In this connection it is interesting to note...

In this connection it is interesting to note, as pointed out by the famous historian Tabari, that the reports about the occultation of the Mahdi were recorded in their books by the Shi'ah traditionalists during the lifetime of Imam Baqir and Imam Sadiq i.e. long before Imam Mahdi was born. This fact alone is enough to vouch for their genuineness.

The Sunnite scholars have also mentioned and recorded hundreds of traditions about the Mahdi in more than seventy books by their own valued and dependable authorities of which we shall mention a few examples. • Musnad - Ahmad b. Hanbal (d. 241 A.H.) • Sahih Bukhari - Muhammad b. Ism'ail Bukhari (d. 256 A.H.) • Sahih Muslim -Muslim b. Hajjaj Nishapuri (d.261 A.H.) • Sunan Abi Dawud - Sulayman b. Ash'ath Sijistani (d. 275 A.H.) • Sahih Tirmizi -Muhammad b. Isa Tirmizi (d.

279A.H.) The authors of the above books, each one of them, died either before or shortly after Mahdi's birth.[^4] The other facts which can be gleaned from the prophecies of the holy Prophet about the Mahdi are briefly stated below: a. He will bear the same nomenclature as the holy Prophet. b. He will not be bearing allegiance to any tyrant. c. He will fill the earth with justice and fair play after its having been filled with injustice and tyranny. d.

At the time of his advent he will be found leaning against the wall of the Ka'bah. He will call together his 313 supporters who will respond to his call and gather around him. Then he will lead the congregational prayers. e. He will establish Islamic law in the whole world. f. On his second advent Jesus will offer prayers behind him. According to the Islamic traditions Jesus will descend from the heaven and espouse the cause of the Mahdi.

The Christians and the Jews will see him and recognize his true status. The Christians will abandon their faith in his godhead. The holy Qur'an says: "There shall be none among the People of the Scripture, but will believe in him (Jesus) before his death; and on the Day of Resurrection be will be a witness against them" (Surah al-Nisa, 4:159) Evidently at that time Jesus will not be following the Christian law which has already been repealed.

He will be following the Mahdi, the master of the time, and that is why he will be offering prayers behind him.