Will Imam Mahdi bring new Quran, Sunnah, and religion?
Narratives have been quoted by Shia imams that say that Hadrat “Mahdi” [AS] will appear with new book, Sunnah and religion and because of their enmity towards Shia, some of Wahhabis begin spreading doubt that Shias’ Mahdi will bring new book, tradition against Prophet [PBUH]’s Quran and Sunnah and will mislead people by his book.
We mention to some of these narratives and then answer Wahhabis’ doubt:
“Numani” has quoted a narrative from imam “Baqir: [AS]:
...... عن أبي جعفر محمد بن علي... قال عليه السلام: إذا خرج يقوم بأمر جديد ، وكتاب جديد ، وسنة جديدة ، وقضاء جديد...
When Imam “Mahdi” [AS] appears he’ll have new order, book and judgment.
“Al-Nu’mani”- Book of disappearance – p 264
And “Numani” has also quoted another narrative:
“بن يعقوب الجعفي أبو الحسن ، قال : حدثنا إسماعيل بن مهران ، قال : حدثنا الحسن بن علي بن أبي حمزة ، عن أبيه ووهيب بن حفص ، عن أبي بصير ، عن أبي عبد الله ( عليه السلام ) ، قال : إنه قال لي أبي ( عليه السلام ) : لا بد لنار من أذربيجان لا يقوم لها شئ ، وإذا كان ذلك فكونوا أحلاس بيوتكم ، وألبدوا ما ألبدنا ، فإذا تحرك متحركنا فاسعوا إليه ولو حبوا والله لكأني أنظر إليه بين الركن والمقام يبايع الناس على كتاب جديد على العرب شديد ، وقال : ويل لطغاة العرب من شر قد اقترب”
“Abu Basir” has quoted from imam “Sadiq” [AS] who said: “my father – imam “Baqir” [AS] – told me: inevitably, fire will blaze from “Azerbaijan” that nothing can stand against it, when it happens, remain neutral and as long as we’re staying at home you remain neutral as well and when someone from us begins to act, go to him immediately even if you have to move on your hand and knees. Swear by god! As if, I’m seeing him between “Rukn” {Rukne Yamani is the crack in the holy Kaaba where Ali was born}.and “Maqam” {Maqam - e - Ibrahim is the steppig stone used by Prophet Ibrahim (PBUH) during the original construction of the Kaabah} taking allegiance from people with new order, order that costs “Arab” a lot, and {my father} said: Woe to rebellious Arabs due to evil that has come.
“Al-Nu’mani” – book of disappearance – p 200
Response:
Firstly we say in brief that according to quoted narratives, there is no doubt that Imam “Mahdi” [AS] will practice the same Quran that was sent down to his ancestor messenger of god [PBUH] and will enforce Prophet [PBUH]’s Sunnah and Islam religion and if it’s been said in some narrative that imam “Mahdi” [AS] will bring new book, new Sunnah and new religion or new order, it doesn’t mean that he’ll bring Quran against Quran revealed to Prophet [PBUH] or bring Sunnah and religion against Prophet [PBUH]’s Sunnah and religion, but it means renewing “Ahkam”, enforcing “Hudud” of divine book {Hudud is an Islamic concept: punishments which under Islamic law (Shariah) are mandated and fixed by God} , reforming people’s incorrect thoughts but because such things are new to people, they think it’s a new Quran or new religion or Sunnah.
There are many narratives in Sunni and Shia books that emphasize on this matter that when imam “Mahdi” [AS] appears, he will enforce “Ahkam” based on Quran and Sunnah. So, he doesn’t bring new book at all. We mention to some of narratives in this regard:
Shia resources:
Sheik “Saduq” has quoted from commander of the faithful Ali [AS] that Shia imams are not separated from Quran revealed to Prophet Muhammad [PBUH]:
“حَدَّثَنَا أَحْمَدُ بْنُ زِيَادِ بْنِ جَعْفَرٍ الْهَمَدَانِيُّ قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا عَلِيُّ بْنُ إِبْرَاهِيمَ بْنِ هَاشِمٍ عَنْ أَبِيهِ عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ أَبِي عُمَيْرٍ عَنْ غِيَاثِ بْنِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ عَنِ الصَّادِقِ جَعْفَرِ بْنِ مُحَمَّدٍ عَنْ أَبِيهِ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عَلِيٍّ عَنْ أَبِيهِ عَلِيِّ بْنِ الْحُسَيْنِ عَنْ أَبِيهِ الْحُسَيْنِ بْنِ عَلِيٍّ عليه السلام قَالَ : سُئِلَ أَمِيرُ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ عليه السلام عَنْ مَعْنَى قَوْلِ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلي الله عليه وآله إِنِّي مُخَلِّفٌ فِيكُمُ الثَّقَلَيْنِ كِتَابَ اللَّهِ وَعِتْرَتِي مَنِ الْعِتْرَةُ؟ فَقَالَ: أَنَا وَالْحَسَنُ وَالْحُسَيْنُ وَالْأَئِمَّةُ التِّسْعَةُ مِنْ وُلْدِ الْحُسَيْنِ تَاسِعُهُمْ مَهْدِيُّهُمْ وَقَائِمُهُمْ لَا يُفَارِقُونَ كِتَابَ اللَّهِ وَلَا يُفَارِقُهُمْ حَتَّى يَرِدُوا عَلَى رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلي الله عليه وآله حَوْضَه”
Imam “Sadiq” [AS] said: commander of the faithful Ali [AS] was asked: what is the meaning of this saying of messenger of god [PBUH]?
“انّى مخلّف فيكم الثقلين كتاب اللَّه و عترتى”
Hadrat “Ali” [AS] said: the meaning of “عترتى” is me, hasan and Husayn [AS] and nine persons of Husyn’s descendant, ninth person is “Mahdi”, they won’t separate from “Quran” until they visit Prophet Muhammad [PBUH] next to “Al-Kuwthar” pool {in paradise}.
“Al-Saduq” – Uyun Akhbar Ar-Ridha – vol. 2, p 60
This narrative proves that “Ahl al-Bayt” [AS] won’t separate from Quran.
Document of this narrative is authentic, now we look into the narrators of this narrative:
“Ahmad bin Ziyad binJa’far Hamadani”:
He’s amongst masters of sheikh “Saduq” and sheikh says about him:
“وكان رجلا ثقة دينا فاضلا رحمة الله عليه ورضوانه”
He is trustworthy, believer and knowledgeable, May god put him in paradise.
Kamal al-Din wa Tamam al-Ni’ma – p 369
“Allamah Helli” says about him:
“كان رجلا ثقة دينا فاضلا رضي الله عنه”
“Al-Khulasah”- p 19
“Ali bin Hashim”:
“Najashi” says he is reliable:
“قال النجاشي: القمي، ثقة في الحديث، ثبت، معتمد، صحيح المذهب”
He was from “Qom”, reliable in hadith, trustworthy and believed in the imamate of hadrat Ali [AS] to Imam “Mahdi” [AS].
“Mu’jam al-Rijal al-Hadith”- vol. 12, p 212
“Abraham bin Hashim”:
Ayatollah “Khoei” says about him:
“أقول: لا ينبغي الشك في وثاقة إبراهيم بن هاشم، ويدل على ذلك عدة أمور:
.1أنه روى عنه ابنه علي في تفسيره كثيرا، وقد التزم في أول كتابه بأن ما يذكره فيه قد انتهى إليه بواسطة الثقات. وتقدم ذكر ذلك في (المدخل) المقدمة الثالثة.
.2أن السيد ابن طاووس ادعى الاتفاق على وثاقته، حيث قال عند ذكره رواية عن أمالي الصدوق في سندها إبراهيم بن هاشم: " ورواة الحديث ثقات بالاتفاق ". فلاح السائل: الفصل التاسع عشر، الصفحة 158.
.3أنه أول من نشر حديث الكوفيين بقم. والقميون قد اعتمدوا على رواياته، وفيهم من هو مستصعب في أمر الحديث، فلو كان فيه شائبة الغمز لم يكن يتسالم على أخذ الرواية عنه، وقبول قوله”
I say: it’s not good that we doubt Abraham bin Hashim’s reliability, there are several issues to prove this matter:
1: in his Tafsir book, “Ali bin Abaraham” has quoted many narratives; while he’s said in the preface of his book that anything written in this book has been told by reliable guys.
2: “Sayyed bin Tawus” has said there is consensus that he is reliable; as he’s said about narrative that “Abraham bin Hashim” is one of its narrators: there is consensus amongst scholars that all its narrators are reliable.
3: he is the first person who published the hadith of people of “Kufa” in “Qom” province and people of “Qom” have trusted in his narratives. Amongst people of “Qom” there were some who were so strict in accepting narrative, if they doubted him there wouldn’t be consensus amongst them in accepting his narratives.
“Mu’jam al-Rijal al-Hadith”- vol. 1, p 291
“Muhammad bin abi Umayr”:
“Najashi says about him”:
قال النجاشي: جليل القدر، عظيم المنزلة فينا وعند المخالفين...
He has high position and dignity with Shia and Sunni.
“Rijal al-Najashi”- p 327
“Kashi” says:
“أجمع أصحابنا على تصحيح ما يصح عن هؤلاء و تصديقهم و أقروا لهم بالفقه و العلم و هم ستة نفر آخر دون الستة نفر الذين ذكرناهم في أصحاب أبي عبد الله ع منهم يونس بن عبد الرحم”
“Rijal al-Kashi”- p 556
Sheikh “Tusi” says that he’s reliable:
ثقة
“Rijal al-Tusi” – p 365
He also says:
“كان من أوثق الناس عند الخاصة و العامة”
To Shia and Sunni, he was one of most reliable guys.
“Al-Tusi”- Fehrist – p 405
“Ghiyath bin Abraham al-Asadi”:
“Najashi” says that he’s reliable:
ثقة
“Al-Rijal Najashi”- p 305
Second narrative:
Sheikh “Saduq” quotes another narrative in “the completion of religion” book:
63ـ حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ الْحَسَنِ بْنِ أَحْمَدَ بْنِ الْوَلِيدِ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ الْحَسَنِ الصَّفَّارُ عَنْ أَحْمَدَ بْنِ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عِيسَى عَنِ الْحُسَيْنِ بْنِ سَعِيدٍ عَنْ حَمَّادِ بْنِ عِيسَى عَنْ إِبْرَاهِيمَ بْنِ عُمَرَ الْيَمَانِيِّ عَنْ سُلَيْمِ بْنِ قَيْسٍ الْهِلَالِيِّ عَنْ أَمِيرِ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ عَلِيِّ بْنِ أَبِي طَالِبٍ عليه السلام قَالَ:
إِنَّ اللَّهَ تَبَارَكَ وتَعَالَى طَهَّرَنَا وعَصَمَنَا وجَعَلَنَا شُهَدَاءَ عَلَى خَلْقِهِ وحُجَجاً فِي أَرْضِهِ وجَعَلَنَا مَعَ الْقُرْآنِ وجَعَلَ الْقُرْآنَ مَعَنَا لَا نُفَارِقُهُ ولَا يُفَارِقُنَا.
“Salim bin Qais Helali” has quoted from commander of the faithful Ali [AS] who said: indeed, god almighty made us infallible and clean and put us witness for his creatures and proof for the earth and put us with Quran and put Quran with us and we and Quran won’t separate from each other.
“Al-Saduq” – the complete religion – p 240
Document of this narrative is authentic as well. We look into the narrators of this narrative:
“Muhammad bin al-Hassan bin Walid”:
“Najashi” says about him:
“شيخ القميين و فقيههم و متقدمهم و وجههم”
He was the master of scholars of “Qom” and was better than all of them.
“Rijal al-Najashi” – p 383 /// Allamah “Helli” – p 147
Sheikh “Tusi” says:
“جليل القدر بصير بالفقه ثقة”
“al-Tusi”-Rijal - p 439
“Muhammad bin al-Hasan al-Saffar”:
“Najashi” says about him:
“كان وجها في أصحابنا القميين ثقة عظيم القدر راجحا”
He was amongst prominent figures amongst scholars of “Qom” {city in Iran} and was reliable and had high position.
“Rijal al-Najashi” – p 345 /// Allamah “Helli”- al-Khulasah, p 157
“Ahmad bin Muhammad bin Isa”:
“Najashi” says about him:
“أبو جعفر رحمه الله شيخ القميين و وجههم و فقيههم”
Sheikh “Tusi” writes that he was reliable:
ثقة
“Rijal al-Tusi” – p 355
Al-Husayn bin Sa’id”:
Sheikh “Tusi” says that he’s reliable:
ثقة
“Al-Tusi” – Fehrist – p 150
He also says in his “Rijal” book, p 355
“الأهوازي ثقة”
“Himad bin Isa”:
“Najashi” says about him:
“كان ثقة في حديثه صدوقا”
He was reliable and honest in hadith.
“Rijal Najashi” – p 143
Sheikh “Tusi” says that he’s reliable:
ثقة
“Al-Tusi” – Fehrist – p 157
He also says in his “Rijal” book, p 334 that he’s reliable.
“Salim bin Qais al-Hilali”:
He was one particular companions of Shias’ first five imams, Ayatollah “Koei” says about him:
“سليم بن قيس: قال النجاشي في زمرة من ذكره من سلفنا الصالح في الطبقة الأولى: (سليم بن قيس الهلالي له كتاب، يكنى أبا صادق”
Then he says:
“الأولى: أن سليم بن قيس - في نفسه - ثقة جليل القدر عظيم الشأن، ويكفي في ذلك شهادة البرقي بأنه من الأولياء من أصحاب أمير المؤمنين عليه السلام، المؤيدة بما ذكره النعماني في شأن كتابه، وقد أورده العلامة في القسم الأول وحكم بعدالته”
“Salim min Qais Helali” is reliable, dignified and has high position. “Mr. Barqi” bears witness that he was one of companions of commander of the faithful Ali [AS] and his testimony is enough for us proving these issues about him. This issue is also proved by Numani’s word in “Salim” book. And Allameh “Helli” has said that he’s just.
“Mu’jam Rijal al-Hadith” – vol. 9, p 226
As you saw, it was said in two above narratives that “Ahl al-Bayt” [AS] including imam “Mahdi” [AS] are always with Quran and will never separate from it. So, this claim that imam “Mahdi” [AS] will bring new Quran other than what was revealed to messenger of god [PBUH], is quite baseless.
