They rely on the many predictive narrations reported from...

They rely on the many predictive narrations reported from the Holy Prophet (S) which confirm the existence of Imam al-Mahdi, being among the descendants of Lady Fatimah (a.s) and, more specifically, the ninth descendant from Imam al-Husayn (a.s).

In view of the fact that Imam al-Hasan al-`Askari (a.s) is the eighth descendant from Imam al-Husayn (a.s), he departed life in AH 260 and had only one son named Muhammad, this son must be Imam al-Mahdi (a.s) who is also called Abu al-Qasim.[^22] Having seen him in person, a group of trustworthy Muslims have informed others about the birth of Imam al-Mahdi and about some of his characteristics and his father’s appointing him as Imam after him.

However, after the age of five, Imam al-Mahdi was hidden from public view when he learned that his enemies intended to kill him. So,