Hazrat Wali-e-Asr (a.s.) and Long Life

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

It is the habit of some people to oppose and create misgivings and doubt. Particularly, where accepting a thing leads to the affirmation of many other matters which would lead to undue complications. So, the subject is twisted, for it to end there.

The belief in the existence and reappearance of Imam Mahdi (a.s.) is one such topic. If, his pure existence is recognized today then the entire chain of Imamate has to be acknowledged. The very sequence which ends with Imam Mahdi (a.s.) and begins with Imam All Ibne Abi Talib (a.s.).

Those informed about traditions cannot deny the belief in Imam Mahdi (a.s.) or his reappearance in the light of reliable and authentic traditions. They affirm the fact that Imam Mahdi (a.s.) will surely appear before the advent of Qiyamat. Rather, he will be born and appear but is presently not in existence. They put forward the doubt: Our affirmation to the fact that Imam Mahdi (a.s.) has been born in 255 A.H. and is present today awaiting the order of the Lord of the Worlds to reappear, then begets the question: Can a man of the present era, live such a long life? Such longevity is impossible. The mind rejects such a possibility. Hence the question of such a belief does not arise.

The question of the Longevity of Hazrat Wali-e-Asr (a.s.) is not something new. The answers to this question are available in the books written on him (a.s.). But, the new generation has neither the time nor the inclination to peruse these books. So, we present a few facts to make it clear that our belief is based on the sound foundation of reason and intellect.

Against Habit or Against Intellect?

Things that oppose habit and those that oppose intellect are two different precepts. Normally, people mix up the two. The polytheists of Makkah denied the Resurrection Day only because they had not witnessed the dead becoming alive.

 

وَقَالُوا أَئِذَا ضَلَلْنَا فِي الْأَرْضِ أَئِنَّا لَفِي خَلْقٍ جَدِيدٍ بَلْ هُم بِلِقَاء رَبِّهِمْ كَافِرُونَ

 

And they say: What! when we have become lost in the earth, shall we then certainly be in a new creation? Nay! they are disbelievers in the meeting of their Lord.[1]

This is not a solid argument for denying Qiyamat. The only point is that they had not seen a dead man come back to life. So, they abstained from affirming the concept. When glad tidings were presented to Hazrat Ibrahim (a.s.) of the birth of a son, his wife commented:

قَالَتْ يَا وَيْلَتَى أَأَلِدُ وَأَنَاْ عَجُوزٌ وَهَـذَا بَعْلِي شَيْخًا إِنَّ هَـذَا لَشَيْءٌ عَجِيبٌ

She said: O wonder! Shall I bear a son when I am an extremely old woman and this my husband an extremely old man? Most surely this is a wonderful thing.[2]

But, the enlivening of the dead in Qiyamat is true. The birth of a child in the house of Ibrahim (a.s.) is also true. Neither is against intellect. Similarly, the life of a man beyond a thousand years is not in variance with intellect, only differs from habit. Rather, it is a present day reality.

Evident Examples

The best proof of the possibility of a thing is its existence. It is the Limitless Grace of the Almighty that examples of longevity abound to clarify all such doubts and fears. Such examples were present in past times and are in existence even today. Only a few are mentioned for the sake of brevity:

Sr.     Names                                       Age

1. Luqman Bin Aad                    3500 years
2. Luqman Hakim                        400 years
3. Hazrat Nuh (a.s.)                   2500 years
4. Hazrat Adam (a.s.)                  930 years
5. Hazrat Shees (a.s.)                  912 years
6. Hazrat Khizr (a.s.)                   Alive
7. Hazrat Isa (a.s.)                       Alive

Only one example is enough to prove the possibility of a thing. There exist innumerable examples to prove the long life of Hazrat Wali-e-Asr (a.s.), so that it remains neither against intellect not against the Sunnah of God.

There is no limit to lifespan

Medical science has not come up with any research so far which limits the lifespan of an individual. Science has never stated, ‘A man cannot live beyond this age.’ On the contrary, research into the cures of various diseases suggests hope of survival till the last breath even in the most severe of conditions. Innumerable examples state the complete recovery of man from his death bed. If human lifespan was limited, then doctors would not have tried to save people and succeeded. The ongoing research in the abolition of diseases suggests the faith of the experts of medical science that human Life can be prolonged. Bernard Shaw observes: ‘It is a scientific reality that no limit has been fixed for human age. There can be no fixed limit to long life in humans’[3].

