As a general rule...

As a general rule, ahadith dealing with signs of the day of judgement and those describing the events after re-appearance of our 12th Imam (a.s.) are counted among mutashabihat; we read them and believe in them, but leave their true meaning and interpretation in the hands of Allah. Q. 23: ARE MAHDI AND 'ISA ONE & THE SAME: Is Hazrat Mahdi (a.s.) the same as Hazrat 'tea (a.s.) who will come to kill Dajjal?

A: Hazrat Mahdi (a.s.) is from the progeny of Hazrat 'Ali and Fatimah (peace be on them both) while Hazrat 'Isa (a.s.) is the son of Hazrat Maryam (a.s.). Obviously they are two different personalities. How can two different men be counted as one? For further details see my book, Muhammad (s.a.w.) Is The Last Prophet. Q.24: WHY SUCH DETAILED MASA 'IL IN FIQH? Islam is supposed to be a simple NATURAL religion. Why then does it have 2500 plus laws?

I do understand that all the laws are not for one person. But why for each simple case there are ten laws regarding it? For example in, the case for Mayyit (according to the Masael of Agha Seestani) there are laws about the three types of ghusl to be given to a dead body. fine, this is understood. But what follows is about Jabirah, then followed by a sequence of Tayammum for a simple change in condtions, then comes about the Kafan and its rules then burial and its rules.

So, in general an aspect like death has involved about 25 pages i.e 120 plus masaels. Why? A: When you would become as old as I am, you will find that the rules of jabirah and tayammum are extremely necessary especially in this age when various types of accidents break and disfigure the bodies. You yourself have admitted that all the laws are not for one person. Then why object on the shari'ah's comprehensiveness?

Or, do you want to say that Islam should have merely said: "Wash the dead body, wrap it in a cloth and bury it." It would not have taken more than one line!! It will be of interest to you that nowadays a lot of European Christians are entering the fold of islam, precisely because the Islamic shari'ah contains guidance for every conceivable eventuality. What you think is a defect of Islamic shari'ah is a highly appreciated virtue in those Europeans' eyes. Q.

25: DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN 'ALIM AND A MUJTAHID: I understand that taqleed is necessary for me. Who are out mujtahids? Meanwhile, could I take my rulings from you as an 'Alim? By the way, what is the difference between an 'alim and a mujtahid?