Alhassanain(p) Network for Heritage and Islamic Thought

Chapter One

The Holy Verses

Nahjul Balagha: Wise Sayings of Ali (A.S.) - No 205:

“The world would bend towards us after having been refractory just as the biting she-camel bends towards its young.”

A metaphoric remark that just as during the time of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.A.) the apparent and esoteric ‘Vilayat’ (Mastership) were both found in his household, in the same way and at the time of the reappearance of Hazrat Mahdi (A.S.), the apparent Government and esoteric ‘Vilayat’ will be made ready for that leader).

Thereafter, he recited this verse:

(*)

(And We desired to bestow a favor upon those who were deemed weak in the land, and to make them the Imams, and to make them the heirs.)

Ibne Abil Hadeed Mo’tazali in his commentary on Nahjul- Balagha says on Page 329 Vol. 4 as such: “Our companions mention that is this verse, Allah has promised the Imam and leader that he would have possession of the land and gain control over all the nations.

In the seventh chapter of “Eqdud-Durar”, Abu Abdulla Na’eem-ibn-Hemad narrates as such:

“Imam Abu Ishaaq Salbi in ‘tafseer’ (interpretation) of the Divine saying of ((*)-Hamaasaq) has quoted Ibn-Abbass as saying: ((*)-the’h’) refers to the battle between Ouraish and the slaves in which the Ouraish would be the victors; ((*)-the ‘m’) refers to the kingdom and Government of Bani-Umayyah; ((*)-the ‘aa’) is the sign of exaltation and honor of Bani-Abbass; ((*)-the ‘s’) refers to the age of Mahdi and ((*)-the ‘q’) is a symbolic sign of the coining of Isa at the time of Emergence of Mahdi. The author says that some have interpreted (*) as the brightness of Mahdi and (*) as the power of Isa-ibn-Maryam. (i.e. Jesus Christ)

Ibn Hajar in his Sawa’eq (Page 16) interprets the Divine saying (*) as such:

“Among the exegetists, Maqatel-ibn-Sulaiman and his followers have said that this verse has been revealed in favor of Mahdi. Es’aaf-ur Raghebeen too has written the same on Page 156.[4]

The author of ‘Nur-ul-Absar’ on Page 228 has narrated from Abu Abdullah Ganji as such: “About the interpretation of Allah’s words

(*)

Sayyid-ibn-Jubair says: “It refers to Mahdi from the progeny of Fatemah - the one who, by decree of this

verse shall dominate over all other religions.”

In “Yanabi-ul-Mawadda” Page 443 it is narrated from Manaqib-Khawrazmi from Jabir-ibn-Abdulla Ansari a lengthy incident wherein a Jew approaches the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.A.) and asks him various questions which results in his converting to Islam. One of the questions which the convert had asked was about the successors to the Holy Prophet himself and the Prophet’s reply that they were twelve in number. He counted each one of them by name until he got to the name of Imam Muhammad Hassan Askari. Thereafter he said: “After him shall come his son Muhammad who will be known as Mahdi, Qa’em and Hujjat.[5]Then he will disappear temporarily, reappear again and when he does so he shall fill the earth with equity and justice. Since by then the earth would have been filled with cruelty and oppression. Blessed are those who are patient during the period of his occultation and blessed are those who are steadfast in. their love towards him. They are those whom Allah has praised in His Book with such words-

(*)

[Quran is a guide to those who guard (against evil), those who believe in the unseen i.e. Mahdi and his occultation.]

Also, Allah says: -

(*)

[They are those who belong to the Party of Allah; Know that the Party of Allah are the victorious ones.] (Tradition ends)

In the afore-said hook, on Page 448 he quote: from the book of “Fara’ed-us-Semtain” a tradition which Hassan-ibn-Khalid has narrated from Abu Hassan Ali-ibn-Musa Reza (A.S.) about Mahdi where he mentions that he would be the fourth from his descendants and that when he reappears, the earth would be engulfed with the Divine Light. Thereafter Imam continued as such: He is the one whose reappearance shall coincide with the call of a caller from the sky such that all the inhabitant: of the land shall hear this cry: - “Know that the Hujjat (Proof) of Allah has appeared near the House of Allah. So follow him since the truth is in him and with him. The word of Allah too refers to the same.

