THE BIRTH
At dawn, on the 15th Sha'ban 255 AH., the rays of the illuminating world shone with a powerful shaft of light into a human form which became the source of existence for the universe.
Yes, finally, the Divine Promise was fulfilled and Imam al-Mahdi (a.s.) was born in spite of the efforts of those who denied him.
It is one of history's miracles that the Umayyids, 'Abbasides and other opponents of this Holy Imam attempted to extinguish this divine light but met with complete failure.
The cruel and tyrannical caliphs of the Bani 'Abbas had heard that the Twelfth Imam of the Shi'ites would establish a just Government and would rule over the east and west of the world, and would destroy the foundations of injustice. Therefore, to counter this event, they tortured and shed the blood of the Shi'ites as much as they could. The conditions of the martyred Shi'ites can be referred in the books on this subject.
In the year 235 A. H., Mutawakkil, the 'Abbasid caliph, ordered the Tenth Imam Muhammad al-Hadi (a.s.) and his family to be shifted from Medina to Samarra, his seat of government, so that he could keep a close watch on the Imam of the Shi'ites.
Similarly, Mu'tamjd, the 'Abbasid caliph, the Pharaoh of the time, was afraid of the son of Imam Hasan al-'Askari (as.). He formed a group of detectives and midwives who had the mission of frequently searching through the houses of the 'Alawiyyin, and especially the house of Imam Hasan al-'Askari (a.s.), so that if a newly-born child were found, he could be killed immediately.
The search to find and kill Imam al-Mahdi (a.s.) was intensified when Imam Hasan al'Askar[ (a.s.) left this world for the eternal one. This is because everyone knew that on that day the command of Divine Leadership (Imamate) was to be entrusted to the Twelth Imam, and the universe would come under his authority.
Shaykh Saduq, the eminent scholar of the Shi'ite world, writes in Kamalu'ddin:
"When the holy body of Imam Hasan al'Askari (a.s.) was buried and the people went away, the caliph and his comrades started their efforts to search for his growing son and inspected the houses carefully."
Shaykh Mufid, a distinguished Shi'ite scholar, also wrote in Irshad:
"When Imam Hasan al-'Askari (a.s.) passed away, the caliph of that time, pursued his son because the Shiite Imamiyyah's belief was famous and was spread about that the Shi'ites were awaiting His Eminence."
Mu' tad id, one of the tyrant 'Abbisid caliphs who ruled from 279 to 289 A. H., decided all at once to destroy the entire family of al'Askari when he heard that more than twenty years had passed since the birth of the son of Imam Hasan al-'Ask.an (a.s.) and that he was still living in spite of the attempts of the preceding caliph to kill him.
One of Mu'tadid's officers said:
"Mu'tadid has ordered me and two other persons, each of us to mount a horse and to proceed to Samarra' in full speed without even stopping for prayer. He gave us the address of (Imam) al-'Askari and instructed us to enter his house without his permission and to bring him the head of whoever we find there."
As a matter of fact, they were unaware that the same power which had protected the Imam from the former caliphs, would give him protection from his evil, because:
Allah disdains (nothing) save that He shall perfect His light, however much the disbelievers are averse. (Quran, 9:32)
Indeed what an immature thought and foolish act it was! If the Divine will bears on some matter, can a person revolt against it and combat it? Is it possible that definite Divine Promises may not be compiled with? Or is it possible that the reins of oppressive imposters who fight against the Divine decree will not cut?
Is it not more amazing that Peerless, A'-mighty Allah has shown His power many times before,, so that after that all men should know that if He wishes to give His chosen servant government and sovereignty and to destroy infidelity and irreligiousness through him, then there is no one who can disrupt His rule?
Fortunately, this sensational story is mentioned in the Holy Quran.
Pharaoh, the great emperor of Egypt, who had great power and pride, claimed the divinity for himself. He determined to kill all the youths and boy children of Bani Isra' il as a result of what he had heard about a son being born who would destroy his empire and divinity.
He shed the blood of innocents, and banished many persons to unknown regions; but see how Almighty Allah restored His Prophet and how the Divine Will worked to protect the life of Musa (Moses - a.s.) and destroy Pharaoh:
And We revealed to the mother of Musa, saying, "Give him suck; and if you fear for him, launch him on the river; and fear not, nor grieve; for We will return him to you and make him one of the Messengers." And took him up Pharaoh's people, that he might be to them an enemy and a (cause of their) grief, (for) verily Pharaoh and Haman and their hosts were sinners ... So We did restore him to his mother that her age might be refreshed and that she might not grieve, and that she might know that the promise of Allah is (always) true, but most of them know not. (28:7-13).(22)
Yes, Allah will protect His Proof (Hujjah) and will fulfill His promises and glad tidings because His decision is based on its execution, although most people do not know it.