When we take stock of the global situation, we find that human age gets prolonged as science progresses. The average Indian lifespan was 44 years in 1901 which increased to 61 years in 2001. This is because science had not developed in 1901 and people died of various ailments. While as knowledge progressed and remedies discovered, the causes of death decreased and lifespan increased.

The average age in Japan today is 84 years and in Europe is 85 years. Whereas Africa, where life is difficult and knowledge is not widespread, the average is a meager 40 years. This makes it clear that as knowledge increases, so will the lifespan of humans. Apart from this, new research has proven that mans’ age depends upon factors like lineage, health, food and lifestyle.

If we look at the long life of Hazrat Wali-e-Asr (a.s.) keeping these facts in mind, we feel that his longevity is only natural. If we consider knowledge, then no secret is hidden from him.

Belief and action is part of his existence.

Genealogy: There is no lineage better than his family.

Health is the other name for balance or equilibrium. The stature of an infallible is high above that of a balanced personality.

Food: The flavors of this world can never attract him.

Lifestyle: Tension and anxiety are harmful to the body. The holy persona is elevated to the status of complete satisfaction (mutma’innah). We can never measure the contentment of the soul whose very mention is a source of reassurance to other people.

So, there is no doubt or basis in the light of scientific facts which would be an obstruction to his longevity. This is the reason that none of his ancestors died a natural death and were martyred. It also clarifies the fact as to why the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) had limited his successors to twelve till the Day of Judgment. They are not ordinary mortals, but Divine representatives.

Please pay attention to the following:

The English researcher ‘Roger Bekis’ has put human Lifespan at a 1000 years.[4]

Another scientist states ‘Medical science can remove the obstacles to ageing through food. We hope to achieve a longer Lifespan than our ancestors.’[5]

Diamond Reeral observes, ‘All the parts of the body have the capacity for perpetual existence or at the very least for a lengthy period.’[6]

This type of research makes it clear that human life has no fixed limit and man can stay alive for a very Long period of time.

 

Divine Endowment

This entire discussion was one of normal circumstance, i.e. if a man cares for his health from his inception and is concerned about his food etc. then he can live for a long period of time. But, people who believe in Allah (Mighty and High be He) and have faith in His Omnipotence, do not harbour any doubt regarding His bestowal of everlasting life to someone. Numerous such examples have been cited in

Quran

The Fresh Fig

The Holy Quran has mentioned Hazrat Uzair (a.s.) as an example of Qiyamat in this world. Surah Baqarah states:

Or the like of him (Uzair) who passed by a town, and it had fallen down upon its roofs; he said: When will Allah give it life after its death?” So Allah caused him to die for a hundred years, then raised him to life Allah said: How long have you tarried? Uzair said: I have tarried a day, or a part of a day.” Said He: Nay! you have tarried a hundred years; then look at your food and drink years have not passed over it And look at your ass; and that We may make you a sign to men” And look at the bones, how We set them together, then clothed them with flesh So when it became clear to him, he said: I know that Allah has power over all things.[7]

The point of reflection in this incident is that a donkey is a tough animal while the items of food are delicate and perishable. But, the body of the donkey decays over the hundred year period while the foodstuff stays fresh.

They do not undergo any change. Is not clear that Allah, if He wishes, can keep a fragile object fresh out in the open for a period of 100 years while destroying a tough one? The people who accept the Longevity of Hazrat Wali-e-Asr (a.s.) have the belief that he is alive due to the bestowal of Allah and not only has the Lord granted him life but has kept him young too.

The Open Truth

The life of Hazrat Wali-e-Asr (a.s.) is not a coincidence. It is not an event which has taken place unexpectedly. Rather, his longevity is part of a plan and this was conveyed much before his birth.

1. The Almighty Allah has fixed the limit of the successors of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.a.s.) as twelve. It had been clarified by the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) in traditions:

There will be twelve successors after me.

2. The number of the successors of the Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) abiding until the day of Qiyamat is only twelve and none can change that.

