ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Anecdotes From the Lives of the 14 Ma’sumeen Imam Muhammad Al-mahdi (a) There was a pious man called Syed Muhammad Jabal Amili who was travelling through the desert with a caravan of people, when he got lost. Syed Amili searched and searched for the caravan but could not find them. It became dark as night set in. He was all alone in the hot desert, tired, hungry and frightened.

He was about to give up and prepare himself for death when he suddenly saw some water. He went to the water drank some and then did wudhu and offered his Salaat. After his Salaat he did not have anymore strength and lay there waiting for death. All of a sudden he saw a person riding a horse getting closer and closer to him. When the horse rider reached Syed Amili he said Salaam to him and asked him what the matter was. Syed Amili explained that he had lost his caravan and was hungry.

The rider asked him why then did he not eat the melons that were lying beside him. Syed Amili asked the rider not to make fun of him as he had searched all over for food. The rider said he was not joking, and to look behind him. Syed Amili looked and there were three melons. The rider then told him to eat one of them and to take the other two with him and pointed out the direction he was to go in.

He also told Syed Amili that at about sunset he would reach a tent and from there he would be guided to his caravan. Then the rider disappeared. Syed Amili says that that was when he realised that it was our 12th Imam, Imam Muhammad al-Mahdi (A). Syed Amili did as he was told and sure enough the next day at sunset he reached the tent and was directed to his caravan. Moral: Although we can not see our 12th Imam (A) he can see us and knows when we are in need of his help and comes to help us.

Many people ask what is the use of an Imam that can not be seen. Just as the sun is still of use to us even when it is hidden behind the clouds, Imam (A) is of benefit even when hidden. Although we can not see our 12th Imam, Imam Muhammad al-Mahdi (A) can see us. He is aware of our prayers, deeds actions and troubles. Any believer who truly asks him for help receives his assistance. The ghaybat (concealment) of Imam (A) is in two stages: Ghaybate sughra - minor concealment.

Ghaybate kubra - major concealment. Ghaybate sughra started from after Imam (A) led the funeral prayer of his father (Imam Hasan al-Askeri (A)) until the death of his 4th deputy. All in all 68years.