforts, the next Imam (A) had been born. This fact frightened him because he knew of the Hadith of the Holy Prophet (S) that the 12th Imam (A) would be the one who would fill the earth with peace and justice in the same way as it will have been filled with cruelty and injustice. Mu'tamad knew that his own rule was far from just, so he increased his efforts in locating and killing Imam (A) before any harm came to himself. In this he was unsuccessful because Allah protected His Hujjat, who had to serve mankind till the last days. The Holy Prophet (S) has said that if one dies without knowing the Imam of his time, his death is that of an unbeliever. We must therefore realise our duties to our Imam (A), who is still alive and in Ghaybat (Concealment). There have been two periods of Ghaybat. The first is known as Ghaybate Sughra (Minor Concealment) which took place from 260 A.H. to 328 A.H. During this time Imam (A) could not be seen by his followers, but they could communicate with him through his special deputies. In the period of Ghaybate Sughra, Imam (A) nominated four deputies. They were: 1. Uthman bin Said. He was the companion and attorney of the 10th and 11th Imams (A) also. He was the deputy of Imam (A) for only one and a half years. Imam (A) told him that he would soon die and to appoint his son Muhammad in his place and inform the people. His grave in Baghdad is still visited today. 2. Muhammad bin Uthman. He was extremely pious and served Imam (A) for 50 years. At the time of his death in 305 A.H., he was instructed to appoint Husain bin Rauh. He is also buried in Baghdad. 3. Husain bin Rauh. He was a man of cheerful character who got on well with the Sunnis also. He was a scholar of a very high standard. He died in 326 A.H. 4. Ali bin Muhammad Samry. He was the last deputy of Imam (A) and his office lasted 3 years. Just before his death, he received a message from Imam (A) that he would soon depart from the world and to announce that the period of Ghaybate Sughra would now end. Imam (A) also told him of the two main signs of his reappearance. The first would be the rising of the army of Sufiani from Syria and secondly, a loud voice would be heard from the sky announcing the presence of Imam (A). The announcement would be understood by every person on earth, whatever language they spoke. After 68 years the period of Ghaybate Sughra ended and the period of Ghaybate Kubra (Major Concealment) began. This is the period we are living in today. The period of Ghaybate Sughra (Minor Concealment) of the Holy Imam (A) ended with the death of his fourth deputy in the year 328 A.H. During that time he answered the requests and questions of the Shia through his deputies. Then Allah ordered him into Ghaybate Kubra (Major Concealment) and since then he has been concealed from us. In this period there is no public appearance of the Holy Imam (A), nobody can claim to be his deputy and there is no direct way of communication with him. In place of the special deputies, pious scholars like our Mujtahids, are regarded as representatives of the Holy Imam (A). Indeed he has said: "Those learned in religion are its defenders. They restrain themselves from temptation and follow their Imam. It is obligatory upon the faithful to follow them because they are our representatives. Those who oppose them have opposed us and those who oppose us have opposed Allah." Many people wonder what is the use of an Imam who cannot be seen. But just as the earth benefits from the light and heat of the sun even when it is temporarily hidden behind a cloud, so does creation benefit from the Holy Imam (A) even while he is concealed. There are many examples from history where the Holy Imam (A) has guided and assisted his followers. About a hundred miles from Najaf there was a centre of Shia learning called Hilla where one of our greatest Mujtahids, Allama Hilli (R) lived. Once, several people asked him about a ruling regarding a pregnant woman who had died with the child still alive in the womb. They asked whether she should be buried with the child or should the child be removed from her womb. He advised that the lady be buried in the same condition. When the people were carrying the coffin to the grave, a horseman arrived saying that the Allama had ordered that the child be now removed. The living child was then safely cut away from the dead mother, who was then buried. A few years later, Allama Hilli (R) was visited by a man with a small child. The man said that this was the same child who had been removed from his mother after the Allama had changed his instructions. The Allama was astonished to hear this because he had not sent any horseman. He immediately realised that it was the Holy Imam (A) who had come to his aid, otherwise he would have been guilty of burying a living child. From that day he remained in his home and refused to give any rulings on matters of religion in case he made such a mistake again. In a few days he received a letter from the Holy Imam (A) stating that he should not be concerned and continue to guide the people. If by chance he erred, the Holy Imam (A) would himself correct matters. Allama Hilli (R) went on to become one of the greatest Mujtahids, and today we are indebted to him for his valuable contributions in matters of religious jurisprudence. In the time of the British rule in Bahrain, they appointed a Sunni Muslim as governor despite the fact that the majority of the population was Shia. There was also a particular Sunni minister who was an enemy of the Shia. One day he brought a pomegranate (daaram) to the governor. On the pomegranate, the names of Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman and Imam Ali (A) were found, together with the inscription that these were the four Rightful Caliphs of the Muslims. The minister claimed that this was a natural miracle and a sign from Allah that the Shia belief was incorrect. He urged that now the Shia should not be regarded as Muslims and be asked to become "true" Sunnis or be killed or made to pay the taxes of non-Muslims. The governor was delighted at this occurrence and summoned the Shia scholars and put the three alternatives to them. The Shia were amazed when they saw the fruit and asked for three days to return with their reply. This time was granted to them