Meetings with Imam Mehdi (a.t.f.s)

It happens many times that a person does not pay attention himself towards the purification of his soul, but as his beliefs are correct, Allah (s.w.t.) involves him in some difficulty or the other in this would. These difficulties are a test for the person and serve to purify his soul and fortify his faith.

It is for this reason that no Muslim should fear the difficulties of this world. The troubles that we encounter in this world serve as atonement for our sins or they serve as a test to purify our soul and help us reach the path of success. One such measure of success is that these difficulties prepare us for our meeting with the Imam of the Time- Imame’ Zaman (a.s.).

In the book of Masjide’ Jamkaran, the caretaker of the Masjid, Abdur Raheem narrates an incident that occurred in 1323 AH as follows- “In that year there was an outbreak of a seasonal disease. One day as I went to the Masjid and saw a person sitting there who I had never seen before. This person’s seemed to be highly spiritual in nature. I went up to him and asked, “Who are you and what are you doing here?”

He replied, “My name is Ali Akbar and I am a resident of Tehran. I am a trader and I used to conduct my business on credit. Most of my clients have died due to the disease and I have lost everything. That is why I have come here so that I can seek help from Imame’ Zaman (a.s.)

This person stayed on for three months in Masjide’ Jamkaran. During these months, he bore hunger and thirst and kept himself busy in prayers. One day he came to me and said that it seems that my work is done. Now I would like to go to Karbala for ziyarat (visitation). With this intention, he left Iran and travelled to Karbala on foot. After three months he returned to Masjide’ Jamkaran and met me. He told that he had been informed that his work would be completed in this Masjid. He stayed in the Masjid for another three months and kept himself busy in prayers and in seeking help from the Ahle Bayt (a.s.)

It was the 6^th of Mahe’ Ramazan 1323 AH when he came to me and said that he was travelling to Tehran as his desire had been fulfilled. I invited him to stay over at my house for the night. He accepted my invitation. During the night I asked him to narrate the events for me which caused his desire to be fulfilled.

He said, since you have presented yourself to me with a lot of affection during my stay in Qum and also since you are the caretaker of the Masjid, I will tell you and no one else. During my stay at Masjide’ Jamkaran, I had made a pact with one of its residents that he bring me one bread everyday and that I would pay him collectively for all the days. One day I went to the village as usual to collect my bread, but he refused to give me the bread saying that the amount I owed him for all this while had become quite large. Now he would only give me bread when I would pay him his dues.

For quite some time I did not have anything to eat. I became so hungry that I was forced to eat the grass that grows on the banks of the river. Soon my health worsened and as I lay in one room of the Masjid, I felt that I did not have the strength to move. It was about midnight that my attention was drawn towards a strange light that was emanating from the window of the room. The light was so bright that the mountains seemed illuminated by it. And it kept on increasing in intensity. I realised that there was a person standing at the door and the light (noor) was emanating from him.

I struggled to get up and open the door. My eyes fell upon a handsome youth who had entered my room. We exchanged salaams. I was completely mesmerized by this person and could not find the strength to say anything. But in my heart I was sure that this person is none other than my master, Imame’ Zaman (a.s.)

He said, “Since you have sought help from my grandmother, Hazrat Fatema Zahra (s.a.), the Lady of Paradise has recommended your case to the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.). Your prayers have been accepted. You must now quickly go home to your wife and children. They are in great difficulty and are awaiting your return. You will find everything in order when you reach your home.

I said to the Imam, “O my master, the caretaker of this Masjid has become blind. If it is possible, I request you that you restore his eyesight.”

Imam (a.s.) said, “No. It is better for him if he remains blind. Come let us go together to the Masjid and recite our prayers.”

I left with the Imam (a.s.) and we moved towards the Masjid. There was a well near the door of the Masjid. It was a custom that the people used to write their desires and put them into this open well. As we approached the well, a man stepped out of it and spoke for some time with Imame’ Zaman (a.s.) I could not understand what they were saying. As we reached the door of the Masjid, a person came out with a tumbler of water in his hand. Imam (a.s.) performed wazoo (ablution) with the water and gave me the balance and asked me to perform wuzoo with it. I complied with his order and we entered the Masjid.

I asked the Imam (a.s.), “O my master! When will you reappear before the people”? At this, the face o Imam (a.s.) changed its color and he said, “It does not befit you that you ask these types of question!”

I said, “o my master! It is just my desire that I should be amongst your helpers,” He (a.s.) replied, “You are amongst my helpers, but it is not appropriate that you ask these kind of questions.”

After this I realized that the Imam (a.s.) was no longer before me. I could not see him, but his voice continued to reach my ears. He was saying, “Go home quickly. Your wife and children are awaiting your return….”

In this incident the lesson that is derived is that in adversity we should not complain – rather we should ask for help. And the biggest difficulty in such times is the fear of loss of our faith. Surely Allah does not put anyone in a difficulty, which the servant cannot bear. Traditions advise us to be patient on our difficulties and seek the help of the infallible Imams (a.s.). Surely Allah will solve our problems for their (a.s.) sake. More importantly, we learn that Allah accepts our duas faster when we seek His help through the medium of Imams (a.s.) and Hazrat Fatemah Zahra (a.s.)

Surely we must inculcate the practice of asking from Allah that He hastens the reappearance of Imame’ Zaman (a.s.) for the sake of the peace o the heart of Hazrat Zahra (a.s.).

