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When Imam Mahdi (as) was asked how the ummah could benefit from his presence whilst in occultation, he answered that just like the sun when it is covered by clouds. We would not be able to directly see such a sun, but we believe there is one and we b...

When Imam Mahdi (as) was asked how the ummah could...

This question inquires about two main aspects of Islamic ideology with regards to the prophets and imams. There is a difference between the task assigned to a messenger and the duty entrusted upon an imam. The messengers acquire awareness, education ...

This question inquires about two main aspects of I...

Mahdi means, literally, "the one who is Rightly Guided." Al-Mahdi (as) is a figure of profound eschatological significance in Islam. It is a title, and it is one that has been falsely claimed by diverse leaders thoroughout Islamic history. The just r...

Mahdi means, literally, "the one who is Rightly Gu...

Both Shi'ah and Sunni scholars generally agree that there is an Imam for every period in Islam. Without following an Imam it is not possible at any time to comply with Godly commands or to be obedient to Almighty God (swt). This hadith is evidence of...

Both Shi'ah and Sunni scholars generally agree tha...

For our respected Sunni brothers, there are six authentic collections of Ahadeeth based on Sunni standards for verifying the authenticity of a narration. These six books are: Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim, Sahih al-Tirmidhi, Sunan Ibn Majah, Sunan Abu ...

For our respected Sunni brothers, there are six au...

The answer to this question can be understood through consideration of the following two points: * It has been confirmed in the Qur'an that Jesus (as) is the only last pre-Islamic prophet not to have been killed and who is still alive. Being still al...

The answer to this question can be understood thro...

WIth reference to the authentic narrations on the characteristics of Al-Mahdi (as), we see that: * He is a descendant of the Household of the Prophet (saws) from the lineage of Imam Husayn (as). * He is the Twelfth Imam (religious and political leade...

WIth reference to the authentic narrations on the ...

Hadjar, Prophet Abraham's (as) wife, was a slave woman. She gave birth to Ishmael (Isma'il), of whom the Prophet Muhammad (saws) is a direct descendants. If it is acceptable for the Prophet Muhammad (saws), the Seal of prophethood, to be a descendant...

Hadjar, Prophet Abraham's (as) wife, was a slave w...

People who have studied the socio-political conditions as the time of the birth of Al-Mahdi (as) have no confusion about this secret. As we have already explained above, Al-Mahdi (as) was born in circum-stances similar to this birth, the rulers at th...

People who have studied the socio-political condit...

The birth of Al-Mahdi (as) had many similarities to those of the Prophet Moses. Prophet Moses's (as) birth had signaled the downfall and extinction of the empire of Pharaoh who had ordered the slaying of all the newly born children of Bani-Israel. Th...

The birth of Al-Mahdi (as) had many similarities t...

The basis for the Shi'ah faith in Al-Mahdi (as) has reached us through successive narrations of the Holy Prophet (saws). Islam is the last true and Divine religion of Allah (swt), and we do not await any other religion to come and reform mankind. Opp...

The basis for the Shi'ah faith in Al-Mahdi (as) ha...

The Shi'ah, along with some Sunni scholars, believe that his father was Imam Al-'Askari (as) (d. 2260/874). There are approximately 31 Sunni scholars who confirm this reference, and the overwhelming majority of prophetic traditions about Al-Mahdi (as...

The Shi'ah, along with some Sunni scholars, believ...

The most frequently used name for Al-Mahdi's (as) mother is Nardjis. She was from the Roman Empire, the most powerful European state of that time. Muslims defeated her father and she was taken as a prisoner of war. The Imam of that time was Imam Hass...

The most frequently used name for Al-Mahdi's (as) ...

Although both Shi'ah and Sunni Muslims accept the idea of Al-Mahdi (as), they present two different images of him. The Twelver Shi'ah believe that Al-Mahdi (as) was born 255 AH (896 AD) in Samarah, Iraq, and is the Twelfth Imam according to the Shi'a...

Although both Shi'ah and Sunni Muslims accept the ...

As it has been explained, Al-Mahdi is a famous title, which was used for different men. Some were given this name the day they were born and others have claimed later to be Al-Mahdi (as). Throughout Muslim history many pretenders and imposters have c...

As it has been explained, Al-Mahdi is a famous tit...

In the future, as it has been depicted in the authentic Islamic books, Islam will become a universal religion for the whole of mankind. This is a Qur'anic concept, and the Holy Qur'an has promised this in very clear terms. * The final collapse of the...

In the future, as it has been depicted in the auth...

The word's meaning is clear, and its root is explained in the "Dictionary of Etymology" as follows: Probably before 1300 AD savior is one who saves mankind from sin, a title of Jesus Christ, in Arthur Merlin, borrowed from the Old French saveour, fro...

The word's meaning is clear, and its root is expla...

Many people who have walked to kerbala have mentioned that the experience cannot be described in words. Imam Jafar as-Sadiq (a.s.) said, ’If one of our Shia goes for Imam Husain’s (a.s.) Ziarat, then he will not return but all his sins will be forgiv...

Many people who have walked to kerbala have mentio...

Nearly millions of pilgrims are converging on the city of Karbala to commemorate this year's 40th day of mourning for Imam Hussein. The anniversary of Arbaeen (meaning the 40th) will reach its climax on Monday, as pilgrims converge on Karbala where ...

Nearly millions of pilgrims are converging on the ...

Al-A’mash narrates from ‘Atiyyah al-‘Awfi, who said: I left with Jabir bin ‘Abdillah al-Ansari (may Allah have mercy on him) to visit the grave of al-Husayn bin ‘Ali (‘a) bin Abi Talib (upon whom be peace); and when we entered Karbala, Jabir came nea...

Al-A’mash narrates from ‘Atiyyah al-‘Awfi, who sai...

by: Saleem Bhimji It is very much possible that the visitation of Jabir on the 20th of Safar was “by chance” or a “coincidence” and that the 40th has/had no significance and because he reached there on the 20th of Safar that we now too mark this day ...

by: Saleem Bhimji It is very much possible that th...