But we prefer to avoid this approach and say...

But we prefer to avoid this approach and say, 'Well, you please prove scientifically that you are the son of your father or that Shah Abbas was a Safavi king!' Of course, the scientific and correct method to prove this would be the books of history and for every subject; the appropriate approach to solve its intricacies and difficulties would be through its own ways, means and references.

If we want to establish the geographical location of a particular place, it certainly would not be through physics, chemistry or mathematics but geography. That too, the geography of Iran under the subject of divisions of states and provinces. Therefore, if somebody refers to the geography books, then indeed he has adopted a scientific approach. Similarly, if somebody refers to the books of traditions regarding the appointment of an Imam, then surely his method is right.

Principally, this is the only correct procedure in this discussion. Hence, today if I have brought books of traditions to present before you some of these, it is with the sole purpose of executing a job in a scientific manner and not to show that I am a mullah.

Why I'm using the word mullah or sheikh is that because some people have the habit of driving the opponent away by using such terms like 'don't be a mullah or don't be a sheikh', and say, if you are right, go to the laboratory and prove your theory. But, a laboratory is a place for a different kind of science. Recently, each science has developed its own form of a laboratory and the laboratory for historical discussions is the history books.

This only will be the right approach to solve its problems and there is nothing unscientific about it. After discussing this preface, let us come to the main topic. We said that numerous books have been written about Hazrat Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) and plenty of traditions have been narrated about him from both Shia as well as Sunni sources.

Among the books that have compiled the traditions concerning Imam-e-Zaman (a.t.f.s.), is the book of "Muntakhabul Athar fil Imam al-Thaani Ashar" by Ayatullah Lutfullah Safi Gulpaygani. Firstly, I would state the sources of this book and then present the list of topics, albeit briefly. Among the references of this book are Saheeh-e-Bukhari, Sunan-e-Abi Dawood, etc. It is worth mentioning that in this book more than 60 sources of the Ahle Sunnat have been used.

This book comprises of ten chapters, altogether and each chapter is further divided into sub-chapters.