Haaj sayyed Abtahi has recorded this incident in his book ‘Mulaqaate’ Imame’ Zaman (a.s.)’ (Meetings with Imame’ Zaman (a.s.)). Janab Mustataab Taqi Saleh Sayyed Ahmed ibne Hashim ibne Sayyed Musawi Rashti was a businessman living in the city of Rasht in Iran. This incident about his meeting with Imame’ Zaman (a.s.) is narrated by him as follows :

I decided to perform Hajj in the year 1280 AH. With this intention I travelled from Rasht to Tabriz. At Tabriz, I stayed at the house of Haji Safar Ali who was himself a famous businessman of Tabriz. There I was very worried and anxious because at that time there was no caravan, which was to depart to Makkah for Hajj. I did not know what to do. I became ready to depart from Tabriz for Tarabuzan with Haji Jabbar Jaludaar Isfashani. We agreed on the fare for journey and departed from Tabriz. At the house of Haji Safar Ali, there were 3 other men whose names were Mulla Baqer Tabrizi, Haaj Sayyed Hussain Tabrizi and Haaj Ali. They too joined me in this journey. We departed together, crossed the country of Rome towards Tarabuzan.

During the journey, Haji Jabbar came close to me and said, “The road that we are about to cross is a dangerous one. It is better if we cross it quickly so that we can join the caravan that is ahead,” So we all began travelling faster with the intention of catching up with the caravan ahead of us. We had hardly walked some distance that it began snowing heavily. It was dark and visibility was poor. My companions covered their heads and continued to move quickly. I tried my best to keep up with them, but in this weather it was difficult for me and soon they had gone ahead and I was left alone.

I got down from my horse and sat down on one side of the road. I was in a state of helplessness and dejection. I was carrying only about 600 Tumans, which I had kept with me for the journey. Finally I decided to spend the night there and continue my journey in the morning.

As we had not travelled very far from the city, there was a possibility for me to turn back and select a few strong men with me as my companions and renew my effort to catch up with the caravan. I was deliberating over this option when suddenly I saw a garden on the opposite side of the road and its gardener. It seemed that there was a shovel in his hand with which he was clearing the snow from the branches of the trees in the garden.

This person came closer to me and stood at a distance and asked me in Persian. “Who are you?” I told him that my companions had gone ahead and that I was new in this area and did not know the way. He said to me, “Pray the Nafilah (recommended) prayers so that you may find the road,” I readied myself for prayers and recited the night prayers (Namaze’ Shab).

After I completed my prayers, he came to me again and said, “You are still here? Why haven’t you left yet?” I said, “By Allah, I promise that I do not know the way.” He said, “Recite Ziyarate’ Jameah”. I did not Ziyarate’ Jameah by heart and even at that time I knew that I would not be able to complete it. Yet I began reciting it and soon I found that I had recited it completely without any mistake.

As I completed the Ziyarat, the gardener came to me again and said, “You are still here? Why are you sitting here?” I began crying uncontrollably and said, “Yes, I am still here. I do not know the way or else I would have left. “He said,  “Recite Ziyarate’ Ashoora.” I got up and began reciting it. I did not know Ziyarate’ Ashoora by heart and even at that time I knew that I would not be able to complete it. Yet I began reciting it and soon I found that I had recited it completely with the 100 Salaams and 100 curses without any mistake. I even recited Dua’e Alqamah which is to he recited after Ziyarat’e Ashoora.

After I completed the recitation, he came to me again and said, “You are still here? Why haven’t you left yet?” I said, “I will be here at least till the morning.” He said, “Wait, I will reach you to your destination.” He mounted a donkey, hauled the shovel on this shoulder and asked me to climb behind him on the donkey’s back. I complied with his request. At this time, I tugged at the reins of my horse, but he did not move from his place. The gardener said, “Give me the reins of the horse.” I gave them to him. He shifted the shovel to his left shoulder and began walking. Surprisingly, he horse began to move along with him.

While walking, he placed his hand on my thigh and said, “Why don’t you pray Namaze’ Shab”. Then he repeated thrice, “Nafilah, Nafilah, Nafilah!” Then he said, “Why don’t you recite Ziyarate’ Ashoora?” Then he repeated thrice for emphasis, “Ashoora, Ashoora, Ashoora! Then he said, “Why don’t you recite Ziyarate’ Jameah? Then he repeated thrice for emphasis, “Jameah, Jameah, Jameah!” Thus in this way, he reminded me about these three actions.

Suddenly he turned to me and said, “Look there are your friends.” I saw my companions in the distance. They had stopped at the river and were performing wuzoo for their morning namaz. I got down from the donkey and moved towards my horse so that I may reach them. I had hardly reached my horse that I saw the gardener. He had got down from the donkey and was waiting to help me mount my horse. He turned the face of the horse in the direction of my friends.

At this point a few thought began racing through my mind. Who was this person? Firstly, he had been speaking to me in Persian in an area where the language was not spoken. The people in the area were Turkish and followed the Christian religion, and part from them there was no other person in this area. Secondly, he had asked me to recite Nafilah, Ziyarate’ Jameah and Ziyarate’ Ashoora. Thirdly, despite the fact that I had waited for so long at that place, he was able to reach me to my companions in a very short time!

Finally I reached the conclusion that this gardener was none other than Imame’ Zaman (a.s.). However when I turned behind to address him, I could not see anyone. In fact there was no sign at all of any person having been there.

