Janab Muhaddis Noori (may God shower His blessings on him)...

Janab Muhaddis Noori (may

God shower His blessings on him) the author of the book "Najm us Saquib"

has mentioned one hundred eighty two names and titles of Imam-e-Zamana

Those who are fond of reciting prayers (Dua) not only for consecration

and happiness but with a view to attain and get mastery of the

philosophy and high ideals taught by the descendents of the Holy

Prophet, are fully aware of innumerable titles of Imam-e-Zaman (A.S.)

mentioned in those prayers (Dua). In this context, Dua Nudbah and

Ziyarat-e-Al-e-Yasin etc deserve special attention. All those Dua are

collected and have found place in Mafateehul Jinan. In this article we

will throw light in detail only on one title. In our prayers (Dua) and in day to day conversation this assumed name

is directly and closely linked with our exalted Imam Mahdi (A.S.). No

sooner as we hear or utter this noble appellation attention is at once

drawn to the Awaited Imam (A.S.). Imam-e-Zaman, Imam-e-Asr, Saheb-e-Asr

and Vali-e-Asr are all synonyms and directly attached with the last

Saviour. We have become accustomed to hear them but have never bothered

doubts are germinating in our minds. Once the actual meaning is grasped

our minds will never be clouded with such notions. This assumed name is combination of two words, first is Imam, Saheb and

Wali while the second is Zaman and Asr. An Imam is called so as he is

always ahead of every body except God while other are always behind. He

always leads while others are directed ad guided by him. This particular

point becomes clear when we pray together (Namaz-e-Jamaat) where all the

gesture of Imam are strictly followed by his followers. When he performs

"Rukoo" it is copied as it is by his followers, when he prostrates they

also prostrate : In short and Imam holds sway over his followers over

the Imam. Saheb and Wali means master and commander. So the followers

We address him as Imam-e-Zaman not due to conviction in regard to

religion. It is based on facts and has solid foundations and thick back

ground. Zamana means the sphere of existence or the whole creation. all

the creatures except God are covered in this sphere and nothing under

the sky and on earth is beyond the sphere of existence. The above exegesis explains that the whole creation-the earth, the sky,

the moon and the stars, is in the domain of Hazrat Mahdi (A.S.). The

universe is in motion at his instance.

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