Imam Mahdi

To seek a mediator implies to gain proximity to an individual in order to achieve one’s objective through the mediator’s recommendation and arbitration. Arabic litterateurs define mediation (tawassul) as ‘When he sought proximity with him through his actions, he aspired to gain his mediation.’ (Lisanul Arab vol. 11, pg. 724) Mediation in the light of Quran and traditions Allah declares in the Quran ‘O you who believe! Be (careful of your duty to) Allah and seek nearness to Him and strive

All our beliefs are based on intellect and Shariah (divine laws). It is the decision of the intellect and the Shariah that for maintaining order in the universe and for its smooth functioning, there must exist a 'perfect individual', a 'divine representative', and a 'proficient and dynamic mind', whose existence precedes the existence of this universe. He should be the ruler and the leader of this universe. His existence should be superior and distinct from the existence of all other mortals

After the martyrdom of Imam Hasan Askari (a.s.) the mantle of Imamate fell on the young shoulders of Imam Mahdi (a.s.). Due to the severe restrictions imposed by the reigning Caliph, Imam Mahdi (a.s.) was forced to conceal himself from the eyes of the people. In the initial stages of the minor occultation, some very special and selected people among the Shias had the permission to meet their master whenever the need arose. They presented the problems of the Shias in the service of Imam who

As we are aware, occultation is of two types: the Minor Occultation and the Major Occultation with the former being the foundation for the latter. Imam Hasan Askari (a.s.) was martyred in 260 A.H., within 5 years of the birth of Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) in 255 A.H. Immediately after his martyrdom, the soldiers of the Abbassid Caliph surrounded his house. They were in search of his son, who was his successor. These historical incidents in themselves are a proof of the danger to the life of Imam

Hazrat Usman bin Saeed (r.a.) was the first special deputy of Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) in Ghaibat-e-Sughra. The renowned Shiite scholar, Shaikh Mohammad bin Hasan Tusi (r.a.) records in his illustrious book, 'Ghaibat' - Among the companions that the infallible Imams (a.s.) considered as virtuous and pious, was Hazrat Usman bin Saeed-e-Amri (r.a.). Imam Ali Naqi, Al Hadi (a.s.) and Imam Hasan Askari (a.s.) have spoken highly of him and he was their most trusted companion.'

A deed of allegiance (bay'atnamah) serves the purpose of conveying the idea of an 'agreement' present in its written format. It will be under the rules and regulations of this very agreement that the workers, helpers, friends, companions and the populace as a whole, take the oath of allegiance and faithfulness to the Master of the Time (may our souls be sacrificed for him). Before we move on to mention some of the conditions of this 'agreement', it would be prudent to view in context the

Every living being is overwhelmed with emotions of love and attachment. These are emotions that man is very familiar with, and everyone has experienced these strong emotions at some stage in his life. However, those who reflect on these emotions are few. Even fewer are those who comprehend the reality and foundation of the emotions. We all understand that love can increase and decrease as well. An intense feeling of love and attachment can melt the most hardened of hearts. It can make a person

It is evident that the appointment of an individual is made solely on the basis of the work and its aim. The qualification of an engineer is taken into consideration if a small house has to be constructed. But if a bigger project has to be undertaken, then the engineer will have to be more capable and qualified. And if one has to draft a plan for an entire nation then the qualifications of the engineer and others responsible for its implementation will be at a totally different level. In the

A fact concealed in the belief in divine monotheism (Tawheed) is that none, except Allah, has the right to rule over others. Even a father does not enjoy any sovereignty over his children. When a father does not possess this right, the question of other individuals ruling over their fellow beings, commanding and prohibiting, appointing them to a position or removing them from it, does not arise. To the extent that man does not have any right over his own self. Therefore, any government or rule