Would Allah wish to save the life of Prophet Mu sa (a.s.), who was only a messenger to a certain nation and tribe, and yield the Imam of the Age (Imam- e-Zaman) into the hands of Mu'tamid and Mu'tadid?
Would Allah protect the life of Musa (a.s.) while he was in the middle of the roaring waves of a river, and give no security to the Imam of the Age who was in the house of his father, Imam Hasan al-'Askari (a.s.)?
Would the Sustaining Allah of the Prophet Ibrahlm (Abraham - a.s.) (Whose story is mentioned in the Quran) (23) protect Ibrahim (a.s.) in the middle of the flaming fire, but allow the Last Pearl of the Prophet's progeny to be a victim of the lust and anger of the 'Abbasid caliphs?
Really, how do false thinkers and feeble-minded people judge?
At dawn, on the middle day of Sha'ban in the year 255 A.H., Imam Hasan al-'Askari (a.s.) beheld the heavenly, shinning face of his son who was to fulfil all Divine promises and glad tidings.
Not more than three days had passed after his birth when the Eleventh Imam took the holy child to his companions and told them:
"After me this will be your master of authority and my successor, and he is the 'Support (al-Qa'im) for whose appearance all people will wait; when the earth is full of injustice and tyranny, he will fill it with peace and justice."
At the time of his son's birth, the Eleventh Imam told some of his companions:
"Oppressors were plotting to kill me so that my son would not be born, but now see how great is the power of the All-powerful."
Imam Hasan al-'Askari (a.s.), ordered ten thousand pounds (lO.OOOlbs.) of bread and meat to be distributed among the Banu Hashim to mark the happy and auspicious birthday. 'Uthman ibn Sa'id was charged with this important work which he undertook in the best way.
From the very beginning, Imam Hasan al-'Askari (a.s.) hide his son from strangers.
Read carefully these words of Shaykh Mufid, part of which was quoted above.
"Imam Hasan al-'Askari (a.s.) prepared a true Government for his fruitful son. He kept secret the birth of his son and other related matters, because His Eminence was living in a difficult time when the caliphs were intensively searching for his son and were keeping a close eye on the affairs of Imam al-'Askari. This is because the Shi'ite Imamiyyah belief about the Imam al-Mahdi (a.s.) had become so current that they were waiting for His Eminence. Hence, Imam Hasan al-'Askari (a.s.) did not show his son, and, therefore, the enemies could not recognize Imam al-Mahdi (a.s.) after the demise of His Eminence (father)."
Although the affairs of Imam al-Mahdi (a.s.) were unknown to his enemies and opponents, the sincere Shi'ites gathered the news of this important event.
Some of them were informed by Imam al-'Askari (a.s.) through a letter. One of the sincere Shi'ites, Ahmad ibn Is'haq, received a letter from the Imam written in his own handwriting, saying:
"A son is born to me. Therefore, keep secret the news of it from people and inform only his near relatives and particular friends."
Some of the Shi'ites used to pay private visits to Imam al-'Askari (a.s.) who would take them into the presence of the Twelfth Imam al-Mahdi (a.s.) who would guide them. Abu 'Umari and Ahwazi reported:
"Abu Muhammad (Imam Hasan al-'Askari - a.s.) showed me his son (the Twelfth Imam) and told me, 'This is your Master (sahib).'
Some other Shi'ites used to visit Imam al-'Askari (a.s.) in a group, and if the Imam trusted in them that they would faithfully keep their visit secret, he would show them his beloved son.
Mu'awiyah ibn Hakim, Muhammad ibn Ayyub and Muhammad ibn 'Uthman 'Umari have narrated that:
"We were forty persons who gathered at the house of Imam Hasan, then His Eminence showed us his son and said to us, 'This is your Imam and my successor. You should obey him after me and should not oppose him lest you perish."
Anyhow, from the time of the birth of the Twelfth "moon" till his Imamate, the Shi'ites used to go to the Eleventh Imam and congratulate him.
Hasan ibn Hasan al-'Alawi said:
"I went to see Imam Hasan (al-'Askari) in Samarra' and congratulated him on the birth of his son."
