The beginning of Imam al-Mahdi's Imamate (260 A.H./ 874 A.D.)
On Friday, the 13th of September 2024 (the 9th of Rabī al-’Awwal 1446 A.H.)
According to traditions, the 9th of Rabī al-‘Awwal is the greatest celebration (Eve) for the Imams’ followers because this day is the official beginning of the Imamate of the 12th Imam.
1176 years ago, around the same time, after the martyrdom of the 11thImam (Imam al-Hasan al-‘Askarī) on the 5th January 874 A.D. (the 8th of Rabī al-’Awwal, 260 A.H), his only son, Imam al-Imam who was at age 5, performed his father’s funeral prayer and this time was the beginning of his Imamate as the last Imam. As the status of the Imamate is a divinely appointed position, Imam al-Imam took over the mantle of leadership and Imamate after the demise of his father immediately because the earth dose never remains without the Imam ever for a fraction of a second. Due to this, this day achieves more heights of honor, glory and excellence.
The ninth of Rabī al-Awwal is a feast day since it is the beginning of official Imamate of the twelfth Imam, so it has been narrated that to give alms on this day brings about forgiveness of sins. It has been also said that it is recommended on this day to offer food, give pleasure to one’s brethren-in-faith, confer upon one’s family members with gifts, new clothes, and all that they need, praise and thank Almighty Allah, and spend this day with practicing acts of worship to Him. This day which is also a holy day is thus the day of removing grievances and sorrows.
It is also recommended to wear perfume and to recite supplication of Imam al-Mahdi (One can recite Amin-Allah or Āl-Yāsīn supplication that is available in books of supplication.)