There are other narratives in this regard that we tell them briefly:
Third narrative:
“الْحُسَيْنُ بْنُ مُحَمَّدٍ الْأَشْعَرِيُّ عَنْ مُعَلَّى بْنِ مُحَمَّدٍ عَنِ الْوَشَّاءِ عَنْ أَبِي بَصِيرٍ عَنْ أَحْمَدَ بْنِ عُمَرَ قَالَ: قَالَ أَبُو جَعْفَرٍ ع وَ أَتَاهُ رَجُلٌ فَقَالَ لَهُ إِنَّكُمْ أَهْلُ بَيْتِ رَحْمَةٍ اخْتَصَّكُمُ اللَّهُ تَبَارَكَ وَ تَعَالَى بِهَا فَقَالَ لَهُ كَذَلِكَ نَحْنُ وَ الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ لَا نُدْخِلُ أَحَداً فِي ضَلَالَةٍ وَ لَا نُخْرِجُهُ مِنْ هُدًى إِنَّ الدُّنْيَا لَا تَذْهَبُ حَتَّى يَبْعَثَ اللَّهُ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ رَجُلًا مِنَّا أَهْلَ الْبَيْتِ يَعْمَلُ بِكِتَابِ اللَّهِ لَا يَرَى فِيكُمْ مُنْكَراً إِلَّا أَنْكَرَهُ”
“Ahmad bin Umar”: someone said to imam “Baqir” [AS]: you are the dynasty of grace that god has made it particular to you, imam “Baqir” [AS] said: we’re such dynasty and we are thankful to god. We misled no one. Indeed, this world won’t end until god sends a man from our dynasty [Ahl al-Bayt] who practices god’s book {Quran} and he forbids you people from bad deeds.
“Al-Kulayni al-Razi”- al-Usool al-Kafi- vol. 8, p 396
Fourth narrative:
“وَ بِهَذَا الْإِسْنَادِ (حَدَّثَنَا عَلِيُّ بْنُ أَحْمَدَ بْنِ مُوسَى رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ أَبِي عَبْدِ اللَّهِ الْكُوفِيُّ قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ إِسْمَاعِيلَ الْبَرْمَكِيُّ قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا إِسْمَاعِيلُ بْنُ مَالِك عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ سِنَانٍ عَنْ عَمْرِو بْنِ شِمْرٍ عَنْ جَابِرٍ عَنْ أَبِي جَعْفَرٍ ع قَالَ :إِنَّ الْعِلْمَ بِكِتَابِ اللَّهِ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ وَ سُنَّةِ نَبِيِّهِ ص ليَنْبُتُ فِي قَلْبِ مَهْدِيِّنَا كَمَا يَنْبُتُ الزَّرْعُ عَنْ أَحْسَنِ نَبَاتِه”
“Jabir” quotes from imam “Baqir” [AS] who said: knowledge towards god’s book and Prophet Muhammad [PBUH]’s Sunnah grows in our Mahdi’s heart as plants grow as best as possible.
“Al-Saduq” – the perfection of religion – p 653
Fifth narrative:
It’s been said in other narratives that in the time of appearance, women order in their homes based on Quran and Prophet Muhammad’s Sunnah. It shows that at the time of imam “Mahdi” [AS] “Ahkam” are enforced based on revealed Quran and Prophet’s Sunnah.
“Numani” has quoted a narrative from Imam “Baqir” [AS]:
...”رَجُلٌ مِنَّا أَهْلَ الْبَيْتِ فَيُعْطِيكُمْ فِي السَّنَةِ عَطَاءَيْنِ وَ يَرْزُقُكُمْ فِي الشَّهْرِ رِزْقَيْنِ وَ تُؤْتَوْنَ الْحِكْمَةَ فِي زَمَانِهِ حَتَّى إِنَّ الْمَرْأَةَ لَتَقْضِي فِي بَيْتِهَا بِكِتَابِ اللَّهِ تَعَالَى وَ سُنَّةِ رَسُولِ اللَّه”
“Hamran bin Ayun” has quoted from imam “Baqir” [AS] who said: a man from our dynasty will forgive you twice a year and give you twice a month, in his time you’ll have wisdom so that a woman does her religious obligations in her home based on god’s book and Prophet’s Sunnah {manner}.
“Al-Numani”- book of disappearance – p 245 /// “Al-Majlesi” – Bihar al-Anvar – vol. 52, p 352
Seventh narrative:
Sheikh “Saduq” quotes from “Jabir” who said:
“عن عبد الله بن المغيرة عن سفيان بن عبد المؤمن الأنصاري ، عن عمرو ابن شمر ، عن جابر قال ... وقال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وآله وهو رجل مني اسمه كاسمي يحفظني الله فيه ويعمل بسنتي يملأ الأرض قسطا وعدلا ونورا بعد ما تمتلي ظلما وجورا وسوءا”
Prophet Muhammad [PBUH] said: he is a man from me, our name is the same and god keeps my religion in him and he practices my Sunnah and fills the world with justice and light when it’s filled with oppression and bad deeds.
“Al-Saduq”- Elal al-Sharayi’- vol. 1, p 161
According to this narrative that has been quoted via numerous ways, the Quran that is practiced in the time of imam “Mahdi” [AS] is the same Quran that was revealed to Prophet [PBUH] and practices Prophet’s Sunnah.
Sunni resources:
It’s been quoted in Sunni authentic narratives as well that after appearance, hadrat “Mahdi” [AS] behaves people based on Prophet [PBUH]’s Sunnah.
First narrative:
“Abu Ya’li” has quoted an authentic narrative in which imam “Mahdi” [AS] practices “Sharia” and Prophet [PBUH]’s Sunnah:
“حدثنا أبو هشام الرفاعي حدثنا وهب بن جرير حدثنا هشام بن أبي عبد الله عن قتادة عن صالح أبي الخليل عن صاحب له وربما قال صالح عن مجاهد عن أم سلمة زوج النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم قالت قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم ..فيخرج رجل من قريش من أهل المدينة... فيقسم بين الناس فيئهم ويعمل فيهم سنة نبيهم ويلقي الإسلام بجرانه إلى الأرض”
A man from “Quraysh” who is from “Medina” divides properties amongst people and behaves people based on Prophet [PBUH]’s Sunnah and enforces Islam on the earth completely.
“Abu Ya’li al-Museli” – Musnad- vol. 12, p 369
Researcher of this book says:
“إسناده من طريق مجاهد حسن”
“Abu Ya’li al-Museli” – Musnad- vol. 12, p 369
“Ibn Majjah” has quoted this narrative with little bit change:
“...فَيَقْسِمُ الْمَالَ وَيَعْمَلُ في الناس بِسُنَّةِ نَبِيِّهِمْ صلى الله عليه وسلم وَيُلْقِي الْإِسْلَامُ بِجِرَانِهِ إلى الأرض”
He behaves amongst people based on Prophet [PBUH]’s Sunnah {manner} and enforces Islam on the earth completely.
“Al-Sajistani” – Sunan ibn Dawud – vol. 4, p 107
“Ibn Qim” quotes this narrative and says:
“ورواه أبو يعلى الموصلي في مسنده من حديث قتادة عن صالح أبي الخليل عن صاحب له وربما قال صالح عن مجاهد عن أم سلمة والحديث حسن ومثله مما يجوز أن يقال فيه صحيح”
“Ibn Qim”- al-Manar al-Manif fi al-Sahih wa al-Za’if- vol. 1, p 145
“Ibn Hajar” says in this regard:
وصح أنه صلى الله عليه وسلم قال } يكون اختلاف{
“Ibn Hajar al-Haythami” – al-Sawa’iq al-Muhraqa – vol. 2, p 476
Exegetes of this narrative have mentioned that this person is “Mahdi” who practices based on Prophet Muhammad [PBUH]’s Shariah {Islamic canonical law based on the teachings of the Koran and the traditions of the Prophet (Hadith and Sunna)
“Mulla Ali Qari” says:
“أي المهدي في الناس (بسنة نبيهم) أي شريعته”
“Mahdi” practices amongst people based on Prophet Muhammad’s Shariah.
“Mulla Ali Qari” – Mirqat al-Mafatih – vol. 10, p 94
“Azim Abadi” says:
“ويعمل أي المهدي ( في الناس بسنة نبيهم ) فيصير جميع الناس عاملين بالحديث ومتبعيه”
“Mahdi” practices Sunnah amongst People which means he makes people practicing narratives.
“Al-Azim Abadi” – Sharh Sunan Abi Dawood - vol. 11, p 255
Second narrative:
“Tabarani” quotes this narrative as follow:
“حدثنا أحمد قال حدثنا أبو جعفر قال حدثنا محمد بن سلمة عن أبى الواصل عن أبي الصديق الناجي عن الحسن بن يزيد السعدي أحد بني بهدلة عن أبي سعيد الخدري قال سمعت رسول الله يقول يخرج رجل من أمتي يقول بسنتي”
A man from my nation will appear who says my Sunnah.
“Al-Tabarani”- al-Mu’jam al-Usat – vol. 2, p 15
Third narrative:
“حدثنا عبدالله بن عمرو حدثنا عتاب بن هارون حدثنا الفضل بن عبيدالله حدثنا عبدالله بن عمرو حدثنا محمد بن سلمة حدثنا أبو الواصل 4 عن أبي أمية الحبطى عن الحسن بن يزيد السعدي عن أبي سعيد الخدري قال قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم يخرج رجل من أمتى يعمل بسنتي ينزل الله له البركة من السماء”
“Al-Maqdasi al-Shafi’i al-Salami” – Aqd al-Durar fi Akhbar al-Muntazar – vol. 1, p 229
So, when promised “Mahdi” [AS] appears, he will practice the same Quran revealed to Prophet Muhammad [PBUH] and reveal Islam religion and practice Prophet [PBUH]’s Sunnah amongst people.
During Islam history things have been ascribed to Islam by tyrant, incompetent rulers that if hadrat “Mahdi” [AS] wants to remove them from Islam and reveals the reality of Quran and Islam, people will think that he’s brought new Quran and Islam while hadrat “Mahdi” will practice the plans of the same Islam that his ancestor messenger of god had brought via revelation as it’s been mentioned in narratives.
In prayers and narratives imam “Mahdi” [AS] has been introduced as the reviver of abandoned “Ahkam” of Quran that people don’t practice them, in this case the meaning of new book is “the reviver of Ahkam of Quran” and It’s been also said that hadrat “Mahdi” [AS] will revive and reveal Islam.
This matter has been mentioned in well-known supplication named “promise” that “Ibn Mashadi” has quoted it:
“واجعله مفزعا للمظلوم من عبادك ، وناصرا لمن لا يجد ناصرا غيرك ، ومجددا لما عطل من احكام كتابك ، ومشيدا لما ورد من اعلام دينك وسنن نبيك صلى الله عليه وآله ، واجعله اللهم ممن حصنته من بأس المعتدين”
My lord! Put him the shelter of your oppressed creatures and the supporter of people who have no supporter other than you! Send him to renew abandoned Ahkam of you book {Quran} and to strengthen the residuals of your religion and traditions of you Prophet [PBUH] and to keep it away from the threat of enemies.
“Al-Mashadi al-Haeri” – al-Mazar – p 665 /// “al-Kaf’ami” – al-Mesbah – p 552
This supplication has been quoted by Allamah “Majlesi” and says about its document:
“مَا رُوِيَ بِالْأَسَانِيدِ الْمُعْتَبَرَةِ عَنِ الصَّادِقِ ع أَنَّهُ قَالَ: مَنْ دَعَا إِلَى اللَّهِ تَعَالَى أَرْبَعِينَ صَبَاحاً بِهَذَا الْعَهْدِ كَانَ مِنْ أَنْصَارِ قَائِمِنَا فَإِنْ مَاتَ قَبْلَهُ أَخْرَجَهُ اللَّهُ مِنْ قَبْرِهِ وَ أَعْطَاهُ بِكُلِّ كَلِمَةٍ أَلْفَ حَسَنَةٍ وَ مَحَا عَنْهُ أَلْفَ سَيِّئَةٍ وَ هُوَ اللَّهُمَ رَبَ النُّورِ الْعَظِيمِ الدُّعَاء”
“Behar al-Anwar” – vol. 53, p 327
And Prophet Muhammad [PBUH] has quoted a narrative in this regard:
…”إِنَّ الثَّانِيَ عَشَرَ مِنْ وُلْدِي يَغِيبُ حَتَّى لَا يُرَى وَ يَأْتِي عَلَى أُمَّتِي زَمَنٌ لَا يَبْقَى مِنَ الْإِسْلَامِ إِلَّا اسْمُهُ وَ لَا مِنَ الْقُرْآنِ إِلَّا رَسْمُهُ فَحِينَئِذٍ يَأْذَنُ اللَّهُ لَهُ بِالْخُرُوجِ فَيُظْهِرُ الْإِسْلَامَ وَ يُجَدِّدُ الدِّينَ”
My twelfth son will disappear and isn’t seen and when he appears nothing has left from Islam other than a name and from Quran other than a picture. At that time god will let him {Mahdi} to appear and renew and reveal Islam by him.
“Al-Khazaz al-Qomi al-Razi” – Kefayat al-Athar fi al-Nass alaa al-Aemmah al-Ithna Ashar – p 15
It’s written in a supplication quoted by hadrat “Mahdi” [AS]:
“دُعَاءٌ آخَرُ مَرْوِيٌّ عَنْ صَاحِبِ الزَّمَانِ ع خَرَجَ إِلَى أَبِي الْحَسَنِ الضَّرَّابِ الْأَصْفَهَانِيِّ بِمَكَّةَ بِإِسْنَادٍ لَمْ نَذْكُرْهُ اخْتِصَاراً نُسْخَتُهُ- بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيمِ. ... اللهم ! جدد به ما امتحى من دينك وأحي به ما بدل من كتابك وأظهر به ما غير من حكمك حتى يعود دينك به وعلى يديه غضا جديدا خالصا مخلصا لا شك فيه”
God! Renew your disappeared religion by imam “Mahdi” [AS] and revive changed Ahkam of your book by him and reveal your changed Ahkam by him until your religion returns to its first status.
“Al-Tusi” – Mesbah al-Mutihajjid – p 408
Sheikh “Tusi” also quotes from imam “Reza” [AS] in this regard:
“رَوَى يُونُسُ بْنُ عَبْدِ الرَّحْمَنِ أَنَّ الرِّضَا ع كَانَ يَأْمُرُ بِالدُّعَاءِ لِصَاحِبِ الْأَمْرِ بِهَذَا...اللهم طهر منهم بلادك واشف منهم عبادك وأعز به المؤمنين وأحي به سنن المرسلين ، ودارس حكم النبيين وجدد به ما امتحى من دينك وبدل من حكمك حتى تعيد دينك به وعلى يديه جديدا غضا محضا صحيحا, لَا عِوَجَ فِيهِ وَ لَا بِدْعَةَ مَعَه”
God! Clean your cities from their {infidels, tyrants} polluted existence and make your creatures happy by removing them and revive messengers’ methods and Prophets’ old Ahkam by imam “Mahdi” and renew what has been disappeared from your religion and what has been changed from your law by him, until you reveal your religion by him and make it new and pure and correct it by him that there is no bid’ah {innovation in religion} with it, until he shines the darkness of inequality by his justice.
