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The Great Emissaries of the Imam of the Time (a.s)

His Eminence, Imam Mahdi (a.s) appointed some prominent scholars and worthy people as his emissaries so that they may act as medium between the Imam and the Shias. Their function was to convey the problems and queries of the Shias to His Eminence and seek their solution from His Eminence. We have already mentioned some of these queries in the past pages. In the following pages we shall provide some details about the special representatives of the Holy Imam (a.s).

1. Uthman bin Saeed Amri

He was the first representative and ambassador of His Eminence. He had the honor of being the Imam's representative for a long time. He was a very worthy personality and most trustworthy and reliable gentleman. Let us briefly discuss the life and times of Uthman bin Saeed.

Uthman bin Saeed's services to the Imam (a.s)

Uthman bin Saeed remained in the service of the Holy Imam (a.s) for many years. He joined the services of the Infallible Imams (a.s) when he was just a lad of eleven.

At that time, the situation was very tense and especially during the rule of the Bani Abbas and Mutawakkil, the tyrant Abbaside who was absolutely cruel and atrocious on the Holy Imam, and he subjected them to constant surveillance and surrounded them with police and kept them under house arrest. Uthman bin Saeed for the sake of their holy mission of Imamate and Wilayat (Guardianship) posed as an oil-vendor till he got the appellation of “Samman”. And in this disguise he became a link between the Shias and their Imam. The Shias sent to him their religious payments and he also put these monies in the oil containers and delivered them to His Eminence, Imam Hadi (a.s) and after that to Imam Askari (a.s) and thus by this he used to solve the financial problems of the Holy Imams. And after those two Imams, he also received the honor of representing His Eminence, the Awaited Imam (a.s).

Trustworthiness and reliability of Uthman bin Saeed

According to historical sources and biographical sciences, Uthman bin Saeed was among the trustworthy, pious and just people. So much so, that His Eminence, Imam Hadi (a.s) has certified his reliability and introduced him to be a trustworthy person:

A. Ahmad bin Ishaq has narrated that he asked Abul Hasan, Imam Hadi (a.s) from whom should he take the material of Imam (a.s) and whose statement should be accept.

His Eminence, Imam Hadi (a.s) guided him to the course of truth and reality and said: “Amri (Uthman bin Saeed) is my trustworthy associate, so whatever he conveys to you on my behalf it is in fact from myself, and whatever he has said on my behalf, it is in fact what I have said. Thus listen and obey him because he is trustworthy and reliable...”[125]

These certifications of the master of Wilayat (Guardianship) and infallibility, His Eminence, Imam Hadi (a.s) regarding Uthman bin Saeed Amri prove that Uthman bin Saeed held an esteemed position and trustworthy status with the Imam (a.s).

B. A person inquired from His Eminence, Imam Hasan Askari (a.s) regarding Amri.

His Eminence replied: “Al-Amri and his son, both of them are trustworthy and reliable. Whatever they convey to you from me is in fact from me, and whatever they say on my behalf is actually what I have said. Thus listen to them and obey them because they are worthy of trust and are reliable.”[126]

C. A matter that proves the position and elevated status of Uthman bin Saeed and confirms his trustworthiness and reliability is that letter of His Eminence, Imam Hasan Askari (a.s) that he sent to Ibrahim bin Abde Nishapuri, commanding him to obey and follow Uthman bin Saeed: “Do not leave the town till you meet Amri and be in his charge and obedience. Recognize him and let him also recognize you. Because he is a pure, chaste and trustworthy man in our view...”

These statements and other certifications, all inform us of the piety and elevated status of Uthman bin Saeed.

Deputyship of Uthman bin Saeed from His Eminence, the Awaited Imam (a.s)

Uthman bin Saeed was having the absolute deputyship and general representation of His Eminence, Imam Mahdi (a.s). He was a link between His Eminence and his Shias. He used to convey their letters, rights and religious payments to His Eminence. And no one else had received such trust and deputyship among the Shias from His Eminence.

Death of Uthman bin Saeed

The blessed grave of Uthman bin Saeed is in Baghdad besides Rasafa where the believers and religious people visit it.

Shaykh Tusi says: “We used to visit the grave of Uthman bin Saeed and the Ziyarat was performed openly. This practice continued from the time I arrived in Baghdad in 408 A.H. till the year 430.”

