( Imam Mahdi (A.S
؟Can a man, have such a long life
On the basis of the science of physiology the human body is composed of Billions of cells and tissues. With the passage of time, the cells get old and worn out and wither away and young cells take their place. This is how the schedule of life goes on
That thing which worn the man out and stop the cells from performing their activity and work and brings the gift of death to man are the harmful microbes which enter the human body from various ways and start a combat against the cells and annihilate them
The knowledge of medicine (prevention and cure of disease) is a witness to it that if man commands the perfect knowledge and acquaintance with the condition of body, diets and the perilous and harmful substances and completely looks after his health and is careful about his food his life will prolong. He will not meet an early approaching old age
From this point of view the scholars and scientists have been able to prolong the lives of a few animals to many times their (natural) length, through experiments. In this way, man can, by virtue of vast knowledge and respecting the rules and regulations of health, live for a number of centuries
A scholar must search for many long years to reach and lay his hand upon a secret of the knowledge, to get acquainted with only a piece of it. But Imam-e-Zaman (A.S.) all the stocks of whose knowledge are bestowed upon him by the God does not need to traverse all that long way and he can travel the length of centuries in one moment and reach the result.
In this way, it would not be anything difficult, from the scientific point of view that he (Imam [A.S.]) by the vast knowledge, which has been gifted to him by the God, may lead his life for hundreds of years with health and safety of his youth and old age and wearing off does not approach him
On the other hand, the length of the life of Imam-e-Zaman is not more surprising and amazing than the extinguishing of the fire (of Namrod) for Ibrahim/Abraham (A.S.), the bifurcating and division of the river Nile for Musa/Moses (A.S.) to cross over and turning of a pole into a serpent, which are the show and manifestation of the power of God
philosophy of awaiting
Awaiting In The Perspective Of Responsibilities
Awaiting' (Intezar) is the result of two conditions. Firstly, he is not satisfied with the present circumstances and secondly, he expects the improvement in his circumstances. If either of these conditions are not fulfilled then it is not awaiting and the person concerned is not an 'awaiter' *(Muntazir
The awaiting of Hazrat Imam Mahdi (A.S.) also holds the same distinct characteristics. Even here awaiting purports that an awaiter is not satisfied with his present circumstances and is hoping for a bright and better future
A believer is a witness to the assaults of the enemies of Islam which they are inflicting on Islam with their full might and munitions. The genuineness of beliefs and deeds are not judged as per the criterion set by Quran and Hadith. Instead they are examined through the clannish prejudice and norms set by their forefathers. In such circumstances, a genuine awaiter should not sit idle. Rather, the Holy Quran has instructed him in these words
"And say to those who do not believe that you act as much you can. We are also trying. You all await and surely we all are awaiting."
It is an open challenge for the enemies, that let them make their best efforts. In the light of this challenge can anyone say that awaiting implies sitting idle and remaining oblivious ? Or awaiting means to remain always alert and defeat enemies on every front. Of course, it necessitates that a believer should never exult on his strength but should always rely on Allah. Because reliance in Allah gives victory to weaklings over their stronger adversaries. Imam
"If you act on our advices and teachings and remain in the same conditions, then whosoever dies before the advent of our Qaem (A.S.) will attain martyrdom."
(Beharul-Anwar, Vol. 52, Chap. 22)
In another tradition Imam Jafar Sadiq (A.S.) said
"The one who desires to be among the companions of Hazrat Qaem (A.S.), then he must wait, adopt piety and behave courteously. If he dies in such a condition before the advent of Qaem (A.S.), then his reward will be similar to the one who attains his (Qaem's (A.S.)) era. Hence strive vigorously, await his arrival congratulations to you all for your relentless awaiting".