And 'Abdullah ibn 'Abbas al-'Alawi also said:
"I visited Imam al-'Askari (a.s.) in Samarra' and congratulate him on the birth of his son."
Yes, in this manner was the Imam of the Age (Imam-e Zaman) bom and kept hidden from the reach of strangers. On some occasions only were virtuous Shi'ites allowed to see him, until the year 260 A.H., when the Eleventh Imam expired, and by Divine decree the office of Divine Leadership (Imamate) was vested in the Master of the Authority (Sanibu 'l-Amr).
THE MINOR OCCULTATION
When Imam Hasan al-'Askari (a.s.) died, the office of Divine Leadership (Imamate) was transferred to the Last Luminous Pearl of the Household of the Holy Prophet, Imam al-Mahdi (a.s.). Although His Eminence did not appear amongst the people, some persons in whom he had trust and confidence were allowed to visit him and present him the problems and questions of the Shi'ites. And they communicated to the people the guidance and commands of the Divine Luminous Light.
From the point of view faith, confidence and virtue, these were distinguished persons among the Muslims who were mediators between the Imam and the people. And in due time they conveyed the guidance of His Eminence to the people.
By studying the degree of the character and perception of the belief and piety of these individuals, not only does the greatness of their personalities become clear to us, but we become more familiar with the Imam of the Age, because, among the sayings of these distinguished, trustworthy and reliable companions of the Holy Imams, one finds the signs of the greatness of His Eminence (Imam al-Mahdi - a.s.).
Among the companions of Imam-e Zaman, four became his most famous and confidential deputies who acted as mediators between the Imam and the people, and they are known as the Nawwab al-arba 'ah (the four deputies).
In order to know more about the dignity and greatness of their positions, we give below a brief description of each one of them:
1) 'Uthman ibn Sa'id 'Umari:
This honorable figure was not only a deputy (na 'ib) of Imam-e Zaman but he was also a representative (wakil) of Imam Hasan al-'Askari (a.s.) and Imam 'Ali an-Naqi (a.s.). He settled and organized many affairs of the Shi'ites. The Tenth Imam (al-Hadi -a.s.) said to his followers regarding him.
"This Abu 'Umari is a reliable and trustworthy person. Whatever he says to you he says so on my behalf, and whatever he does he does on my behalf."
This representation continued till 254 A.H. when Imam al-Hadi (a.s.) died. Then, the Eleventh Imam is reported to have praised the character of Abu 'Umari as having his high esteem in his address to his Shi'ites, saying:
"This Abu 'Umari is a reliable and trustworthy person. He had the confidence of the preceding Imam, and has also my confidence in my lifetime and after my death. Whatever he says to you he says so on my behalf, and whatever he does he does on my behalf."
Likewise, with this certificate of admiration, he became the deputy (Na'ibu 'l-Imam) of the Twelfth Imam after the demise of Imam Hasan ai-'Askari (a.s.).On the death of Abu 'Umari, the Lord of the Age (Sahibu 'z-Zaman) himself sent condolences to his son, Muhammad ibn 'Uthman saying:
"Verily, we belong to Allah and verily to Him shall we return. We submit to His command and are pleased with His decree. Your father has lived in good fortune and has died with dignity. May Allah's mercy be upon him, he has joined his friends and masters. He was always endeavoring to search for whatever would bring him near to Allah and His friends. May Allah make strengthen his countenance."
2) Abu Ja'far Muhammad ibn 'Uthman:
This man was the second special deputy of Imam-e Zaman. He was also a deputy of the Eleventh Imam, about whom the latter said:
"The greatness of his dignity and the exaltation of his status among the Shi'ites is so famous that there is no need to explain or dispute it."
Regarding him and his father, Uthman ibn Said, Imam Hasan Al Askari (a.s.) said to one of his companions:
Umar and his son are both trustworthy. Whatever they do they do on my behalf, and whatever they say to you, they say so on my behalf. Therefore, listen to their words and obey them, because both of them are reliable and trustworthy to us.
And Imam-e Zaman himself said about him:
"He is my confidant, and his letter is of the same status as mine."
3) Abul-Qasim Husayn ibn Ruh Nawbakhti:
Abu Ja'far Muhammad ibn 'Uthman, the third deputy of Imam-e Zaman, said about him:
This Husayn ibn Ruh ibn Abu Bahr Nawbakhti is my successor. He is a reliable and trustworthy envoy and deputy between you and the Sahibul-Amr (the Master of the Authority). Therefore, in your affairs and important tasks refer to him and trust him. I was given this task; and I have announced it.