Shaykh Tusi further says, “The Governor, Muhammad bin Faraj had a metal enclosure constructed over the grave of Uthman bin Saeed and the neighbors and people visit the grave and obtain blessings therefrom.”[127]

Condolence of the Awaited Imam (a.s)

After the death of Uthman bin Saeed, His Eminence, Imam Mahdi (a.s) sent condolence letter to his knowledgeable son, Muhammad bin Uthman as follows:

“Indeed we are from Allah and to Him we shall return...We submit to His command and are satisfied with His decree. Your father has lived in good fortune and has passed away with dignity. May Allah's mercy be upon him, he has joined his friends and masters. Your father was always in the affair of the Imams (a.s) and whatever would bring him near to Allah. May Allah brighten his countenance!

May Allah give you more reward...and from the success of that departed one it is sufficient that he had a son like you, who would succeed him in his place and invoke mercy for him. And I also say that thanks be to my Lord because the hearts of the Shias are happy because of what Allah had made in you. May Allah help you and make you succeed. May He be your guardian and protector.”

Just as the sorrowful statements of His Eminence, the Master of the Age prove the trustworthiness and elevated status of Uthman bin Saeed, in the same way they confirm the reliability and trustworthiness of his son, Muhammad bin Uthman, who also possessed great merits and good manners...

2. Muhammad bin Uthman

After the death of his father, Muhammad bin Uthman succeeded to the post of the special deputyship of the Awaited Imam (a.s). Muhammad was among the trustworthy and reliable persons and was a dignified personality of the Shias in his knowledge as well as his actions. Since everyone also trusted him like his father, the Shia people now forwarded their queries and religious payments through him to the Holy Imam. Muhammad bin Uthman then conveyed the replies of the Imam to his Shias.

Justice and Trustworthiness of Muhammad bin Uthman

All biographers of Muhammad Ibne Uthman are unanimous about his work, position and elevated status among the Shias. And this distinction is sufficient for him that he was a special deputy of the Proof of Allah, and the Awaited Imam (a.s). A position held by his father during his lifetime, which after his passing away was transferred to Muhammad Ibne Uthman.[128] The written communication of His Eminence, the Master of the Age, proves his position and elevated status and the letter is as follows:

“And as for Muhammad bin Uthman Amri, may Allah be pleased with him and his father before him, is my trustworthy and reliable associate and his writing is my writing.”[129]

Imam Hasan Askari (a.s) was asked regarding Uthman Amri. He replied: “Amri and his son, both are trustworthy and reliable. Whatever they do on my behalf is in fact from me. And whatever they say on my behalf is in fact my saying. Then listen to and obey them because they are trustworthy and reliable.”[130]

Regarding him, His Eminence, the Master of the Age (a.s) writes in a letter to Muhammad bin Ibrahim bin Mahziyar Ahwazi: “Muhammad was always in the time of his father, may Allah be pleased with him, worthy of our trust. He is like his father in our view and he is appointed to his post and he acts according to our commands. May Allah protect him. So act upon what he says.”[131]

And Muhammad bin Uthman has narrated that His Eminence, the Master of the Age (a.s) performed the Hajj Pilgrimage every year. He says, “By Allah! His Eminence, the Master of the Affair (a.s) is present every year in the Hajj season and he sees the people and recognizes them, but the people do not recognize him.”[132]

Writings of Muhammad bin Uthman

Muhammad bin Uthman has compiled a book on Islamic Jurisprudence and traditions that he heard from Imam Hasan Askari (a.s), Imam Mahdi (a.s) and his father, Uthman bin Saeed who had also heard them from the Holy Imams (a.s). Umme Kulthum daughter of Abu Ja'far has mentioned that her father's books reached Husain Ibne Ruh.[133]

Deputyship of Muhammad bin Uthman from Imam Mahdi

Muhammad bin Uthman had the absolute deputyship and general representation from His Eminence, Imam Mahdi (a.s) for fifty years. The Shias came to him from all corners and sent to him their religious payments so that he may convey them to the Imam of the time (a.s). They also received replies to their numerous juristic inquiries through him from the Imam (a.s).

Death of Muhammad bin Uthman

Abu Ja’far Muhammad bin Uthman had gained much from faith and piety, therefore when he perceived that his death was near and that he must move towards meeting with Allah, he dug a grave for himself and once in a while descended into it for reciting Quran therein. So much so, that he had inscribed some verses of Quran and names of the Holy Imam on a tablet and had made a bequest that it be buried with him. After a few days his illness worsened and his soul flew away to the ethereal world and he submitted his life to his creator. This occurred in the end of the month of Jamadi I in the year 305 A.H.[134]

3. Husain bin Ruh

Husain bin Ruh was the third special deputy of His Eminence, Imam Mahdi (a.s) during the period of minor occultation. He was a worthy personality, a pious, intelligent and a knowledgeable man. In this way he was greatly respected among all Muslims, whether Sunnis or Shias. When Muhammad bin Uthman was on his deathbed he was surrounded by the Shias of his time. They asked him: Who is the deputy of His Eminence, Imam Mahdi (a.s) after you?