“Al-Tusi” – Mesbah al-Mutahajjid – p 410
It’s written in the supplication read at the time of imam “Mahdi” [AS] disappearance:
“وَتُطَهِّرَ مِنْهُمْ بِلَادَكَ وَ اشْفِ مِنْهُمْ صُدُورَ عِبَادِكَ وَ جَدِّدْ بِهِ مَا امْتَحَى مِنْ دِينِكَ وأَصْلِحْ بِهِ مَا بُدِّلَ مِنْ حُكْمِكَ وَ غَيِّرْ مِنْ سُنَّتِكَ حَتَّى يَعُودَ دِينُكَ بِه”
Clean your cities from their {tyrants and infidels} existence to make your creatures happy and renew your disappeared religion by hadrat “Mahdi” [AS] and reform your changed Sunnah and transformed “Ahkam” by him until your religion gets back.
“Al-Saduq” – perfection of religion – vol. 2, p 514
This matter has been mentioned in imam “Hasan Askari” [AS]’s supplication book that his imam “Mahdi” [AS] will renew pure Islam by removing exhaustion from Islam.
Allamah “Majlesi” quotes from “Sayyed bin Tawus” in this regard:
“السلام عليك يا أبا الإمام المنتظر ، الظاهرة للعاقل حجته ، والثابتة في اليقين معرفته المحتجب عن أعين الظالمين ، والمغيب عن دولة الفاسقين ، والمعيد ربنا به الاسلام جديدا بعد الانطماس ، والقرآن غضا بعد الاندراس”
Salute on you the father of waiting imam whose proof is clear for wise people and knowing him is certainly steady, the same person who isn’t seen by oppressors and has been disappeared from libertines’ government. The same person whom god will renew Islam religion and Quran by him after decaying and getting old.
“Al-Majlesi” – Behar al-Anwar – vol. 99, p 67
Sheikh “Asduq” quotes a narrative from imam “Sadiq” [AS] who said:
“وَ رَوَى مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ عَجْلَانَ عَنْ أَبِي عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع قَال اذا قامالقائم دعاالناس الى الاسلام جديدا و هداهم الى امر قد دثر و ضل عنهالجمهور و انما سمى القائم مهديا لانه يهدى الى امر مضلول عنه و سمىالقائم لقيامة بالحق”
Imam “Sadiq” [AS] said: when “Mahdi” [AS] appears, he will call people to Islam from the beginning and lead them to the religion that has been worn-out and people have been misled from it. He’s called “Mahdi” because he leads people to lost religion and called “Qa’im” because he appears for establishing rightness
“Al-Sheikh al-Mufid” – al-Irshad fi Ma’rifa Hujaj Allah alaa al-Ibad – vol. 2, p 383
It’s been mentioned in one of supplications related to imam “Mahdi” [AS] that he’ll revive Quran that its “Ahkam” have been changed:
“اللهم! جدد به ما امتحى من دينك وأحي به ما بدل من كتابك وأظهر به ما غير من حكمك حتى يعود دينك به وعلى يديه غضا جديدا خالصا مخلصا لا شك فيه وَ لَا شبهة معه ولا باطل عنده ولا بدعة لديه”
O Allah! Renew what has been forgotten from your religion by him and revive what has been changed from the meanings of your book, and reveal what has been transformed from your Ahkam until your religion becomes new and pure by him so that there’s no doubt about it and not void and bid’ah remain with it.
“Al-Tusi” – Mesbah al-Mutahajjid – p 408 /// “al-Saduq” – perfection of religion – vol. 2, p 514
It’s written in some of our narratives that imam “Mahdi” [AS] will revive Quran by changing people’s wrong opinion and thought towards divine book. Commander of the faithful Ali [AS] says:
“وَيَعْطِفُ الرَّأْيَ عَلَى الْقُرْآنِ إِذَا عَطَفُوا الْقُرْآنَ عَلَى الرَّأْيِ. وَ يُحْيِي مَيِّتَ الْكِتَابِ وَالسُّنَّةِ”
When people are overlooking Quran and do their works based on their wrong thought, he’ll forbid people from using incorrect thoughts and make them referring to Quran until they practice based on the order of divine book and throw what is against it away.
“Nahj al-Balagha” – sermon 138
So the meaning of bringing new Quran is reforming people’s wrong thoughts based on Quran teachings.
The meaning of renewing Quran is the reading that was customary at the time of Prohet [PBUH]
At the time of beginning of Islam, Prophet Muhammad [PBUH] and “Ahl al-Bayt” [AS] or even Sahaba had particular reading, that’s why after appearance imam “Mahdi” [AS] may spread amongst people the reading {reading Quran} that was customary in the beginning of Islam as Sunni scholars have mentioned to these readings.
“Tha’labi” writes in this regard:
(مالك يوم الدين) اختلف القراء فيه من عشرة أوجه : الوجه الأول : مالك - بالألف وكسر الكاف - على النعت وهو قراءة النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم وأبي بكر وعمر وعثمان وعلي وطلحة والزبير وسعد وعبد الرحمن بن عوف وابن مسعود وأبي بن كعب ومعاذ بن جبل وابن عباس وأبي ذر وأبي هريرة وأنس ومعاوية ومن التابعين وأتباعهم عمر بن عبد العزيز ومحمد بن شهاب الزهري ومسلمة بن زيد والأسود بن يزيد وأبو عبد الرحمن السلمي وسعيد بن جبير وأبو رزين وإبراهيم وطلحة بن عوف وعاصم بن أبي النجود و . . . . . بن عمر...
“Al-Tha’labi al-Nishapuri” – al-Kashf wa al-Bayan – vol.1, p 112
He also refers to commander of the faithful [AS]’s reading:
“إنَّ الذين فرَّقوا دينهم (قرأ حمزة والكسائي: فارقوا بالألف أي خرجوا من دينهم وتركوه وهي قراءة عليّ بن أبي طالب كرّم”
“Al-Tha’labi al-Nishapuri” – al-Kashf wa al-Bayan- vol. 4, p 181
After it was clarified that particular reading was customary at the beginning of Islam and this reading wouldn’t disrupt in the meaning of Quran and isn’t considered as distort, this point must be said that when it’s said that imam “Mahdi” [AS] will bring new Quran, one of possibilities is that imam “Mahdi” [AS] will reveal the reading that was customary at the time of Prophet Muhammad [PBUH], and because people are not familiar with it they think that this is a new Quran.
Reading Quran along with the cause of revelation:
It’s been quoted in narratives that when Quran was revealed, Sahaba would try to read Quran along with the cause of revelation and about verse “misinory” that was revealed for hadrat “Ali” [AS], they would say the name of hadrat “Ali” [AS] while reading verse, that’s it may that the meaning of new book that imam “Mahdi” [AS] brings is reading Quran with the cause of revelation that was customary at the time of Prophet [PBUH].
“Suyuti” quotes:
“وأخرج ابن مردويه عن ابن مسعود قال : كنا نقرأ على عهد رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم ) يا أيها الرسول بلغ ما أنزل إليك من ربك ( ان عليا مولى المؤمنين ) وإن لم تفعل فما بلغت رسالته والله يعصمك من الناس”
“Al-Suyuti” – al-Durr al-Manthur – vol. 3, p 117 /// “al-Alusi al-Baghdadi” – rooh al-Ma’ani fi Tafsir al-Quran al-Azim – vol. 6, p 193 /// “Ibn Marduyyah” – virtues of Ali bin abi talib – p 240
“Ibn Marduyyah” also writes in another place about the method of reading another verse of Quran at the time of Prophet [PBUH]:
“ابن مردويه ، عن ابن عباس: كنا نقرأ على عهد رسول الله: كفى الله المؤمنين القتال بعلي”
“Ibn Marduyyah” quotes from “Ibn Abbas” that at the time of Prophet [PBUH], we’d read like this: by “Ali”, god made believers needless to fight.
“Ibn Marduyyah” – virtues of Ali bin abi Talib – p 300
“Suyuti” quotes as well that “Ibn Masud” would read this verse like this:
“وأخرج ابن أبي حاتم وابن مردويه وابن عساكر عن ابن مسعود رضي الله عنه أنه كان يقرأ هذا الحرف) وكفى الله المؤمنين القتال ( بعلي بن أبي طالب”
Al-Suyuti” – al-Durr al-Manthur – vol. 6, p 590 /// “al-Alusi al-Baghdadi” – Ruh al-Ma’ani fi Tafsir al-Quran al-Azim – vol. 21, p 175
So, when it’s said that hadrat “Mahdi” [AS] will come with a new book, it may mean reading Quran along with the cause of revelation that was customary at the time of Prophet [PBUH] not that he’ll bring new Quran.
Revealing hadrat “Ali” [AS]’s Quran that was written by him in order of revelation
It’s been said in narratives that when hadrat “Mahdi” [AS] appears, he’ll order based on the Quran of his ancestor hadrat “Ali” [AS]. So, when it’s said he’ll come with a new book, it’s because people didn’t have access to this Quran and when they see this Quran it’ll be new thing to them. It’s necessary to mention that hadrat “Ali” [AS]’s Quran is the same Quran amongst people but in order of revelation. “Ibn Hajar” says in this regard:
علي أنه جمع القرآن على ترتيب النزول عقب موت النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم
“Ali” [AS] collected Quran after Prophet [PBUH]’s died in order of revelation.
“ibn Hajar Asqalani” – Fath al-Bari – vol. 9, p 52
He also says:
“إن مصحف على كان على ترتيب النزول أوله اقرأ ثم المدثر ثم ن والقلم ثم المزمل”
Indeed, Ali’s Quran was in order of revelation, fist Sura was Al-Alaq and then Sura Al-Muddathir and then Sura Al-Qalam and then Sura Al-Muzzammil.
“Ibn Hajar Asqalani” – Fath al-Bari – vol. 9, p 42
“Ibn Syrin” has said this issue either:
“قال ابن سيرين فبلغنى أنه كتب على تنزيله ولو أصيب ذلك الكتاب لوجد فيه علم كثير”
I was reached that “Ali” [AS] has written his Quran based on revelation, if this book is found so many sciences are found in it.
“ibn abd al-Barr” – al-Isti’ab fi ma’rifah al-Ashab, vol. 3, p 974 /// “al-Tabari” – al-Riyaz al-Nazarah fi Manaqib al-Asharah, vol. 2, p 217
This point has been mentioned in authentic narratives that hadrat “Mahdi” [AS] will enforce Ahkam based on Quran written by hadrat “Ali” [AS]:
First narrative:
“Kulayni” has quoted authentic narrative in this regard:
محمد بن يحيى ، عن محمد بن الحسين، عن عبد الرحمن بن أبي هاشم ، عن سالم بن سلمة قال : قرأ رجل على أبي عبد الله ( عليه السلام ) وأنا أستمع حروفا من القرآن ليس على ما يقرؤها الناس ، فقال أبو عبد الله ( عليه السلام ) : كف عن هذه القراءة اقرأ كما يقرأ الناس حتى يقوم القائم فإذا قام القائم ( عليه السلام ) قرأ كتاب الله عز وجل على حده وأخرج المصحف الذي كتبه علي ( عليه السلام )
A man read several verses of Quran for imam “Sadiq” [AS], I listened to it, he wouldn’t read based on the method that people would read. Imam “Sadiq” [AS] told him: avoid this reading and read like other people until hadrat “Mahdi” [AS] appears and when he appears, he’ll come with the Quran that “Ali” [AS] had written.
“Al-ulayni” – al-Usul al-Kafi – vol. 2, p 633
Studying document of this narrative:
“Muhammad bin Yahya abu Ja’far al-Attar al-Qomi”:
“Najashi” says about him:
946 - محمد بن يحيى أبو جعفر العطار القمي
شيخ أصحابنا في زمانه ثقة عين كثير الحديث. له كتب منها: كتاب مقتل الحسين [عليه السلام] و كتاب النوادر أخبرني عدة من أصحابنا عن ابنه أحمد عن أبيه بكتبه
“Muhammad bin Yahya” was the elder of our companions in his time and was reliable and well-known.
“Najashi” – Rijal – p 353
Sheikh “Tusi” and “Ibn Dawud” say about him:
“محمد بن يحيى العطار روى عنه الكليني قمي كثير الرواية”
He has quoted numerous narratives.
“Al-Tusi” – Rijal – p 439 /// “Ibn Dawud” – Rijal – p 340
Allamah “Helli” says:
“محمد بن يحيى أبو جعفر العطار القمي شيخ من أصحابنا في زمانه ثقة عين كثيرا”
He was the elder of our companions in his time and was well-known and reliable.
“Al-Helli” – al-Khulasah – p 157
“Muhammad bin al-Husayn abi al-Khattab”
“Najashi” says:
جليل من أصحابنا، عظيم القدر، كثير الرواية، ثقة، عين، حسن التصانيف، مسكون إلى روايته...
He was dignified person amongst Shia scholars and had high position. He’s quoted many narratives and is trustworthy, he had good compilations and his narratives are authentic.
“Al-Najashi” – Rijal – p 334
Sheikh “Tusi” say that he’s from “Kufa” and is “reliable”.
“Al-Tusi” – Rijal – p 379
“Abd al-Rahman bin Muhammad bin abi Hashim “:
“Najashi” says:
“جليل من أصحابنا ثقة ثقة”
He’s dignified and reliable, reliable.
“Najashi” – Rijal – 236
Allamah “Helli” says about him:
“جليل من أصحابنا ثقة ثقة”
“Al-Helli” – al-Khulasah – p 114
“Salim bin Salamah”:
His name is “Salim bin Makram bin abd Allah”. “Najashi” says abou him:
“أبو خديجة و يقال: أبو سلمه الكناسي. يقال صاحب الغنم مولى بني أسد الجمال. يقال: كنيته كانت أبا خديجة و أن أبا عبد الله عليه السلام كناه أبا سلمه ثقة ثقة”
He’s reliable, reliable.
“Al-Najashi” – Rijal – p 188
Second narrative:
Late “Tabarsi” has quoted long narrative about hadrat “Ali” [AS]’s Quran that hadrat “Mahdi” [AS] will order based on that Quran. He writes:
“فقال عليه السلام: نعم إذا قام القائم من ولدي ، يظهره وَ يَحْمِلُ النَّاسَ عَلَيْه فتجري السنة به صلوات الله عليه”
After “Umar” avoided receiving Quran, Hadrat “Ali” [AS] said: when “Mahdi” appears, he’ll lead people based on this Quran and Sunnah will be carried out by him.
