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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Al-Wahid al-Behbahani, Man of Intellect Chapter 4 The Locality Mosque “Why have we departed Najaf and come to Karbala’, O father?” “Don’t you like this town?” “I never meant this, but when we were at Behbahan we decided to travel to Najaf.” “My son, you know I am after knowledge, and I have never attained my wish there, so I came to Karbala’ hoping to find someone to learn under.” “You won’t find what you seek, at this town, father, as herein someone forbidding learning usul al-fiqh.” “So our mission will be more difficult, we have to fight such perverted thoughts.” “Is this possible?” “Yes, I have been attending classes of al-Shaykh Yusuf al- Bahrani for five days, and I have noticed a desire for learning usul among his disciples.

I am teaching them now this lesson at the crypt as you see. ‘Abd al-Husayn said: “There are guests awaiting at the door, father.” His brother Muhammad ‘Ali rushed to their welcome. Middle-aged men entered, taking their seats in the muddy room, saying: “This locality people, our master, desire that you lead them in prayer. “But where is the mosque imam (leader).” “May Allah’s mercy be upon him.” “You mean he is dead...so there should be no delay.” Shadows of Horror “Brothers!

Today is the fifteenth of Sha’ban, the blessed birthday of the Owner of Time (Wahib al-’Asr), may Allah hasten his reappearance. It is really nice to talk about this great day. “At the outset, we have to recognize that there is a Divine convenience behind his occultation. So it is improper for anyone to inquire about the reason why the Imam is not appearing, as he is alone knows the due time for appearance.

It is narrated that he (will appear) wearing rough clothes, and eating simple food, and his occultation being a grace from Allah. A murmur prevailed among the attendants, each commenting as he wishes. Then al-Sayyid Muhammad Baqir descended the pulpit, feeling regretful for his hastiness. Mirza Hasan al-’Attar inclined upon a man sitting beside him, whispering angrily: “We have made a mistake in inviting this man...a mosque without an imam is more preferable than an enemy to the Imam.

‘Abd al-Ridha al-Baqqal mockingly said: “This man dislikes the appearance of the Imam, fearing the loss of his leadership.” Mirza Habib Allah, who took part in calling al-Sayyid to be the mosque imam, regrettably commented: “They are consuming the bounties of Wahib al-Zaman, and unsheathing their swords at him!