Irfan is a ‘gnostic’ discipline and study of how man can reach higher heights in the realm of spirituality within the domain of Islam. It is a systematic method of gaining the knowledge, skills and tools to build the ‘self’ in this world for the benefit of the Hereafter.

Irfan is a study of how man can make better sense of the realities of this world and beyond, to capitalize on the abundant blessings poured down upon man in this world. This then awakens the student in a world where people are still asleep, to get up, prepare for the journey and begin the path as a traveler travelling towards the absolute Almighty Allah (SWT).

Urafa (those immersed greatly in this discipline) believe that there are certain obstacles in our life in this world that prevent one from fully realizing and achieving their ultimate goals. By studying Irfan, one gains the vision to see these obstacles and the means to avoid them at the same time taking maximum advantage of what has been provided by Allah (SWT) in this path. For example, pleasing an animal by feeding it for the sake of Allah (SWT) the Lord of the Worlds would help untie problems and ease our journey.

All in all, whatever we do, even by just breathing we are indebted to Allah (SWT). Therefore, one must practice appreciation and gratitude for the infinite blessings bestowed on man and his environment which has been made subservient to him. There are two supplications, which are highly recommended:

Zhikr of Musaii (As expressed by Prophet Moses): “Rabbi Shrahli Sadri Wa Yassir Lee Amree”. (O My Lord! Expand for me my capacity and ease my task for me.) (20:25-26)
This invocation is recommended to say in Qonoot of our Salah.

Zhikr of Yunusi (as expressed by Prophet Yunus): “La Ilaha Illa Ant, Subhanaka Innee Kontu Minal Dthalemeen”. (There is no deity but You, glory to you. Indeed, I was a wrong doer.) (21:87)
It is very recommended to say this Zhikr in the status of prostration as many times as possible, especially in the last Sajdah of our Salah.

We Are Travellers In A Journey Towards Allah (Swt)

Allah (SWT) has created man, allotted a time for his stay in this world and in time all will be returning to him. In effect, so long as we are living and breathing, we are travelers. But where are we heading to?

To answer this question, one needs to understand and appreciate where they came from, and where they are now. In short, we are creatures of Allah (SWT)’s creation. Where you are now is relative to the boundaries you limit yourself in. Let’s just say that we are all on the path of spiritual awakening so as we can begin the study of Irfan on a common platform and benefit as much as possible from this valuable study.

You have probably come to read this because of a nudge from a friend or an interest in this field or for some other reason. You could have been at another place at another time and not come across this material so whilst you are conscious of this you are invited to take the life long journey as a traveler in this discipline of ‘practical Irfan’ from an Islamic perspective. Your stumbling across this may be the results of a prayer of a dear friend or family member. Be appreciative of this as you begin the mystical journey towards Allah (SWT).

Your soul has been created to go back to Allah (SWT) – by living as a Salik (traveler) and a student of Irfan you are on the way towards returning towards your Lord in a state of purity, piety and perfection. Be fair to your soul and help it reach Allah (SWT) in the best of shapes to reap the benefits of eternal bliss in the Hereafter as well as the joy of being close and near to Allah (SWT).

Remember that as you learn the methods of travelling in this journey ensure that you are in a state of spiritual cleanliness by making Wudhu or Ablution as it is called in the English language.

How Can I Begin Studies In Irfan?

For the past year now, the Imam Husain Islamic Center at 6 Lang Road, Earlwood NSW Australia has been having Practical Irfan lessons each week on a Sunday morning just after Fajr prayers. The teacher is no other than Sheikh Mansour Leghei. A humbled sage having studied in the Islamic Seminary at Qom, Iran for over 12 years and in fact has never rested the pen of learning even after assuming the role of being the spiritual leader of the center. He has been blessed with the opportunity to have been taught by prominent, noble and learned men of this century, some of them being the direct students of Imam Khomeini (‘a).

Sheikh Mansour has chosen to stick with the method of Practical Irfan as developed by Khaje Abdullah Al-Ansaree almost 1,000 years ago. This method holds that there are 100 stations a traveler must meet along their journey to reach Allah (SWT). The first being a spiritual awakening and the last by not least of which is being totally immersed and tranquilized into the notion and reality of Tawheed. It allows for a very systematic approach of teaching Irfan whilst simultaneously allowing the student to acquire the knowledge and tools in a logically fashioned incremental manner.