فِىْ الْقَائِم سُنَّةٌ مِنْ نُوْحٍ وَهُوَ طُوْلِ الْعُمْرِ

 

In the Qaem, there is a Sunnah (tradition) from Nuh and that is longevity.[8]

It is narrated from Imam Ali Raza (a.s.):

His (al-Qaem (a.s.)) sign is that he will be old in age but youthful in appearance until the onlooker will estimate his age to be forty years or lesser. And from his signs is that he will not be affected by the passing of days and nights till his death.[9]

This is not a remote possibility, since the God Who can keep figs and grapes fresh for 100 years can easily keep His Proof and His Representative young.

Thus, the people who question the Longevity of Wali-e-Asr (a.s.) are only those do not believe in the Omnipotence of Allah nor in His Wisdom and Judgment.

[1] Surah Sajdah (32) : verse 10

[2] Surah Hud (11): verse 72

[3] Umral. Mahdi bainat lime wal Adyan, pg.6

 

[4] MajIa’ Danishmand, saat 6, shumara I

[5] Rahi Lau’e Hayate Nau, pg.6

[6] Majla’ Macintoff, juz 3, saal 59.

 

[7] Surah Baqarah (2) : verse 259

[8] Kamaaluddin, pg. 322, Trad.4 a 5; pg. 524, Trad. 5

[9] Kamaaluddin, pg.652

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Will Imam Mahdi bring a new shariah?

The Baha’is in order to rationalize the new ‘Shariah’ (code of laws) brought by the Bab claim that it was prophesized in Islam that the Mahdi will rise with a new law. To justify this, they quote the following traditions.

Imam Baqir (as) said, “When the Qaem appears, he will invite the people to a new mission (amre’ jadid) as the Holy Prophet (saw) has invited the people to a new mission. Islam has begun strange (gharib) and it will return strange as it has begun”

(Ref: Behar, volume 52, page 366)

In another tradition, Imam Sadiq (as) said, “Islam has begun strange and it will return strange as it has begun. Blessed are the strangers!”

Abu Baseer asked him, “Please explain to me what this means!”

He replied, “The Qaem will invite people to a new mission (Da’ae jadid), as the Prophet has done.”

(Ref: Behar, volume 52, page 366)

 

The Shiah Viewpoint

At the outset, it needs to be clarified that the traditions do not contain the words “a new code of laws (Shariate’ jadid)” or “a new book (kitabe’ jadid).” This automatically disqualifies the claims of the Bab as the Mahdi as the Bab “brought” a new book (Bayan) and a new Shariah (code of laws). The Bahai’s claim that the Bayan abrogated the Quran and the laws of the Bab superseded the laws of the Quran. So in effect, this falsifies the claim of the Bab.

Ghaibat – In the light of Holy Quran

In The Name Of Allah, The Most Beneficent, The Most Merciful

Numerous ayats of the Holy Quran mention about the Ghaibat of previous Prophets (a.s.) as well as Imam-e-Zamana (a.s.).

Holy Quran itself says:

وَعِندَهُ مَفَاتِحُ الْغَيْبِ لَا يَعْلَمُهَا إِلَّا هُوَ ۚ وَيَعْلَمُ مَا فِي الْبَرِّ وَالْبَحْرِ ۚ وَمَا تَسْقُطُ مِن وَرَقَةٍ إِلَّا يَعْلَمُهَا وَلَا حَبَّةٍ فِي ظُلُمَاتِ الْأَرْضِ وَلَا رَطْبٍ وَلَا يَابِسٍ إِلَّا فِي كِتَابٍ مُّبِينٍ

And with Him are the keys of the unseen treasures — none knows them but He; and He knows what is in the land and the sea, and there falls not a leaf but He knows it, nor a grain in the darkness of the earth, nor anything green nor dry but (it is all) in a clear book.

(Anam: 59)

But to understand everything about Quran, Allah has sent Prophets (a.s.).

وَأَنزَلْنَا إِلَيْكَ الذِّكْرَ لِتُبَيِّنَ لِلنَّاسِ مَا نُزِّلَ إِلَيْهِمْ

“We revealed to you the Book so that you may explain to them what has been revealed.”

(Surah Nahl: 44)

About 200 ayats of Quran are connected to the topic of Mahdaviyat. Here we will discuss five ayats.