While the first tradition calls for complete emulation ofAhle-Bait (A.S.) so that human thinking and beliefs may not be distracted from the right path the second tradition exhorts for adopting piety and doing good, so that even in the field of practice, their should not be any aberration
The following tradition further clarifies that awaiting does not mean remaining idle and careless. It never purports mere verbal claim without practice but it signifies endless efforts and incessant endeavors as Hazrat Mahdi (A.S.)himself says
"Then all of you must do such deeds which draw you nearer to our love and affection. And refrain from such acts which evokes your anger and displeasure"
(Beharul Anwar, Vol. 53, Chap. 21)
He is the true awaiter who always seeks to please his Imam (A.S.). His every effort is directed at achieving the invaluable pleasure of Imam (A.S.) and it is but evident that the pleasure of Imam is in abiding by the tenets of Islam and not in its sacrilege.
It is a command for us and our Imam has encouraged us and has instilled enthusiasm in us through these words
"We are not negligent of your affairs and are not forgetful of your remembrance. Had it been so, then terrible calamities would have struck you and your enemies would have destroyed you. Fear Allah, strengthen your hands, so that we may relieve you of the tribulations that have afflicted you."
Such love, kindness, affection, and fondness is not found even in the parents, let alone anyone else. After seeing so much kindness and compassion whose heart will not he moved for action? Whose eyes will not shed tears at the separation from such in Imam, while his love is glowing in his heart when we see such a magnanimity we yearn to place our forehead at his feet. But the burdens of sins benumbed our agility and the clutches of bad character retarded our steps. The reason of being deprived of his esteemed presence, as explained by Imam (A.S.) himself, is that
"If our Shias would have fulfilled their covenants with united hearts then surely there would have been no delay in our meeting and they would have received the blessings of our visitation. But the things which increased the distance between us are those news which we have received about them regarding those actions which we dislike and which we do not expect from them." (Beharul Anwar, Vol. 53, Chap. 21 )
In this Tauqee a signed letter from Imam (A.S.)] Imam has not only explained the reason for the delay in his reappearance but lias also shown a clearway to approach him. When a true awaiter is blessed with tlie Ziyarat of Imam (A.S.) in Samarrah then he addresses his dearest Imam thus
"0 Master be a witness I pledge to thee even if your occultation is prolonged to such an extent that my life is on the verge of exhaustion. Still my certitude will enhance every moment. Your love will keep on increasing manifold, with the increment in my trust in you. I will keep waiting for you unswervingly and 1 shall he waiting for (your) call of Jehad relentlessly
"May my life, my wealth, my children, my family and whatever Allah has conferred upon me, be sacrificed for you and I leave them in your authority."
[ Mafatihul-Jenan, Ziyarate-lmam-e-Asr (A.S.) ]
It becomes clear after this explanation that a true awaiter never tires of waiting for Imam. He keeps on exerting continuously instead of being a silent spectator.
Merely being discontent with the present circumstances is not sufficient hut he must strive to bring change in it. It becomes evident that in such vicious atmosphere and sinful surroundings, what is the responsibility of a true awaiter? And how important it is? Besides these there are also other responsibilities which are as follows
Character Building
The foremost thing which a true awaiter is expected to do is to build his character. Character-building implies following the tenets of Islam, developing good traits and purify his self in such a way that every aspect of his personality should reflect the teachings of Ahlebait (A.S.). Often the friends and helpers of Hazrat Mahdi (A.S.) are described with such superlatives
"Those who will believe in the hidden Imam they are the most pious ones and their faith is of the highest degree. They will establish prayers and spend generously in the way of God. They believe firmly in Quran and other divine scriptures and they are certain of Qiyamat.'
( Tafsire-Nurus-Saqlain, Vol. 1, Sura Baqarah )
"They are obedient, sincere, honorable, good doers, patient, devout, helpers of the oppressed, cordial and pure-hearted."
