Friday 21 December 2012

Meeting with Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s) - Masjid Jamkaran


from : http://al-ajal.tumblr.com/post/33784665080/amr-bil-maroof-and-nahi-anil-munkar

Host at Masjid Jamkaran

Aqa Shaykh Ayatollah Mohammed Taqi Bafeqi was amongst those scholars who was well known for fulfilling his responsibilities of Amr bil Ma’roof (calling people towards goodness) and Nahi Anil Munkar (preventing people from evil.) He lived in the time o Reza Shah Pahlavi, which was an era of extreme evil and immorality. Despite pressure from the corrupt government, Aqa Bafeqi never wavered in the performance of these duties. For this, he was imprisoned many times and was even exiled from his home. Despite this, he continued to persevere in these actions. He was granted the opportunity to meet Imame’ Zaman (a.s.) many times. There are numerous accounts of his audiences with the respected Imam, one of which is enumerated below.


Aqa Sayyed Murtuza Hussaini Qummi narrates this incident in the book of Masjide’ Jamkaran. He says that every Thursday night, our group of companions used to visit Masjide’ Jamkaran and spend the night there in worship. Aqa Bafeqi also used to accompany us in these nights.


Meeting with Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s) - Masjid Kufa

from : http://al-ajal.tumblr.com/post/29659397843/meeting-in-masjide-kufa

Meeting in Masjide’ Kufa


In the book of Najmus Saaqib, there is an incident narrated about Shaykh Mohammed Taher Najafi, The Shaykh served with Masjide’ Kufa for many years and was staying there along with his family. He was a very pious and God fearing person. Towards the latter part of his life, he became blind. Some of the scholars have narrated his incident as follows-


‘A few years ago a fight erupted between two tribes in the city of Najaf. Due to this war-like situation, the scholars and visitors to Najaf were unable to travel to Masjide’ Kufa. It was for quite some time, that in the city of Najaf, the hotels with which I was associated were not seeing any pilgrims due to the wars. Even the scholars were not coming to Najaf. At this, I became very worried as I had a large family to support. There was an added responsibility of some orphans on me also. Things were getting very difficult and I was living a hand to mouth existence.

Meeting with Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s) - During Hajj

from : http://al-ajal.tumblr.com/post/25912203509/the-good-fortune-of-haji-mohammed-ali-fashandi


The good fortune of Haji Mohammed Ali Fashandi

This incident is reported on pages 149-154 of the book Shiftaane’ Hazrat Imam Mahdi (a.s.) Haji Mohammed Ali Fashandi was a resident of Iran. He narrates his meeting with Imame’ Zaman (a.s.) as follows-


In my youth I had decided that I would raise my level of piety to that extent that when I would travel for Hajj to Makkah, I would get a opportunity to meet Imame’ Zaman (a.s.) Therefore with this intention, I would travel for Hajj every year to Makkah. In one particular year, I went for Hajj. This year, I was having the responsibility of a few Hajis on me. On the eve of 8th Zilhajj, I decided to gather all my belongings and items and go to the ground of Arafat so that I would be able to prepare and book a good place for my companions when they would arrive the next day.


At the ground of Arafat, I was able to book a tent and keep all my belonging there. I was aware that at that time, there was no one in Arafat other than myself. There was a guard at the entrance of the tent and he came to me and said, “Why have you come here today? Do you not know that you are alone here? Your belonging could be stolen by thieves who operate in this area. In any case since you have come here, It is better that you remain awake the entire night and guard your belongings.” I said, “No problem. I will remain awake till morning and guard my possessions.”


Meeting with Imam Mahdi(a.t.f.s) - 11th Century

from : http://www.islam-laws.com/articles/ulemameet.htm

The Arabic text of the Sahifat al-kamila which forms the basis for the translation was established by al-Shahid al-Awwal. The modern Iranian editions are based mainly on the version of this text transmitted by the father of the above-mentioned Muhammad Baqir Majlisi, Mulla Muhammad Taqi Majlisi (d. 1070/1659-60), also an important scholar of the Safavid period. and another son, Mulla `Abd Allah (d. c. 1084/1673); but at least one of these editions goes back to the famous Safavid jurist, philosopher, architect, poet, and mathematician Shaykh-i Baha'i (d. 1031/1621-2). The elder Majlisi had at his disposal numerous manuscripts of the text, which he had received from the foremost Shi'ite authorities of his day. In one of his works he refers to all the chains of transmission by which he had received the Sahifa, and, we are told, these number more than a million.

The question naturally arises as to why Majlisi chose the particular chain of transmission mentioned in the preface out of the many he had at his disposal, especially since the chain itself is exceedingly weak (as indicated by the commentators and recorded in the notes to the translation). The reason for this seems to be the accuracy of this particular version going back to al-Shahid al-Awwal, as confirmed by another 'special' route through which Majlisi received the Sahifa. This special route is worth mentioning in detail, since it provides a good example of the aura which has surrounded the text in Shi'ite circles.

