Imam Zaman (A.S): The Last Luminary part 4

 

In a tradition the holy Prophet (PBUH) said to the Commander of believers, Ali (A.S), that:

"There will be twelve Guides after me, the first of whom is you, O' Ali, and the last one will be the 'Support' (al-Qa'im) who, with the grace of Allah, will gain victory over the whole east and west of the world."

Imam Ali al-Ridha (the eighth Imam) said, in the course of a tradition:

"The Imam after me is my son, Muhammad, and after him his son Ali, and after Ali his son, al-Hasan, and after al-Hasan his son Hujjat al-Qa'im (the proof of Allah who shall stand), who is awaited during his occultation and obeyed during his manifestation. Even if there remain from the life of the world but a single day, Allah will expand that day until he becomes manifest and fills the world with justice in the same way that it had been filled with injustice. But when? As for news of the hour (i.e., the moment of appearance), frequently my father told me, having heard it from his father who heard it from his father who heard it from his ancestors who heard it from Ali (A.S), that it was asked from the holy Prophet, O Prophet of God, when will the 'Support' (al-Qa'im) who is from your family appear? He said, His case is like that of the Hour (of time of the resurrection). 'Allah alone knows it and He will manifest it at its proper time. It is heavy in the heavens and the earth. It cometh not to you save unawares' (Quran 7:187)."

Musa al-Baghdadi said, I heard Imam Hasan al-Askari (the eleventh Imam) who said:

"I see that after me differences will appear among you concerning the Imam after me. Whoever accepts the Imams after the Prophet of God but denies my son is like the person who accepts all the prophets but denies the prophethood of Muhammad, the Prophet of God, upon whom be peace and blessing. And whoever denies (Muhammad) the Prophet of God is like one who has denied all the prophets of God, for obeying the last of us is like obeying the first of us and denying the last of us is like denying the first of us. But beware! Verily, for my son there is an occultation during which all people will fall into doubt except those whom Allah protects."

There are hundreds of prophetic traditions about Imam al-Mahdi (A.S) which have been recorded in both the Shi'ite and Sunnite collections of traditions. A large number of religious scholars form all Islamic schools of thought have independently compiled books about Imam al-Mahdi, the leader of the time. Their number runs to tens of volumes. (For more information in this regard, please see the next article.) Thus believing in Imam al-Mahdi is not exclusive to the Shi'ites, and the Sunni scholars believe in him, though they do not have the extensive information about him that the Shia possess.

Source: shia sources

Imam Zaman (A.S): The Last Luminary part 3

 

Therefore, by the reason of inner necessity and determination, the future will see a day when human society will be replete with justice, when all will live in peace and tranquillity, and when human beings will be fully possessed of virtue and perfection. The establishment of such a condition will occur through human hands but with Divine Assistance. And the leader of such a society is called in the language of the traditions, al-Mahdi (the Mahdi; the guided one).

In the different religions that govern the world (either divine or not) such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam there are references to a person who will come as the savior of mankind. These religions have given glad tidings of his coming, although there are naturally minor differences in detail that can be discerned when these teachings are compared carefully.

However one thing that all these teachings have in common is that "A human will come to establish peace and tranquillity all over the earth". Every religion has a different attachment to it, however. The least thing that a human being (regardless of his religion) is supposed to do, is to accept what ALL these teachings have in common. This goes to prove the necessity of belief for "his coming". Thus, the saviors of all these religions who are all expected to come at the end of the time, are manifested in one individual, since the foundation of such belief is established by all. The attachments of different religions can be reconciled on their own tendencies, and thus rejected. The fact remains that the teachings of the previous religions have been under a long alteration process, and only Islam has been guaranteed its survival. Thus we should accept the attachment that the traditions of the Prophet (PBUH) has offered us with regard to the one who is coming whose name is Imam al-Mahdi (and, of course, there will come Jesus as one of the Imam al-Mahdi's follower, based on the prophetic traditions).