Their hearts are of steel. If they cast a glance at an iron mountain, it will crumble and reduce to bits. (llzamun-Naasib, Vol. 1, Pg. 67
Their bodies will emit fragrance of musk, while their countenance will be dazzling like a full moon." ( Kamaluddin, Chap. 24, Tradition No. 11
"They will be braver than lions and sharper than spears." (Beharul-Anwar, Vol. 52, Chap. 27, Tradition 17
"They will worship at night." (Muntakhabul Asar section 9, Chap: 3, Tradition No.1
(Now whosoever wishes to be among the friends and helpers of Hazrat Mahdi (A.S.) then he must adorn his self with the above mentioned attributes and characteristics
"In the period of occupation they will hold religious convictions and will not allow the devil to meddle with their faith. (Kamaluddin.Pg.51
Their gnosis will be pure and veritable, while their faith will increase constantly. They will mould their character in such a way that nothing will stop them from emulating the Ahlebait (A.S.)."(Kamaluddin, Pg, 51
These excerpts were extracted from various traditions which clarifies that in the period of occultation one of our P vital responsibilities is to absorb the teachings of Ahlebait (A.S.) in our character and personality so that we may not wander hither and thither while our beloved Imam (A.S.) is far from our eyes. In such an aimless wandering, it is quite possible that a wanderer may end up getting attached to any mundane caller, because every belief which is not a product of the teachings of Ahlehait (A.S.) is a clear deviation and every courteousness which does not reflect their mannerisms is intact sheer discourtesy
It is a proven fact that as much as a man holds Imam (A.S,) dearer that much he will be attracted towards good deeds and demeanors. And he will cleanse his self from bad habits and vices. Numerous such incidents can he found in the hooks, stories of those persons, particularly youths who felt the love of Imam (A.S.) in their hearts which changed their entire lives. Undoubtedly, love is such an elixir by which every impossible is made possible. The Reformation Of Society
One of our important responsibilities in the period of occultation is the reformation of society. The holy Quran inSurae-Asr has suggested a remedy for those who want to remain secure from loss i.e. enjoining patience to each other'. Islam is against reclusion and ascetism. Rather it advocates a social and public life. The deplorable aspect of the contemporary world is that people want to lead a social life hut due to the fear of society, they do not want to take any initiative for reformation. The fear of "what the people will say" has superseded the fear of God.Hazrat Imam Ali Naqi (A.S.) has extolled the virtues of those who are fulfilling their responsibilities in the period of occultation in the following words
"Had there not been such scholars in the period of occultation who call the people towards the Ahlebait (A.S.), guide towards them, defend their religion with the proofs of Allah, protect weak Shias from the devilish designs, deception of the tyrants and tentacles of the enemies of Islam, then surely all would have deviated from the religion of Allah. But it is they who are guarding the hearts of the weak Shias like a captain guards the passengers on his ship. They are those who enjoy a supreme position in front of Allah".(Mahajjatul-Baizaa, Vol. 1, Pg. 32
If they would not reform their society then how would it he known that the whole society is awaiting Hazrat Mahdi (A.S.). The following tradition throws light on our responsibilities in the period of occultation
In the exegesis of the Holy Quran attributed to Imam Hasan Askari (A.S.), the Holy Prophet (S.A.) had explained the significance of word 'Orphan' in the following verse;
(Baqarah : 83) The Holy Prophet (S.A.) said
"Allah the Almighty has commanded to do good with the orphans and to act as (a source of) guidance for them. Since they are deprived of their kind and affectionate father. Allah will extend his grace to the one who will have mercy on the orphans. If a person caresses the head of an orphan then as many number of hairs come under his hand those many vast and expansive palatial mansions will be given to him in Paradise. This place will contain all sorts of comforts and luxuries in its precincts... These people will stay in it forever."
(Tafseer attributed to Imam Hasan Askari (A.S.),Pg.239
Imam Hasan Askari further elucidates the tradition of Holy Prophet (S.A.) in these words
"There is another orphan whose plight is more pitiful. He is the one who is far from his Imam and cannot have access to him. He who is not aware of his religious obligations
Yes indeed 0' people - one who teaches and trains our far off Shias then he is similar to the guardian of an orphan
Be aware if somebody teaches an ignorant, guides a misguided one, instills the teachings of Ahlebait then on the day of Qiyamat he will be with us. We will give him a seat next to us wherever we may be."