This incident teaches us that we must pay attention to the recitation of Ziyarate’ Ashoora, Ziyarate’ Jameah and Namaze’ Shab. The performance of these actions will be a cause of the pleasure of Allah, the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) and the Imams (a.s.). Inshallah, our difficulties in this world and the Hereafter will be solved by their recitation.

SalamunAlaykum people. Sorry for not updating this blog since long. InsA it will catch up with pace soon.

-In the book of Behaar ul Anwaar, Muhiudeen Arbeli reports an incident thus-

‘Once I was sitting with my father. At that time, another person was also with us whose turban fell down. We noticed that there was the mark of a wound of his head. My father questioned him about it to which he replied that this was a wound of the battle of Siffeen.

My father was astonished and he said, “What are you saying? The incident of Siffeen is a very old one. It is not possible that you would have been present at that time”.

The person said, “Once it so happened that I was going towards Misr (Egypt). In the journey, I happened to be with a person from the tribe of Ghazrah. In the course of our discussion we touched upon the topic of the battle of Siffeen. My companion remarked that if I were present in the battle of Siffeen, I would have coloured my sword with the blood of Ali (a.s.) and the companions of Ali (a.s.). I replied saying that if I were present in the battle of Siffeen, I would have coloured my sword with the blood of Muawiyah (I.a.) and the companions of Muawiyah (I.a.). At this time, you and myself are the companions of Ali (a.s.) and Muawiyah (I.a.) saying this battle ensued between us and it was a severe battle in which both of us were badly wounded. I was in a bad condition and I fell on the ground unconscious.

When I opened my eyes, I saw that a person was getting of his horse and coming towards me. He rubbed my hands over my wounds after which I saw that my wounds had healed. He asked me to wait there and disappeared for some time. When he returned, I saw that he had the head of my enemy in his hands and also his horse was with him. He said, ‘This is the head of your enemy. You have helped us and we have helped you. Allah helps those who help Him.

I said, please tell me who are you. He said I am so and so, implying he was Imame’ Zaman (a.s.). While leaving he said, whenever any person asks you about this wound, you say that it is the wound of Siffeen.”

This incident teaches us that defending the Imam (a.s.) from his enemies in the time of ghaybat is akin to helping the Imam (a.s.) It is preferable to wage an intellectual war with his (a.s.) enemies as jehad is permissible only by the permission of the Imam (a.s.) himself. However if we are confronted, it can only be said that it is human instinct to protest oneself, Surely if we are on the right path, we shall receive the blessings and help of Imame’ Zaman (a.s.) However we should not attempt to be the initiators of such confrontations.

Haaj Sayyed Abtahi narrates the incident ayatollah Haaj Sayyed Mohsin Aameli in his book ‘Mulaqaate’ Imame’ zaman (a.s.)’ (Meetings with Imame’ Zaman (a.s.)).

Aqa Mohsin narrates this incident thus – ‘I traveled to Makkah with the intention of performing Hajj during the period when Shareef Ali ruled the Hejaz. I was extremely desirous of meeting Imame’ Zaman (a.s.) during this journey, but despite my best efforts, I remained deprived of his ziyarat.

I decided to head back home, but felt that since the distance between Makkah and Lebanon is quite a bit, it would be better if I stayed back, and then maybe, I would be blessed with Meeting Imam (a.s.) next year. So I stayed back in makkah. However for the next 5 to 7 years, I did not get any opportunity to present myself before the presence of Imame’ Zaman (a.s.)

During this period I became familiar with the ruler Shareef Ali and used to visit him sometimes, He was one of the Saadaat (from the family of the Holy Prephet (s.a.w.a.)) of Makkah and followed the Zaidi sect of Islam. This means that he accepted the Imamat (mastership) of only 4 Imams- up to Imam Zainul Abedeen (a.s.). During these years, we grew very close to each other.

As I was performing Hajj during my last year in Makkah, my heart was uneasy as I felt that even this year, I would remain without he ziyarat of Imame’ Zaman (a.s.). To escape from this feeling of emptiness, I went away from the city to a high mountain on the outskirts of Makkah. At the mountain peak, I saw that it was laden with such greenery that I had never seen before. I thought to my self that in all my years in Makkah, I should have come here earlier for rest and to refresh myself.

As I walked through the greenery, I saw a tent in the middle of the forest and some people sitting behind it. Of these people, my attention was drawn towards the one who was sitting in the centre of the tent. His personality gave an impression of one who possessed knowledge and wisdom and that that he belonged to a good family. I overheard some portion of his lecture to the others.

“The children of our mother Janabe’ Fatema Zahra (a.s.) are blessed with complete faith and wilayat at the time of their death. None from their progeny dies before his faith is complete and he accepts the true religion.” At this time, a person came from the direction of Makkah and addressed the respected person, “The death of Shareef Ali is imminent, and you must come quickly.” On hearing this, I left that place immediately and went into the palace of the king.

When I reached there I saw that the condition of Shareef Ali was very delicate. The scholars of Ahle Sunnah and their Qazi were sitting around him. They were reminding him of the tenets of the faith of Ahle Sunnah. However Shareef Ali was unable to say a single word. All this time, his son was sitting by his side in a state of anxiety.

