Introducing Mahdavi Books - The second series

The book of “Mahdism textbook”

The book of “Mahdism textbook”, by Khodamorad Soleimanian, is the study of Mahdism and the belief in the coming of the universal savior from the time of its formation to the beginning of the Imamate of Imam Mahdi (PBUH), and an analysis of his Occultation based on the Quran, the narrations, the prayers, the supplications, and his Twqi'es (epistle) that is written in Farsi by the order of Imam Mahdi (PBUH) Educational Organization in four volumes.

This book is usually taught in the complimentary Mahdism courses carried out by Imam Mahdi (PBUH) Educational Organization. It’s easy to understand and all the aspects of Mahdism subjects are stated as well.

Its main topics include the philosophy and reasons of the Occultation, the profits of the absent Imam, the Minor Occultation and the Special Deputies, being in relationship with Imam Mahdi (PBUH) during the Occultation, his residency place, his wife and children, deviance from Mahdism, awaiting in the view of Shia, the Major Occultation and the General Deputies, the duties of the awaiting people and Mahdism bibliography.

 

The book of “Hokumat e Jahani e Mahdi (The Global Government of Mahdi)”

This book is written by grand Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi. He has pointed to the questions raised in the field of government of Imam Mahdi (PBUH). Further he tries to give a proper answer to the questions far from any prejudice, bigotry and irrational prejudgments.

The author, has divided the contents into two sections; namely, the global governance of Imam Mahdi and the procedure of his victory. And within these two sections, he answers the doubts and questions, like: why the future of the world is bright? Why human is so hopeful to the future despite the miseries and many problems? And also in the final section of the book, he speaks about false pretenders of Mahdism.

 

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Mahdism Dictionary - The second series

M- The moving creature of the Earth

It refers to the emergence of the moving creature of the Earth. This event has been mentioned both in the Shia and Sunni narrations and it’s referred to as one of the signs of the Day of Judgment. Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) said: “Inevitably, ten things will occur before the Day of Judgment: Sufyani, Antichrist, the moving creature and …” *1

What makes this event important to the Shia, are the narrations which refer to “the emergence of the moving creature of the Earth” as the return (Raja’at) of Imam Ali (PBUH). Imam Baqir (PBUH) said: “After describing himself, Imam Ali (PUBH) said: “... I am the moving creature who speaks to people...” ” *2 Among the Sunni Muslims, it has been extensively discussed what the essence of “the moving creature” is and how it emerges.

In conclusion, there are two different interpretations concerning this matter: 1- Some have considered it as an unusual inhuman living thing which looks strange. 2- Referring to numerous narrations, others consider it an extraordinary, moving, agile, active and powerful human.

(1- Al-Ghayba al-Tusi, p. 436; 2- Usul al-Kafi, v. 1, p. 198)

 

D- The Dajjal (antichrist)

It is of the signs of nearing the great doomsday at the Reappearance era. Dajjal means “gilt” in Arabic and for this reason, liar people who misrepresent the false as truth are called Dajjal. According to the narrations, he is a tyrant that will deviate people from the truth at the Apocalypse. There are mentions about him in the teachings of Christianity, Islam and Jewism. In the Shia narrations, this is known to be coincident with Imam Mahdi’s (PBUH) Reappearance.

There are some possibilities regarding Dajjal:

1- It is not the name of a specific person and every person who plans to mislead people by deception and trick is Dajjal and in fact, it is a group of tricksters. Many of these Dajjals are mentioned in the narrations-about 12 to 70. *1 Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “70 Dajjals would appear before the main Dajjal appears.” *2

2- Among these Dajjals, the one who is superior to the others in lying and deception and his devilry is the greatest, is the sign of Imam Mahdi’s (PBUH) Reappearance. Or in other words, he is the main Dajjal.

One of the impressive and considerable points is that in the numerous Shia and Sunni narrations, most of the followers of Dajjal are Jews. And it is mentioned in the Sunni references that Dajjal will be killed by Prophet Jesus (PBUH).

(1- Bihar al-Anwar, v. 52; 2- Kanz al-Ummal, v. 14 )

 

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Mahdavi Questions and Answers - The second series

Does Imam Mahdi (PBUH) distribute the properties of the rich, despite their inner will, among the poor at the time of his Reappearance?

Answer: Imam Mahdi’s (God accelerate (the time of) his Reappearance) main goal is to administer justice and to eradicate oppression. Consequently, such a thing is an attribution of injustice to him and definitely, this is not true. Rather, he will return Haram (illegal) properties and things which have been taken unjustly from their owners to them.

Another point to make is that because of the intellectual and spiritual development, people will hasten to help the poor and needy ones. And even perhaps, one who owns several houses will willingly accommodate others in them, just like what happened when Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) arrived [in Medina] and Ansar (The Helpers) accommodated Muhajirin (The Emigrants) in their homes.

