ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Islam: Faith, Practice & History Lesson 18: The Twelfth Imam: Muhammad al-Mahdi (a.s.) The twelfth Imam, Muhammad al-Mahdi (may Allah hasten his appearance) was born on the 15th of Sha`ban in the year 255 AH in Samarra. His imamat began at the age of five when his father died in 260 AH. His name (Muhammad) and his agnomen (Abu 'l-Qāsim) are the same as that of the Prophet of Islam.

His father was the eleventh Shi‘a Imam, Imam Hasan al-`Askari; and his mother was the great lady Nargis (may the peace of Allah be with them both). For various reasons, the Twelfth Imam, did not appear publicly; and for about seventy years, people were in communication with him through the intermediary of his special agents, in order of succession: `Uthman bin Sa`id, Muhammad bin `Uthman, Husayn bin Ruh, and ‘Ali bin Muhammad as-Samarri.

This period of seventy years is known as the minor occultation ( al-ghaybatu 's-sughra ) and at the end of that period began the major occultation ( al-ghaybatu 'l-kubra ). During the major occultation till the time of re-appearance, no one has been appointed as his special representative. As for legal issues, the people have the duty of referring to the fuqaha and mujtahids —those excelling in knowledge of the Islamic laws.

Belief in Al-Mahdi & the Universal Reform The belief in the re-appearance of the expected Mahdi, the universal reformer is not confined to the Shi‘a Muslims. Other Islamic groups and even non-Muslims like the Jews and the Christians believe in the appearance of a great spiritual reformer. In Psalm 37, we read: “...Trust in the Lord and do good; so you will dwell in the land and enjoy security... For the wicked shall be cut off; but those who wait for the Lord shall possess the land...

But the weak shall possess the land, and delight themselves in abundant prosperity... The Lord knows the day of the flawless, and their heritage will abide forever... For those blessed by the Lord shall possess the land, but those cursed by Him shall be cut off...

The righteous shall possess the land, and dwell upon it for ever...” The Qur’ān & the Belief in al-Mahdi Allāh has promised the believers and worshippers of the True God that a time will come when they will take over the power of the world, and the glorious religion of Islam will reign all over the earth.