and they went away wondering what to do. Finally they decided to seek help from the Holy Imam (A). Three pious scholars were selected and each one was to go out of the city into the forest and pray for the assistance of the Holy Imam (A). On the first two nights the first two scholars spent the whole night in prayers and supplications, but with no success. On the third night, the third scholar, saw an impressive personality approach him at dawn. The man asked him what the problem was. He replied that if he was truly his Imam then he would surely know the problem. The Holy Imam (A) then replied that he was aware of the difficulty and not to worry. He told the scholar to go with the governor to the minister's house the next day, and insist on going to the top terrace. There he would find two moulds with the false inscription printed on them. These moulds had been fitted into the growing fruit so that, as it became larger, the words were embedded in it. He further told him to ask the minister to break open the fruit and witness the power of Allah. The next morning matters proceeded as the Holy Imam (A) had ordered. When the minister was told to take everybody on to the top terrace he went pale and began to make excuses. At the governor's insistence, he reluctantly led them to the place, where they found the articles as described by the Holy Imam (A). Eventually the governor asked the minister to break open the fruit. When he did so, black dust flew from it and smeared his eyes and beard. The minister was executed for his treachery while the Shia scholars left with honour and dignity. These and numerous other events show that the Holy Imam (A) does come to our aid, many times without us even being aware that it is he who has helped us out of a particular difficulty. 1. Our Duties during the Period of Ghaybate Kubra Although the Holy Imam (A) is concealed from us, he is aware of our prayers, deeds, actions and troubles. Any believer who sincerely seeks help from him receives his assistance. During the period of his concealment we are required to perform certain actions to show our true belief in his presence. It is the duty of every believer to remember the Holy Imam (A) often, and to recite various du'as for his safety and well-being, such as Du'ae Ahad after every morning prayers, Du'ae Nudba on Fridays and Ziyarat after every daily prayer. At the same time, we should constantly ask Allah to hasten the re-appearance of the Holy Imam (A) so that he may improve the affairs of the Muslims and fill the world with peace. While waiting for the Holy Imam (A) to reappear, we should ensure that the religion of Islam is spread far and wide and that the faith of the believers remains strong. We should open and run religious schools and publish religious books and information. Whenever the name of the Holy Imam (A) is mentioned, one should stand up and put his right hand on his head as a mark of respect. Just as we give charity (Sadqa) for the protection of our family, we should also give charity in the name of the Holy Imam (A) for his safety. To show the Holy Imam (A) that we are his sincere followers, we should frequently recite the Holy Qur'an and perform Haj and Ziyarat on his behalf. We should constantly remember him and send Salawat on him. There are many ways to approach the Holy Imam (A) for his help. In times of difficulty, we can write a petition (Arizah) to him stating our needs, and deposit it into a well or river. This can be done at any time (not necessarily the 15th of Shabaan), and provided the person practises Islam, prays, fasts and restrains himself from committing sin, the Holy Imam (A) does come to his aid. If there is fear of harm from anybody, one can seek the help of the Holy Imam (A) by praying two raka'at Namaaz, followed by a brief Ziyarat, and then reciting: "Ya Mawlaya, Ya Sahibuz Zamaan, ana Mustageethun Bika. Ya Mawlaya, Ikfini Sharra Man Yu'dhini." This means, "O my Master! O Master of this Age, I need your help. O my Master! Protect me from the one who wishes to do me harm." One way to meet the Holy Imam (A) directly is to spend 40 Tuesday nights in the mosque of Sahla in Kufa, after which the Holy Imam (A) will approach you himself, Inshaallah. It is important to constantly remember our Holy Imam (A) and make preparations for his appearance. Those who do this are undoubtedly blessed with faith from Allah. The Holy Prophet (S) once told his companions: "During the last days there will be believers whose faith will each be greater than 25 of you." When his companions protested saying that they were his supporters and had risked their lives in the Holy Wars, he continued, saying: "Although these Muslims will have never seen me or their Imam, they will remain true to their faith despite being surrounded by calamities and hostilities caused by their enemies." 2. The Signs Indicating the Reappearance of the Holy Imam (A) Imam Ali (A) has said that there are some definite signs before the Holy Imam (A) will appear. These are: 1. Dajaal will emerge. He is a wicked, one-eyed creature who will invite the people to worship him, claiming to be God. 2. There will be two eclipses in the Holy month of Ramadhan, contrary to normal calculations. There will be a solar eclipse on the 15th day and a lunar eclipse on the last day. 3. The sun will rise from the west. 4. An image of a man will appear in the sky opposite the sun. 5. A loud voice will be heard from the sky announcing that the Mahdi has come and inviting the people to pay allegiance to him. This voice will be heard and understood by every human being. 6. Sufiani will rise with his army and will wage a fierce war in his attempt to destroy the Holy Imam (A). His army will be swallowed up by the earth between Makka and Madina. There are many other signs that have been foretold, and some of them can be seen today. However, it is only when the specific events as listed above occur, that one can be sure that the Holy Imam (A) has truly reappeared. The Holy Imam (A) will first emerge in Makka next to the Holy Ka`ba. At his invitation, 313 Muslims will proceed to Makka to swear the oath of allegiance to him. Thereafter, more Muslims will follow. Let us pray that when the time comes, we are blessed with the opportunity of being of service to our Holy Imam (A).