Imam Mahdi (a.s.) was born on 15 Shabaan, 255 AH at Samerra ,
Iraq
When the Imam (a.s.) was about 5 years old when his father,
Imam Hasan al-Askari (a.s.) was martyred on 8 Rabi-ul-Awwal 260 AH. When his
body was ready for burial and the Muslims were waiting for the Prayers for the
Dead, suddenly a handsome young boy appeared and led the prayers. Abbasid
Caliph, al-Mo’tamid was also present. As soon as the prayers were finished, the
Imam (a.s.) went inside his house. The Caliph realized the implications and
ordered to search the house to find the Imam, but they could not find him. This
was the commencement of “Ghaibat-e-Sughra” or “Short Occultation”. During this
period, only the trusted appointees could meet the Imam (a.s.). During this
period, the Imam had appointed his ambassadors to be in touch with the affairs
of Muslims, answer any questions, direct the distribution of Khums to the
deserving and needy. After about 75 years, the Major Occultation commenced
which is continuing to-date.
There is a famous tradition of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.):
“The Mahdi will be descended from me, he will be a man with open countenance
and a face with high nose. He will fill the earth with equity and with justice,
just as it has been filled with tyranny and oppression.”
Because of such reports, the unlawful governments were
keeping a close watch on Imam Hasan al-Askari (a.s.) and his family. Just like Pharaoh
was killing the new born of Bani Isra’il to prevent the birth of Prophet Musa,
the government of Banu Abbas was looking for the twelfth Imam. Allah (s.w.t.)
wanted to conceal the Imam and prolonged his life for an undetermined period of
time.
There are other examples in Islam when Prophets like Khizr,
Jesus, Dawood, and Sheeth had longer life.
Occultation does not mean that the Imam (a.s.) is not
guiding the people. He is conducting the work of guidance as the sun’s light
penetrates the clouds to reach earth.
Numerous stories have been reported when the Imam (a.s.)
responded to any call for help by any one whether Muslim or Non-Muslim.
One such story is about a pharmacist, Mr. Rizvi who was working
in the dispensary at Karbala , run
by the Government of Pakistan. One evening in 1958, he was returning from a
hospital in Baghdad with a box full
of medicines. The bus driver stopped at a place, Mehmudia, about half way to Karbala .
He said they cannot proceed till next morning. The medicines were urgently
required. Mr Rizvi became impatient and called the Imam-e- Zamana for help.
Moments later a jeep pulled up at the side and a good looking young Arab came
out and said: “Do you want to go to Karbala ?”
Without being told the address, the young man drove straight to the dispensary.
When Mr. Rizvi turned to give some money, there was no body there, no jeep.
A second story is about an English man; Col Abdullah Baines, who was stationed at the Air Force base at Habibiya, a town some 22 miles South
of Baghdad. During the Second World War, it was decided to evacuate the
families of the Royal British Air Force to Damascus .
Col Baines was leading the caravan of jeeps. They had to pass through a desert
and a desert storm struck the caravan. They were lost in the storm as it was
night time. Col. Baines and all his entourage were Christians. But he was
familiar with Islamic History and stories of how Imam-e-Zamana helped people in
distress. Col. Baines put up his hands in the shape of prayer, closed his eyes
and said: “We are all Christians and may be sinners, but these children with me
are innocent, they do not deserve to die in this manner. O Imam of the Time,
help them get out of this desert.” His prayers had not even ended when he saw 2
horsemen were coming right through the eye of the storm. They asked Col. Baines
“Do you want to go to Damascus ?” He
said: “Yes of course” They said “follow us”
Once the war was over, Col. Baines embraced Islam and
changed his name to Abdullah Baines. After retirement from Army he settled in Kent .
He himself told this story to the writer of the book to publicize this as much as
possible.
During his Short Occultation, the Imam fixed the Black Stone
of Ka’baa. The renowned Ayatullah Ardbeli narrates that Jaffer ibne Muhammad
intended to perform Hajj but fell ill. He had heard that the government had
removed the Black Stone for repair and re-install during forthcoming Hajj
period. He was also aware that the Black Stone can only be installed by a
Prophet or Imam. Hence he gave a letter for Imam Mahdi to Hisham with clear
instructions that whoever fixes the Black Stone give the letter to him.
Hisham narrates that people were trying to fix the stone in
vain. Suddenly a handsome young Arab appeared and fixed the Black Stone and
went away. Hisham followed him when the young man turned back and said: “O ibne
Hisham, give me Jaffer ibne Muhammad’s letter, he has asked me as to how long
he will live, tell him that he will live for 30 more years” Saying this he
disappeared. Hisham communicated Imam’s message to Jaffer ibne Muhammad. He
died after 30 years.
About 50 people’s names are mentioned in the books who had
seen the Imam during the Short Occultation.
Numerous stories of Imam Mahdi’s help of people in distress
were recorded in a famous book: “Mulaqaat-e-Imam” or Meeting with the Imam. He
will come, talk to people, resolve their problems and before they know it, he
will disappear.
When the Imam Mahdi (a.s.) will reappear is known only to
Allah (s.w.t). However, the signs have been elaborately mentioned in the books.
It includes the general environment of oppression, moral indecency, and natural
calamities.
Two famous supplications have been related to Imam Mahdi;
Dua’a-e-Sabasab and Dua’a-e-Iftetah, which is recited during the month of
Ramazaan.
Imam Jaffer al-Sadiq (a.s.) said: “One day, the Holy Prophet
came to his companions. He was very happy. On inquiry from the companions, he
said: “Jibra’eel came and brought greetings from Allah (s.w.t.) and said: “O
Muhammad, Allah (s.w.t.) chose seven people from Bani Hashim; you, the Messenger
of Allah, master of prophets, Ali ibne Abi Talib, the master of executors,
Hasan and Hussain, the masters of grandchildren, Hamza, your uncle, the master
of martyrs, and Jaffer, your cousin, who is flying everywhere in Paradise with
angels and Excellency Qaem. The Jesus son of Mary will pray behind him when the
Lord descends him on earth. And he is of the race of Ali (a.s.) and Fatima
(s.a.) and children of Hussain”
It is recommended to read “Dua’a for safety and security of
Imam Mahdi”:
Allah Humma Salle Ala Muhammadin Wa
Allah Humma Kun Le Waliakal Hujjat
Ibnal Hasan, Salawatuka Alaihe Wa Ala
Aabaehi, Fi Hazehi Ssa’a Wa Fi Kulle
Sa’atin, Walian Wa Hafiza , Wa
Wa Nasera Wa Dalilan Wa
Tumatteuhoo Fiha Taweela.
O Allah, Bless Muhammad and
his Progeny
O Allah,
be, for Your representative, the Hujjat (proof), son of Al Hasan, Your
Blessings
be on him and his forefathers, in this hour and in every hour, a
guardian, a
protector, a leader, a helper, a proof, and an eye, until You make
him live on
the earth, in obedience (to You), and cause him to live in it
for a long
time.
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