He replied: This Abul Qasim shall take my place and he would be the link between you and the Master of the Age (a.s). He is the deputy and representative of His Eminence. He is a trustworthy and a reliable person. Therefore, refer to him in your affairs and seek his counsel in your problems. I have been ordered to convey this message to you and I have done so.

Debate of Husain bin Ruh with the opponents

A person from among the opponents had a debate with Husain bin Ruh Nawbakhti that shows the intellectual level and powerful knowledge of the latter. The opponent said to Husain bin Ruh, “I wish to pose some questions to you.”

He replied, “You may ask.”

He asked, “Please tell me if Husain (a.s) is the Wali (saint) of Allaha”

He replied at once, “Yes.”

He asked, “Is it possible for Allah to give power to His enemy over this frienda”

Husain bin Ruh said, “Pay attention to what I am saying and remember it. You should know that the Almighty Allah does not speak to the people directly. But He sends some prophets of His to them. If He had sent non-humans as prophets they would not have gathered near him, they would have shunned him. That's why the prophets were from the people (human). They used to eat like humans and walked in the streets and bazaars. People used to say to him: You are like us and we are like you. We do not accept that you are a prophet but that you present some miracle. If you show a miracle we would know that you have a special distinction from Allah, which we do not have. Thus the miracles of the prophets are the greatest proof of the veracity of their claims. Therefore some of them after warnings and completion of proof presented the miracle of the flood and storm and the arrogants were drowned. Some were such that when thrown into the fire, it became cool and comfort for them. For some of them the sea split and the enemies drowned in it. The Almighty Allah turned the dry staff into a python. Of them were such through whose hands the Almighty enlivened the dead and for some split the moon and in the same way gave speech to animals like camel and wolf, etc.

In other words the divine prophets presented such miracles that people were not capable of performing them. The wisdom of the Almighty was such that the prophets, though they possessed the miracles sometimes they achieved victories and sometimes they suffered defeat. If they had always been victorious and had never suffered defeat and calamities the people would have mistaken them for being god and considered them all-powerful. Thus the prophets, despite their miracles were sometimes victorious and successful and sometimes vanquished, Therefore the people did not perceive them to be omnipotent and realized that there was a power above the prophets Who is the creator and Nourisher of the Universea They were compelled to confess to Him and obey His prophets, who are the proofs of Allah over the people. Anyone who saw their propagation, warnings and signs decided and confessed that it was truth and worth obedience. In this way they secured their salvation and those who deviated from this and became inimical to the divine messengers fell into everlasting chastisement.”

This reply and debate shows the powerful rational capability and knowledge of Husain bin Ruh. The opponent was so much affected by the discourse that he fell into bewilderment. Therefore, Muhammad bin Ibrahim bin Ishaq who was present in the gathering says that the reply of Husain bin Ruh was so astonishing that the next day I went to him to ask him whether it was his own reply or he had learnt it from the Infallible Imam (a.s). Husain bin Ruh told him: “O Muhammad bin Ibrahim! I never say anything on my own even in the most difficult circumstances. Rather the source of all the things is from the favors I have received from the Proof of Allah and heard from him...”[135]

Steadfastness of Husain bin Ruh

Husain bin Ruh had a powerful determination on the path of truth and possessed great steadfastness and bravery. Abu Sahl Nawbakhti says: “If Abul Qasim had the Imam underneath his garment, and even if his flesh was being cut into pieces to make him reveal his whereabouts, he would not yield or reveal his presence to his foes.”[136]

Dissimulation of Husain bin Ruh

Husain bin Ruh was living in a time when the society was full of hatred and malice towards the family of the Messenger of Allah (a.s). Therefore he was compelled to secure his life. So that he may continue to fulfill the great duty and heavy responsibility of the deputyship of the Imam of the time. Thus he used to act in dissimulation. Historians state that one day a sentry of his cursed Muawiyah, therefore Husain bin Ruh terminated his services and though many people interceded that he be reinstalled he was not taken back by Husain bin Ruh ever.[137]

