ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Fazail ul-Mahdi A Short Biography of Imam Mahdi (aj) Hazrat Imam Mahdi (aj) is the twelfth and last of the chain of the Purified Imams (as) and the divine successors. He was born at the time of dawn, on Friday the 15th of Shaban 255 A.H. in the city of Samarrah[^1]. His respected father is Imam Hasan al-Askari (as). His beloved mother is Janab al-Nargis Khatoon (ra).

She was the descendant of the Caesar of Rome from her father's side and from her mother's side she had descended from shamoon the vicegerant of Hazrat Isa (as).[^2] This exalted personality has the same name and kunniyat (agnomen) as the Holy Prophet (S). His titles are Mahdi, Hujjat, Qaem, Montazer, Sahibuzzaman and Khalaf al-saleh. His most famous honourific however is Al-Mahdi (aj).[^3] Ibn Khallikaan writes; "His well-known title is Hujjat.

The shias know him by the titles, Montazar, Qaem and Mahdi"[^4] The great scholar Mohaddith al-Noori has collected 182 titles of Imam Mahdi (aj) from the Islamic texts. Each of these titles signify each of his virtuous qualities.[^5] The tyrant Abbasid rulers were aware of the prophecies of the Holy Prophet (S). That the son of Imam Hasan al-Askari (as) by the name of Mahdi will appear to remove all kinds of corruption and tyranny; hence they planned to eliminate the child when he is bom.

Due to this the birth of Imam Mahdi (aj) was kept a secret like that of Hazrat Ibrahim (as). So much so that except for the most trusted of the shias and his own family, no one knew of the existence of Hazrat (as). In spite of this whenever there was an opportunity, Imam Hasan al-Askari (as) showed his son to his trustworthy followers; that in future they may follow him. This was in order that the shias may remain firm upon the right path, and not be led astray.

A servant Abu Ghanim says: "Abu Muhammad (as) has a son whose name is Muhammad." On the third day of his birth he brought him before his companions and said: "After me he is your Master of the affair, he is my successor, he is the same 'Qaem', who is awaited by alt When the earth will be fraught with injustice and oppression then he will reappear and fill the earth with justice and righteousness."[^6] The early years of his life were spent in the usual way.

When he was in his fifth year, he lost his respected father.[^7] After this tragic event the responsibility of guiding the shias was transferred upon him.