 

What does Imam Mahdi (PBUH) do during the Occultation?

Answer: During the Major Occultation, duties and responsibilities of Imam Mahdi (PBUH) are very critical and important. Although, he does not run a government, but he observes all incidents and acts upon them. His long life is being spent in the obedience to Allah.

In addition to his individual tasks and duties, based on many narrations he does whatever is best to do such as guiding people, helping believers to overcome the enemies, solving the problems and difficulties, healing the illnesses, guiding misled people, instructing prayers, providing pecuniary aid for the poors, helping people in problems and ... .

For example we can point the survival of Shia and its leadership organization and scientific and missionary institutions and activities of the religious seminaries and also the survival of the Islamic revolution in the today’s world when all the world has united against Shia, which were not succeeded and achieved but with the help of Imam Mahdi (PBUH). Just exactly the way Imam told Shaykh Mufid: “We always have you in mind.” (Kamal al-Din, v. 1)

 

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Rational reasons for Imamate and Mahdism - The second series

The principle of purposefulness for proving the existence of the Imam

Another logical reason to prove the existence of the Imam is the principle of purposefulness.

Human being is made up of body and spirit and just like his body, his spirit is developing. The requisite of development is the existence of a guide who can help him. Although wisdom is responsible for guiding the human, because of being bounded to the physical world and the existence of enemies like vain desires and animal tendencies, there should be another guide which assists it as well.

This guide is Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) during the era of prophecy. Certainly, there should be other guides after him as well, because the human race continues to live. If the divine path, plan and guide don’t exist, the creation of humans would be in vain. And the risk of distortion of the religion and the existence of hostile groups also emphasize this necessity.

(Kashf al-Murad by ‘Allama al-Hilli, p. 324; Masael-e Kolli-e Emamat (The General Issues of the Imamate), p. 111-136)

 

Inductive reasoning

The inductive method states that one can achieve general facts from individual and partial facts. In inductive reasoning, the pattern of thinking is from part to whole. In other words, by observing what is true for fixed part, we can deduce that it holds for the whole (that includes the part).

One of the reasons to prove the necessity and continuation of the existence of Imam, is inductive reasoning:

All prophets from Adam (PBUH) to Muhammad (PBUH), had special and appointed successors after themselves; so why should not the custom of the existence of a leader and a guide hold in the case of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) who there is no prophet after him?!

(Ali bin Babawayh, Al-Imama wa al-Tabsera, ch. Al-Wasiyya min ladon Adam (PBUH), p. 21 and 23)

 

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1001facts about Imam Mahdi - The second series

The period of disappearance of Imam Mahdi (PBUH)

The life of Imam Mahdi (PBUH) can be divided into four periods: “the disappearance”, “the Minor Occultation”, “the Major Occultation” and “the period after the Reappearance”. The period of his disappearance started from his birth (255 A.H.) and lasted until the martyrdom of Imam Hassan Askari (PBUH) (260 A.H.).

Imam Hassan Askari (PBUH) was responsible for two important and sensitive duties: One was protecting his child from the harm of Abbasid Caliphs and the other was proving his existence and declaring his Imamate as the twelfth Imam. He fulfilled both of his responsibilities in the best way. However, due to severe security situation held by the Abbasids, only a few of Imam Hassan Askari’s (PBUH) helpers and sincere friends knew about the birth of Imam Mahdi (PBUH).

Mu’awiyah ibn Hakim, Mohammad ibn Uthman ‘Amari and Mohammad ibn Ayyub said: “We, forty of Shias, came to Imam Hassan Askari (PBUH). He showed us his child and said: “He is your Imam after me and my successor, obey him and do not go away from him that you be perished and your religion be ruined. Also, you should know that you won’t see him after this day.” ” (Kamal al-Din and Tamam al-Nimeh, p. 435)

 

The remarkable answer of the important center of Wahhabism

When a Sunni Muslim (from Kenya) asked about Imam Mahdi, the time and place of his Reappearance and other Mahdavi questions, “Muslim World League”, the religious center of Wahhabism in Saudi Arabia answered as follow:

« “Mahdi, Muhamamd ibn Abdullah Hassani, is Alavi and Fatemi (from the descendants of Imam Ali (PBUH) and Lady Fatima (PBUH)) and he is the awaited promised Mahdi. His Reappearance is concurrent with Apocalypse... He will reappear from the west and people will gather in Holy Mecca, Hijaz, pledges allegiance to him between Rukn and Maqam...