Husain bin Ruh with Ali Qummi

The great Allamah, Ali bin Husain Qummi wrote a letter to Husain bin Ruh that he request His Eminence, to pray that the Almighty Allah may give him a child who may become a scholar of religion from his present wife, who was the daughter of his uncle. Husain bin Ruh also conveyed his request to His Eminence, Imam Mahdi (a.s). The reply came that he would not have any children from this wife. But soon he would become a master of a bondmaid through whom would be born two sons, deeply knowledgeable about religion and religious law. Not much time passed but that he became a master of a Dailamite lady. The Almighty Allah gave him three sons from this lady, Muhammad, Husain and Hasan. But Muhammad and Husain became prominent scholars of Shia Islam having few equals. They were experts of religion and memorizers of the verses of Allah Almighty and their powerful memory astonished the people and people say that this distinction was due to the blessings of His Eminence, Imam Mahdi (a.s). However Hasan was an ordinary man and was always engrossed in prayers, away from the company of people.[138]

Death of Husain bin Ruh

Husain bin Ruh was the sole deputy and emissary of His Eminence, Imam Mahdi (a.s) for 21 or 22 years. He was the sole link and medium between Shias and His Eminence (a.s). He used to convey the queries and religious payments to His Eminence and obtain their replies from him. After this period he fell ill and in the year 326 he passed away from this world and was buried in Baghdad with elaborate funeral arrangements at Bazar Shorja, which is an important business center and court of law. People go for Ziyarat to his grave and obtain blessings therefrom.

4. Ali bin Muhammad Samari

Ali bin Muhammad Samari was a man of faith and piety and had a very special and elevated position of spirituality among the people. It is sufficient for his distinction that he had the honor of being the special deputy of His Eminence, the Master of the Age (a.s). In spite of the fact that in his time there existed many worthy and capable people among the Shias, he became the last special deputy of His Eminence. And with his passing away commenced the Major Occultation of the Twelfth Imam. Now the general deputyship of His Eminence became the share of the great scholars of Shia religion.

Narrators have reported that His Eminence wrote an Epistle to Ali bin Muhammad Samari before his death as follows:

“O Ali bin Muhammad Samari, may Allah reward you. You are going to die in six days. Tie up your affairs and do not appoint any successor to carry out your duties after your final transfer. The full occultation has begun and there shall be no appearance but after Divine permission, high His name is, and that shall be after lengthy times, and the hardening of the hearts and the earth being replete with inequity. Individuals who claim to have seen me will come to my Shia. Behold, whoever claims seeing me before the rise of Sufyani and the Call, is a liar and a slanderer. And there is no power except through Allah, the Lofty, the Great.”[139]

We learn from this epistle that if anyone after the major occultation claims to meet His Eminence, Imam Mahdi (a.s) he would be a blatant liar. On the other hand we have historical records of many people and many great scholars meeting the Imam (a.s). Now how can we reconcile the two things. The explanation is that one who claims to meet the Imam at will and also says that he is an agent of the Imam like some people did during the minor occultation is a liar. However, if one reports without such a claim there is no harm in it. This according to me is the apparent explanation of this puzzle.

Death of Ali bin Muhammad Samari

Ali bin Muhammad Samari became indisposed and the Shia people visited him and inquired, “Who is your successor after youa”

He replied, “The affair rests in the hands of Allah (I do not have a successor).” Samari entered into the mercy of the Lord on 15th of Shaban 328 A.H.[140]

Guardianship of the Scholar (Wilayat-e-Faqih)

The Awaited Imam (a.s) has appointed the great Shia jurists as his Wali and deputies just as the Purified Imams (a.s) had appointed them from their side and commanded their Shias that during the time of the Abbasides when it is not possible to contact the Imams, they must refer to the religious jurists and seek their opinion in legal matters. In a well-known tradition from Umar Ibne Hanzala it is mentioned that two Shia persons had a dispute and were going to present their case to the government magistrate. When Imam Sadiq (a.s) was asked if such a step was permitted, he replied,

“One who presents his case to a tyrant and he gives a verdict it is invalid, even though it may be his lawful right. Because he has got it through the verdict of a tyrant while the Almighty Allah has commanded shunning the tyrants.”

