Suddenly...

Suddenly, with a pleasant voice, which shook my heart, the child spoke and said: “I am the last divine deputy and the avenger of God's enemies on earth. Oh Ahmad-ibn-Eshaq! After witnessing the truth with your own eyes, don't ever ask for any more proof again." His sayings gave me comfort and I became very pleased. I bid farewell to Imam and returned home. But I couldn't, for an instant, stop thinking about that child.

I said to myself that Elias and 'Zulqarnain' were both prophets with special qualities. How could Imam Hasan Askari (A.S) compare his son with them? I, again, went into deep thought. I couldn't tolerate it, so the next day, once again, I visited the Imam's house. I said: “Oh the son of Gods messenger! I am truly grateful for the grace and kindness you extended me yesterday.

You saved me from great distress and confusion, but you never explained to me the signs of Elias and "Zulqarnain" that are in him." "His long occultation, he replied. “Will his occultation last very long?" I asked. “Yes", he replied. “I swear to God, it will be so long that most of his believers will deviate, save those who have a friendly and steadfast contact with us and have strong belief. Oh Ahmad-ibn-Eshaq! The occultation of my son Mahdi is among God's masterpiece and secret.

So accept my words and do not disclose to those whom you don't trust and be thankful to this bounty so that on the day of judgment you reside besides us in paradise." My heart, then, flew like a bird. I was ecstatic. I took the Imam's hands in my own and kissed them. I thanked God for having met His last proof on earth. Previous…