Meeting with Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s) - 4th Century

If we turn the pages of history we will find numerous examples of personalities who have enlivened Islam through their sacrifices of life and wealth. One such personality is Abu Abdullah Muhammad Haaris Akbari famous as Shaikh Mufeed (r.a.). Mufeed implies the one who benefits others. He was born approximately seven years after the commencement of Ghaibat-e-Kubra in the month of Zilqad, 336 A.H. in the north of Baghdad.

Shaikh Mufeed (r.a.) with the help of his vast knowledge passed through various difficulties and welcomed all the obstacles that came his way with a smile. He sipped real recognition from the ocean of Wilayat and quenched the thirst of the followers of Wilayat. He was attached to the infallible Imam (a.s.) and the Shias benefited immensely from him. This man of medium height and wheatish complexion had a ready solution for problems of a religious, ethical and social nature. It is because of this that he had become a thorn in the eyes of his opponents. At the age of 40 years, he shouldered the great responsibility of defending the Shiite creed. It was an era when Greek and Hindu philosophies were rupturing the fabric of traditional Islam.
Twisted beliefs and concocted views were finding their way into the realm of Islam. The enemies of Allah had prepared the groundwork to extinguish the light of truth. In such a situation, how could the one who was given the title of 'Mufeed' by Imam Zamana (a.t.f.s.) and who was the fifth descendant of Janabe Saeed b. Jubair (a companion of Imam Baqir (a.s.)) sit quiet while ignorance and deviation were raising their heads and corrupt beliefs and views were gaining ascendancy as were the Sufis seated in their shelters (Khaneqaa)?
Expectedly, he lived up to his title 'Mufeed' and with the help of Allah and His Proof (Hujjat) he laid low the false, corrupt beliefs and nonsensical philosophies through his penetrative writings, teachings and training of students for debates.

Meeting with Imam Mahdi(a.t.f.s) - 7th Century

from : http://www.islam-laws.com/articles/ulemameet.htm

During the time of Allamah Hilli, a Sunni scholar had written a book against the Shia faith. This scholar used quotes from his book in all his gatherings and succeeded in creating a dislike for Shiaism amongst the people. He never gave this book to anybody lest it might fall into the hands of the Shia scholars who would write its refutation.

Allamah Hilli began to attend the lectures of this scholar so that he could somehow lay his hands on that book. Gradually he began to call himself the author's student and concealed his faith. After sometime, he developed a close affinity with his 'teacher'. Taking advantage of this proximity, Allamah Hilli asked him for the book and pleaded to such an extent that he could not refuse. So he said, "Okay, I shall lend you this book but not for more than a night."

With not much to choose, he considered it an opportunity better than nothing. He wanted to copy as much as he could while the refutation could be written later. But when it was midnight , Allamah Hilli felt sleepy. At that very moment, a dignified personality entered his room and conversed with him for some time. The gentleman offered to copy the book while Allamah Hilli took some rest. The Allamah accepted this without protest and went to sleep. When he woke up, he found the gentleman missing. On seeing the book, he saw that the whole book had been copied and signed at the bottom, "The Proof of Allah wrote this."

(Majaalisul Momineen, vol. 1, pg. 573, by Qazi Nurullah Shustari) 

Meeting with Imam Mahdi(a.t.f.s) - 13th Century

from : http://www.islam-laws.com/articles/ulemameet.htm

After the demise of Ayatullah al-Uzma Haaj Sheikh Muhammad Hasan Najafi (r.a.) (the author of al-Jawaahir) the people considered Sheikh Murtuza Ansari as the Marja-e-Taqleed (the most learned Mujtahid to be followed).

Consequently, they requested him to compile his Tauzeeh al-Masail (book of Islamic Law). Upon this he said: "I refuse to accept this great position because Sayyidul Ulama (the chief of the learned), Ayatullah Mazandarani is yet amongst us. He is more learned than me and resides at Babel . Thus I cannot compile my own Tauzeeh al-Masail."

Sheikh Murtuza Ansari (r.a.) wrote a letter to Sayyid ul Ulama requesting him to come to Najaf al-Ashraf so that he may assume control and supervision of the Shia institutes of learning.

Sayyidul Ulama replied to Sheikh Ansari: "It is true that when I was at Najaf al-Ashraf, I used to be more knowledgeable in jurispru苓ence when I held debates with you. But I have settled down in Babel for quite some time. I do not participate in classes nor do I teach any more. I have also stopped all kinds of debates and discussions. Hence, I consider you more learned and eligible for this position and request you to accept the same."

