حضرت امام مہدی ﷣ اور شیعہ و سنی نظریات

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِیْمِ                              وَ صَلَّی اللهُ عَلَیْكَ یَا وَلِیَّ الْعَصْرِ اَدْرِكْنَا

حضرت امام مہدی ﷣ کے ظہور کا عقیدہ اپنی تفصیلات کے ساتھ شیعہ اور اہل سنت کی قدیم اور جدید کتابوں میں موجود ہے یعنی ہر دور کے معتبر اور مستند علماء و محدثین،مفسرین و مورخین نے اپنی اپنی کتابوں میں اس کا تذکرہ کیا ہے۔ جس سے واضح ہوتا ہے کہ یہ عقیدہ خالص اسلامی عقیدہ ہے تمام اسلامی فرقے اس عقیدہ پر متفق ہیں یہ عقیدہ فکر کی ایجاد نہیں ہے۔ اس عقیدہ کو صرف وہی مقبول سے مخصوص قرار دے سکتاہے جو علمی دنیا سے بلکل غافل ہو۔

چونکہ یہ عقیدہ شیعہ اور اہل سنت کے درمیان مشترک عقیدہ ہے۔ لہٰذا یہی عقیدہ تمام اسلامی فرقوں میں فقطہ اشتراک و اتحاد قرار پا سکتاہے۔ یہی عقیدہ باہمی انتشار و افتراق کو دور کر سکتا ہے اور ایک دوسرے کے قریب لا سکتا ہے۔ کیونکہ تمام ہی لوگ اس بات پر متفق ہیں کہ۔ آخری زمانہ میں اہل بیت میں حضرت فاطمہ زہراء ﷥ کی نسل پاک سے امام مہدی ﷣ کا ظہور ہوگا۔ اور وہ زمین کو عدل و انصاف سے بھر دینگے۔

کوئی بھی مسلمان ان حدیثوں کا انکار نہیں کر سکتا ہے ۔ کیونکہ یہ حدیثیں متواتر ہیں۔

۱۔       اہل سنت کے بزرگ عالم ابوالحسن محمد بن الحسین الآبری نے اپنی کتاب مناقب الشافعی میں لکھا ہے۔

قد تواترت الاخبار واستقامت (بکثرۃ رواتھا) عن المصطفیٰ رسول اللہ ﷺ بذکر المهدي و انہ من اھل بیتہ…

حضرت رسول خدا ﷺ سے کثرت اور تواتر سے یہ روایتیں موجود ہیں جن میں آنحضرتؐ نے حضرت امام مہدی ﷣ کے ظہور کی خبر دی ہے۔ اور وہ اہل بیت سے ہوں گے۔

حدیثوں کے متواتر ہونے کا نظریہ صرف شیعوں کا نظریہ نہیں ہے بلکہ اہل سنت کے قدیم اور جدید علماء نے اس نظریہ کی تصدیق کی ہے۔ جیسے

الف۔ ابوعبد اللہ محمد یوسف گنجی(۶۵۸)نے اپنی کتاب البیان فی اخبار صاحب الزمان ص۱۶۶۔

ب۔    ابن قیم جوزیہ محمد بن ابی بکر دمشقی (۷۵۱)المنار المنیف ص۱۲۷۔

A few distinctive characteristics of Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.)

بسم الله ارّحمن الرّحيم

Allah the Most High has blessed the Imam of the time Hazrat Wali-e-Asr (a.t.f.s.) with innumerable noble traits and distinctive characteristics. This shows the special position held by Imam (a.t.f.s.) near Allah, the Almighty. It is not even possible to list all of these attributes. We have listed below some of these special characteristics.

1. Light:

During his ascension (Meraj) the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) witnessed the light of the Holy Infallibles (a.s.). Among these, the light of Imam Mahdi (a.s.) was most bright and was the only one in an upright position.

2. Lineage:

The lineage of our Imam (a.s.) is the most noble and honorable. He is the grandson of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.), he is of the family of the pure and holy Imams (a.s.). In addition to this, from his mother’s side his lineage extends to the Caesar (Qaiser) of Rome and further to Shamoon al-Safa, who was the successor of Hazrat Isa (a.s.). Consequently his lineage extends to Hazrat Ibrahim (a.s.) from both of his sons, Hazrat Ishaaq (a.s.) and Hazrat Ismaaeel (a.s.). Thus the supplication of Hazrat Ibrahim (a.s.) reaches fruition through Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.).