2:1-3

الم ﴿١﴾ ذَٰلِكَ الْكِتَابُ لَا رَيْبَ ۛ فِيهِ ۛ هُدًى لِّلْمُتَّقِينَ ﴿٢﴾ الَّذِينَ يُؤْمِنُونَ بِالْغَيْبِ وَيُقِيمُونَ الصَّلَاةَ وَمِمَّا رَزَقْنَاهُمْ يُنفِقُونَ

“This book, there is no doubt in it is a guide to those who guard against evil. Those who believe in the ghaib and keep up prayer and spend out what we have given them.”

Under this ayat, Yahya bin Abil Qasim narrates from Imam Jafar Sadiq (a.s.). Imam (a.s.) says, “Muttaqee’ implies the shia of Ameerul Momeneen Ali ibn Abi Taleb (a.s.) and ‘Ghaib’ implies to Imam Zamana (i.e. Imam Zamana will be in Ghaibat). And then he (a.s.) quoted another ayat, ‘And they say: Why is not a sign sent to him from his Lord? Say: The unseen is only for Allah therefore wait; surely I too with you am of those who wait. (Yunus: 20)

(Kamaluddin, 1/18, Yanabial Mawwadda 508)

Ghaibat — an era of trepidation for Imam (a.s.)

designed by vahid ahmadi

In The Name of Allah, The Most Beneficent, The Most Merciful

We had said that Imam Sajjad (a.s.), while drawing similarities between Imam-e-Asr (a.t.f.s.) and the Prophets (a.s.), had compared his ‘trepidation and occultation’ to that of Prophet Moosa (a.s.).[1]

Ameerul Momeneen (a.s.) while briefing Kumayl says:

اللّٰهُمَّ بلٰى لأَ تَخْلَوَا الأَرْضُ مِنْ قَائِمِ للهِ بِحُجَّةِ اِمّا ظَاَهِراً مَشْهُوْرًا
وَ اِمّا خَائِفًا مَغْمُوْرًا

O My Allah (this is certain) never will this world be devoid of a Divine Proof notwithstanding if he is manifest or recognized or whether he is in a state of fear or angst hidden from the eyes of the people.[2]

In some narrations the word ‘Fear’ (خائف) has been categorically used for Hazrat Baqiyatullah (a.s.). As Imam Sadeq (a.s.) says:

“There will be an occultation before reappearance for Qaem (a.s.).” Zorarah says, ‘I asked Imam: Why?’ Imam replied: “He will be apprehensive of being killed.[3]”

One of the reason of Imam’s (a.s.) fear is the apprehension of being killed. This fear isn’t a psychological fear or uneasiness or in negative sense. But instead it is a question of insecurity. It was on the basis of insecurity that Hazrat Moosa (a.s.) had exited Egypt. As Holy Quran says: فَخَرَجَ مِنْهَا خَائِفًا يَتَرَقَّب (Moosa) exited from the city in fear, and awaiting.

The prayer which follows Ziyarat-e-Aale Yaseen, in this too, Imam (a.s.) is referred to as the ‘vigilant and fearful’

(اَلْمُرتَقَبَ الْخَا ئِف).

We are aware that Imame-e-Asr (a.t.f.s.) is from the treasures of Allah and gift of all the glad tidings given by the Prophets and there are lot of responsibilities on him. Like establishing justice and for that it is also necessary that he protects himself. More so, the oppressors and tyrants have narrowed down the living space and hence Imam (a.s.) had to go into seclusion. His father and grand fathers were martyred either by sword or poison and it is for this that Imam Mahdi (a.s.) was compelled to agree and live his life far from the clutches of the oppressors. The cause for this insecurity is due to non-availability of companions and helpers.

There could be other reasons for Imam’s (a.s.) fear. For instance the apprehension of a long extended occultation. Or the fear of delay in his reappearance. Another reason for Imam’s (a.s.) apprehension could be the believers who may become the victims of difficulties and afflictions in the era of occultation and as a consequence find themselves in Iblees’ trap and stray from the straight path of Imamate.

Allah has promised.

وَ لِيُبَدِّ لَنَّهُمْ بَعْدِ خَوْفِهِمْ اَمْنًا

 He will most certainly, after their fear, give them security in exchange.[4]

[1] Al Muhajjatul Al Baizaae, Tradition 4, Page 338

[2] Nahjul Balagah saying 139

[3] Kamaaluddin 2-281 (chapter 44)

[4] Surah Nur (24): 55

Ghaibat — an era of confinement for Imam Mahdi (a.s.)

