Taken from the book ‘Sahifah al-Mahdi’ of Jawad Qayyoomi.

Birth

Hazrat Mahdi (AJ) was born in the night of 15th Sha’ban, 255 A.H. at dawn. Notwithstanding the claims of the deniers who refute his existence, Allah the Almighty, manifested him when the Umayyide and Abbaside Caliphs were determined to kill him in order to extinguish Allah’s light. But none of them succeeded in challenging Allah the Lord of the servants in His Command. Is it possible for them to change what Allah has ordained? Thus, on this auspicious day, Imam Hasan al-Askari (‘a) saw the birth of his son, the awaited one, since ages and through him, divine promise was fulfilled.

Imamah

He was hidden from his enemies and none could see him except a few trusted Shias till the year 260 A.H., when Imam Hasan al-Askari (‘a) was martyred and Imamah was transferred to him (AJ). Although he was hidden from the people, there were few specially appointed representatives who could see him and acted as agents between him and the Shias for the solution of their problems. They were the medium for him and his followers. These special deputies (Nawwab al-Arba’) were four in number and their names were as follows:

a) Uthman Ibn Saeed Amri
b) Muhammad Ibn Uthman Ibn Saeed Amri
c) Husayn Ibn Rauh Nawbakhti and
d) Ali Ibn Muhammad Seymouri.

The Majour Occultation

The four special deputies acted as agents till the year 329 A.H., the year that marked the commencement of the Majour Occultation (Ghaybat al-Kubra). It was a period that had been prophesied by the past Prophets (‘a) and the infallible Imams (‘a). Also, it marked the beginning of a severe test for the Muslims, till the realisation of divine promise through his reappearance.

In the year 329 A.H., the door of special deputyship was closed. Whoever claims this esteemed position after this year, then surely he is a liar and a cheat. In the traditions of the infallible Imams (‘a), the benefit drawn from an occult Imam is likened to the advantage taken from a sun when it goes behind the clouds. The sun continues to be a source of life and its continuity despite its apparent concealment.

During the majour occultation, numerous people had the fortune to attend to his presence and got the opportunity to visit him but none claimed special representation. These were the ones who saw the sun with the belief of their hearts.

There were some non-Shias too who had the good fortune of his visitation. They were Sunnis and some of them were even sinners and transgressors. But when they repented sincerely for Allah’s sake, his love entered their hearts.

Imam az-Zaman (AJ) also sent signed letters (tauqee’at) to some Shia scholars for the solution of problems and new matters.

The Shias, during this period of the majour occultation, are facing the most severe test which is without precedence. In the traditions, it has been likened to the time of Hazrat Nuh (‘a) due to the scarcity of his helpers and friends. O Allah! Hasten his reappearance and make easy his emergence.

Conclusion: Finally, we pray to the Almighty Allah to accept this humble offering from our side. We know that our contribution is of hardly any significance as far as efforts are concerned. Nevertheless, we hope for His Mercy and seek His Forgiveness. Finally, we say,

…يَا أَيُّهَا الْعَزِيزُ مَسَّنَا وَأَهْلَنَا الضُّرُّ وَجِئْنَا بِبِضَاعَةٍ مُزْجَاةٍ فَأَوْفِ لَنَا الْكَيْلَ وَتَصَدَّقْ عَلَيْنَا إِنَّ اللَّهَ يَجْزِي الْمُتَصَدِّقِينَ

“…O Master! Surely harm has afflicted us and our families. And we have come with only a handful of provisions. But you give us full measure in return. Surely, Allah rewards those who give charity.” (Holy Qur’an, 12:88).

The ink has dried but the tears continue to flow as the pain of separation from the beloved continues to pinch the heart. Yet, the eternal medicine called hope, provides us some relief, and assures, ‘Be patient, he will come.’ But the moot question is ‘When?’ As the days and nights are passed in heartrending invocations and supplications, eyes are gradually losing their sight, backs are slowly developing a curve and bones are creaking, hairs are turning silver and death seems a looming fact, the only shriek that disturbs the stillness of the night, says,

“O Master! When will you see us and we see you, while you are raising the flag of victory.”

O Allah! Please accept from us.