The terrifying news amongst the foretold events is that most...

The terrifying news amongst the foretold events is that most of those who believe in Imam al-Mahdi (PBUH) will doubt his existence over time due to the length of the time of occultation and because of various trials and afflictions that befall people during this period. Therefore, when the Imam (PBUH) starts his mission, the believers will be very few in number. Saqr Ibn Dilf narrated: I asked Imam al-Jawad (PBUH) why Imam al-Mahdi (PBUH) is called al- Qa'im.

He (PBUH) replied, "Because he will rise after his remembrance is dead (in the society) and when most of the believers in his Imamate have turned back (from their belief)." I asked why he is called al-Muntadhar (the awaited). He (PBUH) replied, "Because there shall be an occultation for him whose period shall be prolonged.

The sincere ones shall wait for him, the doubtful ones shall deny him, those who reject him shall ridicule his remembrance, and those who propose a time (for his reappearance) shall increase. During that period, those who hasten in movement (al- Musta'jilun) shall perish, and those who submit (to Allah's commands and decrees) shall be saved."[^1] Another tradition is narrated by Mufadhdhal Ibn Umar, who said: [^1]Kamal al-Din, p. 378, Hadith 3; Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 51, p. 30, Hadith 4.

I heard Imam al-Sadiq (PBUH) saying, "Be hold! By Allah, your Imam shall disappear for a number of years in your lifetime and you will be afflicted with hardship until some people say he (PBUH) has died or has been killed, which valley is he in? Verily the eyes of the believers shall remain full of tears for him, and you will be overturned as the ships are overturned in the waves of the sea.

None would survive but those from whom Allah has taken oath, in whose heart He has written faith, and has helped them by a spirit from Him. And there shall appear twelve confusing banners that will not be recognized from one another." I cried and said, "What could we do at that time?" He (PBUH) looked towards the beam of sunshine that was in the room and said, "O the servant of Allah! Do you see this sunlight?" I said, "Yes." He (PBUH) continued, "By Allah!

Our matter (i.e., the movement of al-Mahdi (PBUH) once it starts) shall be more evident than this sun."[^1] Musa al-Baghdadi narrated: I heard Imam Hasan al-Askari (PBUH) saying, "I see that you will differ (with one another) after me concerning my successor.