Imam Mahdi in Imam Ali’s Words   I. Imam Mahdi’s (A.S) Occultation Imam Ali Ibn Abi Talib (A.S) has brought up the subject of Imam Mahdi (A.S)’s occultation in different occasions within the limits of his audience intellectual and understanding abilities and according to the natural trend of events in the future. On an occasion he points to the necessity of the existence of a divine Hujjah on the earth, even more, in the entire …

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Mahdi in Other Religions and Nations   Introduction The belief in “Mahdi” (PBUH) originates from the divine nature of mankind. This belief causes hope in the hearts of people. Furthermore, even though there have been differences in the belief of the existence of a savior, this belief however existed amongst many of the ancient communities. Due to the divine law of Allah sending prophets to promise the arrival of a …

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The Mosque of al-Sahlah   The History of the Venerable Mosque of As-sahla It was rebuilt in the first century after Hegira. According to some historical references, the mosque used to be the house of Prophet Edris (PBUH), then the house of Prophet Abraham (PBUH), and thirdly the house of Al-Kidher (PBUH). The mosque has many names like Al-bir (charity) because of its high and blessed status; Abdul Qais, Bin Dhafra, As-sahla Mosque.  …

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Bottom of Form The Deputies of the Imam of the Age, Imam Mahdi   Allah’s mercy is infinite. None else is more gracious than the Almighty to His creatures. Even the vast love of a mother for her child is just a minor ray of endless love which the Creator has for His creatures. When a mother can never see her offspring in any trouble, then how can the immense …

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Top of Form   Imam Muhammad b. al-Ḥasan, al-Mahdi   Muḥammad b. al-Ḥasan al-'Askarī (Arabic: محمد بن الحسن العسکری) (born in 255/869), also known as Imam al-Mahdi (a) (Arabic: إمام المهدی), is the twelfth Imam in Twelver Shi'ism. He is the promised savior, who will rise one day and fill the earth with peace and justice. Imam al-Mahdi (a) has been in occultation from the early years of his life. Shi'as regard him as the Imam of the present age. Among …

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If Imam Mahdi Appears ʿAllamah Majlisi has related the following narration about Imam Mahdi in Bihar al-Anwar: “When Imam Mahdi reappears, he will rule with justice, and no one will be able to discriminate against another. Roads and paths will become secure, the Earth will bring out its bounties, all rights will be returned to their rightful owners, and no follower of a religion will remain until he becomes a …

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Bottom of Form Birthday of Imam al-Mahdi   In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful. And we desired to bestow a favor upon those who were deemed weak in the land, and to make them the Imams (Leaders of mankind), and to make them the heirs. (Quran, 28:5) At dawn, on the 15th Sha'ban 255 A.H., the rays of the illuminating world shone with a powerful shaft of …

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False Claimants and the True Mahdi   Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, a famous false claimant Even a cursory examination of people throughout history who have claimed to be the Mahdi will reveal that the conditions prior to his return and the appropriate actions, knowledge, and behavior of the real Imam have not been met. However, many people have been deceived, and more will be deceived by false claimants in the future. …

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Establishing a Relationship with Imam Mahdi Are we awaiting him actively, or passively? It is incumbent upon us to respect the scholars who guide people towards the Imam, and the Maraja Taqleed (Religious Authorities) who are his general representatives during his occultation. Imam Baqir (peace be upon him) relates the following concerning the status of scholars in Islam: “The scholar is like one who has a candle through which he …

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Doubts on Imam Mahdi 1) According to 43:19-22, claims about an issue of Ghaybah must be verified by asking if those who believe it had seen it with their own eyes, or had a Divine scripture in which it was mentioned. The belief in Imam al-Mahdī fulfills neither of these criteria and is thus not valid. 2) To say that Hadith mentions the existence of Imam al-Mahdī is problematic because; …

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