Meeting with Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s) - 10th Century

from : http://www.islam-laws.com/articles/ulemameet.htm


Muqaddas Ardebeli was an illustrious Shia scholar. It is well- known about him that whenever he used to encounter a difficult problem which he was unable to solve, he used to go to the tomb of Imam Ali (A.S.) and present his problem. Imam Ali (A.S.), invariably provided the solution.

One of the students of Allama Ardebeli who was following his teacher closely states: "It was near midnight when being tired of studying, I was strolling in the courtyard of the shrine of Ameerul Momineen Ali Ibne Abi Talib (A.S.). In the luminous night, when all the doors of the sanctum were locked, I saw a person coming towards the tomb of Ali (A.S.). For a moment, I thought that it was a thief who intended to commit a robbery. I followed him. But when he reached the main door, to my utter amazement, the door swung open and the padlock opened by itself in welcome. He continued to move towards the grave and whenever he neared a door, it opened by itself till he entered the sanctum of Ameerul Momineen (A.S.) in a grand manner. He stood there and saluted the Imam (A.S.). He received the reply to his salutations and commenced the conversation. When the dialogue ended, he emerged and headed towards the mosque of Kufa. I fol衍owed him in order to get to the bottom of the mystery. When he reached the mosque of Kufa, he entered the Mihrab (niche of prayers where the Imam stands) and began to converse with someone in a subdued voice. After the conversation was over, he came out of the mosque and walked back to Najaf al-Ashraf. It was almost dawn when he was near the gate of the twin city. Suddenly, I felt like sneezing and though I tried my best to suppress it, I could not. The person ahead of me turned around and came towards me. On a closer look, I recognized him to be my honorable teacher, the great scholar Ayatullah Muqaddas-e-Ardebeli.

After conveying my salaam to him, I said, "From the time, you entered the Holy Mausoleum till now, I have been following you. I beg to know with whom were you talking at the mausoleum of Imam Ali (A.S.) and the mosque of Kufa?"

Muqaddas Ardebeli first put me under an oath not to disclose this secret till he was alive. Then proceeded to tell me that whenever he came across a difficult problem in Islamic laws which he could not solve, he used to present this query to Imam Ali Ibne Abi Talib (A.S.) and obtain the solution for the same. Last night, Ali (A.S.) directed me to contact Hazrat Sahibuz Zamaan (A.S.) and said, "My son Mahdi (A.S.) is at the Mosque of Kufa. He is the Imam of your time. Go to him and seek the solution of your problem."

Obeying the order of Ali (A.S.), I went to the Kufa mosque and found Hazrat Sahibul Amr standing in the Mihrab. I presented my problem to my Master and received the solution. 

(Al-Anwaar un-Nomaniya, Vol. 2, pg. 303) 

Tuesday 9 October 2012

Traditions of Aimmah on Imam Mehdi (a.t.f.s)

Ikma-l al-Di-n: ‘Abd al-Adhi-m al-Hasani narrates from Abu Ja‘far II (Imam Muhammad Ibn ‘Ali al-Jawa-d) (a.s) who narrates through his forefathers from Ameerul Momineen (a.s), “Our Qa-'im will have an occultation the duration of which is long. As if I see the Shi-‘a, wandering about like the cattle that are searching for pasture and are not finding it. Behold, whoever from them stays firm on his religion and will not become stone-hearted because of the length of the occultation of his Imam, he will be with me in my rank on the Day of Judgment.” Then he said, “When he rises, our Qa-'im will not have commitment of allegiance to anyone on his shoulders. For this reason, his appearance in this world will be concealed and his person will be hidden.”


Ikma-l al-Di-n: Abu Sa‘i-d ‘Uqaisa-’ says, When Hasan (as) Ibn ‘Ali (a.s) made peace with Mu‘a-wiya (la )Ibn Abi Sufya-n, people went to him and some of them criticized him for his pledge of allegiance. The Imam said, “Woe unto you! You do not know what I did. By Allah, what I have done is better for my Shi-‘a than all the riches upon which the sun has risen and sat. Don’t you know that I am your Imam, whose obedience is obligatory upon you, and one of the two masters of the youths of the paradise on the virtue of explicit saying of the Messenger of Allah (saw)?” They said, “Indeed so.” He said, “Don’t you know that when al-Khidhr tore the boat and killed the boy and erected the wall, that was very harsh for Musa- Ibn ‘Imra-n (a.s), since its wisdom was hidden to him, which was wisdom and propriety before Allah?
Don’t you know there is no one of us except a pledge of allegiance to the tyrant of his time falls on his neck except the Qa-'im behind whom Ru-h-Allah Jesus the son of Mary will pray? For Allah, the Exalted, will hide his birth and conceal his person, so there will not be any commitment of allegiance on his neck for anyone when he rises. He is the ninth from the children of my brother Husain, the son of the Mistress of bondmaids. Allah will prolong his life in his occultation. Then he will bring him forth through His power in the figure of a youth of less than forty years, so it may be known that Allah is All-Powerful over everything.”