3. Imam (a.t.f.s.) visiting the skies:

When Imam (a.t.f.s.) was born, two angels took him up to the Throne and there, Allah The Most High spoke to Imam (a.t.f.s.) thus, ‘Welcome my servant, welcome! You are created for helping My religion and for the manifestation of My Glory. O Mahdi of the servants! I swear that I will accept through you, I will reject through you, and because of you will I forgive.’

4. Baitul Hamd:

Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) has a house called ‘Baitul Hamd’. Inside this house is a lamp, which is alight from the time of his birth and will remain so till his emergence from occultation.

Birth of Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s)

In His Name And With The Remembrance of His Last Proof (a.t.f.s.)

Hakimah Khatoon, the daughter of Imam Muhammad Taqi al-Jawad (a.s.), and the aunt of Imam Hasan al-Askari (a.s.) narrates the conditions of the birth of Hazrat Mahdi (a.s.) as follows:
Abu Muhammad Imam Hasan Ibn Ali (al-Askari) (a.s.) sent for me and said,
“O Aunt! Break your fast with us tonight. This is the eve of 15th of Shabaan and Allah, the High, will bring forth the Hujjah on this night. He will be his Proof on His earth.”
Lady Hakimah says that she asked him, “Who is his mother?” He (a.s.) replied, “Narjis”. On this she said, “May Allah make me your ransom! There is no sign (of pregnancy) in her.” He (a.s.) said, “It is as I tell you.” Lady Hakimah continues, “I came and when I greeted and sat, she came to take off my shoes and wished me, saying “My lady! How are you this evening?” “Rather, you are my lady,” said I, “and the lady of my household”. She turned my word down and said, “What is this dear aunt?” “Dear child! Allah, the Exalted, will grant you tonight a boy, the master of this world and the hereafter.” She sat and felt shy. When I finished the evening breaking the fast, I went to bed and slept. It was in the middle of the night when I got up to perform prayers. I finished my prayers while Narjis was still sleeping and there was still no sign (of pregnancy) in her. I sat up performing the post prayers supplications and then I went to bed. All of a sudden I woke up. She was still asleep. She then woke up and performed prayers.

Lady Hakimah says, “As doubts arose in my mind, Abu Muhammad (Imam Hasan al-Askari) (a.s.) called out, “Do not make haste, O aunt, the affair has come near.” I recited the Surahs Alif Laam Mim Sajdah and Yasin. As I was doing that she woke up suddenly. I rushed towards her and read the name of Allah on her and asked “Are you alright?” “Yes”, she replied. “Pull yourself together and gather your heart. It will be as I told you”. Lady Hakimah continues, “And then I fainted as parturition seized her. I was brought back to my senses by my Master (a.s.). I removed the sheet from him, and there he was, prostrating on the earth with his forehead, palms, knees and toes. I pulled him to myself and he was pure and clean. Abu Muhammad (a.s.) called on me, “Bring my son to me, aunt.” I took his son to him. He put his hands under his thighs and back and put the infant’s feet on his chest. He then put his tongue in his mouth and touched his eyes, ears and joints with his hands. “My son, speak”, he said.

The infant said,
“I bear witness that there is no deity other than Allah, He is the One without a partner, and I bear witness that Muhammad (s.a.w.a.) is Allah’s Messenger.”
He then sent salutations upon Amirul Momeneen (a.s.) and the other Imams (a.s.) till he reached his father and then stopped on account of reverence.

He is truly the Imam al-Qaim (a.t.f.s.)

In His Name and with the remembrance of His last Hujjat (a.t.f.s.)

Narrated to us Ahmad bin Ziyad bin Ja’far Hamdani: Narrated to us Ali bin Ibrahim bin Hashim from his father from Abdus Salam bin Salih Harawi that he said: Informed us Waki bin Jarrah from Rabi bin Saad from Abdur Rahman bin Salit that he said: Husain Ibne Ali Ibne Abi Talib (a.s.) said:

Narrated to us Ahmad bin Ziyad bin Ja’far Hamdani: Narrated to us Ali bin Ibrahim bin Hashim from his father from Abdus Salam bin Salih Harawi that he said: Informed us Waki bin Jarrah from Rabi bin Saad from Abdur Rahman bin Salit that he said: Husain Ibne Ali Ibne Abi Talib (a.s.) said:

“From us there are twelve Mahdis, the first of whom is Amirul Momineen Ali Ibne Abi Talib (a.s.) and the last of whom is my ninth descendant. And he is truly the Imam al-Qaim. Allah will enliven the earth after its death through him. And through him triumph His religion over all the religions even if the polytheists may dislike this. There will be occultation for him during which communities will apostize but others will remain steadfast on religion. They will be tortured and told: If you are true when will this promise be fulfilled? Know that one who observes patience during those tribulations will be like one who fights the holy war under the command of the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.s.).”