“Al-Tabarsi” – al-Ihtijaj – vol. 1, p 228
Third narrative:
Imam “Baqir” quotes another narrative in this regard:
“و روى جابر عن أبي جعفر عليه السلام أنه قال: إذا قام قائم آل محمد عليه السلام ضرب فساطيط لمن يعلم الناس القرآن على ما أنزل الله جل جلاله فأصعب ما يكون على من حفظه اليوم ، لأنه يخالف فيه التأليف”
Imam “Baqir” [AS] has said: when imam “Mahdi” [AS] rises, tents for those who instruct Quran are set up and they instruct Quran in order of what god has revealed and memorizing it is very difficult because the order of its verses and Sura are different than now.
“Al-Sheik Mufid” – al-Irshad fi ma’rifah hujaj Allah alaa al-Ibad – vol. 2, p 386
So, if it’s said that imam “Mahdi” [AS] brings new book, it means a Quran that was in the hand of hadrat “Ali” [AS] which had been written in order of revelation in which tafsir and interpretation of verses had also been mentioned and there is so many sciences in it as it’s written in Sunni resources.
The meaning of bringing Quran is interpreting Quran:
That it’s written in narratives that hadrat “Mahdi” [AS] brings new Quran, it means interpreting Quran not that he brings a book opposite of revealed Quran to Prophet [PBUH] as it’s written in narratives either:
}هل ينظرون إلا تأويله يوم يأتي تأويله{من الآيات التي تأويلها بعد تنزيلها قال : ذلك بعد قيام القائم.
“Al-Qomi” – Tafsir al-Qomi – vol. 1, p 235
Of course, it’s necessary to mention that interpreting Quran is amongst things which are particular to “Ahl al-Bayt” as Prophet Muhammad [PBUH] says in a narrative about hadrat “Ali” [AS]:
“حدثنا عبد اللَّهِ حدثني أبي ثنا حُسَيْنُ بن مُحَمَّدٍ ثنا فِطْرٌ عن إِسْمَاعِيلَ بن رَجَاءٍ الزبيدي عن أبيه قال سمعت أَبَا سَعِيدٍ الخدري يقول كنا جُلُوساً نَنْتَظِرُ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم فَخَرَجَ عَلَيْنَا من بَعْضِ بُيُوتِ نِسَائِهِ قال فَقُمْنَا مَعَهَ فَانْقَطَعَتْ نَعْلُهُ فَتَخَلَّفَ عليها علي يَخْصِفُهَا فَمَضَى رسول اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم وَمَضَيْنَا معه ثُمَّ قام يَنْتَظِرُهُ وَقُمْنَا معه فقال ان مِنْكُمْ من يُقَاتِلُ على تَأْوِيلِ هذا الْقُرْآنِ كما قَاتَلْتُ على تَنْزِيلِهِ فَاسْتَشْرَفْنَا وَفِينَا أبو بَكْرٍ وَعُمَرُ فقال لاَ وَلَكِنَّهُ خَاصِفُ النَّعْلِ قال فَجِئْنَا نَبَشِّرُهُ قال وَكَأَنَّهُ قد سَمِعَهُ”
“Abu Saed Khederi” quotes that we were sitting waiting for Prophet Muhammad [PBUH]. After a while Prophet [PBUH] came out of one his spouse’s house. We got up, suddenly his shoelace got ripped. “Ali” [AS] got his shoe to patch it. Prophet [PBUH] moved and we followed him. After a short time Prophet [PBUH] stopped, he was waiting for ”Ali” [AS] to come. Then Prophet [PBUH] said: indeed, one of you will fight for interpreting Quran as I did so for revealing Quran. “Abu-Bakr” and “Umar” said: are we the same man who will fight for interpreting Quran? Prophet [PBUH] said: No, the same person is patching my shoe will do so, we went to see “Ali” [AS] to give him glad tiding about his future mission, he didn’t pay attention to our glad tiding as if Prophet [PBUH] had already told him.
“Ahmad bin Hanbal” – Musnad – vol. 3, p 82
“Haythami” writes about the document of this narrative:
“رواه احمد ورجاله رجال الصحيح غير فطر بن خليفة وهو ثقة”
“Al-Haythami”- Majma’al-Zawa’id – vol. 9, p 134
“Al-Bani” says this narrative is authentic:
صحيح
إن منكم من يقاتل على تأويل هذا القرآن كما قاتلت على تنزيله فاستشرفنا وفينا أبو بكر وعمر فقال : لا ولكنه خاصف النعل . يعني عليا رضي الله عنه.
“Albani” – al-Silsilah al-Sahiha – vol. 5, p 693
It’s been mentioned in narratives that people will ignore Quran orders and nothing is left Quran and Islam other than their appearance, it means there is such dust of oldness on Quran as if there wasn’t any Quran amongst Muslims. So, when imam “Mahdi” [AS] appears and wants to apply Ahkam of Quran in Islamic society and remove oldness from the appearance of Quran and revives Islam real teachings, as if he calls people to a new book that had been forgotten by people.
Sheikh “Tusi” quotes an authentic narrative in this regard:
محمد بن الحسن الصفار عن محمد بن الحسين بن أبي الخطاب عن جعفر بن بشير ومحمد بن عبد الله بن هلال عن العلا بن رزين القلا عن محمد بن مسلم قال : سألت أبا جعفر ( عليه السلام ) عن القائم عجل الله فرجه إذا قام باي سيرة يسير في الناس ؟ فقال : بسيرة ما سار به رسول الله ( صلى الله عليه وآله ) حتى يظهر الاسلام قُلْتُ وَ مَا كَانَتْ سِيرَةُ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ ص قَالَ أَبْطَلَ مَا كَانَ فِي الْجَاهِلِيَّةِ وَ اسْتَقْبَلَ النَّاسَ بِالْعَدْلِ وَ كَذَلِكَ الْقَائِمُ ع إِذَا قَامَ يُبْطِلُ مَا كَانَ فِي الْهُدْنَةِ مِمَّا كَانَ فِي أَيْدِي النَّاسِ وَ يَسْتَقْبِلُ بِهِمُ الْعَدْلَ.
“Ala’ bin Muhammad” says: I asked hadrat “Baqir” [AS]: how will “Mahdi” [AS] behave amongst people? He said: he’ll have Prophet [PBUH]’s manner until he reveals Islam. I said: how was Prophet [PBUH]’s method? He said: Prophet [PBUH] removed the remains of the blasphemy of the time of ignorance and behaved people based on justice. And whenever “Mahdi” [AS] appears, he’ll remove any illegitimate act and bid’ah that have become customary amongst Muslims at the time of peace with enemies and lead people to spreading justice.
“Al-Tusi” – Tahzib al-Ahkam – vol. 6, p 154
Allameh “Majlesi” says that this narrative is authentic.
“Majlesi” – Malaz al-Akhbar fi fahm Tahzib al-Akhbar – vol. 9, p 409
Studying the document of narrative:
“Muhammad bin al-Hasan al-Saffar”
“Najashi” says about his reliability:
“كان وجها في أصحابنا القميين ثقة عظيم القدر”
He was one of our “Qomi” prominent companions and was reliable with high position.
“Al-Najashi” – Rijal – p 354
“Helli” says:
“كان وجها في أصحابنا القميين ثقة عظيم القدر راجحا قليل السقط في الرواية”
“Helli” – al-Khulasah – p 157
“Muhammad bin al-Husayn bin abi Khattab”:
“Najashi” says:
“محمد بن الحسين بن أبي الخطاب أبو جعفر الزيات الهمداني و اسم أبي الخطاب زيد جليل من أصحابنا عظيم القدر كثير الرواية ثقة عين”
He was one of our companions, he has high position and has quoted many narratives and is reliable.
“Najashi” – Rijal – p 334
Sheikh “Tusi” says that he’s reliable:
کوفي ثقة
“Al-Tusi” – Fehrist – p 400
“Ja’far bin Bashir”:
“Najashi” says:
“جعفر بن بشير أبو محمد البجلي الوشاء من زهاد أصحابنا و عبادهم و نساكهم و كان ثقة”
He was amongst our pious and worshiper companions and is reliable.
“Najashi” – Rijal – p 119
Sheikh “Tusi” says:
“جعفر بن بشير البجلي ثقة جليل القدر”
He was reliable and dignified.
“Al-Tusi” – Fehrist – p 322
“Muhammad bin Muslim”:
He’s one of the companions of consensus.
“Najashi” says:
“وجه أصحابنا بالكوفة فقيه ورع صحب أبا جعفر و أبا عبد الله عليهما السلام و روى عنهما و كان من أوثق الناس”
He was our well-known companion in “Kufa” and was reliable, pious. He was one of their companions of imam “Sadiq” [AS] and imam “Baqir” [AS] and was so reliable.
“Al-Najashi”- Rijal – p 324
In another narrative Prophet Muhammad [PBUH] says:
.. إِنَّ الثَّانِيَ عَشَرَ مِنْ وُلْدِي يَغِيبُ حَتَّى لَا يُرَى وَ يَأْتِي عَلَى أُمَّتِي زَمَنٌ لَا يَبْقَى مِنَ الْإِسْلَامِ إِلَّا اسْمُهُ وَ لَا مِنَ الْقُرْآنِ إِلَّا رَسْمُهُ فَحِينَئِذٍ يَأْذَنُ اللَّهُ لَهُ بِالْخُرُوجِ فَيُظْهِرُ الْإِسْلَامَ وَ يُجَدِّدُ الدِّينَ
My twelfh child will disappear and isn’t seen and when he appears that nothing has lef from Islam other than a name and Quran other than an appearance. At this time god almighty will let him {Mahdi} to appear and reveal and renew Islam by him.
“Al-Khazaz al-Qomi” – Kefayat al-Athar- p 15
These narratives show that because of lack of practicing Quran and religion, people have caused divine book going into oblivion and when imam “Mahdi” [AS] enforces Ahkam of Quran and Islam, it’s a new thing to people not that he brings new Quran and Islam.
Revealing removed Sunnah:
As it’s been quoted, after Prophet [PBUH] some burned narratives. “Al-Dhahabi” says in this regard:
“جمع أبي الحديث عن رسول الله و كانت خمسمائة حديث، فبات ليلته يتقلب كثيراً، قالت: فغمني، فقلت: أتتقلب لشكوى أو لشيء بلغك؟ فلما أصبح، قال: أي بنية هلمي الأحاديث التي عندك، فجئته بها، فدعا بنار فحرقها”
My father {Abu-Bakr} collected five hundred of Prophet [PBUH]’s narratives, he went to bed but couldn’t sleep, “Aisha” says: I got upset and said: is something wrong? When sun came up he said: O my daughter! Bring narrative that I gave you, I did so and then he burned them.
“Al-Dhahabi al-Shafi’i” – Tazkira al-Huffaz – vol. 1, p 5
And it’s also been quoted that “Abu-Bakr” would avoid people quoting Prophet [PBUH]’s narratives:
“جمع الناس بعد وفاة نبيهم فقال إنكم تحدثون عن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم أحاديث تختلفون فيها والناس بعدكم أشد اختلافا فلا تحدثوا عن رسول الله شيئا فمن سألكم فقولوا بيننا وبينكم كتاب الله فاستحلوا حلاله وحرموا حرامه”
After Prophet [PBUH] died, “Abu-Bakr” gathered people and said: you quote narratives from Prophet [PBUH] that you argue over it and people after you, people will have sever argument with each other so, quote nothing from Prophet [PBUH] and whenever someone asks you about it, you tell him: Quran is enough for us.
“Al-Dhahabi” – Tazkira al-Huffaz – vol. 1, p 2
So, when it’s said that imam “Mahdi” [AS] brings new Sunnah or Hukm, it’s probably the same thing that has been removed, that’s why people think that he’s brought new thing when he quotes them.
Sunni scholars have admitted that Hadrat “Jesus” [AS] will renew the religion of Prophet Muhammad [PBUH] after imam “Mahdi” [AS] appears.
“Qurtubi” says:
“قال علماؤنا رحمة الله عليهم: فهذا نص على أنه ينزل مجددا لدين النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم للذي درس منه لا بشرع مبتدأ”
Scholars have said that “Jesus” appears while he renews Prophet Muhammad [PBUH]’s religion which has worn-out not that he brings a new religion.
“Al-Ansari Qurtubi” – al-Jami’ al-Ahkam al-Quran – vol.16, p 107
“Ibn Battal” says:
“أن عيسى يأتى بتصحيح شريعة محمد”
“Jesus” will come to correct Muhammad [PBUH]’s sharia.
“IbnBattal” – Sharh Sahih Bukhari – vol. 6, p 605
“Ayni” says:
“وأن الدين الحق هو الدين الذي هو عليه ، وهو دين الإسلام دين محمد صلى الله عليه وسلم الذي هو نزل لإظهاره وإبطال بقية الأديان…”
Right religion is the same religion that “Juses” has and that’s Islam religion, the religion of Muhammad [PBUH] that “Jesus” will come down and reveal that religion and void other religions.
“Al-Ayni al-Ghaytabi al-Hanafi” – Omdat al-Qari fi Sharh Sahih Bukhari – vol. 12, p 35
So, renewing religion by “Jesus” doesn’t mean bringing new religion, but it means revealing Prophet Muhammad [PBUH]’s religion, same goes for hadrat “Mahdi” [AS].
Total conclusion:
It was clarified that:
1: Imam “Mahdi” [AS] will practice the same Quran revealed to Prophet [PBUH].
2: the meaning of new book is enforcing abandoned Ahkam of Quran, revealing hadrat “Ali” [AS]’s Quran or reading Quran with the cause of revelation.
3: revealing Quran written by hadrat “Ali” [AS] that was in order of revelation.
4: the meaning of bring Quran is interpreting it.
5: hadrat “Jesus” renews religion as well.
6: the meaning new Islam is that when hadrat “Mahdi” [AS] appears, the Islam that people were away of it, will get a new life and is revealed amongst people and practiced. In fact, he reforms religion not that he brings a new religion other than Islam. And after his appearance, Sunnah, judgment and Ahkam of sharia which had been worn-out and changed due to lack of being practiced, will be enforced and people will think that they are new things.
In another word, imam “Mahdi” [AS]’s revolution will make a deep and practical shift in the society that people think it’s a new thing other than Islam while he renews Islam religion and enforces divine Ahkam and Hudud which hadn’t been executed.