(*)

[If We please, We should send down upon them a from the heavens so that their neck: should stoop to it.]

Naishabouri in his “Tafseer” (Vol. 1.) in interpreting the verse of (*) says: Some of the Shias believe that (*) (i.e. unseen) in this verse refers to Mahdi, the Awaited one; the one who Allah has promised about him in His Book as such:

(*)

[Allah has promised to those of you who believe and do good that He will most certainly make them rulers in the earth.]

Moreover, about him the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.A) has said the following:

“If there remains not more than a day from the life of the earth, God Almighty will set the day so long, until a person from my progeny who carries the same name as mine, shall appear and fill the earth with Justice opposite the ext1ent it had been filled with injustice and oppression.[6]

Naishabouri further says that according to the Ahl-e-Sunnat, the afore-said verse gives indication to the Imamate of “Khulafa-e-Rashedin” (rightly-guided Caliphs) because the word of ((*) Menkom) in the holy verse indicates ‘part’ (of) and it is necessary for this ‘part’ (of) to be present at the time of addressing. Also, it is well - known that those four caliphs (Abu Bakr, Omar, Osman and Ali) were men of faith and virtue and at that time were present. Consequently the matter of Caliphate and victory was certain for them. Therefore it becomes necessary to say that this verse refers to them.

Thereafter he says: A group has gone against them arguing why it is not permissible to say that the word of  (*) denotes exposition. They consider succession over the earth to mean possession and domination over it just as it was so in the case of Bani-Isra’il.

Again he says: Let’s accept that the term (*) denotes the meaning of ‘part’ but on what basis is it not permissible to consider that ‘part’ is to denote the caliphate of Ali and say that (*) has been used here in its plural form just to show the honor and great position of Ali or as a reference to Hazrat and his eleven offsprings after him.[7]

From The Sayings of the Holy Prophet

Abu Dawoud in his ‘Sahih’ on Page 87, Vol. 4 narrated from Abdulla a tradition from the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.A.) as follows: “If there remains not more than a day from the life of the earth, God Almighty will set the day so long until He appoints a person from my progeny.”

Thereafter he says-Similarly it has come in Hadith Sufyan that the Holy Prophet has said: “The life of this world shall not end until an Arab from my progeny will rule over the world.”[8]

The same book on the afore-said page and volume mentions a tradition from All (A.S.) who narrates from the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.A.) as follows: “If there remains not more than a day from the life of the earth, surely God shall appoint a person from my progeny.”

Tirmidhi in Vol. 2 of his ‘Sahih’ on Page 270 narrates a tradition from Abdullah who narrates from the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.A.) that he said: “The life of this world shall not cease to exist until an Arab from my progeny shall come and rule.”

Tirmidhi says: This tradition is (*) (acceptable) and (*) (correct) and the same has also been narrated from Ali, Abu Sa’eed, Umm-Salma and Abu Huraira.

Also, in the afore-said book on the same page of the same volume, a tradition has been narrated by Abu Hurair from the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.A.) as follows:

“If there remains not more than a day from the life of the earth, God Almighty will set the day so long until a person from my progeny shall come and rule.”

Then he says: This ‘hadith’ is (*) (acceptable) and (*) (correct).[9]

Ibn-Hajar in his “Sawa’eq” on Page 97 says: Abu Ahmad, Abu Dawoud, Tirmidhi and Ibn Maaja have narrated from the Holy Prophet (SA.W.A.) as saying:

“If there remains not more than a day from the life of the earth, surely God shall appoint on that day a person from my progeny.” Es’aaf-ur-Raghebeen too has narrated the same on Page No. 147.[10]

Ibn Hajr in the afore-mentioned book on Page 97 writes: Abu Dawoud and Tirmidhi narrate from the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.A) as such: -

“If there remains not more than a day from the life of the earth, surely God will set that day so long until He makes a person appear from my progeny.”