A small taste of what Practical Irfan offers…

Importance Of Wudhu

The late Allamah Tabatabai – advised his students in the very first class of Practical Irfan that one is to be in the state of Wudhu as much as possible. Permanent status of Wudhu apart from keep the person constantly clean, serves like a shield to protect the soul against devils. A Prophetic Hadith also says: “Stay always with Wudhu, your sustenance (physical and spiritual) will be increased”.

Importance Of Visiting The Sick/Patients

Prophet Moses (‘a) when in supplication and communication with Allah (SWT) asked:

Q - ‘O Lord, what will be the reward of someone who pays a visit to a sick patient?’

A – ‘Wasn’t it that when you paid them a visit, they were lying on the bed? – As a reward for what you have done, I compensate that visitation by appointing an angel to constantly visit the grave to comfort the one (whom has visited the patient) until the Day of Resurrection.

It has been narrated in a hadith that:

“Whatever the patient (that you have visited) has asked Allah (SWT) to give to you in supplication is granted.”

This along with the prayers of other people could be behind the granting of blessings or the opening of opportunities in your life.

Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (S) stated:

“Once you pay a visit to a patient you are diving into the mercy of Allah (SWT)”

Night Prayers

There is a special table cloth that Allah (SWT) opens exceptionally about an hour before Fajr time.

Although its time begins from midnight, as it gets closer to Fajr it becomes of more significance.

The night prayers are open to all humans in so much as the sunlight is for all. Nevertheless, many deprive themselves from it. Allah (SWT) is advising us to stay awake part of the night to gain spiritually to gain a high status by Allah (SWT).

When the pious people are introduced in the Quran, it is impossible for someone to practice piety unless they spend part of the night communicating with Allah (SWT), or in repentance.

To test yourself how much of the Believer you are – see how much you are willing to wake up in the morning. Allah (SWT) says that the true believers are the ones that leave their beds. They repent to God in fear and hope. Then they give charity out from what we have given them.

The late Allamah Tabtabatai said:

“I went to Najaf for further my Islamic studies. Right from the beginning my mentor in Irfan; the late Allamah Qadhi while padding on my back said to me: ‘Sayyid! if you want Dunya (prosperous life in this world) then perform Night Prayers, and if you want the Akhira (prosperous life in hereafter) then perform Night Prayers.’”

Allamah Tabtabatai said that he always remembered this priceless advice.

The late Bidabadi, the wonderful sage in Irfan narrates from one of his teachers:

“Those who have gained anything in their spiritual journey, they have gained it through their salaat al-layl.”

If you are not performing Night Prayers then forget about Practical Irfan (that much emphasis is placed on night prayers).

Hadith:

“You cannot claim to be the (true) follower of Ahlul-Bayt if you do not do Salaat Al-layl.”

Something must be there that is hidden, you will never find in the Quran so much emphasis on things that are mustahab, then this exceptional thing. That is Salaat Al-layl.

Prophet (S):

“Gabriel has reminded me of salaat al-layl so much that I thought that my nation will not be sleeping. Two rak’aat in the middle of the night is more favorable to me then the whole world.”

Prophet Jesus (‘a):

“Once his mother has passed away, he attends the grave of his mother, and is communicating with her. Even though she is dead, ‘Oh Mother do you want to come back to this world. If you do, then I can make that happen with Allah’s (SWT) permission.’

‘Oh son I would like to come back to this world to do only two things – and that are, night prayer in cold nights and fasting during hot days.’”

The reason why she is saying this because her eyes are open in Barzakh, and she can see the true reality of things. She must have seen the significance of those two practices.

Prophet (S) will to Imam Ali (‘a):

“Take care and safeguard these things,

Perform Salaat Al-Layl
Perform Salaat Al-Layl
Perform Salaat Al-Layl.”

Imam Ali (‘a) had been such a good student that in the last days of his life he approaches the dawn and looks at it, communicates with it and says:

“O Twilight! Has there ever been a time- since my age of consent-that you rise up in the horizon and my eyes were closed.”

Prophet (S):

“Any male or female that stands up in the night prayers, you immediately become the Imam of 9 rows of angels behind you. Then Allah (SWT) says, now do you know why I created humans? The length of the angels is the far east to the far west. When the person finishes salaat al-layl. The number of angels that are praying behind him his position on the Day will be elevated by the number of angels.”

See how many humans are asleep during this time.

Prophet (S) said:

“Shaytan has three (3) ties for you:

The moment that you wake up you have untied Shaytan’s first tie, when you do your Wudhu, and when you say Allah o Akbar in your salaat.”

Hadith:

“One of the aspects of salaat al-layl, you will be a good looking person.”

Someone came across the bright face of the late Ayatollah Galpaygani, his face was so shiny that I could hardly look at it. Their faces are so bright, because of the numerous prostration (Quran).

