Therefore...

Therefore, his Imamate is proved and there is no need to cite traditions in this regard.”[^16] ‘Is’haq Ibn Sa’d ‘Ash’ari has said, “I went to see Imam Abu Muhammad Hasan Ibn Ali Askari (a.s.) and told him, ‘O son of Messenger of Allah! Who will be the Imam and caliph after you?’ Imam Askari (a.s.) rose and entered his house rapidly. Shortly afterwards, he returned with a child on his shoulder. He was a three-year-old son with an illuminating face. Then Imam (a.s.) stated, ‘O ‘Is’haq Ibn Sa’d!

If you were not dear to Allah and the Imams, I did not show you my son. This son has the same name and nickname as the Prophet of Islam (S). He is the person, who will fill the world with justice after being filled with oppression and injustice. O ‘Is’haq! He is like Khizr and Zul Qarnayn!

By Allah that he has an occultation in which only the people are saved, who have a constant belief in Imamate –by Allah’s Mercy– and pray for my son’s hasty reappearance.’ I asked, ‘Does he have a sign to assure my heart?’ Then the child said in fluent Arabic, ‘I am Allah’s remnant on His earth and the avenger of His enemies.’” I was happy of hearing this and went out. I returned on another day and asked Imam Askari (a.s.), ‘O son of Messenger of Allah! I got very happy of your news.

You really did bless me. Now tell me what the tradition of Khizr and Zul Qarnayn is?’ Imam (a.s.) answered, ‘Occultation.’ I asked again, ‘Will he have a long occultation?’ He answered, ‘By Allah yes! His occultation will be so long that most of the believers in Imamate will change belief, except the people in whose hearts Allah has inspired our affection and the real belief. His occultation will be by Allah’s order and a secret of His secrets.

He also introduced his successor to me three days before his demise.”[^18] ‘Amr ‘Ahwazi has said, “Abu Muhammad (a.s.) showed his son to me and told me, ‘He will be your guardian after me.’”[^19] Muhammad Ibn ‘Uthman ‘Amri has said, “Abu Muhammad (a.s.) showed his son to us in his house. We were forty people. He told us, ‘He will be your Imam and caliph after me. Obey him and do not create dispute, or else your religion will be lost.