(Tafseer attributed to Imam Hasan Askari (A.S.) , Pg. 239)
In this period of occultation, when we are separated from our kind Imam(A.S.) then what else can he the reward of teaching, training, and reforming the society ? Where is the teaching and training of society and where is the proximity to Masumeen (A.S.) and the fortune of staying with them ? This tradition is sufficient to enlighten the keen and sensitive Shias. Even women can join hands with men in fulfilling this responsibility
Remembering Imam Mahdi (PBUH): An important responsibility
Our responsibilities duringthe major occultation (Ghaibat) of Imam Mahdi (PBUH) have been dealt with in great detail in the book,'Mikyalul Makarem Fi Favaidid Dua lil Qaem' byAyatollah Mohammad Taqi Musawi Isfahani . He has highlighted the responsibilities in the second volume of the book
Just by looking at the responsibilities outlined in the book it should be clear to the reader that fulfilling these duties is beneficial to us and forsaking them is detrimental to our interests. We realize that executing these responsibilities is proof of our love and attachment for Imam (PBUH). Performance of action is an important indication of strength of faith. Moreover, it makes one successful in this world and the hereafter. We will discuss one important responsibility, which is fairly easy to observe and very beneficial. The duty is remembering Imam (PBUH) and reminding others about him (PBUH). This responsibility can be accomplished individually as well as socially
The first step in fulfilling this duty is toincrease our love towards Ahle Bait (PBUH). Books are laden with traditions regarding the love of Ahle Bait (PBUH). Here, we will outline three traditions dealing with the topic
Imam Jafar Sadiq (PBUH) says
'Surely for every act of worship, there is another superior to it and the love of us - Ahle Bait - is the most superior act of worship.'
(Behaarul Anwaar, vol. 27, pg. 91, trad. 148)
We are thankful to Allah that we were born in a family where the love of Ahle Bait (PBUH) was continuously infused in our hearts, just as food and water was constantly fed into our bodies
The standard for perfect faith and glad tidings on the Day of Judgment is the love of Imam Mahdi (PBUH). The Holy Prophet (PBUH) declared
'(If one wishes) to have perfect faith and desires that his Islam is best, then he should love Imam Mahdi (PBUH). Whoever loves those (Imams) and accepts their mastership, then I take guarantee from Allah, the High, for Paradise.'
(Behaarul Anwar, vol. 36, pg. 296)
The only way to increase the love of Ahle Bait (PBUH) is
their remembrance. An important benefit of this remembrance is that we will be safe from the assaults of Satan. A great scholar used to explain to his students that Satan is smarter than we are. He has promised Allah that he will deviate the progeny of Adam (PBUH). To achieve his aim he employs various tactics to deviate us. The easiest and the most successful way to save ourselves from his deceit is put the shield of remembrance of Ahle Bait (PBUH) between ourselves and Satan. We find a similar concept in traditions as explained by the scholar to his students. Satan stays away from those who are busy in the remembrance of Ahle Bait (PBUH).
Imam Sadiq (PBUH) said to his famous companion, Dawood bin Sarhan
'O Dawood, give my salutations to my Shias and convey my message to them that when two persons meet and discuss our traditions then Allah's mercy is on both of them. The third between them is an angel who seeks forgiveness for them. No two persons meet and discuss about us but Allah prides Himself on this fact among His angels. (I order you) whenever you meet keep yourself busy in our remembrance. This remembrance enlivens our affairs. The best people after us are those who narrate our traditions and invite people towards them.'
(Behaarul Anwaar, vol. 1, pg. 200)
Imam (PBUH) in this brief tradition has conveyed some important points:
Whenever two persons discuss the traditions of the Holy Infallibles (PBUH), the third entity among them is an angel and not Satan.