Suddenly I was astonished to see the same person (who I had seen earlier giving a lecture on the top of the mountain) entering from the door. He went straight to Shareef Ali and sat by his side. I soon realized that I was the only person in the room who was able to see this respected personality. Others in the room were unaware of this person’s presence. But my own condition before him was such that I could not muster the strength to convey salaam to him nor was I able to move from my place.

He turned his face towards Shareef Ali and said- “Say there is no God but Allah.”

“Say Mohammed (s.a.w.a.) is the servant and the prophet of Allah.”

“Say Ali (a.s.) is the Proof of Allah.”

Shareef repeated one sentence after another in front of Imame’ Zaman (a.s)

In this fashion, the respected personality kept on taking the names of all the Imams and Shareef Ali continued to acknowledge their position and superiority. Finally this respected person reached the name of the 12^th Imam, Imame’ Zaman (a.s.) He said, “Say that you are the Proof of Allah.” (Which means that Shareef was expected to acknowledge that this respected person is the 12^th Imam and the proof of Allah). Shareef said, I bear witness that you are the proof of Allah.

At this point I realized that I had been blessed twice with the ziyarat of Imame’ Zaman (a.s.). But I was disappointed that my strength had ebbed in such a way that I could not speak to him, leave alone present my faith to him.’

The late Ayatollah Sayyed Mohsin Aameli expired in 1371 and is buried in Damascus between the courtyards of the mausoleum of Hazrat Zainab (a.s.)

Apart from the fact that that Imame’ Zaman (a.s.) is available every year in Hajj, this incident point out to the kindness of Imame’ Zaman (a.s.). When he is willing and able to help Shareef Ali- a Zaidi, then it is not difficult that we expect the Imam (a.s.) to help us- his Shiah’s in our difficulties.

We pray to almighty Allah that He shower His bounties upon us. O Allah! It is in our nature that we ask from the one who grants us our desires. O Allah! We ask you by the right of Janabe’ Zahra (a.s.) to grant us death at the feet of Imame’ Zaman (a.s.) in such a condition that Imam (a.s.) himself recites Talqeen for us.

Imam e Zamana has Imam Hussain’s Amama & Aba from Karbala in his sight. Which of course has blood stains all over it. The day when these both (Amama & Aba) will be completely submerged in blood, will be the day when the world will be full of deceit and injustice. Indeed, that will be the day when Imam e Zamana will be commanded by his forefather to hasten his appearance. Indeed, that will be the day of judgement, and justice will be served to this world by him.

We can’t wait for that day Ya Imam of our time. The world is in shackles of injustice and specially we, the Muslims. Al Ajal, Ya Mawla Ya Shahebuz Zaman (as)

Shayakh Jalil ibne Abi Faraas has reported this incident in the last part of his book Tanbihul Khaatir, volume 2.

Ali Ibn Ja’far Madaene Alawi reports that there was an old person living in Kufa who was famous for his piety and worship of Allah. He was considered amongst those who abstain from worldly indulgence. One day he was sitting in the mosque when this old person came up to his father and narrated an incident as follows –

‘One night I was in Masjid’e Jo’fi, which is an old masjid in the outskirts of Kufa. Towards midnight while I was alone and the only person who was engaged in worship, I saw 3 persons entering the mosque. When they crossed about half the courtyard, one of the 3 persons sat on the ground and hit his hand hard on the ground. I saw that a fountain of water emerged from the place where he had hit the ground. Then he performed wuzoo and also ordered his companions to do the same. After his companions had performed wuzoo, he began reciting namaz and his companions prayed behind him. I too joined them in praying namaz. All this while, I was thinking that how was this able to miraculously extract water from dry land.

After the namaz was completed, I turned to the person on my right and asked him, who is this person? He replied, “This is our master Hazrat Imame’ Zaman (a.s.), the son of Imam Hasan Askari (a.s.).’ I presented myself before the Imam and conveyed my salaam to him. I kissed his hand and asked, “O the son of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) what is your opinion about Shareef Omar Ibn Hamzah. Is he from the family of the Prophet? Is he on the right path?

Imam (a.s.) replied, “Presently he is misguided, but Allah has ordained guidance for him. He will not die, but he will be blessed with my ziyarat (visitation)”

Ali ibn Ja’far Madeni Alawi says that he did not narrate this incident to anyone and kept it hidden from the people. A long time passed and Omar Ibn Hamzah expired. Ali Ibn Ja’far Madaeni Alawi wondered that whether he (Omar Ibn Hamzah) was able to meet Hazrat Baqiyatullah (a.s.) before his death (as Imame’ Zaman (a.s.) himself had said) or not.

One day he met this old person who had narrated this incident. He presented himself before him and asked, ‘Did you not say that Shareef Omam Ibn Hamzah would not die before he would Imame’ Zaman (a.s.)? The old man replied, ‘How do you know that he did not get this opportunity before he died?’

The narrator says that after this he met the son of Shareef Omar Ibn Hamzah, who was famous by the name of Abul Manaqeb. He said to Ali Ibn Hamzah, “When my respected father was ill, one night I was present with him. His body was weak and there remained very little hope for his life. He was so weak with illness that even his voice could not be heard by anyone.”

I had shut all the doors of the house. Towards the latter half of the night, I saw a person who had entered the house (his personality was so awesome that I could not muster courage to ask him how he had entered our house). He was sitting next to my father and was calmly speaking to him. All this while my father was crying silent tears. After some time, he left and when he had disappeared from my eyes, my father called me.