I asked, “Then what should these people doa” He replied, “See who relates our traditions and narrations to you and who considers our permitted and prohibited and who possesses knowledge and information about our commands. Be prepared to follow him. I have appointed him as authority on you. And when he commands our commands and prohibits our prohibitions and he is not obeyed, it is as if the commands of Allah were considered unimportant. And we have been denied. And one who denies us has denied Allah. Such that he shall be in the limits of having associated with Allah.”[141]

In this discourse, the Holy Imam (a.s) has given a general Wilayat to the jurists and made him the authority as the ruler and point of reference for all Muslims in their social aspects. Like this tradition there is another famous narration of Ibne Khadijah that the Imam (a.s) told him:

“Beware! Do not take your mutual disputes to the tyrant rulers. Rather search among yourselves and see if you can find one who is knowledgeable about our judgments and solutions to religious problems. Make him a judge among yourselves. Because I have appointed him as a judge. So take your cases to him.”[142]

On the basis of this we can say that Imam Ja'far Sadiq (a.s) has appointed the just jurisprudent as the general authority and the point of reference for the Muslims. Similar to these two traditions is an epistle of His Eminence, the Master of the Age (a.s) addressed to Shaykh al-Mufid (r.a.). It is as follows:

“As for the events, which will occur, turn to the narrators of our traditions, because they (the narrators) are my proof to you, while I am the proof of Allah to them...”

In this tradition and others like it, His Eminence, Imam Mahdi (a.s) has appointed the jurists as his deputies and commanded the Shias to refer to them and follow their verdicts in all religious aspects of their life.

However, one who is responsible for the religious leadership of Muslims during the occultation of His Eminence must possess the following qualities:

1. Adulthood 2. Sanity 3. Justice 4. Man 5. Knowledge of Jurisprudence 6. Independence (according to some narrations.[143]

Responsibilities of the Religious Jurisprudent

The following are the responsibilities of the religious jurisprudent appointed as the general deputy of His Eminence:

A. The Islamic world and all the sects have considered (accepted) that he is one who takes care and is concerned for everything regarding the world of Islam and if there is an attack from the enemy or an infidel invades Muslim lands it is necessary that he should rise to defend them and the Shia point of reference is in Najaf Ashraf. Thus when Libya was attacked by the Italians and Muslims of Palestine were under the yoke of the Zionists (Jews) the scholars of Najaf Ashraf always supported the people of Libya and rose up to defend the Muslims.

B. He must possess expertise on all the faculties of the colleges of religious sciences and he must be responsible for their expense and the budgets.

C. He must convey funds to the poor and deprived people of community and fulfill their needs. These were some of the responsibilities of the religious jurisprudents appointed as point of reference by the Holy Imam (a.s) for the Muslims.

The Major Occultation

The major occultation began after the death of Ali bin Muhammad Samari in 328 A.H. and the point of referral and general deputyship of His Eminence, the Master of the Age (a.s) reached the great jurists. Throughout the period of the major occultation attention and written communications have come from His Eminence, to the prominent and knowledgeable Shia personalities. For example, that great personality sent a few letters to the great scholar and leader, Shaykh Mufeed from his side, which were received by Shaykh Mufeed, and we shall quote two of these letters in the coming pages. Similarly it has been proved by widely related reports that some pious and righteous Shia persons were blessed with the audience of His Eminence and its details shall be stated in the forthcoming discussion.

Dajjals

A group of hypocrites and deviated people claimed that they were the deputies of the Awaited Imam (a.s). Their root cause was either jealousy with the honorable emissaries of His Eminence or they intended to usurp the monies dispatched by the Shias for the Imam (a.s). By way of examples we shall mention a few of such claimants below:

1. Ahmad bin Hilal

Ahmad bin Hilal Karkhi was of the companions of Imam Hasan Askari (a.s) and after the martyrdom of His Eminence the special deputyship of Muhammad bin Uthman from His Eminence, the Master of the Age (a.s) made him jealous. Hence he denied the deputyship of Muhammad. Shias asked him why he did not accept the commands of Muhammad bin Uthman while the Holy Imam has clearly made his obedience compulsory.

He replied, “I have not heard about his deputyship openly and clearly.”

They told him, “Though you have not heard, other reliable and trustworthy people have heard it.”

He said, “Your hearing is for you.”[144]

Some of the claims of Karkhi and his written statements prove that he had departed from religion and denied some necessary principles of faith.