The angel seeks forgiveness for all persons participating in the discussion. It is quite possible that our repentance is not accepted by Allah, but the supplications of angels are always accepted
The holy Infallible Imam (PBUH) is constantly praying for Allah's mercy for all these persons who discuss the traditions
Imam Ja’far Sadiq (PBUH) has ordered us to gather and discuss traditions of the Ahle Bait (PBUH)
When their traditions are discussed, the affairs of the holy Infallibles (PBUH) are enlivened
Allah, the Almighty, prides over such gatherings
Such people will be enumerated among the best people
There is another incident about the significance of remembering Imam Mahdi (PBUH). Once an old person fromSyria came to Imam Ja’far Sadiq (PBUH). He saluted Imam (PBUH), kissed his hand and started crying. Imam (PBUH) consoled him and asked him the reason for crying. He said: O master! After the incident of Karbala, every day I have been anticipating that maybe today or tomorrow, this week or the next week, this month or the next month, this year or the next year, an individual from the progeny of Imam Hosein (PBUH) will rise and avenge his blood. But I do not see any sign of this (rising) in you.' After hearing this, Imam (PBUH) cried even more than the old man and said: O old man, I am not that individual (who is to rise) but he is the last from us, Hujjat bin Hasan Askari (PBUH). As you have his love in your heart and you await him, even if you die before his reappearance he will raise you from your grave
(Muntahal Aamaal, Shaykh Abbas-e-Qummi)
According to reliable traditions,our deeds are presented to Imam(PBUH) twice a week. When he (PBUH) glances at our bad deeds he (PBUH) cries intensely and supplicates to Allah that their (Shias) hearts are filled with the love of my ancestors (PBUH), therefore forgive their sins
Let’s resolve that from today, we will perform certain recommended acts to remember Imam (PBUH) and through it, we will save ourselves from the attacks of Satan. With this we will include ourselves amongst those people for whom the angels seek forgiveness and Allah prides over them. In this manner we will be under Allah's perpetual mercy and will be included among the true lovers of Imam Husain (PBUH) and not be the cause of Imam's (PBUH) sorrow and grief
To reciteDua Ahad after every Morning Prayer. It is narrated from Imam Ja’far Sadiq (PBUH) that one who recites Dua Ahad for forty mornings then he will be included among the companions and helpers of Imam (PBUH) at the time of his (PBUH) reappearance. If he dies before Imam's (PBUH) reappearance, he (PBUH) will raise him from his grave. We remember Imam (PBUH) in this Dua (Supplication) with these beautiful words
'They (enemies) perceive your reappearance as distant but we consider it as near
'O my Allah, if death comes between me and him (Imam (PBUH)), which you have decreed as a certainty for your servants, then raise me from my grave, enshrouded, my sword uncovered, wielding a naked spear answering to the call of the caller in cities as well as deserts
This supplication can be found in Mafateehul Jinaan
Every Friday morning to organize an assembly forDua Nudba in the house and/or in the locality. Nudba means intense wailing. In this supplication, the lovers of Imam Hosein (PBUH) in the condition of waiting asks
'Where is the one who will take the revenge of the blood of the martyrs ofKarbala
'I wish I had known where you are living!'
'May my life be sacrificed for you, you are the desire of every believing man and woman who has remembered you and sympathized with you
This supplication can also be found in Mafateehul Jinaan
To organize gatherings and assemblies wherein Imam (PBUH) is remembered. Enliven the hearts of your children and believers. It is narrated in traditions that hearts are enlivened with the remembrance of Imam (PBUH) and sins are forgiven. The hearts will remain alive on that Day when all other hearts will be dead. For more details, refer Behaarul Anwaar, vol. 1, pg. 200.
Read and narrate the incidents of people who have met Imam (PBUH) so that the desire and love of meeting Imam (PBUH) is revived in the hearts. A lover of Imam (PBUH) has stated beautifully
'We desire to see you but this journey is not possible. If we are unable to reach you, then you only come to us.'
As it is commanded in the last verse of Sura Aal-e-Imran, 'And be in contact’ Imam Ja’far Sadiq (PBUH) says
'Be in contact with your Imam, the Awaited One'. Day and night whenever you get the time be in contact with your Imam (PBUH
'And be in contact’ in occultation means to always remember Imam (PBUH), to seekmediation (tawaasul) through him (PBUH) and to seek solution of all our problems through him (PBUH) only
Shaikh Abu Amr has narrated'Dua Ghaibat' from Imam (PBUH). This supplication should be recited on Friday. Sheikh Abbas Qumi has narrated in his book, 'Muntahal Aamaal' that even if no recommended action is performed on Friday then at least one should read this supplication and should never abandon it as it is prayed to have perfect belief in Imam (PBUH) in the period of occultation.