Esa’af-ur-Raghebben too has narrated the same on Page 148.

Ibn Hajr, in the afore-mentioned book on Page 97 says: Abu Dawoud and Tirmidhi have narrated from the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.A) as such: -

“The life of this world shall not cease to exist until a person from my progeny shall come and rule.”

Es’aaf-ur-Raghebben too has narrated the same on Page 148.

Ibn Hajar in ‘Sawa’eq’ (Page 97) writes: Abu Dawoud and Tirmidhi have narrated from the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.A.) as such:

“If there remains not more than a day from the life of the earth, God will set the day so long, until He

appoints a person from my progeny.”

Es’aaf-ur-Raghebeen too has narrated the same on Page 148.[11]

In ‘Nur-ul-Absar’ Page 229 a tradition has been narrated from Ali (A.S.) who narrates from the Holy Prophet (S.A.WA.) as such:

“If there remains not more than a day from the life of the earth, surely God will make a person from my progeny to appear” (on that day).

Then the author continues: “This hadith has also been narrated by Abu Dawoud in his ‘Sunan’.

In the same book on Page 231, it is narrated from Abu Huraira who narrates from the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.A.) that:

“Qiyamat shall not be established until a person from my progeny comes and rules.[12]

On Page 151 of Es’aaf-ur-Raghebben it is mentioned that Ahmad and Mawardi have narrated from the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.A.) who said: “Glad-tidings to you (all) about Mahdi.” The same has come in ‘Nur-ul-Absar’ Pg. 151.

Author of ‘Nur-ul-Absar’ writes on Page 230 as such: Ahmad narrates from Abu Sa’eed Khudri that the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.A.) has said: “I give you glad-tidings about Mahdi.”

In “Yanabi-ul-Mawadda” (Page 432) it is narrated from Qetaada who said: “‘I asked Sa’eed-ibn-Maseeb: “Is there any truth in Mahdi?” He replied, ‘Yes, he is the truth and he is from the progeny of Fatemah.’”[13]

In the same book, on the afore-said page it is narrated from Ali (A.S.) who has narrated from the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.A.) that: “If there remains not more than a day from the life of the earth, indeed God shall make a person from my progeny to appear.”

Thereafter he writes: “This hadith has also been narrated by Abu Dawoud, Ahmad, Tirmidhi and Ibn-Maaja.”

Also, in the same book on Page 432, a tradition is narrated from ‘Musnad’ of Ahmad who has narrated from the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.A.) as such: -

“Qiyamat shall not be established until the earth is filled with cruelty and oppression. Then a person from my progeny shall appear and fill it with equity and Justice.”[14]

Again, in the afore-mentioned book on Page 440 he writes: Mufeq-ibn-Ahmad Akhtab narrates a sermon of Khawarazm who takes reference from Abdur-Rahman-ibn-Abi Laili who narrates from his father who said: - “In the battle of Khaibar, the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.A.) handed over the banner to Ali (A.S.). Then Allah ordained victory by his hands. Later, at Ghadir-e-Khum he reminded the people that Ali was the ‘Maula’ (Master) of all believing men and women and continued until he expressed few sentences about the virtues of Ali, Fatemah, Hassan and Hussein.” Thereafter he said: “Gabriel has informed me that after my departure they shall be subject to injustice and oppression and this oppression shall continue until a movement is brought about by their “Qa’em” and at that time their creed will be raised high, people shall turn towards their friendship, ill-speaking towards them shall diminish, those having unpleasantness for them shall be degraded and those eulogizing them shall increase. Such kind of events will occur when cities shall collide with each other and people become weak and helpless of respite. At that time shall appear the (Qa’em) (Mahdi) from my progeny and God will manifest the truth through him and extinguish the falsehood by his sword.” Thereafter he said: ‘O people, glad-tidings to you of relief and respite. Surely the promise of Allah is true and He never breaks it and His decree never gets refuted. He is All - Aware and All-seeing and the victory of Allah is near.[15]

