Why did Imam Mahdi come out in the open, in spite of his many enemies, at the time of the martyrdom of his father? Reply: As has been explained previously that due to the exceptional conditions of that time, except a very select group none had seen Imam Mahdi (a.s.). These selective meetings continued till the day of the demise of the eleventh Imam (a.s.). That is, the eight …

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What is the proof of the birth of Imam Mahdi (a.s.)? Whether any one has seen him after his birth? Reply: According to both the Shi’a as well as Sunni historians, Imam e Zamaana (a.t.f.s.) is already born. This is a well-established historical fact. For example, the famous Sunni historian ‘Ali Ibn Masoodi says: “In 260 A.H. during the reign of Motamid Abassi, Abu Muhammad Hasan Ibn ‘Ali Ibn Muhammad …

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What are the similarities between Divine Apostles and Imam al-Mahdi? Reply: The following traditions narrated from the infallible Imams (a.s.) sufficiently answer this question: Imam Zainul Abedin (a.s.) said: “In our Qa’im are found the characteristics of the Prophets (s.a.w.a.). They are similar to those of our father Hazrat Adam (a.s.), Hazrat Nuh (a.s.), Hazrat Ibrahim (a.s.), Hazrat Isa (a.s.), Hazrat Ayyub (a.s.), and Hazrat Muhammad Mustafa (s.a.w.a.). As regards …

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What is the reason that whenever the name “al-Qa’im is mentioned all Shi’as rise in respect? Reply: It is a practice among the Shi’as that whenever the name “Qa’im (a.s.)” is pronounced in their gatherings, all of them stand up in reverence. Though this action is not established as an obligatory one, it is prevalent as a highly recommended act for expressing deference for the beloved Imam (a.t.f.s.). Imam As-Sadiq …

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Discuss the false claimants and pretenders of Mahdawiyyah who have been recorded in history. Reply: The preceding discussions indisputably establish the fact concerning the Islamic belief in Mahdawiyyah and the reappearance from occultation of a divine reformer. History records that while some people have falsely represented themselves as the promised Mahdi, some others have been erroneously attributed as Mahdi by either ignorant and harassed people or the selfish motives of …

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Whether the original books of the Sunnis mention and relate about the matters related to the existence, life and reappearance of Imam Mahdi? Reply: It is an accepted fact that the belief of the promised Mahdi is found with the Shi’as who are the believers in Imamat. Many verses from the Holy Qur’an and thousands of traditions are available in this regard. Numerous books of the Ahlul Sunnat that contained …

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Have the Holy Prophet and the Infallible Imams informed us about the “Promised Mahdi”? Reply: Many reliably narrated traditions emanate from the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) and the infallible Imams (a.s.) about the existence and reappearance of Hazrat Mahdi (a.s.). These leave no room for any doubt whatsoever for the seekers of truth. Following are some examples of the sayings of these Holy Personalities (a.s.): The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) informed, “Mahdi …

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  Do the verses of the Holy Qur’an prove the existence and reappearance of Imam Mahdi? Reply: First and foremost, it is not necessary that the Holy Qur’an explains in detail all the concepts. Given that it actually deals with many things, so it does not get involved with the finer aspects and intricacies. Yet, there is an affirmative reply to this question as well. Many verses of the Majestic …

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What has been mentioned about Imam Mahdi in the books of other religions? Reply: An examination of the religious books of the different religions conclusively proves that the belief in the Promised Mahdi is not exclusive only to the Muslims. Even other religions have this belief as is illustrated: Kitab us Zind the religious book of the Parsis mentions about the end of Injustice and the victory of the righteous …

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What is the purpose of the belief in “Mahdawiyyah” and when did it originate? Reply: “Mahdawiyyah” is the belief about a universal saviour. All heavenly religions like Judaism, Zoroastrianism, Christianity and Islam make a prominent mention about it. They hold that the last age will witness a person who will emancipate the people from all corruption and evil. Through him, the oppressed will regain their rights and breathe freely. This …

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