Make me sit upright, he said, I helped him sit on the bed. He opened his eyes and asked me about the whereabouts of the person sitting next to him. I said that he had left the same way as he had come. My father commanded me to go out and look for him and bring him back. I saw that the doors of the house were shut as before and I could not find any sign of this person. I returned to my father and narrated this so him.

My father then said, ‘This person was our master Hazrat Imame’ Zaman (a.s)’. Then his illness deteriorated and after a few days he expired.

This incident teaches us that Imame’ Zaman (a.s.) is the true son of Imam Hussain (a.s.) and like his noble grandfather, he too open the doors of guidance for the people during their last moments. We too seek forgiveness from Allah and Imame’ Zaman (a.s.) and pray for his help at the time of our death.

Haaj Sayyed Abtahi narrates the incident of Hujjatul Islam Aqa Haaj Shaykh Mohammed Taqi in his book ‘Mulaqaate’ Imame’ Zaman (a.s.)’ (Meetings with Imame’ Zaman (a.s.)).

Hujjatul Islam Aqa Haaj Shaykh Mohammed Taqi was a famous scholar in the time of Reza Shah Pahlavi. The corrupt Shah had on many occasions imprisoned him and had even exiled him a couple of times. The respected Shaykh narrates an incident as follows.

I intended that I would perform the ziyarat (visitation) of Imam Reza (a.s.) in Mashhad on foot from Najaf in Iraq. As I began my journey, The weather was very cold and the road was covered with snow. There was so much snowfall that the entire area seemed to be enveloped in a white cover!

On that particular day during my journey, It was extremely cold. At sundown, I happened to be near a tea stall. I decided to spend the night there and continue my journey in the morning. As I approached the stall, I saw that it was full with Yazidis (people from the corrupt government) who were gambling. As I did not want to spend the night in the company of gamblers, I stood outside the tea stall and waited there.

Suddenly I heard a voice calling out to me. “O Mohammed Taqi, come here!” I went towards the direction from which the voice had come and saw a person who was sitting under a green date tree. I went towards him and conveyed salaam to which he replied. He said to me, “O Mohammed Taqi, that place is not appropriate for you.” I saw that under the tree there was enough space that a person could comfortably spend the night there. Also, the ground under the tree was dry unlike the rest of the area that was covered with snow. I got under the tree, thankful in the knowledge that if I had to spend the night outside, I would have surely died from the extreme cold.

(It should be mentioned here that Aqa Mohammed Taqi met Imame’ Zaman (a.s) on numerous occasions and this time he was blessed with the meeting of recognition- that means that he was aware that he was in the company of the respected Imam of the Time (a.s.)).

I spent the night in the company of Hazrat Baqiyatullah (a.s) and benefited from his (a.s.) knowledge of the Quran and its Tafseer (exegesis). Towards the morning, we recited our namaz and Imam (a.s.) said to me, “O Mohammed Taqi! The weather is much better and you can continue your journey.” I implored the Imam saying that I would like to stay on and remain with him to serve him. The Imam (a.s.) replied that I did not possess the capacity to remain with him forever. He promised that he would meet me on two occasions during my journey. One of these occasions would be in the city of Qum and the other in Sabzdaar. After that he disappeared from my eyes and I could see him no more.

I continued my journey towards Qum with great haste in anticipation of meeting Imame’ Zaman (a.s.) there. I did not care about my health and just continued relentlessly. Within a few days I reached Qum and was blessed with the ziyarat of Masuma Qum (a.s.) I stayed in Qum for quite some time for the sake of meeting Imame’ Zaman (a.s.) but could not meet him.

I left the city of Qum under great distress – worrying why I was unable to meet Imame’ Zaman (a.s.). After about a month of travelling, I reached the city of Sabzddar. As the city appeared in the distance, my heart was filled with hope. But I was unable to answer the question arising in my mind why Imam (a.s.) had not fulfilled his promise to meet me in Qum.

I was under this mental stress when I heard the neighing of a horse behind me. I turned back to see Imame’ Zaman (a.s.) astride a horse and coming towards me. As my eyes fell of him, he stood there and conveyed salaam to me. I replied to him and complained, “O my master! You had promised me that you would meet me in Qum, but I did not see you there!”

Imame’ Zaman (a.s.) turned to me and said gently, “O Mohammed Taqi! On such and such night, at such and such time and place, I had come close to you. You had just come out of the haram (mausoleum) of my aunt, Masuma Qum (a.s.) a lady from Tehran approached you and asked you a question. You had bowed your head (not looking at her) and were replying to her question. I was standing just beside you. But you were not paying attention and then I left from that place.”

This incident teaches us the Imame’ Zaman (a.s.) helps us in our time of difficulty. It is also possible that Imame’ Zaman (a.s) is near us, is helping us but we may be unaware of his presence.

(Indeed the Imam of our time is always around us whenever we need him, It has been narrated that if you’re stuck in a situation where it is tough to find a reasonable answer or find a way out of a troubled situation, we should always remember Imam e Zamana (as) because he is the one who reigns over this world being the Imam of our time. Kindly try to pray 2 rakats for hastening the reappearance of our Imam & for his safety InsA)

A devout Shiah of Ameerul Mo’meneen (a.s.) Haji Mohammed Hasan had started a small tea stall during the time of the learned Allamah Sayyed Mahdi Bahul Uloom. This tea stall was his only source of income.

