Before this he was a representative of Imam Hasan al Askari...

Before this he was a representative of Imam Hasan al Askari (as)[^14] Shaykh Tusi writes: “On the fortieth day the shias were sitting in the company of Imam Hasan al-Askari (as), when Imam Askari (as) wished that they recognise his Hujyat after him..... Suddenly a handsome child was brought before them. He resembled Abu Muhammad (as). Then Imam al-Askari (as) said: "He is your Imam after me. And my successor upon you.

Obey him, and do not go astray after me (after my death), otherwise your religion shall be destroyed and you will be annihilated. Know that, after today you shall not see him, even if you spend your whole life for it. Hence, accept what Usman tells you, obey his commands and listen to what he says.

Because he is the representative of your Imam and holds the responsibility.[^15] After the death of Usman bin Saeed, his pious son, Muhammad bin Usman succeeded his father upon the post of the deputyship of Imam az-Zaman (aj).[^16] Shaikh Tusi has recorded the letters sent by Imam Hasan al Askari (as) and Imam Mahdi (aj) to Usman bin Saeed and his son Abu Jafar Muhammad ibne Usman for the shias.

These letters consists of commands, prohibitions and replies to the questions of the shias.[^17] Muhammad ibne Usman passed away from this world at the end of Jamadi-ul-Awwal in the year 304 or 305 A.H.[^18] During the time of his illness, as he laid on the sick-bed, the shias and their children came and surrounded him. They asked: "If something happens, whom should we consult instead of you?" He answered, "This Abul Qasim Husayn ibn Ruh ibne Bahr Nawbakhti is successor.

And he is the intermediary between you and the Master affair (Imam Mahdi- aj), and his agent. He is trustworthy and reliable. Consult him, and in case of important matters, rely upon him. I have been ordered to announce this, and I have announced it"[^19] Husain Ibn Ruh Nawbakhti was. one of the agents of Muhammad ibn Usman in Baghdad. He had been working closely with him for a long time. These agents used to be in contact with the people and when ordered they handed over the goods to them[^20].

Husayn ibn Ruh died in Shaban 326 A.H[^21] The last safir was Abul Hasan Ali Ibn Muhammad Seymoori. He became the deputy of Imam Mahdi (aj) according to the will of Husain ibn Ruh.