For this matter (the rise of al-Mahdi with Divine Authority)...

For this matter (the rise of al-Mahdi with Divine Authority) there is a goal towards which it proceeds, Once they will reach that goal they then will not be able to move it forwards or backwards even by one hour." Chapter 83 : Refinement and Trial H 945, Ch. 83, h 1 Ali ibn Ibrahim has narrated from his father from al-Hassan ibn Mahbub from ya'qub al- Sarraj and Ali ibn Ri'ab from abu 'Abdallah (a.s.) who has said the following.

"When people pledged allegiance to Amir al-Mu'minin (a.s.) after the assassination of 'Uthman he addressed the people from the pulpit and delivered a sermon (that abu 'Abdallah (a.s.) mentioned). In this sermon he has said, "The time for your trial has returned in the same conditions as those of the day Allah sent his Prophet (s.a.). By the One Who has sent him with the truth that you will suffer hideous confusions, will be sifted thoroughly and turned upside down.

Of the contestants those who were behind of others will overtake those who were ahead and those who were ahead of others (because of their shortcomings) will be left behind of those who once were behind of others. By Allah I have not concealed any of the marks therein nor have I spoken a lie. I was certainly, told about this place and this day." H 946, Ch.

83, h 2 Muhammad Yahya and al-Hassan ibn Muhammad have narrated from al-Qasim ibn 'Isma'il al-Anbari from al-Husayn ibn Ali from abu al-Mighra' from abu Yah Ya'fur who has said the following. "I heard abu 'Abdallah (a.s.) say as herein below, 'Woe to the rebellious Arabs from the matter that is coming closer.

'0" I then asked, May Allah take my soul in service for your cause, "How many people will be there with Al-Qa'im (the one who will rise with Divine Authority)?" The Imam (a.s.) said, "just a very few persons." I then said, "Those who speak of this matter (the rise of al-Mahdi with Divine Authority) are quite many in number." The Imam (a.s.) said, "People must be refined, distinguished and sifted. In the sifting process a great deal is taken out." H 947, Ch.

83, h 3 Muhammad ibn Yahya and al-Hassan ibn Muhammad have narrated from Ja'far ibn Muhammad from al-Hassan ibn Muhammad al-Sayrafi from Ja'far ibn Muhammad al-Sayqal from his father from Mansur who has said the following.