There are numerous traditions cited in the Sunni and the Shi'i sources from the Holy Prophet concerning the appearance of the Mahdi, such as that he is of the progeny of the Prophet and that his appearance will enable human society to reach true perfection and the full realization of spiritual life. In addition, there are numerous other traditions concerning the fact that the Mahdi is the son of the Eleventh Imam, al-Hasan al-Askari, and that after being born and undergoing a long occultation (disappearance; living among people while he is not identified) the Mahdi will appear again, filling the world with justice as it has been corrupted by injustice and tyranny.

Refrences: shia sources

Imam Mahdi (A.S): The Last Luminary part 2

 

Beside Quran, the sayings of the Prophet (PBUH) are the most important and worthiest treasure of Islamic learning. In the sea of jewels of Islamic traditions glad tidings on the Government of Justice can be seen which is regarding to the "Divine Revolution" and the "divinely appointed leader" who will fulfill this holy aspiration.

In a tradition upon whose authenticity all Muslims agree, the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) has said:

"Even if the entire duration of the world's existence has already been exhausted and only one day is left before Doomsday, Allah will expand that day to such length of time as to accommodate the kingdom of a person from my Ahlul-Bayt who will be called by my name. He will fill out the earth with peace and justice as it will have been full of injustice and tyranny (by then)."

The above precious tradition testifies that the golden divine promises will take place, sooner or later, one way or another, as also mentioned in most of the Shi'ite and Sunnite sources.

In both subjects of prophecy and Imamat (leadership) it is discussed that as a result of the law of general guidance which governs all of creation, human is of necessity endowed with the power of receiving revelation through prophecy, which directs him toward the perfection of the human norm and the well-being of the human species. Obviously, if this perfection and happiness were not possible for human, the very fact that he is endowed with this power would have been meaningless and futile. But there is no futility in creation.

In other words, ever since he has inhabited the earth, human has had the wish to lead a social life filled with happiness in its true sense and has striven toward this end. If such a wish were not to have an objective existence it would never have been imprinted upon human's inner nature, in the same way that if there were no food there would have been no meaning for hunger (since hunger is understood when one compares a person who has eaten food and a person who has not), and if there were no water there would have been no thirst and if there were no reproduction there would have been no sexual attraction between the sexes.

Refrences: shia sources

Imam Mahdi (A.S): The Last Luminary part1

There is no doubt that the Holy Quran is the book of Allah and that all Muslims of the world are required to accept its teachings and instructions. When one opens Quran and casts a glance at its verses he will come across to what seems to be a clear landscape of an extraordinary, sensational, and exciting future and the end of the universe.

Quran indicates that the ultimate mission of the Prophet of Islam was to make this religion prevail over all other religions in the world; and one day this holy aspiration will finally be fulfilled. Allah stated in Quran:

"It is He who has sent His messenger (Muhammad) with the guidance and the Religion of truth, to prevail over all religions, even though the idolaters may detest." (Quran 9:33)

The Holy book of the last Messenger of Allah gives the glad tidings that the rule over the earth shall finally belong to the righteous and virtuous servants of Allah:

"The earth is Allah's. He gives it as a heritage to whom He wills, and the good end is for the righteous people." (Quran 7:128)

And He, Exalted, also said:

"And We wrote in Psalm (Zabur) after the Reminder that surely My righteous servants will inherit the earth." (Quran 21:105)

The earth which will be full of corruption destruction and ignorance, like a lifeless body, will be revived with the glowing light of justice as indicated in His book:

"Know that Allah gives life to earth after its death!" (Quran 57:17)

We also read in Quran:

"Allah has promised to those among you who believe and do good deeds that He will surely make them succeed (the present rulers) in the earth as he caused those who were before them to succeed others and that He will surely establish for them religion which He has approved for them and will give them safety after their fear to worship Me and not to associate anything with Me." (Quran 24:55)

Allah also stated:

"They intend to put out the light of Allah with their mouths but Allah will complete His Light even though the unbelievers may detest." (Quran 61:8)

He, Exalted He is, also said:

"And We desired to show favor unto those who were oppressed in the earth to make them symbols and to make them inheritors." (Quran 28:5)

