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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books The Last Luminary and Ways to Delve Into the Light Responsibility 4: Ma’rifat of the Imam Part 4 Another responsibility of the true believers is to be familiar with the signs of the reappearance of Imam al-Zaman (ajtf). Just as was previously mentioned, it is important for us to recognize the signs of his return, as this is actually considered as a part of knowing the Imam.

There are numerous signs which will herald his advent and they are divided into two categories: Signs which are absolute and will definitely happen. Signs which may or may not take place. According to the narrations, it is obligatory to know and understand both types of signs. However, it is much more important to know the first type those that will definitely occur before his return.

According to the Islamic narrations, the signs that must occur before the Imam will return are five with a small discrepancy in some of them (due to there being various traditions in this regards). The differences in the signs will become obvious when we look at them directly from the traditions. In brief, these signs are: The arrival of Sufyani. The arrival and uprising of Yamani. A loud noise from the sky. The killing of a pure soul (Nafs-e-Zakiyyah). The sinking of Bayda`.

It has also been mentioned in the traditions that the image of a hand will be seen on the moon and this is also considered as one of the definite signs. Imam Ja’far b.

We are told that he will take over a few countries of the world and that the advent of al-Mahdi (ajtf) will be in the same year. After many victories, al-Sufyani will turn his attention towards ‘Iraq and it is at this time that Imam al-Mahdi (ajtf) will make his advent from Makkah.