One morning it rained a bit and the weather was pleasant. Haji Mohammed Hasan had just opened his stall and no customer and arrived as yet when an officer walked in. He had not even begun sipping his tea when he launched a barrage of expletives towards Ahle Bayt (a.s.) His abuses were especially directed towards Ali (a.s.) and Janabe’ Zahra (a.s.). He was hurling his abuses in such a manner as if he had no control at all over what he was saying. He was talking to himself and laying on the abuses. Hearing this, the blood of Mohammed Hasan began to boil and at that instant be made up his mind to kill this officer, but how?

The officer was armed with a dagger and Mohammed Hasan had no weapon. He thought to himself, “Maybe it is better that I befriend him. Then I can in some way lay my hands on his dagger and kill him with it.” With this intention, he went closer to the officer and served him tow of his best teas and began to talk with him in a friendly manner. He said, “Sir, what a beautiful dagger you have! Where did you get it from and what is its price?” The officer was taken in by his talks and said, “You are right, it is a beautiful dagger and it is very expensive, Look, it even has my name inscribed on the handle.” Saying this he removed the dagger from its cover and gave it to Haji Mohammed Hasan.

Haji Mohammed took the dagger and looked at it lovingly. He was now waiting for the right opportunity to strike at the officer with his weapon. At that time, the officer turned his face away from Haji Mohammed. Same moment, Haji Mohammed struck him with the dagger and plunged it in his back to the hilt. At that time, no customer had come to the stall. Haji Mohammed left him there and turning his back began running in the direction of Basrah.

Haji Mohammed says, “I was very afraid. I ran quickly and by evening I reached Basrah. I did not know what would happen to me now.” In any case, I placed my life in the hands of Imame’ Zaman (a.s.) and said, “O my master, I have performed this action only in your love,” Saying this, I went towards the mosque to spend the night.

Towards the later half of the night, a caretaker entered the mosque. He was blind. He shouted aloud that if any person was in the mosque, he should leave as the doors of the mosque were about to be closed. I was alone in the mosque. I did not want to leave, so I kept quiet.

The caretaker was not convinced that the mosque was completely empty. So he took his stick and began walking around the mosque. All this while, he was trying to wake up any person who may be sleeping and warning them. I kept quiet and did not say a word and managed to stay out of his way.

Finally, He seemed convinced that the mosque was empty of people and proceeded to shut the doors from inside. The moonlight was entering the mosque from one place and in its brightness; I could see what the caretaker was doing.

After shutting the door, he went and sat on a cushion near the mehraab (prayer niche) and began knocking on the mehraab with his stick and asked, “Who is it?” (It was as if someone had come to the door, knocked on it and the care- taker hearing that knock was asking who is it?

The caretaker was talking to himself, “Very good! The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) has come.” He then made an action of opening the doors of the mosque, welcoming the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) and made him (s.a.w.a.) sit on the cushion and presented himself with love before the Prophet (s.a.w.a.).

After some time, he repeated the action of knocking on the walls of the mehraab with his stick and asked in a soft voice, “Who is it?” He began talking to himself again, but this time in a firm voice, “Abu Bakr Siddique!” He continued, “Very good! Abu Bakr Siddique has come!” He then made an action of opening the doors of the mosque and welcoming Abu Bakr and made him sit next to the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a) and presented himself with love and affection.

In this fashion he also welcomed Umar and Usman to the mosque and made them sit near the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.). He was especially kind towards Umar and presented himself with great love and affection.

After this, he slowly hit the walls of the mehraab with his stick in the manner of one who was knocking on the door in fear and asked, “Who is it?” He began talking to himself again, but this time in a very repulsive voice, “Ali ibn Abi Talib!” At this, the caretaker said in a very firm voice, go away! I do not recognize you as a Khalifah of the people! He began to say such words, which were insulting the personality of Ali (a.s.)

Readers may note that the above incidents after he caretaker shut the door were of the imagination of the caretaker who was talking to himself while he was alone in the mosque.

Seeing this drama, I clenched the dagger with which I had killed the officer. I thought to myself, maybe it is not such a bad idea to kill this prejudiced caretaker in the same way I killed the officer. I was anyway a criminal in the eyes of the enemies of Hazrat Ali (a.s.) and Hazrat Fatema (a.s.).

Now whatever has to happen will happen. With this intention, I walked towards the caretaker and killed him with the same dagger.

I then opened the doors of the mosque from inside and began running in the direction of Kufa. I reached Kufa and went straight into the mosque. I sat in one room of the mosque and began pleading with Imame’ Zaman (a.s.). “O may master, I have performed this action only in the love of Hazrat Ali (a.s.) and Hazrat Fatema (s.a.). It is now many days since I have had no news of my family.”

I stayed in the mosque for 3 days. On the third day, a person knocked on the door. I stood up and opened it. The person standing there said, “Sayyed Bahrul Uloom has called you and said that your master would like to meet you.”

Sayyed Bahrul Uloom was sitting in the mehraab of Hazrat Ali (a.s.) in the mosque of Kufa. I presented myself before him. He said, “Imame’ Zaman (a.s.) has said that he has washed away the blood from your stall. You may go peacefully to your home. No one will trouble you on this matter.”

I promised that I would obey his order. I kissed the hand of Sayyed Bahrul Uloom and left immediately for Baghdad.

After listening to Sayyed Bahrul Uloom my heart was at rest and I was not worried any more.

