The same holds true for mentioning the name of the Imam in...

The same holds true for mentioning the name of the Imam in secret and in one’s heart such that only the person himself can hear what he is saying this too is permitted, however it is better to observe precaution in these regards as well. In addition, it also goes against precaution to mention the proper name of the Imam in writings and books.

Thus, from the time of the late Shaykh Kulayni [^7] until now, we see that our great scholars have not mentioned the name of Imam al-Zaman (ajtf) in their books or writings and the methodology of our scholars is constant and none of them have gone against this custom.

Mentioning the proper name of the Imam (ajtf) through the use of the individual letters of his name (م ح م د) as a way of indicating him is permissible and just as it was previously stated, his name is the same as the name of the Messenger of Allah and his title is the same as that of the Prophet of Allah (S).

This same ruling (about mentioning him) applies in regards to remembering him by his name and title in closed gatherings and programs those gatherings in which the Shi’a, especially those particular Shi’a such as the ‘Ulama and the pious people are present as long as there is no fear or danger and there is no need to be in a state of taqiyyah.[^8] So, what is the reason for it to be prohibited to mention the name and title of the Imam?

Numerous reasons can be cited why it is forbidden to mention his name, however we must concede that the true reason for this prohibition has been hidden from us (by Allah, the Prophet and the A`immah). Another name of Imam al-Mahdi (ajtf) which is also one of the names of the Prophet is Ahmad. So the question arises that is it also forbidden to mention the Imam by this name?

In brief we can state that it is not forbidden to call the Imam with this name, however, according to precaution, it is better to refrain from this as well. From some of the traditions, we can deduce that it is also prohibited to mention the specific title which the Imam is known by, as it shares the same ruling as mentioning his proper name. Some people state that it is forbidden to mention his name and titles and we must not call him by such things is this true?

In answer to this we state that the strongest opinion[^9] is that it is not forbidden to mention the titles of Imam al-Mahdi (ajtf). However, according to precaution it is not permitted and this is how we should tread in these regards (by observing this precaution).