These were some short examples of the divine glad tidings mentioned in Quran. By studying these matters and tens of other similar indications, it is deduced that the Islamic message will reach its complete fulfillment when these holy aspirations will take place. All fabricated and superstitious objectives will disappear and then only the Islam, the unique and true religion, will be the faith of the people in the east and west of the world. Injustice, oppression, and inequality shall vanish, and instead, justice and equality which is the law of the creation of the world will be established everywhere. The Kingdom of the divinely appointed Caliph (Khalifatullah) will manifest itself in all the corners of the world. The light of the guidance of Allah will shine and the earth shall belong to the virtuous ones. Yes, Quran gives the Good News which the day that all Muslims of the world are enthusiastically waiting for it, will arrive.

Refrences: shia sources

Benefits from an Occult Imam part 2

A similar question was put to Imam Jafar as-Sadiq (a.s.) by Mahraan Al Damish: "How shall the people benefit from the hidden and the concealed proof?" Imam Sadiq (a.s.) replied, "Just like they derive benefits from the sun when it is concealed behind the clouds."(Ibid., p. 207)

The above tradition has been quoted by Shaykh Sulayman bin Shaykh Ibrahim Qandoozi on page 477 of his book "Yanaabiul Mawaddah", quoting from "Faraaidus Simtain' of Shaykh Hammui. Both the afore-mentioned are Sunni scholars of repute.

When the same query was put to Hazrat Hujjat (a.s.) himself, he remarked in his letter to Ishaq bin Yaqoob: "Deriving benefit from me during my occultation is like obtaining advantage from the sun when concealed behind the clouds." This letter was sent through the second special deputy of Imam (a.s.), Muhammad ibn Uthman Amri (r.a.). (Ibid., p. 485)

Noteworthy it is that the question was posed to three infallibles and the reply from each of them was but one. Thereby ascertaining that the patron of them all is one - and He is Allah, Blessed and High be He. Imam (a.s.)'s occultation is likened to the

hiding of the sun behind the clouds. Some of the points understood in this analogy are explained by Allama Majlisi (r.a.) and are produced hereunder :

(1) Existence - Imam (a.s.) is the means for illuminating mankind with the light of guidance and knowledge.

It is only because of Imam (a.s.) that erudition and science have appeared in the world. Had he not been existing, divine wrath would have befallen on the world. Allah (s.w.t.) declares in the Holy Quran, '''0 Prophet! as long as you are there amongst them. God will not inflict His wrath upon them".

Time and again during occultation, we have witnessed that when engulfed in difficulties and tribulations, things are placed in order with the support of Imam (a.s.) and our path is smoothened.

(2) When the sun is behind the clouds, people derive benefit from its existence. Yet, all eagerly await the clouds to sail past the sun to obtain maximum benefit from the visible sun. Similarly, at all times, the ardent Shias and the true lovers of Hazrat await the re-appearance of their leader.

(3) The denial of the existence of Imam (a.s.) during occultation after witnessing the signs is parallel to the denial of the sun when behind the clouds and not visible to the eye.

(4) Occasionally, the clouds move and let the sun be seen for some moments and the zealous manage to steal a glance at it. Similarly, some fortunate people are honored with the opportunity of seeing Imam (a.s.) during his major occultation.

(5) Just like the sun is beneficial to all, all benefit from the blessings of Imam (a.s.). However, just like a blind cannot obtain complete benefit from the sun, the one with - a blind heart does not achieve much from Imam (a.s.)'s existence.

(6) The rays of the sun enter the homes depending on the windows and ventilators. More that these impediments are done awav with, more rays enter the house. Likewise, when a man cleans the veils from his own self, the windows of his mind and spirit open for him and he will benefit all the more from the guiding light of Imam (a.s.) and thus illuminating his own personality.

Purification of the self from carnal desires, animal instincts, sins and evil deeds is directly proportionate to the reception of light and guidance of Imamat. If the purification of the heart and reformation of the soul continues, a time will come when he finds himself very close to the edifying star and his own personality exuding radiance.