Shaykh Tusi ( may Allah's mercy be upon him) said about him:
"Abu'l-Qasim Husayn ibn Ruh was regarded by his friends and opponents as the most learned man among the people."
The integrity of Husayn ibn Ruh's deputyship was acknowledged by his opponents too. Shalmaghani, who was one of the pseudo-claimants to the deputy ship, had to confess his falsity when Imam-e Zaman ordered Husayn ibn Ruh to expose him. He (Shalmaghani) said:
"It is not right between me and Allah to say anything in the affair of Husayn ibn Ruh other than the truth. Although his crime towards me is a big one, yet this man was appointed by Imam-e Zaman for the task. The Shi'ites should not turn away from him."
4) Abul-Hasan 'Ali ibn Muhammad Simmari:
This honourable figure was the last special deputy (Na'ibu 'l-khass) of the Holy Imam-e Zaman. His death, coincided with the 15th of Sha'ban 329 A.H. Husayn ibn Ruh introduced him as the deputy of the Imam. The last letter of Imam-e Zaman (the Lord of the Age) to the four special deputies was addressed to this honorable man. In this order the Imam announced the death of 'Ali ibn Muhammad and the end of the deputation:
"In the name of Allah, the Benefecient, the Merciful. You are going to die in six days, may Allah grant patience to your brothers in faith on your departure. So, be prepared, but appoint no one in your place, because from the day of your death the period of my major occultation (ghaybat-e-kubra) will begin. Henceforth, no one will see me, unless and until Allah makes me appear. My reappearnce will take place after a very long time when people will have grown tired of waiting and those who are weak in their faith will say: 'What! Is he still alive?' When men will become cruel and inconsiderate, and the world will be full of injustice and violence. Very soon some men will claim to have seen me. Beware! Anyone who makes such a claim before the coming out of Sufyani and the sound from heaven announcing my reappearance, is a liar and an impostor. There is no might nor strength except in Allah, the Magnificent."
As can be seen from this, it is the last order, in which the door of special deputation is closed by the death of 'All ibn Muhammad; hence, anyone who claims to be a mediator, or claims that the Imam can be seen, is a liar. In the period of the major occultation no one has made the claim that he has been in the presence of the Holy Imam-e Zaman.
The people would not accept the deputation of the four special deputies unless they had been shown the miracles of the Sahibul-Amr to verify their truthfulness and accuracy, although they acknowledged them as reliable and trustworthy and had not the smallest doubt in their piety, faith and knowledge.
The special deputies presented to Imam-e Zaman the problems and questions of the Shi'ite scholars, and he answered the ones that were necessary in letter format and delivered them through the same deputies.
In these letters, the most important and difficult problems on different subjects of Shi'ite beliefs were cleared up.
One of these problems was a question as to what would be the responsibility of the Shi'ites who would be faced with new events during the period of occultation, and what should they do to face them?
In the letter issued by Imam - e Zaman to the celebrated and distinguished Shi'ite Is'haq ibn Ya'qub he recounted duties, methods and guidance for the Shi'ites in the period of occultation. This direction was carried out for many centuries, and it is one of the proofs of the comprehensiveness and eternity of Islamic rule.
In one of the letters to Imam-e Zaman which he sent through the second special deputy of the Imam, Is'haq ibn Ya'qub asked him some different questions, among which was a question which is the subject of our discussion. The Imam said that in those affairs one must refer to those this period of test, till by the order of Almighty who really understands their (Imams') sayings and have truly related them:
"But as for the problems which will occur in the future, you should refer to the narrators of our traditions for their verdicts as they are my proofs to you, and I am Allah's Proof (Hujjatu'llah) to them.
Other letters of His Eminence (Imam al-Mahdi - a.s.) were issued during the minor occultation (ghaybatu 's-sughra), each one of them solved difficulties and gave instruction in the boundless sea of wisdom. All these letters were conveyed through the Holy Imam's special deputy to the desirous seekers.
Yes, the four deputies, who were at the highest level of faith and confidence for many years, were the blessed mediators between the Imam and the people till in the year 329 A. H.. When this deputation was closed, and on the basis of the Divine Will the major occultation of Imarn-e Zaman commenced. This was the very occultation which was prophesied a long time previously by the Holy Prophet and the Shiite Imams; and Muslims keep patient in this period of test, till by the order of Almighty Allah, the Awaited Imam will reappear and the Divine Aim will reach its fulfilment.