Source: https://www.valiasr-aj.com/
Will Imam Mahdi bring new Quran, Sunnah, and religion?
Narratives have been quoted by Shia imams that say that Hadrat “Mahdi” [AS] will appear with new book, Sunnah and religion and because of their enmity towards Shia, some of Wahhabis begin spreading doubt that Shias’ Mahdi will bring new book, tradition against Prophet [PBUH]’s Quran and Sunnah and will mislead people by his book.
We mention to some of these narratives and then answer Wahhabis’ doubt:
“Numani” has quoted a narrative from imam “Baqir: [AS]:
...... عن أبي جعفر محمد بن علي... قال عليه السلام: إذا خرج يقوم بأمر جديد ، وكتاب جديد ، وسنة جديدة ، وقضاء جديد...
When Imam “Mahdi” [AS] appears he’ll have new order, book and judgment.
“Al-Nu’mani”- Book of disappearance – p 264
And “Numani” has also quoted another narrative:
“بن يعقوب الجعفي أبو الحسن ، قال : حدثنا إسماعيل بن مهران ، قال : حدثنا الحسن بن علي بن أبي حمزة ، عن أبيه ووهيب بن حفص ، عن أبي بصير ، عن أبي عبد الله ( عليه السلام ) ، قال : إنه قال لي أبي ( عليه السلام ) : لا بد لنار من أذربيجان لا يقوم لها شئ ، وإذا كان ذلك فكونوا أحلاس بيوتكم ، وألبدوا ما ألبدنا ، فإذا تحرك متحركنا فاسعوا إليه ولو حبوا والله لكأني أنظر إليه بين الركن والمقام يبايع الناس على كتاب جديد على العرب شديد ، وقال : ويل لطغاة العرب من شر قد اقترب”
“Abu Basir” has quoted from imam “Sadiq” [AS] who said: “my father – imam “Baqir” [AS] – told me: inevitably, fire will blaze from “Azerbaijan” that nothing can stand against it, when it happens, remain neutral and as long as we’re staying at home you remain neutral as well and when someone from us begins to act, go to him immediately even if you have to move on your hand and knees. Swear by god! As if, I’m seeing him between “Rukn” {Rukne Yamani is the crack in the holy Kaaba where Ali was born}.and “Maqam” {Maqam - e - Ibrahim is the steppig stone used by Prophet Ibrahim (PBUH) during the original construction of the Kaabah} taking allegiance from people with new order, order that costs “Arab” a lot, and {my father} said: Woe to rebellious Arabs due to evil that has come.
“Al-Nu’mani” – book of disappearance – p 200
Response:
Firstly we say in brief that according to quoted narratives, there is no doubt that Imam “Mahdi” [AS] will practice the same Quran that was sent down to his ancestor messenger of god [PBUH] and will enforce Prophet [PBUH]’s Sunnah and Islam religion and if it’s been said in some narrative that imam “Mahdi” [AS] will bring new book, new Sunnah and new religion or new order, it doesn’t mean that he’ll bring Quran against Quran revealed to Prophet [PBUH] or bring Sunnah and religion against Prophet [PBUH]’s Sunnah and religion, but it means renewing “Ahkam”, enforcing “Hudud” of divine book {Hudud is an Islamic concept: punishments which under Islamic law (Shariah) are mandated and fixed by God} , reforming people’s incorrect thoughts but because such things are new to people, they think it’s a new Quran or new religion or Sunnah.
There are many narratives in Sunni and Shia books that emphasize on this matter that when imam “Mahdi” [AS] appears, he will enforce “Ahkam” based on Quran and Sunnah. So, he doesn’t bring new book at all. We mention to some of narratives in this regard:
Shia resources:
Sheik “Saduq” has quoted from commander of the faithful Ali [AS] that Shia imams are not separated from Quran revealed to Prophet Muhammad [PBUH]:
“حَدَّثَنَا أَحْمَدُ بْنُ زِيَادِ بْنِ جَعْفَرٍ الْهَمَدَانِيُّ قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا عَلِيُّ بْنُ إِبْرَاهِيمَ بْنِ هَاشِمٍ عَنْ أَبِيهِ عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ أَبِي عُمَيْرٍ عَنْ غِيَاثِ بْنِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ عَنِ الصَّادِقِ جَعْفَرِ بْنِ مُحَمَّدٍ عَنْ أَبِيهِ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عَلِيٍّ عَنْ أَبِيهِ عَلِيِّ بْنِ الْحُسَيْنِ عَنْ أَبِيهِ الْحُسَيْنِ بْنِ عَلِيٍّ عليه السلام قَالَ : سُئِلَ أَمِيرُ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ عليه السلام عَنْ مَعْنَى قَوْلِ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلي الله عليه وآله إِنِّي مُخَلِّفٌ فِيكُمُ الثَّقَلَيْنِ كِتَابَ اللَّهِ وَعِتْرَتِي مَنِ الْعِتْرَةُ؟ فَقَالَ: أَنَا وَالْحَسَنُ وَالْحُسَيْنُ وَالْأَئِمَّةُ التِّسْعَةُ مِنْ وُلْدِ الْحُسَيْنِ تَاسِعُهُمْ مَهْدِيُّهُمْ وَقَائِمُهُمْ لَا يُفَارِقُونَ كِتَابَ اللَّهِ وَلَا يُفَارِقُهُمْ حَتَّى يَرِدُوا عَلَى رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلي الله عليه وآله حَوْضَه”
Imam “Sadiq” [AS] said: commander of the faithful Ali [AS] was asked: what is the meaning of this saying of messenger of god [PBUH]?
“انّى مخلّف فيكم الثقلين كتاب اللَّه و عترتى”
Hadrat “Ali” [AS] said: the meaning of “عترتى” is me, hasan and Husayn [AS] and nine persons of Husyn’s descendant, ninth person is “Mahdi”, they won’t separate from “Quran” until they visit Prophet Muhammad [PBUH] next to “Al-Kuwthar” pool {in paradise}.
“Al-Saduq” – Uyun Akhbar Ar-Ridha – vol. 2, p 60
This narrative proves that “Ahl al-Bayt” [AS] won’t separate from Quran.
Document of this narrative is authentic, now we look into the narrators of this narrative:
“Ahmad bin Ziyad binJa’far Hamadani”:
He’s amongst masters of sheikh “Saduq” and sheikh says about him:
“وكان رجلا ثقة دينا فاضلا رحمة الله عليه ورضوانه”
He is trustworthy, believer and knowledgeable, May god put him in paradise.
Kamal al-Din wa Tamam al-Ni’ma – p 369
“Allamah Helli” says about him:
“كان رجلا ثقة دينا فاضلا رضي الله عنه”
“Al-Khulasah”- p 19
“Ali bin Hashim”:
“Najashi” says he is reliable:
“قال النجاشي: القمي، ثقة في الحديث، ثبت، معتمد، صحيح المذهب”
He was from “Qom”, reliable in hadith, trustworthy and believed in the imamate of hadrat Ali [AS] to Imam “Mahdi” [AS].
“Mu’jam al-Rijal al-Hadith”- vol. 12, p 212
“Abraham bin Hashim”:
Ayatollah “Khoei” says about him:
“أقول: لا ينبغي الشك في وثاقة إبراهيم بن هاشم، ويدل على ذلك عدة أمور:
.1أنه روى عنه ابنه علي في تفسيره كثيرا، وقد التزم في أول كتابه بأن ما يذكره فيه قد انتهى إليه بواسطة الثقات. وتقدم ذكر ذلك في (المدخل) المقدمة الثالثة.
.2أن السيد ابن طاووس ادعى الاتفاق على وثاقته، حيث قال عند ذكره رواية عن أمالي الصدوق في سندها إبراهيم بن هاشم: " ورواة الحديث ثقات بالاتفاق ". فلاح السائل: الفصل التاسع عشر، الصفحة 158.
.3أنه أول من نشر حديث الكوفيين بقم. والقميون قد اعتمدوا على رواياته، وفيهم من هو مستصعب في أمر الحديث، فلو كان فيه شائبة الغمز لم يكن يتسالم على أخذ الرواية عنه، وقبول قوله”
I say: it’s not good that we doubt Abraham bin Hashim’s reliability, there are several issues to prove this matter:
1: in his Tafsir book, “Ali bin Abaraham” has quoted many narratives; while he’s said in the preface of his book that anything written in this book has been told by reliable guys.
2: “Sayyed bin Tawus” has said there is consensus that he is reliable; as he’s said about narrative that “Abraham bin Hashim” is one of its narrators: there is consensus amongst scholars that all its narrators are reliable.
3: he is the first person who published the hadith of people of “Kufa” in “Qom” province and people of “Qom” have trusted in his narratives. Amongst people of “Qom” there were some who were so strict in accepting narrative, if they doubted him there wouldn’t be consensus amongst them in accepting his narratives.
“Mu’jam al-Rijal al-Hadith”- vol. 1, p 291
“Muhammad bin abi Umayr”:
“Najashi says about him”:
قال النجاشي: جليل القدر، عظيم المنزلة فينا وعند المخالفين...
He has high position and dignity with Shia and Sunni.
“Rijal al-Najashi”- p 327
“Kashi” says:
“أجمع أصحابنا على تصحيح ما يصح عن هؤلاء و تصديقهم و أقروا لهم بالفقه و العلم و هم ستة نفر آخر دون الستة نفر الذين ذكرناهم في أصحاب أبي عبد الله ع منهم يونس بن عبد الرحم”
“Rijal al-Kashi”- p 556
Sheikh “Tusi” says that he’s reliable:
ثقة
“Rijal al-Tusi” – p 365
He also says:
“كان من أوثق الناس عند الخاصة و العامة”
To Shia and Sunni, he was one of most reliable guys.
“Al-Tusi”- Fehrist – p 405
“Ghiyath bin Abraham al-Asadi”:
“Najashi” says that he’s reliable:
ثقة
“Al-Rijal Najashi”- p 305
Second narrative:
Sheikh “Saduq” quotes another narrative in “the completion of religion” book:
63ـ حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ الْحَسَنِ بْنِ أَحْمَدَ بْنِ الْوَلِيدِ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ الْحَسَنِ الصَّفَّارُ عَنْ أَحْمَدَ بْنِ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عِيسَى عَنِ الْحُسَيْنِ بْنِ سَعِيدٍ عَنْ حَمَّادِ بْنِ عِيسَى عَنْ إِبْرَاهِيمَ بْنِ عُمَرَ الْيَمَانِيِّ عَنْ سُلَيْمِ بْنِ قَيْسٍ الْهِلَالِيِّ عَنْ أَمِيرِ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ عَلِيِّ بْنِ أَبِي طَالِبٍ عليه السلام قَالَ:
إِنَّ اللَّهَ تَبَارَكَ وتَعَالَى طَهَّرَنَا وعَصَمَنَا وجَعَلَنَا شُهَدَاءَ عَلَى خَلْقِهِ وحُجَجاً فِي أَرْضِهِ وجَعَلَنَا مَعَ الْقُرْآنِ وجَعَلَ الْقُرْآنَ مَعَنَا لَا نُفَارِقُهُ ولَا يُفَارِقُنَا.
“Salim bin Qais Helali” has quoted from commander of the faithful Ali [AS] who said: indeed, god almighty made us infallible and clean and put us witness for his creatures and proof for the earth and put us with Quran and put Quran with us and we and Quran won’t separate from each other.
“Al-Saduq” – the complete religion – p 240
Document of this narrative is authentic as well. We look into the narrators of this narrative:
“Muhammad bin al-Hassan bin Walid”:
“Najashi” says about him:
“شيخ القميين و فقيههم و متقدمهم و وجههم”
He was the master of scholars of “Qom” and was better than all of them.
“Rijal al-Najashi” – p 383 /// Allamah “Helli” – p 147
Sheikh “Tusi” says:
“جليل القدر بصير بالفقه ثقة”
“al-Tusi”-Rijal - p 439
“Muhammad bin al-Hasan al-Saffar”:
“Najashi” says about him:
“كان وجها في أصحابنا القميين ثقة عظيم القدر راجحا”
He was amongst prominent figures amongst scholars of “Qom” {city in Iran} and was reliable and had high position.
“Rijal al-Najashi” – p 345 /// Allamah “Helli”- al-Khulasah, p 157
“Ahmad bin Muhammad bin Isa”:
“Najashi” says about him:
“أبو جعفر رحمه الله شيخ القميين و وجههم و فقيههم”
Sheikh “Tusi” writes that he was reliable:
ثقة
“Rijal al-Tusi” – p 355
Al-Husayn bin Sa’id”:
Sheikh “Tusi” says that he’s reliable:
ثقة
“Al-Tusi” – Fehrist – p 150
He also says in his “Rijal” book, p 355
“الأهوازي ثقة”
“Himad bin Isa”:
“Najashi” says about him:
“كان ثقة في حديثه صدوقا”
He was reliable and honest in hadith.
“Rijal Najashi” – p 143
Sheikh “Tusi” says that he’s reliable:
ثقة
“Al-Tusi” – Fehrist – p 157
He also says in his “Rijal” book, p 334 that he’s reliable.
“Salim bin Qais al-Hilali”:
He was one particular companions of Shias’ first five imams, Ayatollah “Koei” says about him:
“سليم بن قيس: قال النجاشي في زمرة من ذكره من سلفنا الصالح في الطبقة الأولى: (سليم بن قيس الهلالي له كتاب، يكنى أبا صادق”
Then he says:
“الأولى: أن سليم بن قيس - في نفسه - ثقة جليل القدر عظيم الشأن، ويكفي في ذلك شهادة البرقي بأنه من الأولياء من أصحاب أمير المؤمنين عليه السلام، المؤيدة بما ذكره النعماني في شأن كتابه، وقد أورده العلامة في القسم الأول وحكم بعدالته”
“Salim min Qais Helali” is reliable, dignified and has high position. “Mr. Barqi” bears witness that he was one of companions of commander of the faithful Ali [AS] and his testimony is enough for us proving these issues about him. This issue is also proved by Numani’s word in “Salim” book. And Allameh “Helli” has said that he’s just.
“Mu’jam Rijal al-Hadith” – vol. 9, p 226
As you saw, it was said in two above narratives that “Ahl al-Bayt” [AS] including imam “Mahdi” [AS] are always with Quran and will never separate from it. So, this claim that imam “Mahdi” [AS] will bring new Quran other than what was revealed to messenger of god [PBUH], is quite baseless.
