Birth and Imamate
The promised Mahdi, who is usually mentioned by his title of Imam al-Asr
(the Imam of the “Period”) and Sahib az-Zaman (the Lord of the Time/Age), is the son
of the eleventh Imam. His name is the same as that of the Holy Prophet. He was born
in Samarrah on the 15th of Shabaan in 255 A.H./868 A.D. and until 260 A.H./872 A.D.
when his father was martyred, lived under his father’s care and guidance. His mother
was Bibi Nargis Khatoon who was the grand daughter of Qaisar al-Rome from the
father’s side and the grand daughter of Janab al-Shamoun who was the successor of
Hazrat 'Isa (AS)
Sayyida Hakimah who was the sister of the 10th Imam (Imam Ali Naqi (AS)) relates
that she went to her nephew’s (11th Imam - Imam Hassan Askari (AS)) house for iftaar
in the evening of 14th of Shabaan 255 A.H. The 11th Imam asked her to stay as his
son was to be born soon. There was no sign of pregnancy on Bibi Narjis Khatoon. The
11th Imam asked her to recite Suratul Qadr on Bibi Narjis Khatoon. At the time of
Fajr on 15th Shabaan Sayyida Hakimah heard the Sura being recited from the womb of
Bibi Narjis Khatoon. The 11th imam told her that the birth would occur very soon.
She states that as the time approached, it appeared as if a curtain was raised
between me and Bibi Narigs and after a while when that curtain was removed, I saw a
beautiful baby boy performing sajda (prostration) and proclaiming the oneness of
Allah and the Prophet hood of the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH). According to a report,
on his right shoulder was inscripted “Jaa al-haqqa wa zahqal batil innal batilin
kana zahooqa” (see translation below).
He also recited the 5th aya of Surat al-Qasas “And We intend to bestow (Our) favours
upon those who are weak in the land and make them the Imams (leaders) and make them
the heirs”. On his right hand was written the 82nd aya of Suratu Bani Israel “The
truth has come and falsehood has vanished; Indeed falsehood (is a thing by nature)
vanishing”. The 11th Imam (AS) arranged to have various animals slaughtered as
aqeeqa and distributed among trusted believers so that there could be many witnesses
of the birth of Imam Mahdi (AS).
One of the women slaves called Naseema relates that when she went to see the baby
Imam in his cradle she greeted him with salaam and was replied to. She then sneezed
and the Imam said: “Yarhamukallah - it is a blessing from Allah and you have 3 days
immunity from death”.
The last Imam (AS) was hidden from public view and only a few of the
elite among the Shiahs were able to meet him. After the martyrdom of his father he
became Imam and by Divine Command went into occultation
(ghaybat). Thereafter he appeared only to his deputies (naibeen) and even then only
in exceptional circumstances.
Ghaibat (occultation) of the last Imam (AS)
The Imam’s ghaibat (occultation) was in two phase - Ghaibat al-Sughra
(minor occultation) was for about 69 years - 260 A.H. (872 A.D.) to 329 A.H. (939
A.D.) and the Ghaibat al-Kubra (greater occultation) started in 329 A.H. (939
A.D.)and will continue until Allah(swt) so wills.
Why Ghaibat?
the 6th Imam, Imam as-Sadiq (AS) states the reason of the ghaibat as prevention
against being killed. Ishaq bin Yaqub (on authority from 12th Imam) says that all
the Imams were under oppressive rulers. Our 12th Imam is hidden in order to rise in
arms with obedience to no one.
Mohammad Yaqub Al-Kulayni has said that ghaibat is a test from Allah to test the
steadfastness of belief in Imam.
If he is to remain in Ghaibat, what is the use of his existence?
Belief creates hope giving strength to the oppressed.
It is a deterrent for the committing of injustice as one is always aware of the
constant presence of the Imam.
Why Ghaibat al-Sughra?
To make the Shias used to approaching scholars instead of Imam himself. It started
during the time of the 10th Imam who was under almost constant house arrest in
Samarra and continuing through.
GHAIBAT AL-SUGHRA (160 A.H. to 329 A.H.)