This supplication can be found in Mafateehul Jinaan
Before performing any action we must think whether Imam (PBUH) will be pleased with it or not?
Allah, by the right of Lady Zahra fill our hearts with the love of Imam (PBUH) and give us the Chance to remember him (PBUH) and make others remember him (PBUH
In the month of Muharram or even otherwise, whenever we cry for the martyrs of Karbala and the prisoners of Ahle Bait (PBUH), we should offer our condolences to the one who will avenge the blood of Imam Hosein (PBUH) and we should pray for his earliest reappearance
We must celebrate the birthday of Imam (PBUH) on 15th Sha’ban in such a way that people inquire about the occasion. Apart from reciting verses in praise of Imam (PBUH), we should organize other programs so that people can increase theirrecognition (marefat) of Imam (PBUH) and attain proximity towards him (PBUH
(Favors of Imam Mahdi (PBUH
Many people have been graced with the opportunity to meet Imam Mahdi (PBUH) in person. However, in this article we present only those anecdotes where this special favor of Imam (PBUH) has been conferred on the religious scholars and jurists
1. Muqaddas Ardebili
Muqaddas Ardebeli was an illustrious Shi’a scholar. It is well-known about him that whenever he used to encounter a difficult problem which he was unable to solve, he used to go to the tomb of Imam Ali (PBUH) and present his problem. Imam Ali (PBUH) invariably provided the solution.
One of the students of Allama Ardebili who was following his teacher closely states: "It was nearmidnight when being tired of studying, I was strolling in the courtyard of the shrine of Imam Ali (PBUH). In the luminous night, when all the doors of the sanctum were locked, I saw a person coming towards the tomb of Ali (PBUH). For a moment, I thought that it was a thief who intended to commit a robbery. I followed him. But when he reached the main door, to my utter amazement, the door swung open and the padlock opened by itself in welcome. He continued to move towards the grave and whenever he neared a door, it opened by itself till he entered the sanctum of Imam Ali (PBUH) in a grand manner. He stood there and saluted the Imam (PBUH). He received the reply to his salutations and commenced the conversation. When the dialogue ended, he emerged and headed towards the mosque of Kufa. I followed him in order to get to the bottom of the mystery. When he reached the mosque of Kufa, he entered the Mihrab (niche of prayers where the Imam stands) and began to converse with someone in a subdued voice. After the conversation was over, he came out of the mosque and walked back to Najaf. It was almost dawn when he was near the gate of the twin city. Suddenly, I felt like sneezing and though I tried my best to suppress it, I could not. The person ahead of me turned around and came towards me. On a closer look, I recognized him to be my honorable teacher, the great scholar Ayatollah Muqaddas Ardebili
After conveying my greeting to him, I said, "From the time, you entered the Holy Mausoleum till now, I have been following you. I beg to know with whom were you talking at the mausoleum of Imam Ali (PBUH) and the mosque of Kufa?"
Muqaddas Ardebili first put me under an oath not to disclose this secret till he was alive. Then proceeded to tell me that whenever he came across a difficult problem in Islamic laws which he could not solve, he used to present this query to Imam Ali (PBUH) and obtain the solution for the same. Last night, Ali (PBUH) directed me to contact Imam Mahdi (PBUH) and said, "My son Mahdi (PBUH) is at the Mosque of Kufa. He is the Imam of your time. Go to him and seek the solution of your problem."
Obeying the order of Ali (PBUH), I went to the Kufa mosque and found Imam Mahdi (PBUH) standing in theMihrab. I presented my problem to my Master and received the solution.
(Al Anwaarun Nomamiya, Vol. 2, pg. 303)
2. Sheikh Morteza Ansari
After the demise of Ayatollah Sheikh Muhammad Hasan (the author of al-Jawaahir) the people considered Sheikh Morteza Ansari as theMarja Taqleed (the most learned Mujtahid to be followed)
Consequently, they requested him to compile his Book of Islamic Law. Upon this he said: "I refuse to accept this great position because Ayatollah Mazandarani is yet amongst us. He is more learned than me and resides at Babil. Thus I cannot compile my own Book."