There are other narratives in this regard that we tell them briefly:
Third narrative:
“الْحُسَيْنُ بْنُ مُحَمَّدٍ الْأَشْعَرِيُّ عَنْ مُعَلَّى بْنِ مُحَمَّدٍ عَنِ الْوَشَّاءِ عَنْ أَبِي بَصِيرٍ عَنْ أَحْمَدَ بْنِ عُمَرَ قَالَ: قَالَ أَبُو جَعْفَرٍ ع وَ أَتَاهُ رَجُلٌ فَقَالَ لَهُ إِنَّكُمْ أَهْلُ بَيْتِ رَحْمَةٍ اخْتَصَّكُمُ اللَّهُ تَبَارَكَ وَ تَعَالَى بِهَا فَقَالَ لَهُ كَذَلِكَ نَحْنُ وَ الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ لَا نُدْخِلُ أَحَداً فِي ضَلَالَةٍ وَ لَا نُخْرِجُهُ مِنْ هُدًى إِنَّ الدُّنْيَا لَا تَذْهَبُ حَتَّى يَبْعَثَ اللَّهُ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ رَجُلًا مِنَّا أَهْلَ الْبَيْتِ يَعْمَلُ بِكِتَابِ اللَّهِ لَا يَرَى فِيكُمْ مُنْكَراً إِلَّا أَنْكَرَهُ”
“Ahmad bin Umar”: someone said to imam “Baqir” [AS]: you are the dynasty of grace that god has made it particular to you, imam “Baqir” [AS] said: we’re such dynasty and we are thankful to god. We misled no one. Indeed, this world won’t end until god sends a man from our dynasty [Ahl al-Bayt] who practices god’s book {Quran} and he forbids you people from bad deeds.
“Al-Kulayni al-Razi”- al-Usool al-Kafi- vol. 8, p 396
Fourth narrative:
“وَ بِهَذَا الْإِسْنَادِ (حَدَّثَنَا عَلِيُّ بْنُ أَحْمَدَ بْنِ مُوسَى رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ أَبِي عَبْدِ اللَّهِ الْكُوفِيُّ قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ إِسْمَاعِيلَ الْبَرْمَكِيُّ قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا إِسْمَاعِيلُ بْنُ مَالِك عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ سِنَانٍ عَنْ عَمْرِو بْنِ شِمْرٍ عَنْ جَابِرٍ عَنْ أَبِي جَعْفَرٍ ع قَالَ :إِنَّ الْعِلْمَ بِكِتَابِ اللَّهِ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ وَ سُنَّةِ نَبِيِّهِ ص ليَنْبُتُ فِي قَلْبِ مَهْدِيِّنَا كَمَا يَنْبُتُ الزَّرْعُ عَنْ أَحْسَنِ نَبَاتِه”
“Jabir” quotes from imam “Baqir” [AS] who said: knowledge towards god’s book and Prophet Muhammad [PBUH]’s Sunnah grows in our Mahdi’s heart as plants grow as best as possible.
“Al-Saduq” – the perfection of religion – p 653
Fifth narrative:
It’s been said in other narratives that in the time of appearance, women order in their homes based on Quran and Prophet Muhammad’s Sunnah. It shows that at the time of imam “Mahdi” [AS] “Ahkam” are enforced based on revealed Quran and Prophet’s Sunnah.
“Numani” has quoted a narrative from Imam “Baqir” [AS]:
...”رَجُلٌ مِنَّا أَهْلَ الْبَيْتِ فَيُعْطِيكُمْ فِي السَّنَةِ عَطَاءَيْنِ وَ يَرْزُقُكُمْ فِي الشَّهْرِ رِزْقَيْنِ وَ تُؤْتَوْنَ الْحِكْمَةَ فِي زَمَانِهِ حَتَّى إِنَّ الْمَرْأَةَ لَتَقْضِي فِي بَيْتِهَا بِكِتَابِ اللَّهِ تَعَالَى وَ سُنَّةِ رَسُولِ اللَّه”
“Hamran bin Ayun” has quoted from imam “Baqir” [AS] who said: a man from our dynasty will forgive you twice a year and give you twice a month, in his time you’ll have wisdom so that a woman does her religious obligations in her home based on god’s book and Prophet’s Sunnah {manner}.
“Al-Numani”- book of disappearance – p 245 /// “Al-Majlesi” – Bihar al-Anvar – vol. 52, p 352
Seventh narrative:
Sheikh “Saduq” quotes from “Jabir” who said:
“عن عبد الله بن المغيرة عن سفيان بن عبد المؤمن الأنصاري ، عن عمرو ابن شمر ، عن جابر قال ... وقال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وآله وهو رجل مني اسمه كاسمي يحفظني الله فيه ويعمل بسنتي يملأ الأرض قسطا وعدلا ونورا بعد ما تمتلي ظلما وجورا وسوءا”
Prophet Muhammad [PBUH] said: he is a man from me, our name is the same and god keeps my religion in him and he practices my Sunnah and fills the world with justice and light when it’s filled with oppression and bad deeds.
“Al-Saduq”- Elal al-Sharayi’- vol. 1, p 161
According to this narrative that has been quoted via numerous ways, the Quran that is practiced in the time of imam “Mahdi” [AS] is the same Quran that was revealed to Prophet [PBUH] and practices Prophet’s Sunnah.
Sunni resources:
It’s been quoted in Sunni authentic narratives as well that after appearance, hadrat “Mahdi” [AS] behaves people based on Prophet [PBUH]’s Sunnah.
First narrative:
“Abu Ya’li” has quoted an authentic narrative in which imam “Mahdi” [AS] practices “Sharia” and Prophet [PBUH]’s Sunnah:
“حدثنا أبو هشام الرفاعي حدثنا وهب بن جرير حدثنا هشام بن أبي عبد الله عن قتادة عن صالح أبي الخليل عن صاحب له وربما قال صالح عن مجاهد عن أم سلمة زوج النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم قالت قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم ..فيخرج رجل من قريش من أهل المدينة... فيقسم بين الناس فيئهم ويعمل فيهم سنة نبيهم ويلقي الإسلام بجرانه إلى الأرض”
A man from “Quraysh” who is from “Medina” divides properties amongst people and behaves people based on Prophet [PBUH]’s Sunnah and enforces Islam on the earth completely.
“Abu Ya’li al-Museli” – Musnad- vol. 12, p 369
Researcher of this book says:
“إسناده من طريق مجاهد حسن”
“Abu Ya’li al-Museli” – Musnad- vol. 12, p 369
“Ibn Majjah” has quoted this narrative with little bit change:
“...فَيَقْسِمُ الْمَالَ وَيَعْمَلُ في الناس بِسُنَّةِ نَبِيِّهِمْ صلى الله عليه وسلم وَيُلْقِي الْإِسْلَامُ بِجِرَانِهِ إلى الأرض”
He behaves amongst people based on Prophet [PBUH]’s Sunnah {manner} and enforces Islam on the earth completely.
“Al-Sajistani” – Sunan ibn Dawud – vol. 4, p 107
“Ibn Qim” quotes this narrative and says:
“ورواه أبو يعلى الموصلي في مسنده من حديث قتادة عن صالح أبي الخليل عن صاحب له وربما قال صالح عن مجاهد عن أم سلمة والحديث حسن ومثله مما يجوز أن يقال فيه صحيح”
“Ibn Qim”- al-Manar al-Manif fi al-Sahih wa al-Za’if- vol. 1, p 145
“Ibn Hajar” says in this regard:
وصح أنه صلى الله عليه وسلم قال } يكون اختلاف{
“Ibn Hajar al-Haythami” – al-Sawa’iq al-Muhraqa – vol. 2, p 476
Exegetes of this narrative have mentioned that this person is “Mahdi” who practices based on Prophet Muhammad [PBUH]’s Shariah {Islamic canonical law based on the teachings of the Koran and the traditions of the Prophet (Hadith and Sunna)
“Mulla Ali Qari” says:
“أي المهدي في الناس (بسنة نبيهم) أي شريعته”
“Mahdi” practices amongst people based on Prophet Muhammad’s Shariah.
“Mulla Ali Qari” – Mirqat al-Mafatih – vol. 10, p 94
“Azim Abadi” says:
“ويعمل أي المهدي ( في الناس بسنة نبيهم ) فيصير جميع الناس عاملين بالحديث ومتبعيه”
“Mahdi” practices Sunnah amongst People which means he makes people practicing narratives.
“Al-Azim Abadi” – Sharh Sunan Abi Dawood - vol. 11, p 255
Second narrative:
“Tabarani” quotes this narrative as follow:
“حدثنا أحمد قال حدثنا أبو جعفر قال حدثنا محمد بن سلمة عن أبى الواصل عن أبي الصديق الناجي عن الحسن بن يزيد السعدي أحد بني بهدلة عن أبي سعيد الخدري قال سمعت رسول الله يقول يخرج رجل من أمتي يقول بسنتي”
A man from my nation will appear who says my Sunnah.
“Al-Tabarani”- al-Mu’jam al-Usat – vol. 2, p 15
Third narrative:
“حدثنا عبدالله بن عمرو حدثنا عتاب بن هارون حدثنا الفضل بن عبيدالله حدثنا عبدالله بن عمرو حدثنا محمد بن سلمة حدثنا أبو الواصل 4 عن أبي أمية الحبطى عن الحسن بن يزيد السعدي عن أبي سعيد الخدري قال قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم يخرج رجل من أمتى يعمل بسنتي ينزل الله له البركة من السماء”
“Al-Maqdasi al-Shafi’i al-Salami” – Aqd al-Durar fi Akhbar al-Muntazar – vol. 1, p 229
So, when promised “Mahdi” [AS] appears, he will practice the same Quran revealed to Prophet Muhammad [PBUH] and reveal Islam religion and practice Prophet [PBUH]’s Sunnah amongst people.
During Islam history things have been ascribed to Islam by tyrant, incompetent rulers that if hadrat “Mahdi” [AS] wants to remove them from Islam and reveals the reality of Quran and Islam, people will think that he’s brought new Quran and Islam while hadrat “Mahdi” will practice the plans of the same Islam that his ancestor messenger of god had brought via revelation as it’s been mentioned in narratives.
In prayers and narratives imam “Mahdi” [AS] has been introduced as the reviver of abandoned “Ahkam” of Quran that people don’t practice them, in this case the meaning of new book is “the reviver of Ahkam of Quran” and It’s been also said that hadrat “Mahdi” [AS] will revive and reveal Islam.
This matter has been mentioned in well-known supplication named “promise” that “Ibn Mashadi” has quoted it:
“واجعله مفزعا للمظلوم من عبادك ، وناصرا لمن لا يجد ناصرا غيرك ، ومجددا لما عطل من احكام كتابك ، ومشيدا لما ورد من اعلام دينك وسنن نبيك صلى الله عليه وآله ، واجعله اللهم ممن حصنته من بأس المعتدين”
My lord! Put him the shelter of your oppressed creatures and the supporter of people who have no supporter other than you! Send him to renew abandoned Ahkam of you book {Quran} and to strengthen the residuals of your religion and traditions of you Prophet [PBUH] and to keep it away from the threat of enemies.
“Al-Mashadi al-Haeri” – al-Mazar – p 665 /// “al-Kaf’ami” – al-Mesbah – p 552
This supplication has been quoted by Allamah “Majlesi” and says about its document:
“مَا رُوِيَ بِالْأَسَانِيدِ الْمُعْتَبَرَةِ عَنِ الصَّادِقِ ع أَنَّهُ قَالَ: مَنْ دَعَا إِلَى اللَّهِ تَعَالَى أَرْبَعِينَ صَبَاحاً بِهَذَا الْعَهْدِ كَانَ مِنْ أَنْصَارِ قَائِمِنَا فَإِنْ مَاتَ قَبْلَهُ أَخْرَجَهُ اللَّهُ مِنْ قَبْرِهِ وَ أَعْطَاهُ بِكُلِّ كَلِمَةٍ أَلْفَ حَسَنَةٍ وَ مَحَا عَنْهُ أَلْفَ سَيِّئَةٍ وَ هُوَ اللَّهُمَ رَبَ النُّورِ الْعَظِيمِ الدُّعَاء”
“Behar al-Anwar” – vol. 53, p 327
And Prophet Muhammad [PBUH] has quoted a narrative in this regard:
…”إِنَّ الثَّانِيَ عَشَرَ مِنْ وُلْدِي يَغِيبُ حَتَّى لَا يُرَى وَ يَأْتِي عَلَى أُمَّتِي زَمَنٌ لَا يَبْقَى مِنَ الْإِسْلَامِ إِلَّا اسْمُهُ وَ لَا مِنَ الْقُرْآنِ إِلَّا رَسْمُهُ فَحِينَئِذٍ يَأْذَنُ اللَّهُ لَهُ بِالْخُرُوجِ فَيُظْهِرُ الْإِسْلَامَ وَ يُجَدِّدُ الدِّينَ”
My twelfth son will disappear and isn’t seen and when he appears nothing has left from Islam other than a name and from Quran other than a picture. At that time god will let him {Mahdi} to appear and renew and reveal Islam by him.
“Al-Khazaz al-Qomi al-Razi” – Kefayat al-Athar fi al-Nass alaa al-Aemmah al-Ithna Ashar – p 15
It’s written in a supplication quoted by hadrat “Mahdi” [AS]:
“دُعَاءٌ آخَرُ مَرْوِيٌّ عَنْ صَاحِبِ الزَّمَانِ ع خَرَجَ إِلَى أَبِي الْحَسَنِ الضَّرَّابِ الْأَصْفَهَانِيِّ بِمَكَّةَ بِإِسْنَادٍ لَمْ نَذْكُرْهُ اخْتِصَاراً نُسْخَتُهُ- بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيمِ. ... اللهم ! جدد به ما امتحى من دينك وأحي به ما بدل من كتابك وأظهر به ما غير من حكمك حتى يعود دينك به وعلى يديه غضا جديدا خالصا مخلصا لا شك فيه”
God! Renew your disappeared religion by imam “Mahdi” [AS] and revive changed Ahkam of your book by him and reveal your changed Ahkam by him until your religion returns to its first status.
“Al-Tusi” – Mesbah al-Mutihajjid – p 408
Sheikh “Tusi” also quotes from imam “Reza” [AS] in this regard:
“رَوَى يُونُسُ بْنُ عَبْدِ الرَّحْمَنِ أَنَّ الرِّضَا ع كَانَ يَأْمُرُ بِالدُّعَاءِ لِصَاحِبِ الْأَمْرِ بِهَذَا...اللهم طهر منهم بلادك واشف منهم عبادك وأعز به المؤمنين وأحي به سنن المرسلين ، ودارس حكم النبيين وجدد به ما امتحى من دينك وبدل من حكمك حتى تعيد دينك به وعلى يديه جديدا غضا محضا صحيحا, لَا عِوَجَ فِيهِ وَ لَا بِدْعَةَ مَعَه”
God! Clean your cities from their {infidels, tyrants} polluted existence and make your creatures happy by removing them and revive messengers’ methods and Prophets’ old Ahkam by imam “Mahdi” and renew what has been disappeared from your religion and what has been changed from your law by him, until you reveal your religion by him and make it new and pure and correct it by him that there is no bid’ah {innovation in religion} with it, until he shines the darkness of inequality by his justice.