In the same book on Page 447 he narrates from the book of “Fara’ed-us-Semtain” from Shaikh Abu Ishaaq Ibrahim-ibn-Yaqub who narrates from Jabir-ibn-Abdulla Ansari that the Holy Prophet (S.AW.A) has said: -

“The one who denies the emergence of Mahdi has surely disbelied to whatever God has revealed upon Muhammad and the one who denies the coming of Isa (Jesus) has surely become a disbeliever and the one who denies the revolt of Dajjal has surely become a disbeliever.”[16]

From The Sayings of Ali  (A.S.)

Nahjul-Balagha - Sermon No.91 - Statements of Ali (AS.) about Mahdi (AS.). It is a part of the Sermon which he delivered with regards to Bani-Ummayid and their mischief towards the people until he reached to the point where he said: “Thereafter, Allah shall unpleasantly widen difficulties and other occurrences upon you and (only) when the skin is cut off and the flesh is peeled off, the calamities will be obviated.” Then he continued: ‘Allah shall bring this freedom and salvation through a person whose behaviour with that tribe will be harsh and severe and he shall make them suffer and he will quench them with bitter cups (of hardships) and not extend them anything but sword.[17]

Mutazali on exegetist, in the second volume of his book (Page 178), under the afore-mentioned Sermon says: ‘This Sermon has been commemorated by a group of historians and it is common, recounted and reached the level of ((*) -Estefaze) (superabundance).

After the battle of Nahrawan Ali (A.S.) spoke in such words: No one except me had the courage to remain steadfast and withstand those seditions and turbulence. (Perhaps steadfastness at that time is referred to the Khawarij because, when the companions of Muawiya by the tricks of Amr-Aas fixed the Quran on top of spears and by this way wanted to save themselves from the blow of Hazrat’s sword, the soldiers of Ali (A.S.) by witnessing such scene hesitated in obeying his commands and in fact opposed him stating: We should not dare draw our sword on these people. Or perhaps it refers to the battle against the people of Jamal where those participating in it were such personalities like Ayesha, Thalha and Zubair who were enjoying esteemed status and position in the eyes of the Muslims. For this reason they did not have the courage to fight them except Ali (A.S.) who fought and defeated them.)

Then Ibn-Abil Hadeed says: A statement which Razi has not mentioned is an address which he delivered about Bani-Ummayid, the contents of which are as follows: -

“Then surely Allah will liberate the people by the hands of a person from our chaste family. May my father be sacrificed for him, whose mother is the best amongst the ladies of Paradise.” Thereafter he confesses to this point that Ali (A.S.) in this statement is referring to Mahdi, the Awaited one.

Nahjul-Balagha - Sermon No.148 - Amongst the statements which Hazrat has spoken about the news of the unseen is the following sentence: - “O’ people, this is the time for the occurrence of every promised event and the approach of things which you do not know. Know that whoever from among us (Ahle Bait - the family of the Holy Prophet) in the future will continue in our way with a burning lamp and will tread on the footsteps of the virtuous, in order to unfasten knots, to free slaves and to unite the divided. He would be in concealment from the people such that a track-finder would not find his footprints even though he may pursue him.”

Mutazali in the second volume of his book on Page 436 under this Sermon says: “Hazrat here is referring to Mahdi, the Awaited one and his concealment.”

Nahjul-Balagha - Sermon No.180: Amongst the sermons which Ali (A.S.) pointed out to the people of Kufa is the following sermon: - However, before narrating the sermon it is good to mention that Nufil Bukali relates that Ali (A.S.) delivered this sermon standing on a stone which Joda-ibn-Hubaira Mukhzumi had erected for him. Ali (A.S.) had a woolen apparel on his body, the belt of his sword was made of leaves and the sandals on his feet too were of palm leaves. His forehead had a hardened spot like the knees of a camel. He spoke as such: -

“He would be wearing the armor of wisdom, which he would have secured with all its conditions, such as full attention towards it, its (complete knowledge and exclusive devotion to it. For him it is like a thing, which he had lost and which he was now seeking, or his need, which he was trying to meet. If Islam is in trouble he would feel forlorn like a traveler and like a (tired) camel beating the end of its tail and flattening its neck on the ground. He is the last of Allah’s pleas and one of the vicegerents of His Prophets.”