During Ghaibut-us-Sughra, the Imam (AS) appointed four deputies/representatives to
represent him among the people. After the death of the fourth deputy, the Imam (AS)
went into Ghaibut al-Kubra (major occultation). This was on the 10th Shawal 329 A.H.
The 4 representatives were :
- Uthman bin Saeed Umravi (AR)
It is said that at the age of 11 years he was a servant in the house of the 9th Imam
later to enjoy the confidence of Imam. He occupied the same position of trust with
the 10th and 11th Imam who told their Shias that after him they would not see the
12th Imam and would have to obey Uthman. After the 11th Imam’s martyrdom Uthman
moved to Baghdad and disguised as a butter seller he set up the collection of khums
for Imam. He served the 12th Imam for 5 years and received a letter near his death
from Imam (AS) telling him to appoint his son Mohammed as the next representative.
- Mohammad bin Uthman bin Saeed Umravi (AR)
He continued in his fathers footsteps also acting as a butter seller. He managed to
keep Imam’s existence a secret from the Abbasids until the early years of the reign
of Al-Mutadid. The rulers then started searching hard for Imam and killed countless
mu’mineen with even the slightest resemblance to Imam. Spies were set up to probe
the khums network. Imam issued an order for Shias not to take his name nor show
mas’ala of khums to anyone until absolutely sure of them. As instructed by Imam he
appointed Husayn bin Rawh as the next representative after his death in 305 A.H. He
served the Imam (AS) for 40 years.
- Husayn bin Rawh (AR)
His kuniyya was Abul Qasim. His sociable nature won him respect even from the
Ahlul-Sunnah. He managed to keep his activities a secret from the rulers whilst
maintaining good relations with them. It is to him that we address the ‘Arizah’ to be
delivered to Imam. He served faithfully until he died in Sha’ban 326 a.h. revealing
the appointment of Ali bin Mohammad Samry after him. He served for 21 years.
- Ali bin Mohammad Samry (AR)
He served for only three years. A week before his death he received a
letter from the Imam (AS) telling him of his forthcoming death and that there would
be no representative after him and that Imam (AS) was now going into
Ghaibat al-Kubra (major occultation). Imam (AS) would then appear when Allah(swt)
wills it. Ali bin Mohammad Samry (AR) died on 15th Shabaan 329 A.H. after serving
for 3 years.
GHAIBAT AL-KUBRA (329 A.H. to present)
Imam’s ghaibat is described by the Aimma like that of Prophet Yusuf (AS) who was
amongst his brothers yet they did not recognise him.
Imam is known to meet a believer on 3 occasions:
-
At the time of trouble.
-
He is present at every Hajj.
-
He attends the funeral of every believer who has no religious
obligations pending on him/her e.g. Khums.
During this time he continues to guide. Numerous letters have been
received from him by (to quote a few) Ishaq bin Yaqub, Sheikh Mufeed…
It is reported that 30 people all over the world meet with him
regularly.
Responsibilities During Ghaibat al-Kubra
-
Pray for the safety of Imam (AS) at all time.
-
Be in waiting for Imam (AS) at all times.
-
Give Sadaqa for Imam (AS).
-
Pray for his re-appearance.
-
Whenever faced with difficulty (whether small or big) ask for assistance from
Imam (AS). -
Whenever his name is heard or recited, one should stand if possible, send salaams
on him, put hand on head and bow. -
If possible perform Hajj/Umra for Imam (AS). (Hajj-After own Wajibat)
Arizah
It is customary among the Muhibban al-Ahle-Bait (AS) to write a letter of
Imam al-Zaman (AS) in the early morning of 15th Shaban. This letter is known as
Arizah and is written with a lot of love and care using safron as ink and wrapping
the letter in pure clay or flour. In the letter, momineen and mominaat present their
salutations and praises to the Imam (AS) and also write their problems and worries.
This wrapped letter is then thrown usually in lakes or river or ocean in the name of
one of his representatives (one of the 4 described above - usually Hussain
ibn al-Roh) recalling the methodology which was in place during the Ghaibat al-Sughra.
It is a strong Shiite belief that the letter reaches the Imam (AS) and he addresses
the worries and problems of his shiites becausse they are resolved in many many
cases. That is the reason why this practice has continued for long period and is
still very emotionally and religiously in practice.