A

A few traditions clearly talk about Imam (a.s.) being ‘bounded’ while in occultation. In some other instances, based on the discourses of the Infallibles (a.s.), it is indicated that Imam (a.s.) is ‘bounded’ as Imam Muhammad Baqir (a.s.) says:

The Master of Affairs will have four signs of four Prophets in him. The signs of Hazrat Moosa (a.s.), Hazrat Eisa (a.s.), Hazrat Yusuf (a.s.) and Hazrat Muhammad (s.a.w.s.).

The sign of Hazrat Moosa in him will be the fear and the distressed state. The sign of Yusuf (a.s.) in him will be like staying in confinement. The sign of Hazrat Eisa (a.s.) will be that the people will divided over giving him his right. Some will say he has died while others will say he hasn’t died and he will rise with the sword like Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.).[1]

Imam Husain (a.s.), too, says:

“My ninth son (from his lineage) will have signs of Hazrat Yusuf (a.s.) and Hazrat Moosa (a.s.) in him.[2]

Based on this the Infallibles (a.s.), in their supplications, have prayed for Imam-e-Asr’s (a.t.f.s.) ‘deliverance’ (فرج) and ‘happiness.’

In one of his detailed supplications, which he taught to his companion Abdullah ibn Sinan on the day of Aashura, Imam Sadeq (a.s.) prayed:

اَللّٰهُمَّ وَ عَجِّلْ فَرَجَ آلَ مُحَمَّدٍ وَّاجْعَلْ صَلَوَاتِكَ عَلَيْهِمْ وَاسْتَنْقِذْهُمْ مِنْ اَيْدِى الْمُنَافِقِيْنَ وَالْمُضِلِّيْنَ وَالْكَفَرَةِ الْجَاحِدِيْنَ

O My Allah! Hasten the appearance of Aale Muhammad and keep Your benediction on them and save him from the hypocrites, deviants and spiteful disbelievers.[3]

Imam Muhammad Baqir (a.s.) says:

His resemblance with Yusuf (a.s.) is that, like how Allah had solved his problem in a moment [Hazrat Yusuf (a.s.) had rightly predicted the dream of the Egyptian emperor as a consequence he was released from prison). Similarly, the order of reappearance and waiting will be informed in a moment.[4]

In certain sentences of the salawat of Abul Hasan Zarrab from of Imam-e-Zamana (a.t.f.s.) it has come:

وَ خَلِّصْهُ مِنْ اَيْدِى الْجَبَّارِيْنَ

(O Allah), save him [Imam Mahdi (a.s.)] from the hands of the tyrants.

In his correspondences with Sheikh Mufeed (a.r.), Imam-e-Asr (a.t.f.s.) has used the words ‘فَمَا يَحْبِسُنَا’ which means that he has included the reprehensible actions and characters of his Shias for his confinement.

The moments of imprisonment passing in occultation

Pray that the duration of this time lessens

Every passing second of it is like being in jail

Have some sympathy on your lovers…O Master!

[1] Alamat wal Tabseerat 94

[2] Al Muhajjatul Al Baizaae, Tradition 4, Page 338

[3] Behaarul Anwaar 101-305; Sahife Mahdi 241-247

[4] Kamaluddin : 1-329 (chapter 32, Tradition 14)

Imam Mahdi (a.s.) is the distressed one

In The Name Of Allah, The Most Beneficent, The Most Merciful

While interpreting this verse of Holy Quran:

أَمَّن يُجِيبُ الْمُضْطَرَّ‌ إِذَا دَعَاهُ وَيَكْشِفُ السُّوءَ

Or, Who answers the distressed one when he calls upon Him.

Imam Jafar Sadeq (a.s.) says: This verse is revealed about the Qaem (a.s.) from the progeny of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.a.). By Allah he is the distressed one. He will offer two units (rakat) of prayers near Maqame Ibrahim and pray to Allah. Allah will answer his prayers and remove his difficulties and shall make him the Caliph on the earth.”

Imam Muhammad Baqir (a.s.) says:

By Allah! He [Hazrat Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) ] is so distressed that is said about him ‘Or Who answers…It is for this reason we recite in Dua-e-Nudba:

اَيْنَ الْمُضْطَرُّ الَّذِي يُجَابُ إِذَعَا؟

Where is the distressed who is answered when he calls upon Allah?