“From us there are twelve Mahdis, the first of whom is Amirul Momineen Ali Ibne Abi Talib (a.s.) and the last of whom is my ninth descendant. And he is truly the Imam al-Qaim. Allah will enliven the earth after its death through him. And through him triumph His religion over all the religions even if the polytheists may dislike this. There will be occultation for him during which communities will apostize but others will remain steadfast on religion. They will be tortured and told: If you are true when will this promise be fulfilled? Know that one who observes patience during those tribulations will be like one who fights the holy war under the command of the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.s.).”

Discussion of Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) on the Arsh

In His Name and With the Remembrance of His Last Hujjat (a.s.)

Certain conclusions derived from historical events and incidents not only astonish the conscious-minded, the righteous and the knowledgeable, rather, these make them see rays of a firm divine plan or movement which makes man debase himself, his forehead in prostration in front of the Needless Creator, in confession of His Infinite Power and Authority.

It seems beyond intellect and rationale that on one side is the matter of human guidance and on the other is the contamination of the environment in the Arabian Peninsula after the martyrdom of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.). Conditions had become even more wretched when compared to the days of ignorance (Jahiliyya). On one hand, there were a handful of companions, trained by the Prophet (s.a.w.a.) and on the other hand, there was the multitude of helpers (Ansaar) and the migrants (Muhajireen). That is why Ameerul Momeneen Ali (a.s.) had said, ‘This caliphate is like a she-camel and I have left its reins to itself (i.e. allowed it to go wherever it wants).’

Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s) helps a lover of Ahle Bayt (a.s)

In His Name and with the Remembrance of His Last Hujjat (a.s.)

Allamah Majlisi narrates in Behaarul Anwaar the incident of Abu Raajeh Hammami a resident of Hilla. There was a ruler in Hilla by the name Marjaan-e-Saghir (l.a.) He was staunch enemy of Ahlebait (a.s.). Some people complained to him about Abu Raajeh that he doesn’t have good opinion about some of the companions. On this he summoned Abu Raajeh in his court. When Abu Raajeh came to his court, he beat him severely.  His teeth were broken, his tongue was tied, a hole was made in his nose and a nail was put inside it. After this he was made to go from place to place. He was wounded so severely that he was on the verge of dying. The oppressive ruler ordered him to be killed, however some people said that he is old and severely wounded and about to die. He should be left to die by himself.

Debate of Hisham bin Hakam (r.a.) on Imamate

In His Name and With the Remembrance of His Last Hujjat (a.s.)

Yahya bin Khalid used to hold a debate every week at his house in which scholars of all the sects participated and tried to prove the veracity of their faith and expose the defects of the religion of their opponents. When Harun Rashid came to know about this he asked Yahya bin Khalid: O Abbaside, what type of gatherings you have at your place where the participants undertake discussions?

He replied: O chief of believers, these gatherings is the highest example of all the honors that you have bestowed me. I bring together the scholars of all the sects so that they may expose each other and thus the falsity of all of them is proved.

Harun Rashid said: I would also like to attend this gathering and listen to the participants but the audience and participants should not learn about my presence because they would not be able to have a frank talk due to my fear. Yahya said: Arrangement will be made as per the wish of the chief of believers. Harun told him to swear that his presence will be kept confidential and Yahya swore to assure that. However the Motazela people learnt about it somehow. They discussed this among themselves and then decided that they would argue with Hisham bin Hakam on the subject of Imamate so that Harun Rashid comes to know what the faith of Hisham is with regard to Imamate.

On the appointed day they all reached the venue of debate. Among those present were Hisham bin Hakam and Abdullah bin Yazid Abazi, who was the most truthful person. He was from the Khawarij sect and was a business partner of Harun Rashid. When Hisham entered, he greeted Abdullah bin Yazid. Yahya bin Khalid told Abdullah bin Yazid: O Abdullah, talk to Hisham on the subject of Imamate.

Hisham said: O Vizier, we cannot speak on this subject because these people were having unanimity with us on the Imamate of the same person, but after that they separated from us without knowledge and recognition. And even after separating from us on this matter it is not known why they separated. That is why they neither have any objection against us nor a reply to any objection, so how can they talk to us?

Bannan, who was associated with the Hururiya sect, said: Hisham, tell me whether the people who were among the forces of the day of arbitration, were they believers or disbelievers? Hisham said: There were three types of people: Believers, polytheists and misguided. Believer were those who believed that Ali (a.s.) is an Imam appointed by Allah and that Muawiyah is not worthy of Imamate. Thus these believers had faith in what Allah had appointed for Ali (a.s.).