“Al-Tusi” – Mesbah al-Mutahajjid – p 410
It’s written in the supplication read at the time of imam “Mahdi” [AS] disappearance:
“وَتُطَهِّرَ مِنْهُمْ بِلَادَكَ وَ اشْفِ مِنْهُمْ صُدُورَ عِبَادِكَ وَ جَدِّدْ بِهِ مَا امْتَحَى مِنْ دِينِكَ وأَصْلِحْ بِهِ مَا بُدِّلَ مِنْ حُكْمِكَ وَ غَيِّرْ مِنْ سُنَّتِكَ حَتَّى يَعُودَ دِينُكَ بِه”
Clean your cities from their {tyrants and infidels} existence to make your creatures happy and renew your disappeared religion by hadrat “Mahdi” [AS] and reform your changed Sunnah and transformed “Ahkam” by him until your religion gets back.
“Al-Saduq” – perfection of religion – vol. 2, p 514
This matter has been mentioned in imam “Hasan Askari” [AS]’s supplication book that his imam “Mahdi” [AS] will renew pure Islam by removing exhaustion from Islam.
Allamah “Majlesi” quotes from “Sayyed bin Tawus” in this regard:
“السلام عليك يا أبا الإمام المنتظر ، الظاهرة للعاقل حجته ، والثابتة في اليقين معرفته المحتجب عن أعين الظالمين ، والمغيب عن دولة الفاسقين ، والمعيد ربنا به الاسلام جديدا بعد الانطماس ، والقرآن غضا بعد الاندراس”
Salute on you the father of waiting imam whose proof is clear for wise people and knowing him is certainly steady, the same person who isn’t seen by oppressors and has been disappeared from libertines’ government. The same person whom god will renew Islam religion and Quran by him after decaying and getting old.
“Al-Majlesi” – Behar al-Anwar – vol. 99, p 67
Sheikh “Asduq” quotes a narrative from imam “Sadiq” [AS] who said:
“وَ رَوَى مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ عَجْلَانَ عَنْ أَبِي عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع قَال اذا قامالقائم دعاالناس الى الاسلام جديدا و هداهم الى امر قد دثر و ضل عنهالجمهور و انما سمى القائم مهديا لانه يهدى الى امر مضلول عنه و سمىالقائم لقيامة بالحق”
Imam “Sadiq” [AS] said: when “Mahdi” [AS] appears, he will call people to Islam from the beginning and lead them to the religion that has been worn-out and people have been misled from it. He’s called “Mahdi” because he leads people to lost religion and called “Qa’im” because he appears for establishing rightness
“Al-Sheikh al-Mufid” – al-Irshad fi Ma’rifa Hujaj Allah alaa al-Ibad – vol. 2, p 383
It’s been mentioned in one of supplications related to imam “Mahdi” [AS] that he’ll revive Quran that its “Ahkam” have been changed:
“اللهم! جدد به ما امتحى من دينك وأحي به ما بدل من كتابك وأظهر به ما غير من حكمك حتى يعود دينك به وعلى يديه غضا جديدا خالصا مخلصا لا شك فيه وَ لَا شبهة معه ولا باطل عنده ولا بدعة لديه”
O Allah! Renew what has been forgotten from your religion by him and revive what has been changed from the meanings of your book, and reveal what has been transformed from your Ahkam until your religion becomes new and pure by him so that there’s no doubt about it and not void and bid’ah remain with it.
“Al-Tusi” – Mesbah al-Mutahajjid – p 408 /// “al-Saduq” – perfection of religion – vol. 2, p 514
It’s written in some of our narratives that imam “Mahdi” [AS] will revive Quran by changing people’s wrong opinion and thought towards divine book. Commander of the faithful Ali [AS] says:
“وَيَعْطِفُ الرَّأْيَ عَلَى الْقُرْآنِ إِذَا عَطَفُوا الْقُرْآنَ عَلَى الرَّأْيِ. وَ يُحْيِي مَيِّتَ الْكِتَابِ وَالسُّنَّةِ”
When people are overlooking Quran and do their works based on their wrong thought, he’ll forbid people from using incorrect thoughts and make them referring to Quran until they practice based on the order of divine book and throw what is against it away.
“Nahj al-Balagha” – sermon 138
So the meaning of bringing new Quran is reforming people’s wrong thoughts based on Quran teachings.
The meaning of renewing Quran is the reading that was customary at the time of Prohet [PBUH]
At the time of beginning of Islam, Prophet Muhammad [PBUH] and “Ahl al-Bayt” [AS] or even Sahaba had particular reading, that’s why after appearance imam “Mahdi” [AS] may spread amongst people the reading {reading Quran} that was customary in the beginning of Islam as Sunni scholars have mentioned to these readings.
“Tha’labi” writes in this regard:
(مالك يوم الدين) اختلف القراء فيه من عشرة أوجه : الوجه الأول : مالك - بالألف وكسر الكاف - على النعت وهو قراءة النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم وأبي بكر وعمر وعثمان وعلي وطلحة والزبير وسعد وعبد الرحمن بن عوف وابن مسعود وأبي بن كعب ومعاذ بن جبل وابن عباس وأبي ذر وأبي هريرة وأنس ومعاوية ومن التابعين وأتباعهم عمر بن عبد العزيز ومحمد بن شهاب الزهري ومسلمة بن زيد والأسود بن يزيد وأبو عبد الرحمن السلمي وسعيد بن جبير وأبو رزين وإبراهيم وطلحة بن عوف وعاصم بن أبي النجود و . . . . . بن عمر...
“Al-Tha’labi al-Nishapuri” – al-Kashf wa al-Bayan – vol.1, p 112
He also refers to commander of the faithful [AS]’s reading:
“إنَّ الذين فرَّقوا دينهم (قرأ حمزة والكسائي: فارقوا بالألف أي خرجوا من دينهم وتركوه وهي قراءة عليّ بن أبي طالب كرّم”
“Al-Tha’labi al-Nishapuri” – al-Kashf wa al-Bayan- vol. 4, p 181
After it was clarified that particular reading was customary at the beginning of Islam and this reading wouldn’t disrupt in the meaning of Quran and isn’t considered as distort, this point must be said that when it’s said that imam “Mahdi” [AS] will bring new Quran, one of possibilities is that imam “Mahdi” [AS] will reveal the reading that was customary at the time of Prophet Muhammad [PBUH], and because people are not familiar with it they think that this is a new Quran.
Reading Quran along with the cause of revelation:
It’s been quoted in narratives that when Quran was revealed, Sahaba would try to read Quran along with the cause of revelation and about verse “misinory” that was revealed for hadrat “Ali” [AS], they would say the name of hadrat “Ali” [AS] while reading verse, that’s it may that the meaning of new book that imam “Mahdi” [AS] brings is reading Quran with the cause of revelation that was customary at the time of Prophet [PBUH].
“Suyuti” quotes:
“وأخرج ابن مردويه عن ابن مسعود قال : كنا نقرأ على عهد رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم ) يا أيها الرسول بلغ ما أنزل إليك من ربك ( ان عليا مولى المؤمنين ) وإن لم تفعل فما بلغت رسالته والله يعصمك من الناس”
“Al-Suyuti” – al-Durr al-Manthur – vol. 3, p 117 /// “al-Alusi al-Baghdadi” – rooh al-Ma’ani fi Tafsir al-Quran al-Azim – vol. 6, p 193 /// “Ibn Marduyyah” – virtues of Ali bin abi talib – p 240
“Ibn Marduyyah” also writes in another place about the method of reading another verse of Quran at the time of Prophet [PBUH]:
“ابن مردويه ، عن ابن عباس: كنا نقرأ على عهد رسول الله: كفى الله المؤمنين القتال بعلي”
“Ibn Marduyyah” quotes from “Ibn Abbas” that at the time of Prophet [PBUH], we’d read like this: by “Ali”, god made believers needless to fight.
“Ibn Marduyyah” – virtues of Ali bin abi Talib – p 300
“Suyuti” quotes as well that “Ibn Masud” would read this verse like this:
“وأخرج ابن أبي حاتم وابن مردويه وابن عساكر عن ابن مسعود رضي الله عنه أنه كان يقرأ هذا الحرف) وكفى الله المؤمنين القتال ( بعلي بن أبي طالب”
Al-Suyuti” – al-Durr al-Manthur – vol. 6, p 590 /// “al-Alusi al-Baghdadi” – Ruh al-Ma’ani fi Tafsir al-Quran al-Azim – vol. 21, p 175
So, when it’s said that hadrat “Mahdi” [AS] will come with a new book, it may mean reading Quran along with the cause of revelation that was customary at the time of Prophet [PBUH] not that he’ll bring new Quran.
Revealing hadrat “Ali” [AS]’s Quran that was written by him in order of revelation
It’s been said in narratives that when hadrat “Mahdi” [AS] appears, he’ll order based on the Quran of his ancestor hadrat “Ali” [AS]. So, when it’s said he’ll come with a new book, it’s because people didn’t have access to this Quran and when they see this Quran it’ll be new thing to them. It’s necessary to mention that hadrat “Ali” [AS]’s Quran is the same Quran amongst people but in order of revelation. “Ibn Hajar” says in this regard:
علي أنه جمع القرآن على ترتيب النزول عقب موت النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم
“Ali” [AS] collected Quran after Prophet [PBUH]’s died in order of revelation.
“ibn Hajar Asqalani” – Fath al-Bari – vol. 9, p 52
He also says:
“إن مصحف على كان على ترتيب النزول أوله اقرأ ثم المدثر ثم ن والقلم ثم المزمل”
Indeed, Ali’s Quran was in order of revelation, fist Sura was Al-Alaq and then Sura Al-Muddathir and then Sura Al-Qalam and then Sura Al-Muzzammil.
“Ibn Hajar Asqalani” – Fath al-Bari – vol. 9, p 42
“Ibn Syrin” has said this issue either:
“قال ابن سيرين فبلغنى أنه كتب على تنزيله ولو أصيب ذلك الكتاب لوجد فيه علم كثير”
I was reached that “Ali” [AS] has written his Quran based on revelation, if this book is found so many sciences are found in it.
“ibn abd al-Barr” – al-Isti’ab fi ma’rifah al-Ashab, vol. 3, p 974 /// “al-Tabari” – al-Riyaz al-Nazarah fi Manaqib al-Asharah, vol. 2, p 217
This point has been mentioned in authentic narratives that hadrat “Mahdi” [AS] will enforce Ahkam based on Quran written by hadrat “Ali” [AS]:
First narrative:
“Kulayni” has quoted authentic narrative in this regard:
محمد بن يحيى ، عن محمد بن الحسين، عن عبد الرحمن بن أبي هاشم ، عن سالم بن سلمة قال : قرأ رجل على أبي عبد الله ( عليه السلام ) وأنا أستمع حروفا من القرآن ليس على ما يقرؤها الناس ، فقال أبو عبد الله ( عليه السلام ) : كف عن هذه القراءة اقرأ كما يقرأ الناس حتى يقوم القائم فإذا قام القائم ( عليه السلام ) قرأ كتاب الله عز وجل على حده وأخرج المصحف الذي كتبه علي ( عليه السلام )
A man read several verses of Quran for imam “Sadiq” [AS], I listened to it, he wouldn’t read based on the method that people would read. Imam “Sadiq” [AS] told him: avoid this reading and read like other people until hadrat “Mahdi” [AS] appears and when he appears, he’ll come with the Quran that “Ali” [AS] had written.
“Al-ulayni” – al-Usul al-Kafi – vol. 2, p 633
Studying document of this narrative:
“Muhammad bin Yahya abu Ja’far al-Attar al-Qomi”:
“Najashi” says about him:
946 - محمد بن يحيى أبو جعفر العطار القمي
شيخ أصحابنا في زمانه ثقة عين كثير الحديث. له كتب منها: كتاب مقتل الحسين [عليه السلام] و كتاب النوادر أخبرني عدة من أصحابنا عن ابنه أحمد عن أبيه بكتبه
“Muhammad bin Yahya” was the elder of our companions in his time and was reliable and well-known.
“Najashi” – Rijal – p 353
Sheikh “Tusi” and “Ibn Dawud” say about him:
“محمد بن يحيى العطار روى عنه الكليني قمي كثير الرواية”
He has quoted numerous narratives.
“Al-Tusi” – Rijal – p 439 /// “Ibn Dawud” – Rijal – p 340
Allamah “Helli” says:
“محمد بن يحيى أبو جعفر العطار القمي شيخ من أصحابنا في زمانه ثقة عين كثيرا”
He was the elder of our companions in his time and was well-known and reliable.
“Al-Helli” – al-Khulasah – p 157
“Muhammad bin al-Husayn abi al-Khattab”
“Najashi” says:
جليل من أصحابنا، عظيم القدر، كثير الرواية، ثقة، عين، حسن التصانيف، مسكون إلى روايته...
He was dignified person amongst Shia scholars and had high position. He’s quoted many narratives and is trustworthy, he had good compilations and his narratives are authentic.
“Al-Najashi” – Rijal – p 334
Sheikh “Tusi” say that he’s from “Kufa” and is “reliable”.
“Al-Tusi” – Rijal – p 379
“Abd al-Rahman bin Muhammad bin abi Hashim “:
“Najashi” says:
“جليل من أصحابنا ثقة ثقة”
He’s dignified and reliable, reliable.
“Najashi” – Rijal – 236
Allamah “Helli” says about him:
“جليل من أصحابنا ثقة ثقة”
“Al-Helli” – al-Khulasah – p 114
“Salim bin Salamah”:
His name is “Salim bin Makram bin abd Allah”. “Najashi” says abou him:
“أبو خديجة و يقال: أبو سلمه الكناسي. يقال صاحب الغنم مولى بني أسد الجمال. يقال: كنيته كانت أبا خديجة و أن أبا عبد الله عليه السلام كناه أبا سلمه ثقة ثقة”
He’s reliable, reliable.
“Al-Najashi” – Rijal – p 188
Second narrative:
Late “Tabarsi” has quoted long narrative about hadrat “Ali” [AS]’s Quran that hadrat “Mahdi” [AS] will order based on that Quran. He writes:
“فقال عليه السلام: نعم إذا قام القائم من ولدي ، يظهره وَ يَحْمِلُ النَّاسَ عَلَيْه فتجري السنة به صلوات الله عليه”
After “Umar” avoided receiving Quran, Hadrat “Ali” [AS] said: when “Mahdi” appears, he’ll lead people based on this Quran and Sunnah will be carried out by him.