Ibn-Abil Hadeed who has written a commentary on Nahjul-Balagha writes on Page 535 of his second volume as such:

“Each group has interpreted these sayings according to their own expedient beliefs and the twelve Imamiah Shi’ites reckon that the person who has been referred in Hazrat’s speech is none other than Mahdi.”

Thereafter he writes: “As I see it, it does not appear difficult to believe that reference over here has been made to ‘AL-Q’AEM’ from the progeny of Muhammad (S.A.W.A).”

The author of ‘Yanabi-ul-Muwadda’ on page 46 narrates from the book ‘Durrul-Munazzam’ as such: Amongst the sayings of Amir-ul-Mumineen (A.S.) about Mahdi and/or Qa’em from the progeny of Muhammad is the following sermon: -

  “The standard-bearer of Muhammadi and the ruler of Government of Ahmadi shall be manifested. He is someone who will revolt with his sword, straighten the crooked, conquer the earth and revive the forsaken aspects of religious obligations and Sunnah.”

The author of ‘Yanabi-ul-Muwadda’ on Page 467 writes: Some of the men of intuition and vision have narrated from Amir-ul-Mumineen as having said: “Soon God shall bring forth a group whom He Loves and they too are His lovers and the one who is like a stranger amongst them shall take over the Government. Verily, he shall be the ‘MAHDI’; his face rosy and hair golden in color. He will fill the earth with justice without any difficulty. In his very childhood, he shall get separated from his mother and father and from the viewpoint of training he shall be rare and matchless. He shall rule over the Muslim countries with utmost calm and security and time shall be favorable and friendly towards him. His words will be accepted; the young and old shall humbly obey him. He shall fill the earth with Justice just as it had been filled with oppression. Then, at that moment his Imamat shall reach its perfection and Viceregency will be established for him. Moreover, Allah will make the dead to rise from their graves and return them back to this world. Then, like people who get up from their morning sleep, they shall see nothing but their own houses. The land will flourish and by blessing of his (i.e. Mahdi’s) existence, it shall become fresh and fruitful. Seditions and disturbances shall vanish and blessings and welfare will increase manifold.[18]

From The Sayings of Scholars

Mo’iddin Arabi, in the 3rd volume of his “Futuhaat Makkia” (Chapter No. 366) says: “Certainly Allah possesses a Vicegerent who shall appear when the earth will be filled with cruelty and oppression and then he shall fill it with equity and Justice. If there remains not more than a day from the life of the earth, Allah will set the day so long until this Vicegerent from the progeny of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.A.) and offspring of Fatemah (A.S.) appears.”

Author of “Eqdud-Durar” in the preface of the afore-said book, after reproaching about the situation at that time and the excessiveness in seditions and disturbances says: Some reckon that these circumstances will always continue whereas such kind of people have followed the superficial or external aspect of (only) some of the traditions. Then I said -These traditions are worthy of our acceptance and we ire bound to accept and follow them. However, there is nothing in these traditions which give indication to he continuity of those circumstances until the Day of Qiyamat (the Last Day). It seems that the obviation of seditions and appearance of comforts will occur at the time when Imam Mahdi shall manifest himself because, many traditions which the ‘Ulemas’ and scholars have brought in their books have given, glad-tidings of his manifestation and the fact that God hall appoint a person who will be provided for his kingdom, such means which could shake the mountains and his kingdom will spread far and wide.

So he shall rule the entire earth and fill it with equity and Justice. At that time will be revealed the hidden treasures and when the powerful appear, he hall present them to the people...