Imam’s censure of Karkhi

When the denial of Ahmad bin Karkhi became public knowledge, Imam (a.s) became aloof from him and an epistle was received from him containing curse on Ahmad bin Hilal:

“We seek aloofness from Ibne Hilal from the Almighty Allah. May Allah not have mercy on him and those who do not seek aloofness from him. Then convey this matter to Ishaqi and his townspeople and inform about this sinner man and also whoever who has inquired about it or would inquire from you in the future.”[145]

2. Hasan Sharii

But Hasan Sharii was a liar and a Dajjal (mischief-maker) and was formerly a companion of His Eminence, Imam Hadi (a.s) and Imam Hasan Askari (a.s) and later he became an apostate. He claimed to be the holder of the venerable position of the deputyship of His Eminence, Imam Mahdi (a.s). And he attributed those things to the Holy Imams did not befit them.

Those great personalities dissociated themselves from him. Therefore the Shias have also sought aloofness from him and cursed him. His Eminence has also cursed him in one of his blessed epistles.[146]

3. Husain bin Mansur

Husain bin Mansur al-Hallaj was another liar, deviant and misguider from truth who claimed deputyship of His Eminence, the Awaited Imam (a.s). And he requested the prominent Shias to accept his deputyship. Therefore he sent a letter to Abu Sahl Nawbakhti and desired from him that he join him and promised to give him a lot of wealth.

Nawbakhti replied, “I am a person who is fond of bondmaids but my old age is an obstacle in my enjoyments. Every Friday I am compelled to dye my grey hair. So it would be very nice if you can make me needless of hair dye, save me from this expense and also make my beard black. If you do this I shall become your follower and it would also prove the veracity of your claim! Consequently I would become your greatest companion and propagator.”

Hallaj was perplexed by this demand of Nawbakhti and this incident became public knowledge. It became a topic of great amusement while the deceit and deviation of Hallaj became clear for the people.

An example of Hallaj's fraud is as follows: He invited an intelligent person to dinner. When he arrived at his place, Hallaj told him, “If I stretch my hands towards the river, I could catch a live fish from there.” Then he went into the room and came back with a big live fish in his hands and presented it to his guest saying, “This is my miracle.” Perchance there was a knock at the door from inside. Hallaj went inside and the guest also went inside the house to find behind the curtain a pool having many fishes. The guest also caught a fish brought it inside and placed it next to the fish Hallaj had brought. When Hallaj returned, the guest told him, “This is my miracle.” Hallaj was shocked and hastily expelled the guest from his house because he had detected his fraud.

Hallaj used to pose himself to be very pious and religious. He was seen in the mountains of Isfahan wearing tattered clothes and carrying a water-skin and a walking stick.

Another fraud of Husain bin Mansur

He had instructed some of his disciples to conceal a quantity of sweet meat and bread at a particular spot in the desert. Then he took along some people with him and with his companions went to that same desert. When he reached that place, his disciple used to remark, “How nice it would have been if we had got bread and Halwa (sweet) right now, so that we could have enjoyed it.” At that time Hallaj would recede to a corner and pray two units of prayer and supplicate the Lord for bread and Halwa for the people. His disciple would intentionally wait for sometime as if waiting for the acceptance of prayers. Then he used to go to that place where bread and Halwa was buried and announce, “We have received this bread and Halwa as a result of the prayer of Hallaj.” Many gullible people used to be influenced by this fraud and it seemed to be an unnatural phenomenon and a miracle and they used to become such zealous disciple of his that they even sought his urine as means of cure.[147]

It is said that Hallaj also claimed divinity and one of his writing says as follows, “If one fasts for three days continuously without breaking it and then breaks it with three leaves of Chicory, the Almighty Allah would forever exempt him from keeping the fasts of the month of Ramadan! And anyone who recites a two-rakat (unit) prayer from sunset till the next morning, Allah would make him needless of prayer. One who donates all of ones property on a single day in charity would gain exemption from performing Hajj. And one who stays at the graves of martyrs in the Quraish cemetery for ten days, praying and fasting and breaking the fast only with some barley bread and salt he would be made needless of worship and obedience of Allah.”

Hallaj is credited with having started many innovations. His activities were reported to the Abbaside Caliph, Muqtadir, who had him arrested and executed in 309 A.H.

4. Muhammad bin Ali

Muhammad bin Ali Shalmaghani, popularly known as Ibne Abil Gharaqar was a moderate for a long time and had no sort of deviation. But after that due to jealousy towards Shaykh Abul Qasim Husain bin Ruh, the special deputy of His Eminence, Imam Mahdi (a.s), he became deviated and he left the religion of Ahle Bayt (a.s), aligning himself with some debased sects. Some of the principles of those sects were: No kind of worship act was obligatory and every kind of adultery between people of prohibited degree as well as others was allowed. Also, that every person of high social class should marry a spouse of a lower class so that he may induct effulgence into them.