Sheikh Morteza Ansari wrote a letter to Ayatollah Mazandarani requesting him to come to Najaf so that he may assume control and supervision of the Shi’a institutes of learning.
Ayatollah Mazandarani replied to Sheikh Ansari: "It is true that when I was at Najaf, I used to be more knowledgeable in jurisprudence when I held debates with you. But I have settled down in Babil for quite some time. I do not participate in classes nor do I teach any more. I have also stopped all kinds of debates and discussions. Hence, I consider you more learned and eligible for this position and request you to accept the same."
Despite this communication, Sheikh Morteza Ansari refused to accept the position of Marja Taqleed and thought to himself, "If my Master, Hazrat Imam Mahdi (PBUH) gives me the permission and bestows favor upon me by appointing me to this post, I shall accept it."
One day Sheikh Ansari was delivering a lecture to his students. A stranger entered the gathering. He seemed to be of a noble and dignified lineage. The Sheikh welcomed him with respect. The stranger posed a question to Sheikh Ansari in the presence of his students, "What is the order for a woman whose husband has transformed into any other form(Maskh)? [1] since this type of punishment has not been decreed for the people of this age, we do not find this problem in any of the books of Islamic Law."
Sheikh Ansari answered, "As this question is not mentioned in the books of jurisprudence, I am unable to reply."
"But suppose such an eventuality does occur, then what would be the duty of the woman whose husband has undergone transformation?" the stranger persisted.
At this Sheikh Ansari replied, "My opinion (Fatwa) is that a woman whose husband has turned into an animal should observe iddah [2] of divorce and after this period, she can remarry. It is because her husband is still alive and has a soul intact. As for the woman whose husband has turned into a dead object, must observe the iddah of death (of husband). She can marry only after this iddah. This is due to the fact that her husband has turned into a dead thing and should be considered dead."
Upon hearing this gentleman said, "You are a Mujtahid! You are a Mujtahid! You are a Mujtahid!"
Then he got up and went out of the gathering. Sheikh Ansari realized that it was none but Hazrat Imam Mahdi (PBUH) and that he has given him his express permission to become Maraja Taqleed. He told his students to search for this gentleman. The students rushed out, looked for him everywhere but without success. After this Sheikh Ansari agreed to compile his laws of Sharia so that people could follow him
(Ganjeena-e-Danishmandan, Vol. 8)
3. Allamah Hilli
During the time of Allamah Hilli, a Sunni scholar had written a book against the Shi’a faith. This scholar used quotes from his book in all his gatherings and succeeded in creating a dislike for Shi’ism amongst the people. He never gave this book to anybody lest it might fall into the hands of the Shi’a scholars who would write its refutation.
Allamah Hilli began to attend the lectures of this scholar so that he could somehow lay his hands on that book. Gradually he began to call himself the author's student and concealed his faith. After sometime, he developed a close affinity with his 'teacher'. Taking advantage of this proximity, Allamah Hilli asked him for the book and pleaded to such an extent that he could not refuse. So he said, "Okay, I shall lend you this book but not for more than a night."
With not much to choose, he considered it an opportunity better than nothing. He wanted to copy as much as he could while the refutation could be written later. But when it wasmidnight, Allamah Hilli felt sleepy. At that very moment, a dignified personality entered his room and conversed with him for some time. The gentleman offered to copy the book while Allamah Hilli took some rest. The Allamah accepted this without protest and went to sleep. When he woke up, he found the gentleman missing. On seeing the book, he saw that the whole book had been copied and signed at the bottom, "The Proof of Allah wrote this."
(Majaalisul Momineen, vol. 1, pg. 573, by Qazi Nurullah Shustari)
[1] -(Maskh is the transformation of a human being into a stone, plant or an animal. This type of punishment was prevalent in the age of Prophets prior to Holy Prophet Mohammad [PBUH])
[2] - the period of time that a woman must wait in case of divorce or death of her husband before getting married again
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