Author of “Yanabi-ul-Muwadda” on page 410 writes: Shaikh Kamaluddin-ibn-Thalha in his book “Durrul-Munazzam” says as such: ‘As per research, there is for Allah a Vicegerent who shall appear at the end of time when the earth will become filled with cruelty and oppression and indeed he shall fill it with equity and Justice. If there remains not more than a day from the life of the earth, He shall make this Vicegerent to appear from the offspring of Fatemah Zahra. Men of disposition shall recognize him by his protracted nose, black eyelashes and a spot on his right cheek. His name shall be Muhammad; his height above medium, his face handsome and his hair beautiful in appearance. Through him, Allah shall soon destroy the innovations (in religion), make upright every living thing and satiate his soldiers from the land of Eden. The most prosperous before him will be the people of Kufa. He shall distribute the booties equally and deal with people righteously and during his time altercations shall vanish. The clouds shall not allow but rains to descend and the land except to flourish. This Imam is the same Mahdi, the Upholder of the Commands of Allah to such extent that he will banish all the false religions. Then there shall remain no religion but the pure one(s)...

Author of “Yanabi-ul-Muwadda” on Page 432 has narrated from Sharif Mama Samhoudi from his book “Jawahar-ul-Nagdin” the following:

‘As per research, blessing of the Holy Prophet’s prayers at the time of Ali’s marriage with Fatemah has been manifested in the offspring of Hassan and Hussein because, from their generation were those who have passed away and are those who shall come (in future). And if nobody comes in the future except Imam Mahdi it will be sufficient (i.e. for fulfillment of the promises and bringing into order the chaotic conditions).

Ibn Athir Jazari in his book “Nehaya” while explaining the word “(*)- Jala” writes: “About the qualities of Mahdi it has been said that he is “(*) Ajlal-Jibha” and that is the delicate hair between the eyes and ears from above and he will be the one who shall put up his hair from his face.”

Also, in explaining the word of “(*)-Huda”, he says: Mahdi is the one who has been guided by Allah towards the truth. This quality has been utilized in names to such extent that it has become like the names which out of prevalence, have found nominal meaning and for this reason has been named as Mahdi, the one whom the Holy Prophet has given glad-tidings about his coming at the end of time.[19]

In the second volume of Fotouhat-e-Islamiah, on page 322 the author after specifying this point that traditions about Mahdi are to such extent that takes one to the level of certitude, says: “What is sure in this regard is that his manifestation is certain. Surely, he shall be from the offspring of Fatemah and he will fill the earth with Justice.” Thereafter he says: Sayyid Muhammad-ibn-Rasul Barzanji has referred to this very matter in his book “Al-Asha’ah”.

Ibn-Abil Hadeed in his commentary of Nahjul-Balagha in the second volume on Page 535, while mentioning some of Hazrat’s speeches (which was previously narrated and we hinted in them the subject of Mahdi) he says: As per research, all the Muslim sects are unanimous in their opinion that the world and obligation shall not end but after the advent of Mahdi who shah come at the end of time.

Poetry and Prose About Mahdi

The author of ‘Yanabi-ul-Muwadda’, on page 438 has attributed a poem to Amir-ul-Mumineen Ali (A.S.) where Hazrat says (to Imam Hussein): “O Hussein! When you shall find yourself alien in some place, associate yourself with its habit and custom! As if I see my soul and my children in Karbala and its battle scene. Our beards will be dyed with blood just as the dress of a bride gets dyed. I see that calamity but not with my naked eye. The key of its worth has been given to me. May Allah grant a good given to me. May Allah grant a good reward to our ‘Qaem’ who is the Upholder  Justice.”

“O Hussein! Qaem shall seek revenge for my blood. Rather he shall seek revenge for your blood too. So be patient upon your hardship and suffering!”