An epistle was issued by His Eminence, the Master of the Age, containing curse on Shalmaghani and stating his dissociation from him.

When the innovations of Shalmaghani became known to all, the ruler of that time had him executed in Baghdad in 323 A.H.

Some of the above false claimants and Dajjals of the period of minor occultation came into being due to their jealousy towards the special deputyship of the Imam of the time, and considered themselves to be deprived of that exalted position and that's why they resorted to such fraudulent claims.

Claimants of Mahdaviyat

During the whole period of history there were some people who for the sake of political gains claimed to be Mahdi in spite of the fact that they did not profess the religion of Ahle Bayt (a.s). We shall discuss a few of such claimants in the following pages:

1. Mahdi Sudani

Among such well-known characters was Mahdi Sudani from the African continent.

Mahdi Sudani was born in 1848 at the Sudanese village of Dolga inhabited by people whose main occupation was building boats. He became the most well-known pseudo-Mahdi in Europe. His real name was Muhammad Ahmad and he assumed the title of Mahdi. By displaying excessive piety, he gained respect and honor at the age of twenty-two years. He was an eloquent speaker and he mostly condemned Egyptian authorities in his speeches. He exposed the tyranny of the rulers to the people and laid great stress upon the reappearance of Mahdi.

This self-proclaimed deputy of the Prophet and the false leader of the Muslims raised the standard of revolt in Sudan, which was under the rule of Egyptians in connivance with the oppressive Britishers. In his eloquent speeches he condemned the tyranny of the Egyptians to such an extent that Sudanese people began to hate them. He made special references to Imam Mahdi (a.s) and gradually proclaimed himself to be connected with the Mahdi as had been the usual practice of all false claimants at the start of their claim. Finally, he claimed to be Mahdi himself from the lineage of the Holy Prophet (a.s), the 12th Imam and the son of Imam Hasan Askari (a.s).

After obtaining basic education, he entered into the Sanusiya Sufi order and on the Island of Abba began to spend his time in meditation. His false claim of Mahdaviyat received support for the first time on this Island, which is 150 miles south of Khartoum.

Beginning of his Mission

Some historians state that after joining the Sanusiya Sufi order he had an argument with his Peer (Sufi guide) and hence began to collect his own disciples and subsequently claimed to be Mahdi of the time and the last Imam. At the outset itself Abdullah Al-Taaisha (Caliph) supported and advised him to accompany him to a place where the militant tribes could be instigated to rise in revolt.

In May 1881 the Egyptian government issued an order for him to present himself in Khartoum and clarify his position. But Muhammad Ahmad ignored this order, assumed rulership of the country and declared a holy war against the infidels as well as the progressive Muslims.

The Egyptian government dispatched an army of two hundred soldiers under Rauf Pasha to subdue him. On 11th of August the Egyptians landed on the Island of Abba to attack the followers of Muhammad Ahmad. The supporters of Muhammad Ahmad did not possess any firearms so they kept themselves hidden till night fell. As soon as it was dark they surrounded the Egyptian army and attacked it ferociously till the complete army was wiped out. After this Muhammad Ahmad fled to a secluded place where the possibility of retaliation from the Egyptian army did not exist. On the way he met the local leaders from whom he learned that there was great discontent among the people regarding the Egyptian government. The abolishing of slave trade was also a cause of economic unrest.

At the Jebel Ghadir he had to face the men of Yusuf Pasha and they compelled him to retrace his steps. In May 1882 the Egyptian government dispatched an army of 6000 to attack Muhammad Ahmad. One night, Muhammad Ahmad attacked the army of Yusuf Pasha and put them to death. After victory Muhammad Ahmad gained more clout and was joined by many people greedy for the spoils of war.

In the last part of the month of November 1882 Muhammad Ahmad concluded that he had sufficient military strength to capture the Egyptian fort of Al-Abeed. So he attacked Al-Abeed and captured it. Then he converted the fort as his residence and made it the seat of power.

