One of the Sunni brothers was Hasan Iraqi who lived a life...

One of the Sunni brothers was Hasan Iraqi who lived a life of immorality when he was young. One day, he suddenly awoke from the slumber of heedlessness and asked himself, "Was I created to commit these evil deeds?" Then he left the immoral place he was in and went directly to the mosque. By chance, a preacher there was speaking about Imam-Mehdi (as.). Iraqi ‘s fully disturbed soul turned into a heart flaming with enthusiastic love of the Imam.

Henceforth, he invoked Allah after every prayer to give him the opportunity to see the Living Imam (BaqiyyatuIlah) Finally, his prayers were answered and for seven days and nights he learned the path of salvation in His Eminence’ a presence. Thereafter, this man became known as one of the great scholars of Islam.

‘Abdu‘l-Wahhib Sha’rani, one of the great Sunni scholars, and the original relater of this anecdote, used to call him by the title, "My great master Shaykh Iraqi." During the major occultation, letters were issued by His Eminence to individuals and great scholars of Islam. In those letters new difficult problems were solved, and necessary guidance was given. Among these letters there was one issued in the year 410 A. H. praising a distinguished scholar of Islam.

Muhammad ibn Muhammad ibn Nu’min, alias Shaykh Mufid. Shaykh Mufid has enjoyed a special rank for his knowledge and devoutness, and that letter was an acknowledgement of his efforts and worthy services. Even after the passing of many centuries, people still admire him with honour and respect.

The importance of this letter indicates the awareness of the Imam of the mistakes and immoral actions of some of the Shi’ites, and at the same time it gives hope in the purpose of his existence: "We are well informed of all your affairs and none of them is hidden from us.

We are aware of the problems which have occupied you from the time when you found pleasure and kept committing indecent deeds which your predecessors had avoided - We are aware from that time when your predecessors broke the covenant made with them, as if they knew not about it. We will not neglect or forget you lest calamity and troubles fall on you, and enemies have the opportunity to overpower you.

There-fore, remember Allah and fear Him." The valuable writings of Imam al-Mehdi (a.s.) during the major occultation are the most important guidance for his Shi’ites (followers).