In the explanation of this statement it is said: Any person who holds a position or a rank, however, after being delegated to the rank has been kept away from this status by the people who have usurped his position and stop him from doing his duty and he does not have the authority to exercise his rights and many of his enemies do not want him to perform his duty or mission then such a person is called مضطر (the distressed one).

Now, what can be more distressing in the universe than the fact that the Divine Proof of Allah (a.s.) and the Preacher of Holy Quran and religious commandments, even though present, has been left watching from the sidelines how the oppressive, tyrant rulers — hypocrites and those given to debauchery — wish to distort the Holy Quran and finish off the traditions and customs of Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.). Furthermore, they want to change the face of Islam and cause harm to their lovers and followers and make them an object of ridicule and insults.[16]

We read the following words in the famous recommended dua of Imam-e-Asr’s (a.t.f.s.) first deputy:

So, O My Lord, the One who dismisses adversities. When a distressed person calls upon You, You accept his plea and free him from his grief and agony. Therefore, remove the adversities of Your Friend.

Twelve hundred years of solitude! The loneliness of Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.)

 

 

In The Name Of Allah, The Most Beneficent, The Most Merciful

My Master! My lonely and beleaguered Master! The distressed son of Fatemah! The chief of Aale Muhammad (a.s.)! The benevolent father of the universe!

I wish to discuss your loneliness. Aloneness that has continued for twelve hundred years. That loneliness over which the sky and the earth weep incessantly. That lonesomeness which even your followers fail to comprehend. That solitude over which your ancestors (a.s.) had grieved over even before your birth.

I am at loss and don’t know with which chapter to begin this ode. Which volume of this moving book should I pick. Which line, which page and which lesson should I read. This picture — of sorrow and loneliness — has weakened me.

Where do I begin? Should I express this saga in my own words or in someone else’s? Should I tell the past generations, complain with the present ones or the enemies? Should I make a complaint with the masses or the noble classes? Should I speak with those who offend you?[1] Should I talk to those who interpret your merciful and compassionate hands as hands that will shed blood? Should I protest with those who introduce your flashing sword in such a manner that even your friends feel intimidated? Or should I have a word with those who say you are not reachable for the masses? Or should I address those who feel seeing you is impossible? Or should I talk to those who invite people towards their desires in your name? Or should I talk to those who give hope to people of your coming but they themselves assume that your reappearance is far-off? Should I have a word with those who describe you as per their fancies and not as your holy being actually is? Should I complain to those who take your occultation as a state of your non-existence.

The days of his occultation will be lengthy…

In His Name And With The Remembrance of His Last Proof (a) on Earth

Narrated to us Muhammad bin Ali bin Hatim Naufali alias Kermani: Narrated to us Abul Abbas Ahmad bin Isa Washsha Baghdadi: Narrated to us Ahmad bin Tahir [Qummi]: Narrated to us Muhammad bin Najr bin Sahl Shaibani: Informed us Ali bin Harith from Saeed bin Mansur Jaushini: Informed us Ahmad bin Ali Budaili: Informed us my father from Sadeer

Sairafi that he said:

“I, Mufaddal bin Umar, Abu Baseer and Aban bin Taghlib came to our master Abi Abdullah as-Sadiq (a.s.) and saw him sitting on the floor and covered with Khaibari sheet made of hair, his neck was open and his sleeves folded up. He was crying like a mother who laments the death of her only son. The signs of sorrow were apparent from his face and its effects were spread on his cheeks.

Tears had moistened the hollows of his eyes and he was saying: My master, your occultation has taken away my night’s sleep, it has narrowed my bed for me, and has snatched away the solace from my heart. My master your occultation has turned my tragedies into the atrocities of eternity!

The loss of one after the other perishes a crowd and a multitude. No more I feel the tear that drops from my eye, and the moon that faintly leaves my chest from the places of tragedies and past calamities except that it exemplifies before my eye the greatest and cruelest of catastrophes, the most dismal and disdainful mishaps, mixed with your wrath, and calamities coupled with your anger.”

Sudair says: Our hearts and minds were overwhelmed by that terrifying scene and mortifying view. We thought that it is the sign of a dreadful shattering or times have brought him a calamity. So we said, “May Allah, O son of the best of the creation, never bring tears into your eyes. For what incidents are your eyes pouring and your tears raining and what situation has led you to this mourning?”