On page 439 of the same book, he narrates from Ali-ibn-Abi Talib (A.S.) the following poem:

“May Allah shower this Mercy and divine Grace upon that valiant Imam who shall make the army divisions of the polytheists object with his victorious sword. He shall manifest this religion on every part of land and will disgrace the polytheist oppressors. I have not spoken these words out of pride and vaunt. Rather it has been given to me by the chosen one of Al-e-Hashim (i.e. Holy Prophet).”

Again, in the same book, on page 454 he narrates the famous ode from De’bel Khuza’ee who recited it before Imam Reza (A.S.). He quotes De’bal as saying: I recited my ode till I came upon this part: “The emergence of the Imam who shall rise in the name of Allah and His blessings is inevitable. He shall distinguish the truth and falsehood for us and reward the virtuous and punish the evil.”

Imam Reza (A.S.) shed tears and then said: ‘O De’bel, the Trusted Spirit has spoken through your tongue...

In Vol. 3, Chapter 366 of ‘Al-Fotouliat-ul –Makkiyah’ we see the following poem: ‘Know that the last of the Saints shall be martyred and the light of universe shall become extinguished. He is the Mahdi, Al-e-Muhammad. He is like the Hindi sword, a destroyer. He is the sun’s rays which brightens every cloud and the darkness. He is the first drop of rain, which bestows munificence and bounty.

The author of ‘Yanabi-ul-Muwadda’ narrates on page 416 a poem from the book ‘Durrul-Maknun’ of Moyiddin Arabi. It is as follows:

“When time shall move ahead by means of the letters of ‘Bismillah’, Mahdi shall emerge. After keeping fast, he shall emerge from the Ka’aba. Send greetings to him on my behalf.”

The author of ‘Eqdua-Durar’, in Section 4, writes:

‘We and this chapter by a few lines of the valuable ode said by Allama Adab Abdullah-ibn-Bashar wherein he has mentioned about Al-e-Muhammad and the killing of ‘Nafs- Zakkiyah’:

On the occasion of killing of ‘Nafs-Zakkiyah’ there are true signs for the one who remembers it. Another ‘Nafs’ which is at work and who shall be killed near Ka’aba, will emerge and invite (the people) towards Imam and he shall inform that at sun-rise when a part of the day has passed, a fire shall be kindled in Kufa along with a flow of blood. Consequently Kufa shall burn. The people of Syria shall dispatch towards ‘Baida’h’ an army against them and they shall be swallowed in the land. Horsemen with valiant men (like the wind, which moves dust and smog) shall move forward. Shoaib-ibn-saleh who is the herald and vanguard shall take them towards a Sayyid who shall emerge from amongst Al-e-Hashim - that sayyid who on the right of his face i.e. between eyes and ears exists spot.

Also, in the preface of the same book its author has brought a poem in praise of Mahdi but has not mentioned whether the poem belongs to himself or someone else. The poem is as follows:

“It is by blessings of Mahdi that the goodness of religions shall be put in order. It is by blessings of Mahdi that degradation of religions shall be put to an end.

It is through his help that the deserts too will become void (of cruelty and oppression).

It is through Mahdi’s goodness that the darkness of cruelty and oppression shall be obviated.

Greetings and salutations of Allah be upon Mahdi on each day.”

The author of ‘Yanabi-ul-Muwadda’ on page 466 writes: This poem is from Shaikh Abdul-Karim Yamani: -

“Its people are living in prosperity and tranquility and you shall see the light of guidance who is from the progeny of ‘Haider’ and Ahl al-Bayt appears by means of (*) He shall be called as ‘Mahdi’ and will emerge for the truth. First and foremost, he shall give commands based on the ‘Sunnah’ of the best creature .e. Hazrat Muhammad (S.A.WA.).

  In the same book, on page 461 he narrates the following poem from Shaikh Abdul-Rahman Basthami, author of ‘Durrat-ul-Ma’aref’:

The eminent (*) and the great one from the progeny of Ahmad shall emerge. First of all he shall manifest the Divine Justice amongst the people just as the same has been narrated by Hazrat Abul-Hassan Reza (A.S.) and has also been recorded in the Treasure of Knowledge.”