Mahdi, is the last caliphate of 12 caliphates whom prophet has mentioned and this has been brought in Sunni  references. Hadiths concerning Imam Mahdi is narrated by many of companions of prophet; such as: Uthman ibn Affan, Ali ibn Abi-Talib, Talhah ibn Ubaydullah , Abd  ar-Rahman ibn Awf, Abd Allah ibn Abbas, Ammar Yasir, Abd Allah ibn Masoud, Abu Sa’id Khudri, Thawban and …

Some Islamic scholars have written special books about Mahdi, among them: Abu Nu’aym, Ibn Hajar, Shukani, Edris Iraqi... Some of these grand scholars have specified that the hadiths about Imam Mahdi are successive and cannot be denied...

It is only Ibn Khaldun who says Mahdavi hadiths are fabricated and have no basis...

 Therefore, believing in the Reappearance of Mahdi is obligated to all Muslims and the Sunni Sect believe in it, and nobody would deny it but unknowing ignorant people and heretics.”

(The quarterly of “Entezar Moud” (Expecting the Promised), no. 23 p. 142)

 

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Mahdavi Prayers and Salutations - The second series

Al-Iftitah prayer

Among various prayers in the blessed month of Ramadan, we find some prayers concerning Imam Mahdi (PBUH) in which the request for the Reappearance of the Imam is mentioned. Since Imam Mahdi’s (PBUH) request from us is to pray a lot for the Reappearance and Ramadan is the month of prayers’ approval, reciting this prayer is recommended for every night of this month.

Talking to Shias, Imam Mahdi (PBUH) wrote: “Recite this prayer every night of Ramadan because the angels listen to it and ask Allah to forgive the reciter of it.” (Al-Sahifa al-Mahdiya, part 5)

This prayer includes beautiful concepts and meanings, and especially provides us valuable information about Imam Mahdi (PBUH) and portrays a beautiful picture of the after the Reappearance world. How good it is to pay attention to its translation while reciting this prayer. This prayer is also presented in Mafatih al-Jinan.

 

The Ziyarat of “Aal e Yasin”

The Ziyarat of Aal e Yasin, is one of the most important Ziyarats of Imam Mahdi (PBUH). In the second volume of the book Al-Ihtijaj, Shaykh Tabarsi says: “(This) has been issued from the holy existence of Imam Mahdi (PBUH), after answering to the questions of Mr Muhammad Hamiri:

 “In the name of Allah, the Compassionate the Merciful. Neither you ponder it, nor accept it from divine people. This is a complete and expressive wisdom. However, warning will not avail for the people who do not believe... Whenever you intend to face towards Allah and towards us, with our help, say as Allah has said:

 “Peace bean upon the progeny of Yasin, Peace been upon you O the caller of Allah and manifestation of His signs…”

 (The complete text of Ziyarat of Aal e Yasin is available in the Ziyarats section of Mafatih Al-Jinan. This prayer includes beautiful and passionate phrases about Imam Mahdi (PBUH).)

 

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The importance and the necessity to pray for the Reappearance - The second series

The one who does not pray for the Reappearance…

Talking about his child, Imam Hassan Askari (PBUH) said: “I swear by Allah that he’ll have a long absence in which no one is saved from perishing unless the one who Allah makes his belief firm in his (Imam Mahdi’s (PBUH)) Imamate and whom He makes succeed in praying for his Reappearance .” (Kamal al-Din and Tamam al-Nimeh, ch. 38)

In this bright words, perishing means deviating from the path of the Truth and the straight path of faith. According to the narrations, this perishing and deviance are extremely epidemic and severe during the Occultation, so much that one is faithful in the morning but loses his faith and becomes pagan at the night and vice versa. (Al-Ghayba al-Nu'mani, ch. 12)

Imam Hassan Askari (PBUH) has provided us with “praying for the Reappearance” as an effective method to get saved from this terrible chaos and described it as “the only way of salvation.”

 

The fantastic effects of prayers (very important)

Abu Wallad Hafs Khayyat says: “In Medina, I went to Imam Kazim (PBUH). Imam Said: “Tell your friends (the Shias in Kufa) to keep their piety to Allah, since you are living in the government of a cruel man (Mansour Dawaniqi). So, keep your tongues and protect your lives and religions and repel whatever you are afraid that he would do against you and us by prayers. Because, swear by Allah, prayer and asking Allah will repel calamities, even though it is destined and divine will is assigned to it and only the final phase is left to be decisive... So, keep on preying till Allah eliminates the evil of this tyrant from you.””

Abu Wallad says: “I told what Imam said to my companions and they prayed against Mansour and the same year that he had headed towards Mecca, he died before he could perform the ceremonies of the pilgrimage and we got rid of him. I went to Imam and he said:

 “O Abu Wallad, what was the result of the order that I praised you to do? O Abu Wallad, there is no calamity that Allah sends towards a believer and dawn on him to pray unless He resolves that calamity soon. And there is no calamity that Allah sends towards a believer and he refuses to pray unless that calamity will be prolonged.””