It was noon when I reached Baghdad. I decided to go straight to my stall and see what has been happening there. As I approached my shop, I was surprised to see a crowd gathered there. There were many customers in my stall who were sitting on chairs and having tea. As I came close, I got a shock. There was a person at the counter who looked exactly like me! I stood there not knowing what to make of this phenomenon. As I came to the door of the shop, I realized that no one was paying attention to me and it seemed that they were unaware of my presence. The person at the counter (whose face and mannerisms were exactly like mine) came towards me holding a tray in his hands. He gave me the tray and the next instant disappeared from my eyes.

In order to avoid the people from noticing anything, I went to the counter and began serving my customers as if nothing had happened. Towards evening as I was about to close the shop, I realized that my wife had asked me a few day ago to bring some sugar.

I went to the market and purchased a few kilos of sugar. As I reached home, my wife opened the door. I gave the packet of sugar, seeing which she said, “Why have you brought sugar?” I reminded her that she herself had asked me a few days ago to purchase some for her. She in turn told me that I had already brought it the same night. Anyway before she could ask me any more questions about my disappearance, I walked into the house, I realized that the same person who was at the shop had been coming home every night.

That night I saw that she was preparing my bed in the other room. I asked her the reason for that. She said, “Since the past few days, you have not been speaking much with me and had ordered me to prepare your bed separately in that room.” I said to her, “From now on you can start preparing my bed in the same room as yours.”

This incident teaches us that if a person kills the enemies of the infallible Imams (a.s.) with the sole intention of Allah and out of his love for them- then seeks the help from the Imam of his Time (a.s.), then he should realise that after Allah, Imame’ Zaman (a.s.) is the most powerful entity on this earth. In the above incident, not only does the Imam (a.s.) save him from his crime but also takes care of his children and family.

The enemies of Imame’ Zaman (a.s.) and the pure Imams have always been present and will continue to be till reappearance. With them we should behave like Amr bil Ma’roof and Nahi anil Munkar (enjoining good and forbidding evil).

(Please note: The incident only guides us to make our belief firm in the Imam of our time, Imam e Zamana. Kindly note, we have bigger personalities like Ali (a.s) and Hussain (a.s) to learn from. Refrain from making any such decisions like Mohamad Hasan who is mentioned. Indeed, what he did was purely for his love for Ahlulbayt (a.s). We ourselves would come to the verge of killing a human if we see them abusing our immediate family members, and the love for Ahlulbayt (a.s) is far away to be mentioned in the category. If you really want to do something on seeing someone cursing you or the Ahlulbayt (a.s) then pray two rakat’s of namaz and make a dua for them.This shall surely help, InshaAllah)

Al Ajal, Al Ajal! Ya Mawla Ya Shahebaz Zaman Aleyhis Salam!

Amongst the many favours granted to us by Allah, it is that apart from physical well being, He has granted us well being in religion by keeping us steadfast on the path of His Last Proof- Hazrat Imame’ Zaman (a.s)

One of the principles of the Shia’h creed is that the Divine Representative is superior to the creatures in every aspect. Whether it is knowledge, wisdom, forbearance, bravery, patience, devotion or any other skill. This is the reason why we should always refer to him (a.s.) in every aspect of our lives. It is observed in the eras of the companions of the Holy prophet (s.a.w.a) and the Imams (a.s.) that the companions would refer to the Divine Representative in the smallest of matters. And the infallibles would provide them with a solution for their problems and difficulties.

There is a famous incident during the time of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) that a woman brought her son to the prophet (s.a.w.a) complaining of her son’s excessive consumption of dates. The Prophet (s.a.w.a) asked her to visit him after a couple of days and then only told her son not to eat too much of dates. The child dropped the habit. From this incident we learn that we should always refer to the Divine Representatives for the smallest of problems, be it of a spiritual or spiritual nature.

A person came of Imam Reza (a.s.) and said, “O Master! There is a Shia’h who has a come difficulty and wishes that he disclose this to you, but is unable to do so.” The Imam replied that he should only open his mouth (express his desire even thought I am aware of it).

This incident shows us that information of our difficulty not only reaches the Imam (a.s.) but he is also afflicted with it before us. In fact, more often than not we are relived of this problem even without seeking its respite.

As it is revealed by the famous tradition of Imame’ Zaman (a.s.)

“It is through me that Allah, the Mighty and Glorious drives away calamities from my progeny and my Shiahs”¹

Imame’ Zaman (a.s.) who is the Divine Representative of the Age has the power and authority to grant us whatever we want, whenever we want with Allah’s permission. Even if our demand is not good for us, he (a.s.) can make it beneficial for us and grant our demands. There are many incidents of this nature involving other Infallibles (a.s.) as well as Imame’ Zaman (a.s.)

I was experiencing this desire to write for a long time, but could not take any firm step in this regard. Only Imam (a.s.) could know the reason for this, for surely he is the one who distributes. Taufeeqaat (opportunities). However, it is also true that our deficient acts and laziness prevent the flow of Taufeeqaat. That is why narrating some incidents of some people who have had the honour of meeting Imame’ Zaman (a.s.) They have also had the opportunity of their problems being solved by Imam (a.s.) In this regard, we should pay attention to the following.

1.      Imame’ Zaman (a.s.) solves most of our problems without appearing in person or without mentioning it to us. That is why we should not have any unreasonable demand that he (a.s.) appears in person to solve our problems.