The following poem too has been narrated by Basthami on the afore-said page:

The letter of (*) after its (*) shall triumphly emerge in Mecca from the Holy Ka’aba. This is the same Mahdi who shall emerge with truth and soon he shall be sent by Allah for the truth. He shall fill the entire earth with equity and Justice. First of all, he shall erase and destroy the darkness of cruelty and oppression. His custodianship for the Divine affairs is from Allah’s side. He has been chosen by Allah to be the Caliph and the successor of the best Prophet.

Again, in the afore-mentioned book, on page 468 he narrates the following poem in praise of Mahdi from Shaikh Sadruddin Qunawi:

‘Mahdi shall emerge and rise on the earth for the sake of Divine affair. Besides, he will destroy all the infidel Satans. The destruction of all mean persons shall occur by his hands, by the mighty sword which if you would know its true worth it would make you fall sick. The reality of this sword and this ‘Qaem’ who has been appointed for the establishment of religion on the true path, is a Divine affair.

Once again, in the book of ‘Yanabi-ul-Muwadda’ on page 474 Quanduzi has narrated (*) (an ode which ends with     from which is as follows: -

‘How often they ask me about love of Ahl al-Bayt - should I now conceal or deny them? I swear by Allah that love of Ahl al-Bayt has been mingled with my flesh and blood. They are the torches of guidance. After Hazrat (i.e. Holy Prophet) came Haider and Hasnain. After them, came Ali, Muhammad, Jafar Sadiq and Musa. After Musa came Ali who is the place of refuge for the people i.e. Ridha. After him came his son Muhammad and after him came his virtuous son Ali and then Hassan and Muhammad. They are my Imams and my master although a group has rebuked and reproached me (for having this belief).

They are the Imams whose names we often hear. They are the Hujjat (proof) of Allah upon His slaves. They are at the path of guidance towards Allah. They are Imams who keep fast during the day for the sake of Allah and pass their nights by bowing and prostrating before Allah. They are a group to whom belongs Mecca, Abtah, Kif, Jama and the graveyard of Baqi. They are a group to whom belongs Mina, the two sacred monuments, the two ‘Marwa’ and mosque. They are a group who possesses a tomb in every place. Nay, rather they are having a tomb situated in every heart.

Muhammad-ibn-Thalha Shafa’ee says in ‘Matalib-us-Su’ool’ as such: [In the twelfth Chapter while giving account of Abul-Qasim Muhammad-ibn Hassan-ibn-Ali-Ibn-Muhammad-ibn-Ali-ibn Musa-ibn-Jafar-ibn-Muhammad-ibn- Ali-ibn -Hussein-ibn-Ali-ibn-Abi Talib that he is the ‘Mahdi’, ‘Hyjat’ ‘Khalaf-e-Saleh’ and ‘Muntazar’.]

He is the successor and ‘Hujjat’ (proof) who has been approved by Allah. Moreover, Allah has guided him on the true path and given him His temperament and raised his status. Allah has bestowed upon him the ornament of His Grace and he too has put on the dress of virtue. The Holy Prophet (S.A.W.A.) has said something, which has been narrated for us and the one who becomes aware of the Prophet's saying will comprehend its meaning. A learned person knows that news about the signs of Mahdi (A.S.) has come and the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.A.) has revealed the same, lineage and qualities of Mahdi. Suffice it is to mention the saying of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.A.) who said: ‘The light on Mahdi’s face will be from my light. The one whose place of care is Zahra (a part of his own self), none shall receive a position similar to the position which I have bestowed upon Mahdi. Then, the one who says that he is the Mahdi has spoken the truth.

Apart from what we have written, there are yet other poems in Persian and Arabic, which anyone investigating into them will become enlightened. The author of ‘Yanabi-ul-Muwadda’ has narrated many such poems like the poems of Shaikh Ah mad Jaami, Shaikh Athar Naishabouri, Shaikh Jamaluddin Rumi and others. However what we have narrated is adequate.