Further details about him can be obtained by referring to...

Further details about him can be obtained by referring to books of Mustadrak al-Wasail and Mustanbat al-Masail . Here there is a doubt that sometimes the mind is prone to make mistakes: there is no doubt that conditions of acceptance are present in the prayers of Prophet, Imams, angels and prophets (as), Thus if they pray every Friday for early reappearance of the avenger from enemies what is the reason of its delay? And what is the use of their prayers?

This doubt can be answered from some aspects: First: As we stated before, it is not improbable that two times are fixed for the reappearance of the Imam of the Age; one of which is earlier than the other and its occurrence at the earlier time is dependant on the efforts in praying for it and that not praying would delay it.

Second: It is said that: Allah, the Mighty and Sublime has accepted their prayer but without any doubt the actualization of this matter – according to divine wisdom – is dependant on the actualization of specified matters and on removal of other factors and this will take place in a gradual manner. On the basis of this, delay in reappearance till our time and after that is not proof of the prayer not having been accepted.

Third: It is possible that as a result of their prayers, the reappearance will take place at the earlier time but as a result of the deeds of the people it would create hurdles, which would delay it. And this is the meaning of saying that it is among the matters subject to Bada . And such traditions are many. For example it is mentioned: A servant prays for something and his prayer is accepted at the appointed time.

Then he commits sin and the Almighty Allah says thus to the angels: Delay the fulfillment of his prayers because he has become eligible for My anger and displeasure and he has become fit to be deprived. In some books like Ghaibat Nomani , Ghaibat Tusi and Biharul Anwar it is narrated from Abu Hamza Thumali that he said: I asked His Eminence, Abu Ja’far Baqir (as): Ali (as) said: “There is mischief till the year 70 A.H. and he also said: After the mischief there is peace and prosperity.

Though year 70 A.H. has passed we have not seen peace and prosperity.” Imam Muhammad Baqir (as) said: “O Thabit! The Almighty Allah has fixed this matter for the year 70 A.H. But since Imam Husain (as) was martyred, the Almighty Allah was enraged at the people of the world. So He postponed it to 140 A.H.