Some Peculiarities about the four special deputies

In His Name and with the Remembrance of His Last Hujjat (a.s.)

1- The names of the special deputies were not mentioned in the Tawqee. This was done in order to prevent the Abbasid King’s from knowing their names. Also, because this relationship was based on sheer trust and reliability, there arose no particular need to mention the names.

2- Alawis were kept away from deputyship and others were purposefully granted this status because the Alawis were clearly marked in the society and were under strict surveillance and scrutiny of the Government.

3- All of the affairs of the deputies were conducted in Baghdad for the following reasons:

a – At the time of Imam Hasan Askari’s (a.s) martyrdom, those people who had come from Qum to Samara were told that someone would be appointed in Baghdad so that they could give their offerings to him and received Imam (a.s.) letter from him.

b- Their apparent involvement was in business; therefore, they did not have the time to go out of Baghdad.

c – These deputies were rarely engaged in social work due to the following reasons:

d – By indulging in social work one’s identity doesn’t remains secret. And they did not intend to reveal themselves.

e -If they participated in social work, they would be marked and become as special representative, while their aim was only to pose as businessmen. This is the cause for the rare information about their lives. Even historians have hardly mentioned anything about them. It is also possible that some historians have documented their biographies but these documents have been destroyed by the enemies of Shi’a.

4-They performed only those tasks which were ordered unto them .

5-They were informed of the Hidden knowledge only with the permission of Imam Mahdi (a.s.). All the tawqees received during the time of the four special deputies, had only one hand-writing and people were recognizing it. This similarity in writing proved that all these letters were from Imam (a.s.) and people followed them diligently.

References: Kitab-ul-Ghaibah of Shaykh Tusi and Kamaaluddin of Sh Sadooq

The third and fourth debuty of ImamMahdi (a.t.f.s.)

In His Name and with the Remembrance of His Last Hujjat (a)

The Third Deputy: Abul Qasim Husain Bin Ruh Nawbakhti

He succeeded Mohammad Bin Usman. He was a leading personality from the family of Nawbakht. Ali Bin Mohammad narrates from his uncle that I was sitting besides Mohammad Bin Usman when he was on his death-bed and talking to him. He says, Bin Ruh was sitting near his feet. At that moment, Mohammad Bin Usman told me. “I have been commanded to make a will to Husain Bin Ruh” I got up and made Husain to sit in my place and myself sat near Mohammad Bin Usman’s feet.

Mohammad Bin Usman began making a will, “Husain Bin Ruh Nawbakhti, is my heir and successor amongst you after me. He is the medium and channel between you and Imam Mahdi (a.s.). You refer to him in your problems and rely on him in your affairs, I was ordered to convey this message and I have done my duty”.

The First Tawqee received by Husain Bin Ruh, was as follow:

“We know him (Husain Bin Ruh) May Allah grant him goodness, his recognition and grace. We received his letter. He is our reliable man He enjoys such a position near us with which he is bound to be happy. May Allah increase His obligations on him. Certainly, he is masterful and powerful person. Praise be to the Allah who has no partner. Blessings of Allah be on Mohammad (s.a.w.a.) and his progeny”. Sunday 6th Shawwal 305 A.H.

The Second Deputy: Abu Jafar Mohammad Bin Usman Bin Saeed Amri

In His Name and with the Remembrance of His Last Hujjat (a.s.)

He succeeded his father after the latter’s demise. Imam Hasan Askari (a.s.) himself had emphasized for his deputyship. In his Tawqee (a signed letter) to Mohammad Bin Mahziyar, Imam Zaman (a.t.f.s.) said about Mohammad Bin Usman, thus: In his Tawqee to Ishaq Bin Yaqoob Imam (a.s.) said: “May Allahbe pleased with Mohammad Bin Usman and his father He is my confidante and reliable man. His writings are my writings.”

He was the special representative of Imam (a.s.) for approximately forty years. In the very first Tawqee which he received there was a condolence message on the demise of his father. Its contents were as follows:

“We have come from Allah and unto Him shall we return (Quran). We accept his orders and are satisfied with His commands. Your father passed a decent life and faced a decent death. May Allah have mercy upon him and enumerate him among His servants (Imams).He was always engrossed in their work. He always strove unceasingly in those works which elevated him in front of Allah and helped him gained proximity to the Imam (a.s.) May Allah make him happy and condone his sins .May Allah increase your rewards and accept your difficulties. You are grief stricken, so are we; his death has affected us as much as it has affected you. May Allah make him happier in that life. It was due to his sincerity and decency that he was honored with a son like you who has become his heir and successor.”