(The story is summarized)

(Bihar al-Anwar, v. 90, p. 298)

This is the effect of prayer in the world…

We can do too … Do not let us down …

Recite Faraj prayer, because prayer has effects…

 

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Mahdavi Lifestyle - The second series

The importance of praying for the children

It’s favorable to pray for the children in addition to training them and being kind to them. One of the prayers which contains very beautiful concepts regarding this matter is the prayer no. 25 of al-Sahifa al-Sajjadiyya. Some of its verses are as the following:

 “Oh, God! Do me a favor and save my children and improve them and give me their benefit.”

 “Oh, God! Lengthen their lives and make them healthy and guide them towards the true religion and good character.”

 “Oh, God! Make them pious and insightful and loving and well disposed towards Your friends, and malicious and virulent towards Your enemies. ”

 “Oh, God! Make my name everlasting through them and make them my helper in [fulfilling] the wishes, make them affectionate so that they be loving towards me and obedient to me, not disobedient and disrespectful.”

 

To be adorned at home

A person who is willing to help Imam Mahdi (PBUH), should take all the words of Ahl al-Bayt as the guidelines for his life. One of the most important recommendations of Ahl al-Bayt to the Shias is to be adorned and beautiful at home and in the presence of the spouse.

Contrariwise, most of the people pay more attention to their beauty outside their houses and do not care about their appearance at home.

One of the most important recommendations of Imam Kadhim (PBUH) to the Shias is that he says: “Man’s adornment for his wife is one of the factors of woman’s chastity.”

(The precious book of “Makarem al-Akhlaq”, p. 97)

 

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The duties of the awaiting people - The second series

Recognizing the symptoms of the Reappearance

Recognizing the symptoms of Imam Mahdi’s Reappearance is one of the important duties of the awaiting people during the occultation, especially those signs which our Imams have informed us about.

The book Mikyal-al-Makarim

Everyone is needed to pledge allegiance to Imam Mahdi after his Reappearance and this is impossible without having knowledge about the Reappearance.

Imam Sadiq says: "Five symptoms are inevitable before the Reappearance of Imam Mahdi which include: “Yamani, Sufiani, a loud cry from the Heavens, the murder of the pure soul, and the ground subsides in the area of Al-Bayda."

Kamal al-Din and Tamam al-Nimeh, chapter 57 

Ayatollah Safi Golpayegani says:

"Recognizing the symptoms of the Reappearance is obligatory."

 

Almsgiving on behalf of Imam Mahdi

This work is one of the signs of amity and friendship toward Imam Mahdi. One of the recommended tasks ordained by God in his Book to his servants is to do almsgiving on behalf of the (Islam’s) Prophet’s kinsmen and relatives. You don’t notice that whenever you worry about your child or dear ones you pay alms in order to keep them safe from dangers? Thus, your Imam is the most deserved for such a deed (almsgiving).

As evidence to what we mentioned, we can refer to Sheikh Saduq who writes down a document referring to the saying of Prophet: “No one has believed faithfully in me unless he loves me more dearly than himself, and my family more than his and my progeny and kinsmen more than his, and my own self and his own self.”

We can infer from this Hadith that expressing affinity toward him (Imam Mahdi (PBUH)) is as pleasant as the extent that a believer is fond of his kinsmen, children and family and expresses his affinity toward them.

Mekyal al Makarem

 

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The Reappearance Signs - The second series

The time of the Rise of Yamani according to the Sunni narrations

There is an extreme disagreement among the Sunni narrations over the time of the Rise of Yamani:

1- Some believe the Rise of Yamani (Qahtani) is before the Reappearance.

2- Some believe it is concurrent with [the Reappearance] of Imam Mahdi (PBUH).

3- Some believe it is after Imam Mahdi’s (PBUH) demise!

And even in some of the other narrations, Yamani is said to be Imam Mahdi himself (PBUH)!

( Tammol-i No Dar Neshane-haye Zohour (A New Reflection on the Reappearance Signs), p. 87-90)

 

The rise of Yamani

There are many narrations stating that the “location of the rise of Yamani” and locality of formation of his movement will be in Yemen. For example Imam Sadiq (PBUH) said: “The rise of Yamani will be from Yemen with white flags.” [The epitome of Ithbat ar-Raj’a, p. 455]

 “The exact activities and details of the rise of Yamani” is not clear in narrations! Maybeu the reason for not revealing this is to avoid planning of his enemies against him. Also it is possible that the details are explained in the words of Imams but have not reached us.

 

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