Exactly Who was Bukhari Sahab? When was he born? Why are his findings held beyond criticism by Us Sunnis?
Why is the 12th Imam Missing In Action for the Shias? Why does he live in a Cave? And how old will he be according to the Shia when he finally emerges from the Basement.
What is Dajal. Human Or a Collective Metaphor? Some one has claimed that Dajal is America symbolized by the one eye picture on the Dollar Sign.
Fact Or Fiction These stories are fantastic.
They also seem to contradict the simple directness of the Quran which is never vauge and always complete.
a response to the question on Imam al Mahdi [a]. he is not missing in action, as you have suggested, neither is he hiding in a cave, nor is he going to come in and about from a basement. these lies are infact to be found in the work of Ibn Kathir, in his history work, al Bidahiya wan nahiya. It is also available as an english booklet, titled 'Signs of the Day of Judgement'.
The 12th Imam [a] is actually hidden from the eyes of the common people: he can see us but we can't RECOGNIZE him. he has been in this state of occultation for quite some time, and in his absence the believers are tested against the mettle of time, in their perseverance and also towards amr bil maruf wa nahiy anil munkar. there is a call for positive waiting for the believers. while those who are weak hearted gave up and fell lot to the imposters who have claimed themselves as the Mahdi.
hope that this helps. as to the relevance of this to the Quran, try looking up some tafasir works from the Ahl al Bayt, where unlike the Ahlal Sunna wal Jamaah, their beliefs are sacrificed at the alter of political expendiency.
Ali Says; "...he has been in this state of occultation for quite some time"
1) What is this type of specie called?
2) In what dimention he is living that human eye cant see?
3) and why is he hiding? (because racism or shia-sunni riots?)
As someone said earlier; "Quran has classified Humans specie as Bashr and Rasool", I agree with him, this type of situation is beyond the reach of both the classes. Moreover human eye can see Humans only, if He is some spritual being then we have to see him in the same frame. (I am not sure if such class do really exists, aside Angles).
Can you please throw some light on this issue in the light of QURAN first?
I thank you both very much for your prompt replies. I am confused about one thing.
Do the Shias consider the 12th Imam as the Mehdi?
Is Mehdi Human?
Can some one please tell me about the 12th Imam. What kind of knowledge do we have of his life before he went in to hiding?
As a Sunni I am told that IMam Mehdi will be born to a woman called Amna. He will be recognised by non arab muslims. He will unite muslims to fight a one eyed monster called Dajal. Eisa will finaly descend to kill Dajal.
How close is the Shia Perspective to the Sunni view?