Sudair says: As-Sadiq (a.s.) took a deep sigh that his chest expanded and his fright enhanced, and he said, O, you, I looked at the Book of al-Jafr this morning, and that is the book that encompasses the knowledge of deaths, trials and tribulations and the knowledge of all that has been and all that will be until the Day of Judgment, which Allah, glory to His name, has exclusively imparted to Muhammad and the Imams after him, peace unto him and them. I viewed therein the birth of our Qaim and his disappearance and its protraction and the length of his lifespan and the trials of the believers through him and after him in that period and the generation of doubts in their hearts from the length of his disappearance and the apostasy of most of them from their religion and their removing the cord of Islam from their necks, about which Allah, glory to His name, has said, We have fastened to every man’s neck his fateful bird which is the Wilayah. So emotions overpowered me and griefs overwhelmed me.”

We said, “O son of Allah’s Messenger, dignify us and bestow honor upon us by sharing some of what you know from the knowledge.”

The Ghaibat (Occultation) of Prophet Idrees (a.s.)

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

Among the first occultations is the well-known occultation of Prophet Idrees (a.s.). His occultation was so prolonged that his followers fell into dire circumstances and the tyrant ruler of that time killed some of them; while some were subjected to poverty and terror. After that Prophet Idrees (a.s.) reappeared and promised the removal of the travails of his Shias (followers) through the uprising and Jihad of one of his descendants, that is Prophet Nuh (a.s.). Then Allah, the Mighty, and Sublime raised up Idrees (a.s.) towards Himself. And century after century his followers continued to wait for the advent of Nuh (a.s.), one generation after another. And during that time they continued to bear with patience the humiliating oppression of the tyrant rulers till the prophethood of Nuh (a.s.) became apparent.

Shaikh e Saduq (a.r.) narrates the parable of Prophet Idrees (a.s.) in his Kamal-al-deen in these words: Narrated to us my father, and Muhammad bin Hasan bin Ahmad bin Walid; and Muhammad bin Musa bin Mutawakkil — may Allah be pleased with them — they said: Narrated to us Saad bin Abdullah: and Abdullah bin  Ja’far Himyari; and Muhammad bin Yahya al-Attar who said: Narrated to us Ahmad bin Muhammad bin Isa; and Ibrahim bin Hashim, all of them from Hasan bin Mahboob from Ibrahim bin Abi Bilaad from his father from Abu Ja’far Muhammad bin Ali al-Baqir (a.s.) that he said:

Imam Mahdi’s (a.t.f.s.) similarities with Prophet Moses (a.s.)

In His Name And With The Remembrance of His Last Proof (a.s.) on Earth

When the mother of Moosa (a.s.) was pregnant with him, her pregnancy did not become apparent on anyone. The situation of Qaim (a.s.) was also same. When his mother was pregnant with him, the pregnancy did not become obvious.

The birth of Moosa (a.s.) was concealed.

Shaykh Sadooq, through the author’s own chain of narrators from Abdullah bin Sinaan that he said: His Eminence, Abu Abdillah Sadiq (a.s.) said: “In the Qaim (a.s.) is a resemblance to Moosa bin Imran. I asked: What is that resemblance to Moosa bin Imran (a.s.)? He replied: His concealed birth and his disappearance from the people. I asked: For how long did Moosa bin Imran remain concealed from the people and his family? He replied: Twenty eight years.”

(Kamaluddin, Vol. 2, Pg. 340)

And the duration of the second disappearance was forty days; Allah, the Mighty and the High says:

“…so the appointed time of his Lord was complete forty nights…”

(Surah Araaf 7:142)

Qaim (a.s.) is also having two occultations. One of them is longer than the other. Moosa (a.s.) was such that the Almighty Allah spoke to him. And He said to him: “Surely I have chosen you above the people with My messages and with My words, therefore take hold of what I give to you and be of the grateful ones.”

(Surah Araaf 7:144)

Qaim (a.s.) is also like this. The Almighty Allah spoke to him when they took him up in the sky. Thus it is narrated in Biharul Anwar from Imam Hasan Askari (a.s.) that he said: “When the Almighty Allah bestowed me with the Mahdi of this community he sent two angels who took him to the curtain of the Arsh (throne) till they conveyed him into the presence of Allah, the Mighty and Sublime. The Almighty Allah said to him:

The birth of Qaim (a.s.) was also concealed.