2.      We need not be very knowledgeable for Imam (a.s.) to solve our problem. Sincerity in action and intention are the only criteria. We must be particular in observing the obligatory acts and refraining from prohibited acts, as Imam (a.s.) says,

“Then each one of you should do those deeds which bring you closer to our love and refrain from (all such acts) which make you nearer to our displeasure and anger’²

3.      We should not become depressed if we are unable to meet Imam (a.s.) despite our excessive prayers for the same. For surely, it is obvious that Imam (a.s.) is in ghaybat (occultation) and one of the demands of ghaybat is that Imam (a.s.) appears in person only in very urgent matters. It is possible that Imam (a.s.) may not have found it necessary to meet you in person to solve your problem.

4.      Undoubtedly, meeting Imame’ Zaman (a.s.) is a great honour, but Islam reminds the Muslims that he should be humble and thankful and not be proud and arrogant. As Allah Himself says in the Holy Quran.

“If you thank Me, I will increase it (your bounties)”

There are three objectives for mentioning these incidents on the blog here:

1.      As Allah Himself declares in the Quran in the last verse of Surah Aale’ Imran.

“O those who believe!  Be patient and excel in patience and remain steadfast, and be careful of (your duty to) Allah that you may be successful.”

Imam Sadiq (a.s.) say regarding this verse,

“Perform the obligatory acts, be patient on oppressions and be in contact with the imam of the Time,”

We observe that Allah has imposed four conditions for our success:

1.         Performance of the obligatory acts

2.         Patience on oppression

3.         Contact with the Imam of the Time

4.         Acquiring piety

If we pay attention to the above verse, it would be very evident that true success is impossible without being in contact with the Imam. And if we are in contact with the Imam, then the performance of the other three conditions becomes easy. When Allah the Almighty has ordered his servants to be in contact with His Imam (a.s.), then it is obvious that even Imam (a.s.) is aware of the apparent and hidden meanings of this verse. When the servant seeks to be in contact with the Imam (a.s.) then even the Imam (a.s.) turns his attention towards the servant, In fact, the attention of the Imam (a.s.) is the cause for our success in this world and the hereafter.

During the time of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) the children of the Quraysh often stoned the prophet (s.a.w.a.). At These moment Ali (a.s.) used to safe guard the Prophet (s.a.w.a.) Once Ali (a.s.) saw one of the companions of the prophet (s.a.w.a.) in a distressed state. Ali (a.s.) asked him the reason for his distress. He replied, “My son is amongst those stoning the Prophet (s.a.w.a),” Ali (a.s) asked him, “What do you wish?” He replied, “O Ameerul Mo’meneen! I wish that my son were guided. “Ali (a.s.) turned back and simply glanced at the child. The child’s faith underwent such a transformation that he was martyred while fighting for Ali (a.s.) in one of the battles.

It will not be surprising if we also ask Imam (a.s.) to glance at our children and us and guide us. Then Imam (a.s.) being the last son of Ameerul Mo’meneen Ali (a.s.) guides us with his glance, so much so that we attain martyrdom below his flag. And we become a model for the saying “They succeeded a great success!”

2.      The second objective is the in place of fictitious stories, we should narrate those true incidents of people who have met Imame’ Zaman (a.s.) This will be the cause of developing the love of Imam (a.s.) in the heart of our children since childhood. They will learn that they should refer to Imam (a.s.) in their difficulties, which will be the cause of their success in this world and the hereafter. Moreover, Imam (a.s.) will be pleased with this action.

A youth who heard incidents of people meeting Imam (a.s.) from a very early age narrates, “I write letters to Imam (a.s.) on my computer everyday.  I do not save these letters on my computer, but I delete them after writing. However it is my firm belief that Imam (a.s.) receives these letters because I have always observed the fulfillment of every demand written in my letters to Imam (a.s.).”

An engineering student narrates that I went to appear for my exams after studying a lot. But I got very nervous when I received the question paper in my hands. I forgot most o what I had studies. But as soon as I remembered Imame’ Zaman (a.s.) I started recollecting the answers one by one.

Indeed, no other religion has such a leader who actually comes to the help of the student even in the examination hall while no one realizes it. Then the student says that he secured the highest marks in this paper.

3.      The third objective is that when we receive help from the Imam, we ourselves realize it and make our children realize that Imam (a.s.) loves us so much despite being in occultation. Therefore we should pray even more for his reappearance so that we can benefit from his (a.s.) love without any barriers.

At the end, we pray to Allah, the Mighty and Glorious through the mediation of the Infallible Imams (a.s.) that He makes this insignificant effort worthy of reward. In this way we can dedicate this to the dearest one of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.), the constant companion of Ali (a.s.) the mother of the Imams (a.s.) – Janabe’ Zahra (s.a.)

We pray to her that if we are unworthy of meeting her son, Imame’ Zaman (a.s.) in this world; then at least at the time of our death, at the time of reappearance, in the first night in our grave, at the time of Seraat (the bridge), at the time of Meezan (the weighing of deeds), we should definitely get an opportunity to meet him. For we have nothing from our actions that merit reward and success for us except love for Ahle’ Bayt (a.s.). We wait for the day of reappearance because our hearts are filled with the desire to avenge the oppression upon you. We also request you to accept our heartfelt thanks to you and your son (a.s.) for this Taufeeq. We request you to grant us the opportunity to perform more actions like these. It is indeed our good fortune to be a servant for your son. Do not deprive us of this good fortune.