(7) Apart from the above, more analogies can be presented. Just like the sun is the center of the solar system and all planets revolve around it, Imam (a.s.) is the axis of the universe and everything circumambulates his divine persona. Even the sun itself revolves around Imam (a.s.) and is subject to his orders.

(8) The sun is the source of heat and light in the universe. The brilliance of the moon is because of the solar rays. Nothing possesses its own light or heat. Similarly, Imam (a.s.) is the light of guidance for this universe. Even the sun has obtained its light from Imam (a.s.) because the day there is no Imam on this earth, the sun will be devoid of its light.

Guiding the Affair

The Almighty Allah has appointed the Pure Imams (a.s.) to guide the people through His Order. "And We made them Imams who guide (the people) by Our Command..." (Anbiya : 72)

Guidance of the people through the command of Allah is the most significant factor. Generally., everything in the world of creation comes into existence through a process. A child enters this world after a period of nine months in the womb of its mother. However, if Allah wills, this period can be reduced to moments and that is when Allah commands, "Be" and "It is".

The Almighty Allah has bestowed the Imams (a.s.) of "guiding with command". They have the capacity to transform a period just by looking at it. Imam Hasan (a.s.) changed the Syrian foe into a humble friend, Imam Husain (a.s.) transformed Zohair Qayn, Imam Mohammad Taqi (a.s.) changed the heart of the Syrian worshipper, etc. . Similarly, Hazrat Vali-e-Asr (a.s.) has brought profound changes in the lives of people like Hasan Iraqi. Apparent presence is not a pre-requisite for such transformations. If the person is deserving and is given the opportunity by Allah, he can benefit from the same. Today even we can obtain guidance from Imam (a.s.) but the necessary condition is that we must sacrifice our desires for his pleasure.

Protection from Calamities

Various traditions have emphasized the fact that the Ahiul Bayt (a.s.) are those personalities due to whom this universe is safe and sound. Hazrat Hujjat (a.s.) himself is reported to have said, "Certainly, I am the cause of he safety of this world as the stars are the cause of safety of the heavens."

(Kamaaluddin, p. 485; Al-Ihtijaaj by Shaykh Tabarsi, p. 471)

Moreover, Hazrat Vali-e-Asr (a.s.) has remarked in his letter to the respected Shaykh Mufeed (r.a.) for which the readers may refer to the back cover.

Each and everv word of this letter is a witness to the deep love and affection of Imam Asr (a.s.) for his Shias. Notwithstanding their shortcomings and defects, he protects them. If the help and assistance of Imam (a.s.) was missing, we would have most certainly perished. There is someone who is protecting us all. Numerous incidents prove this fact. Imam (a.s.) has saved a number of people and protected them. Readers can refer to the books that have recorded such incidents.

Moreover, due to the presence of Imam (a.s.), people receive sustenance, the sick are cured and the childless bear children. In brief, there is no problem that cannot be solved by the help of Imam (a.s.), despite his occultation.

He is prepared to favor us but we do not call him in the proper way.

May Allah count us among his sincere and loyal servants.

Source: imamalmahdi.com

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Other Links:

Responding to Some Points Raised By Ibn Khaldun (Part 2)

The Existence of the Mahdi is certain

Other Opinions from Ibn Khaldun

People Awaited the Appearance of the Mahdi

The Jurists of Medina and the Mahdi Traditions

Benefits from an Occult Imam part 1

Whenever the discussion of occultation crops up, queries of various kinds invade the minds of the people. The most common among them being as to what is the benefit of an Imam who is in occultation? In other words, what is the purpose of having a leader with whom neither we can come in contact nor meet?

In this article, we shall attempt to convey to our readers the answer to the query and make people realize as to how can one derive advantages from an Imam during occultation.

Benefits during Occultation

The root of this question lies in the fact that die criteria for measuring the benefits of a particular thing are relative, artificial and man made. In other words, if something is apparently useful and profitable for him, it is beneficial, not otherwise.

Such queries are raised because we do not seem to obtain any apparent benefit from Imam Mahdi (a.s.) during his occultation. Although, it is a genuine problem, yet we must know that if we are not receiving from Imam (a.s.), it is due to our own short-comings. Our laziness and defects may have closed the gates of beneficence for us.

