All these are examples of the causes for the enmity and...

All these are examples of the causes for the enmity and malice of the Abbasides against the Holy Imam (a.s). Clarification of Imam Hasan Askari (a.s) on the Imamate of the Awaited Imam (a.s) When Imam Hasan Askari became cognizant that his death and martyrdom was near he clearly announced the Imamate of His Eminence, Imam Mahdi (a.s) and he introduced him to his close confidants and reliable followers. Ahmad bin Ishaq Ashari, a trustworthy, pious and god-fearing man was one of these persons.

It has come in narrations that he said: I went to Imam Hasan Askari (a.s) and wanted to inquire about his successor. His Eminence, preceded me in the matter and said as follows: “O Ahmad bin Ishaq! The Almighty Allah has not left the earth without a Divine Proof since the creation of Adam (a.s) and would not leave it without a Divine Proof till the hour shall be established (Day of Judgment).

Through the Divine Proof calamities are repelled from the inhabitants of the Earth, rain falls and the bounties of the earth come out.” After hearing these words Ahmad asked His Eminence: “Who is the Imam and Caliph after youa” Imam Hasan Askari arose from his seat and hurried inside his house and returned after a short while in such a way that upon his neck on his shoulders sat a boy, whose face seemed to be like the full moon and it seemed that he was three years old.

After that, His Eminence, Imam Hasan Askari (a.s) said: “O Ahmad! If you were not having a special and exalted position before Allah and the Proof of Allah, I would not have shown this son of mine to you. His name and patronymic is the same as that of the Messenger of Allah (a.s). He would fill the earth with justice and equity, as it would be fraught with injustice and oppressions. O Ahmad! In this community his example is like that of Khizr and Dhulqarnain. By Allah!