“Al-Tabarsi” – al-Ihtijaj – vol. 1, p 228
Third narrative:
Imam “Baqir” quotes another narrative in this regard:
“و روى جابر عن أبي جعفر عليه السلام أنه قال: إذا قام قائم آل محمد عليه السلام ضرب فساطيط لمن يعلم الناس القرآن على ما أنزل الله جل جلاله فأصعب ما يكون على من حفظه اليوم ، لأنه يخالف فيه التأليف”
Imam “Baqir” [AS] has said: when imam “Mahdi” [AS] rises, tents for those who instruct Quran are set up and they instruct Quran in order of what god has revealed and memorizing it is very difficult because the order of its verses and Sura are different than now.
“Al-Sheik Mufid” – al-Irshad fi ma’rifah hujaj Allah alaa al-Ibad – vol. 2, p 386
So, if it’s said that imam “Mahdi” [AS] brings new book, it means a Quran that was in the hand of hadrat “Ali” [AS] which had been written in order of revelation in which tafsir and interpretation of verses had also been mentioned and there is so many sciences in it as it’s written in Sunni resources.
The meaning of bringing Quran is interpreting Quran:
That it’s written in narratives that hadrat “Mahdi” [AS] brings new Quran, it means interpreting Quran not that he brings a book opposite of revealed Quran to Prophet [PBUH] as it’s written in narratives either:
}هل ينظرون إلا تأويله يوم يأتي تأويله{من الآيات التي تأويلها بعد تنزيلها قال : ذلك بعد قيام القائم.
“Al-Qomi” – Tafsir al-Qomi – vol. 1, p 235
Of course, it’s necessary to mention that interpreting Quran is amongst things which are particular to “Ahl al-Bayt” as Prophet Muhammad [PBUH] says in a narrative about hadrat “Ali” [AS]:
“حدثنا عبد اللَّهِ حدثني أبي ثنا حُسَيْنُ بن مُحَمَّدٍ ثنا فِطْرٌ عن إِسْمَاعِيلَ بن رَجَاءٍ الزبيدي عن أبيه قال سمعت أَبَا سَعِيدٍ الخدري يقول كنا جُلُوساً نَنْتَظِرُ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم فَخَرَجَ عَلَيْنَا من بَعْضِ بُيُوتِ نِسَائِهِ قال فَقُمْنَا مَعَهَ فَانْقَطَعَتْ نَعْلُهُ فَتَخَلَّفَ عليها علي يَخْصِفُهَا فَمَضَى رسول اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم وَمَضَيْنَا معه ثُمَّ قام يَنْتَظِرُهُ وَقُمْنَا معه فقال ان مِنْكُمْ من يُقَاتِلُ على تَأْوِيلِ هذا الْقُرْآنِ كما قَاتَلْتُ على تَنْزِيلِهِ فَاسْتَشْرَفْنَا وَفِينَا أبو بَكْرٍ وَعُمَرُ فقال لاَ وَلَكِنَّهُ خَاصِفُ النَّعْلِ قال فَجِئْنَا نَبَشِّرُهُ قال وَكَأَنَّهُ قد سَمِعَهُ”
“Abu Saed Khederi” quotes that we were sitting waiting for Prophet Muhammad [PBUH]. After a while Prophet [PBUH] came out of one his spouse’s house. We got up, suddenly his shoelace got ripped. “Ali” [AS] got his shoe to patch it. Prophet [PBUH] moved and we followed him. After a short time Prophet [PBUH] stopped, he was waiting for ”Ali” [AS] to come. Then Prophet [PBUH] said: indeed, one of you will fight for interpreting Quran as I did so for revealing Quran. “Abu-Bakr” and “Umar” said: are we the same man who will fight for interpreting Quran? Prophet [PBUH] said: No, the same person is patching my shoe will do so, we went to see “Ali” [AS] to give him glad tiding about his future mission, he didn’t pay attention to our glad tiding as if Prophet [PBUH] had already told him.
“Ahmad bin Hanbal” – Musnad – vol. 3, p 82
“Haythami” writes about the document of this narrative:
“رواه احمد ورجاله رجال الصحيح غير فطر بن خليفة وهو ثقة”
“Al-Haythami”- Majma’al-Zawa’id – vol. 9, p 134
“Al-Bani” says this narrative is authentic:
صحيح
إن منكم من يقاتل على تأويل هذا القرآن كما قاتلت على تنزيله فاستشرفنا وفينا أبو بكر وعمر فقال : لا ولكنه خاصف النعل . يعني عليا رضي الله عنه.
“Albani” – al-Silsilah al-Sahiha – vol. 5, p 693
It’s been mentioned in narratives that people will ignore Quran orders and nothing is left Quran and Islam other than their appearance, it means there is such dust of oldness on Quran as if there wasn’t any Quran amongst Muslims. So, when imam “Mahdi” [AS] appears and wants to apply Ahkam of Quran in Islamic society and remove oldness from the appearance of Quran and revives Islam real teachings, as if he calls people to a new book that had been forgotten by people.
Sheikh “Tusi” quotes an authentic narrative in this regard:
محمد بن الحسن الصفار عن محمد بن الحسين بن أبي الخطاب عن جعفر بن بشير ومحمد بن عبد الله بن هلال عن العلا بن رزين القلا عن محمد بن مسلم قال : سألت أبا جعفر ( عليه السلام ) عن القائم عجل الله فرجه إذا قام باي سيرة يسير في الناس ؟ فقال : بسيرة ما سار به رسول الله ( صلى الله عليه وآله ) حتى يظهر الاسلام قُلْتُ وَ مَا كَانَتْ سِيرَةُ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ ص قَالَ أَبْطَلَ مَا كَانَ فِي الْجَاهِلِيَّةِ وَ اسْتَقْبَلَ النَّاسَ بِالْعَدْلِ وَ كَذَلِكَ الْقَائِمُ ع إِذَا قَامَ يُبْطِلُ مَا كَانَ فِي الْهُدْنَةِ مِمَّا كَانَ فِي أَيْدِي النَّاسِ وَ يَسْتَقْبِلُ بِهِمُ الْعَدْلَ.
“Ala’ bin Muhammad” says: I asked hadrat “Baqir” [AS]: how will “Mahdi” [AS] behave amongst people? He said: he’ll have Prophet [PBUH]’s manner until he reveals Islam. I said: how was Prophet [PBUH]’s method? He said: Prophet [PBUH] removed the remains of the blasphemy of the time of ignorance and behaved people based on justice. And whenever “Mahdi” [AS] appears, he’ll remove any illegitimate act and bid’ah that have become customary amongst Muslims at the time of peace with enemies and lead people to spreading justice.
“Al-Tusi” – Tahzib al-Ahkam – vol. 6, p 154
Allameh “Majlesi” says that this narrative is authentic.
“Majlesi” – Malaz al-Akhbar fi fahm Tahzib al-Akhbar – vol. 9, p 409
Studying the document of narrative:
“Muhammad bin al-Hasan al-Saffar”
“Najashi” says about his reliability:
“كان وجها في أصحابنا القميين ثقة عظيم القدر”
He was one of our “Qomi” prominent companions and was reliable with high position.
“Al-Najashi” – Rijal – p 354
“Helli” says:
“كان وجها في أصحابنا القميين ثقة عظيم القدر راجحا قليل السقط في الرواية”
“Helli” – al-Khulasah – p 157
“Muhammad bin al-Husayn bin abi Khattab”:
“Najashi” says:
“محمد بن الحسين بن أبي الخطاب أبو جعفر الزيات الهمداني و اسم أبي الخطاب زيد جليل من أصحابنا عظيم القدر كثير الرواية ثقة عين”
He was one of our companions, he has high position and has quoted many narratives and is reliable.
“Najashi” – Rijal – p 334
Sheikh “Tusi” says that he’s reliable:
کوفي ثقة
“Al-Tusi” – Fehrist – p 400
“Ja’far bin Bashir”:
“Najashi” says:
“جعفر بن بشير أبو محمد البجلي الوشاء من زهاد أصحابنا و عبادهم و نساكهم و كان ثقة”
He was amongst our pious and worshiper companions and is reliable.
“Najashi” – Rijal – p 119
Sheikh “Tusi” says:
“جعفر بن بشير البجلي ثقة جليل القدر”
He was reliable and dignified.
“Al-Tusi” – Fehrist – p 322
“Muhammad bin Muslim”:
He’s one of the companions of consensus.
“Najashi” says:
“وجه أصحابنا بالكوفة فقيه ورع صحب أبا جعفر و أبا عبد الله عليهما السلام و روى عنهما و كان من أوثق الناس”
He was our well-known companion in “Kufa” and was reliable, pious. He was one of their companions of imam “Sadiq” [AS] and imam “Baqir” [AS] and was so reliable.
“Al-Najashi”- Rijal – p 324
In another narrative Prophet Muhammad [PBUH] says:
.. إِنَّ الثَّانِيَ عَشَرَ مِنْ وُلْدِي يَغِيبُ حَتَّى لَا يُرَى وَ يَأْتِي عَلَى أُمَّتِي زَمَنٌ لَا يَبْقَى مِنَ الْإِسْلَامِ إِلَّا اسْمُهُ وَ لَا مِنَ الْقُرْآنِ إِلَّا رَسْمُهُ فَحِينَئِذٍ يَأْذَنُ اللَّهُ لَهُ بِالْخُرُوجِ فَيُظْهِرُ الْإِسْلَامَ وَ يُجَدِّدُ الدِّينَ
My twelfh child will disappear and isn’t seen and when he appears that nothing has lef from Islam other than a name and Quran other than an appearance. At this time god almighty will let him {Mahdi} to appear and reveal and renew Islam by him.
“Al-Khazaz al-Qomi” – Kefayat al-Athar- p 15
These narratives show that because of lack of practicing Quran and religion, people have caused divine book going into oblivion and when imam “Mahdi” [AS] enforces Ahkam of Quran and Islam, it’s a new thing to people not that he brings new Quran and Islam.
Revealing removed Sunnah:
As it’s been quoted, after Prophet [PBUH] some burned narratives. “Al-Dhahabi” says in this regard:
“جمع أبي الحديث عن رسول الله و كانت خمسمائة حديث، فبات ليلته يتقلب كثيراً، قالت: فغمني، فقلت: أتتقلب لشكوى أو لشيء بلغك؟ فلما أصبح، قال: أي بنية هلمي الأحاديث التي عندك، فجئته بها، فدعا بنار فحرقها”
My father {Abu-Bakr} collected five hundred of Prophet [PBUH]’s narratives, he went to bed but couldn’t sleep, “Aisha” says: I got upset and said: is something wrong? When sun came up he said: O my daughter! Bring narrative that I gave you, I did so and then he burned them.
“Al-Dhahabi al-Shafi’i” – Tazkira al-Huffaz – vol. 1, p 5
And it’s also been quoted that “Abu-Bakr” would avoid people quoting Prophet [PBUH]’s narratives:
“جمع الناس بعد وفاة نبيهم فقال إنكم تحدثون عن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم أحاديث تختلفون فيها والناس بعدكم أشد اختلافا فلا تحدثوا عن رسول الله شيئا فمن سألكم فقولوا بيننا وبينكم كتاب الله فاستحلوا حلاله وحرموا حرامه”
After Prophet [PBUH] died, “Abu-Bakr” gathered people and said: you quote narratives from Prophet [PBUH] that you argue over it and people after you, people will have sever argument with each other so, quote nothing from Prophet [PBUH] and whenever someone asks you about it, you tell him: Quran is enough for us.
“Al-Dhahabi” – Tazkira al-Huffaz – vol. 1, p 2
So, when it’s said that imam “Mahdi” [AS] brings new Sunnah or Hukm, it’s probably the same thing that has been removed, that’s why people think that he’s brought new thing when he quotes them.
Sunni scholars have admitted that Hadrat “Jesus” [AS] will renew the religion of Prophet Muhammad [PBUH] after imam “Mahdi” [AS] appears.
“Qurtubi” says:
“قال علماؤنا رحمة الله عليهم: فهذا نص على أنه ينزل مجددا لدين النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم للذي درس منه لا بشرع مبتدأ”
Scholars have said that “Jesus” appears while he renews Prophet Muhammad [PBUH]’s religion which has worn-out not that he brings a new religion.
“Al-Ansari Qurtubi” – al-Jami’ al-Ahkam al-Quran – vol.16, p 107
“Ibn Battal” says:
“أن عيسى يأتى بتصحيح شريعة محمد”
“Jesus” will come to correct Muhammad [PBUH]’s sharia.
“IbnBattal” – Sharh Sahih Bukhari – vol. 6, p 605
“Ayni” says:
“وأن الدين الحق هو الدين الذي هو عليه ، وهو دين الإسلام دين محمد صلى الله عليه وسلم الذي هو نزل لإظهاره وإبطال بقية الأديان…”
Right religion is the same religion that “Juses” has and that’s Islam religion, the religion of Muhammad [PBUH] that “Jesus” will come down and reveal that religion and void other religions.
“Al-Ayni al-Ghaytabi al-Hanafi” – Omdat al-Qari fi Sharh Sahih Bukhari – vol. 12, p 35
So, renewing religion by “Jesus” doesn’t mean bringing new religion, but it means revealing Prophet Muhammad [PBUH]’s religion, same goes for hadrat “Mahdi” [AS].
Total conclusion:
It was clarified that:
1: Imam “Mahdi” [AS] will practice the same Quran revealed to Prophet [PBUH].
2: the meaning of new book is enforcing abandoned Ahkam of Quran, revealing hadrat “Ali” [AS]’s Quran or reading Quran with the cause of revelation.
3: revealing Quran written by hadrat “Ali” [AS] that was in order of revelation.
4: the meaning of bring Quran is interpreting it.
5: hadrat “Jesus” renews religion as well.
6: the meaning new Islam is that when hadrat “Mahdi” [AS] appears, the Islam that people were away of it, will get a new life and is revealed amongst people and practiced. In fact, he reforms religion not that he brings a new religion other than Islam. And after his appearance, Sunnah, judgment and Ahkam of sharia which had been worn-out and changed due to lack of being practiced, will be enforced and people will think that they are new things.
In another word, imam “Mahdi” [AS]’s revolution will make a deep and practical shift in the society that people think it’s a new thing other than Islam while he renews Islam religion and enforces divine Ahkam and Hudud which hadn’t been executed.
Source: https://www.valiasr-aj.com/