Criteria of Utilitarianism

Before the questions are answered, it will not be out of place to ask that is it necessary that Allah should create only that thing which is of utility to other creatures or rather only its existence is enough for itself? Consequently, other creatures would claim that since man is not beneficial for them then his existence is not required.

The prophets came, propagated religion and departed from this world. What we were they for use in our existence to the prophets? The Almighty Allah did not send the prophet and messengers to serve our purpose. He had sent them to complete his proof.

He sent them to achieve a sublime position by withstanding difficulties in the way of propagation. May be it is because of this, that whenever the people offered to recompense them for their efforts, they replied, "I do not seek any reward from you. My reward is with Allah." (Holy Quran) Thus, they never expected any encouragement or praise from the people nor did they despair on account of the people's apathy.

Hence, when we are not the criterion to determine the utility of a particular thing and the prophets were not sent to serve our purpose, we cannot, in the first place, ques-tion the benefits of the Imam (a.s.ys existence during occultation.

Survival of the Universe

Putting our personal interests aside, we can consider the benefits and advantages of the Imam's (a.s.) existence. At this point it must be known that utility of each entity depends upon its individual capacity. The beggar and the king can never be equal. The Prophets and the Imam (a.s.) are the proofs of Allah upon this earth. The universe continues to exist because of their presence, Today, the proof of Allah upon earth is Hazrat Imam-e-Zamana (a.s.). He is the pivot and the center of the universe. It survives because he exists. He is the Imam of the whole universe and that is why every particle of the universe acknowledges his presence. A tradition from Imam Jafar as Sadiq (a.s.) says:

"Had the earth been without an Imam, it would sink, swallowing its inhabitants."

(Al-Kafi, vol, 1, p, 179).

Another report states:

"The proof was prior to creation, it is with creation and shall continue to exist after the creation has perished"(Al Kafi Vol. 1, p. 177).

The same concept has come in an invocation, "Imam is the one whose continued existence is the cause of the universe's survival. Sustenance descends due to his presence. The earth and the heavens survive due to his existence." (Mafaatihul Jinaan, Dua-e-Adeelah)

Thus if the earth and the heavens exist, it is only because of Imam (a.s.)'s presence. We live and continue to receive sustenance due to him. Every living being in the world owes its existence to his presence. These are the consequences of the existence of Imam (a.s.). The central factor is the existence of Imam (a.s.) which neither depends upon his reappearance nor occupation. Whether apparent or concealed, he is the pivot of the universe. How meaningful are the following sentence of Ziarat Jameah:

"Allah initiated the creation for your sake and will terminate it with you. Rain descends for your sake and due to your existence, the sky is prevented from crashing to the earth. Only through your mediation are our sorrows and griefs dispelled."

(Mafaatihul Jinan)

The question however remains as to how can we derive benefit from Imam (a.s.) during his occultation? The question is as ancient as the phenomenon of occultation.

Sun Behind the Clouds

Explaining the following Quranic verse,

"0 those who believe! Obey Allah and Obey the Messenger and those who have authority amongst you", the Holy Prophet (s.a.) said to Jabir Ibn Abdullah Ansari,

"They will go into occultation from their partisans and followers. (And then) only those whose hearts have been tested for faith by Allah shall remain steadfast on their Imamate (and those with weak faith shall deviate)."

At this point Jabir ibne Abdullah (r.a.) inquired, "0 Messenger of Allah, would his partisans attain benefit from him while he is in occultation ?" The Holy Prophet (s.a.) replied, "By the One who has sent me as a Prophet, people will receive light from his splendor and benefit from his guardianship during his occultation just like they benefit from the sun when it hides behind the clouds." (Kamaaluddin by Shaykh Sadooq, p. 253)

Source: imamalmahdi.com

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Other Links:

Responding to Some Points Raised By Ibn Khaldun (Part 2)

The Existence of the Mahdi is certain

Other Opinions from Ibn Khaldun

People Awaited the Appearance of the Mahdi

The Jurists of Medina and the Mahdi Traditions