Muhammad Ahmad used to wear a simple cotton dress. His followers also imitated him in his style of dressing. Outwardly he put up a facade of simplicity but used to lead a life of sensuality in secret. Women were his weakness. He tried to imitate the conditions of the Holy Prophet (a.s) and called his wife Ummul Momineen Ayesha. He also named his followers after the companions of the Holy Prophet (a.s) viz. Abu Bakr, Umar, Hassaan Ibn Saabit, Khalid bin Waleed, etc. The common followers were called as helpers (Ansar) He seemed to bring about the condition similar to the time of the Holy Prophet of Islam (a.s). But actually it was not so. If it had not been for the spread of oppression by the British and the Egyptians, this pseudo Mahdi would have never succeeded. But the oppressed people were tired of the tyranny and hence various tribes joined hands with Muhammad Ahmad.

When Muhammad Ahmad traveled for the first time from the Island of Abba towards Masat he termed his journey as "Hijrat" - migration. He also appointed his four caliphs. The first caliph was Abdullah Al-Taaisha. He was given the title of Abu Bakr. He pretended to establish a rule on the Quranic principles but the actual fact was that he wanted to put up this false show so that he could collect people under himself. In order to administer the country, he collected both Zakat and Khums. But the distribution of the same was with favoritism. He prohibited the study of religion and Fiqh. He only stressed on the recitation of the Holy Quran but strictly prohibited any discussion on it. Like the Wahabis he prohibited the consumption of tobacco and considered it more sinful than drinking wine. He did not forgive even the smallest of the sins.

Control on Sudan

Due to the Egyptian and the British rule, Sudan was passing through a very critical period. The British dispatched an army of 10,000 under William to attack Muhammad Ahmad. On the 3rd of November Muhammad Ahmad reached Kashgil to confront the army and inflicted a terrible defeat upon it. Now the whole of Sudan was virtually under his control.

In December 1884 the army sent by Salauddin Pasha under an Austrian officer was defeated by Muhammad Ahmad after a conflict which lasted a whole year. At this defeat the British prepared to flee Sudan. In order to facilitate this exit, General Charles George Gordon was dispatched. Prior to this, he had held the post of the Governor General of Sudan and hence was very popular among the locals.

Secondly, he was capable to handle Muhammad Ahmad who had by now established himself as the Mahdi and the complete master of Sudan. He reached Khartoum on the 18th February 1884 and made an offer of recognizing the rule of Muhammad Ahmad if he would free all the prisoners. He also offered to permit the resumption of the slave trade.

Instead of accepting these conditions Mohammed Ahmad prepared to attack Khartoum and on the 22nd August laid siege to the city. Even though he could not face the fire arms and the sophisticated weapons he prolonged the siege so much that the people began to worry. There was a great shortage of the necessities of life in the city as Muhammad Ahmad had prevented all sort of communication. Muhammad Ahmad found the time ripe for his purpose and entered the city on 25th January 1885 and started plunder and destruction.

General Gordon was killed just outside his palace. Sudan was completely lost by the British and Muhammad Ahmad made Khartoum the seat of his Caliphate. In order that he may exercise a complete control over Sudan he sealed all the borders and even prohibited the people from going for Hajj.

Death of Mahdi Sudani

This false Mahdi died on 22nd June 1885 due to high fever. He had already appointed Abdullah Al-Taaisha as his successor but due to his weak disposition he faced defeat at the hands of General Kitchener. Sudan once again fell into the hands of the British. In order to take revenge the British dug up the grave of Muhammad Ahmad, cut off his head and sent it to England.

2. Mahdi Tahama

Mahdi Tahama was a native of Yemen and around the year 1159 A.D. he appeared and claimed that he was the Awaited Imam whose glad tidings were given by the Prophet (a.s). A group of Bedouins followed him and he annexed the Kingdom of Hamadani dynasty in Sanaa and Najjahi Kingdom in Zubaid. His grandson, Abdul Nabi took over the position of his grandfather in 1162 AD and continued the efforts of his predecessor. However, Turan Shah, on behalf of Salauddin Ayyubi destroyed his rule.[148]

3. Mahdi of Senegal

In 1828 A.D. a character appeared in Senegal and claimed to be the Awaited Mahdi. He took up the standard of revolt against the regime of that time but was defeated badly and executed.[149]

4. Mahdi of Soos

Soos is a town in Western Arabia. In this place a man arose and claimed to be the Awaited Imam. A large number of people began to follow him but he was shot dead.[150]

5. Mahdi of Somalia

A person named Muhammad, the son of Abdullah Somalian claimed in 1899 A.H. to be the Awaited Imam. He had great influence in his tribe, Ujadin and he fought the British and Italian forces for almost 20 years and died in 1920 A.H.[151]

These were some persons who claimed to be the Promised Mahdi. Here we conclude our discussion on this subject.