There are some people whom asked Imam Al-Sadiq (‘a), why is it that we see those people that perform night prayers as having bright faces. He said:

“You know why, because they had a private communication between them and Allah (SWT) at dawn. This is the Noor of Allah (SWT), they made a private communication and Allah (SWT) covers them with his divine light.”

Hadith:

“Salaat al-layl brings sustenance to you.”

Someone came to Imam Al-Sadiq (‘a) and said that I need sustenance, I am poor and needy. He said:

“Do you pray, salaat al-layl, the man could not see the connection. The Imam (‘a) said he is lying the one whom is doing salaat al-layl and does not have the sustenance.”

Hadith:

Imam Sajjad (‘a), with emphasis advises some of his companions:

“Remember, make sure that you do not sleep before sun rise. That is the time that Allah (SWT) distributes the sustenance to the people.”

Hadith: Benefit of performing Salaat – Al-layl:

To reach a level whereby Allah (SWT) is pleased with you

Imam Ali (‘a):

“You please Allah (SWT) and his wrath will not come down to you when you stand up on your feet early in the morning.”

“Only those believe in Our revelations who, when they are reminded of them, fall down prostrate and hymn the praise of their Lord, and they are not scornful, Who forsake their beds to cry unto their Lord in fear and hope, and spend of that We have bestowed on them. No soul knoweth what is kept hid for them of joy, as a reward for what they used to do. (32:15-17)

Imam Al-Sadiq (‘a):

“When you do things the rewards are given accordingly, but when it comes to salaat al-layl the reward is concealed and sealed. The reward is hidden.”

Salaat Al-layl drops all the calamities of the day.

Imam Ali (‘a):

“If you sleep with a full stomach, forget about Night Prayers”

Salman al-Mohammadi:

“What happens that I cannot do night prayers? You have to look after yourself during the day.”

Imam Al-Sadiq (‘a):

“There is a correlation of what we do in the day to what we can do in the night.”

Allama Tabatabai: “The more I look after myself in the day the more visible my dreams become.”

Imam Al-Sadiq (‘a):

“How easy does the knife cut through the butter? – the sins can wipe your good deeds more easier than this.”

Say: I am only a mortal like you. My Lord inspireth in me that your Allah is only One Allah. And whoever hopeth for the meeting with his Lord, let him do righteous work, and make none sharer of the worship due unto his Lord. (18:110)

Where there is a will there is a way, one of the roommates of Shaheed Mutaharri: “Not only was he the creams of Islamic Philosophy but also in terms of Practical Irfan. I had an eye problem and it was salty and I couldn’t do Wudhu. Shaheed Mutahhari told me that why don’t I wake up for night prayers. He said there is a river in Qom outside of the seminary. It is not too far, the water in the river is sweet. Shaheed told me don’t worry from tomorrow I will provide you with the water. (Look at this friendship). On one day he did it, and then from that point onwards I started doing it myself as I was embarrassed.”

You offer once salaat al-layl: Easiest way to do salaat al-layl is to go to the toilet, brush your teeth, and do your Wudhu. You will receive the benefits of Salat Al-Layl

- Salaat al-layl:

Do 4 X 2 Rak’aat Prayers within intention of Salaat Al-Layl (like 4 morning prayers), Surah Fatiha (other things like the second surah and qunoot is mustahab)

Do 1 X 2 Rak’aat Prayers within intention of Salaat Al-Shaf with no Qunoot

Do 1 X 1 Rak’aat Prayers with intention of Salaat Al-Watr, after Hamd you read Surah Ikhlas 3 times (to get benefit of reading the Quran), Then recite Qunoot which is the main part of Salaat Al-Layl, and if you can repeat it 70 times:

Astaghfirallaha Wa Atawbah Illayh Wa Bi As-harahom yastagfiroon

Then pray at that time for 40 people that asked you to pray for them. Make sure that you do it as sincere as possible, as concealed as possible, it is a secret deal with you and Allah (SWT). One of his Imam Khomenei’s family members narrates that even as he wakes up he would be walking like a thief, and puts a sponge in the bathroom sink to make sure that no one wakes up.

Hadith:

“Every morning the Prophet (S) used to repent 70 times, he used to say, Astagfirullaha Waatoubo Aillayl.”

Hadith:

“Whoever in their Sallat Al-Watr says 70 times astagfirullaha waatawbah illayl for one year, they will be counted by Allah (SWT) as the Quran says that they are people that have practiced repentance at dawn.”

Shahadat of Fatimah (‘a):

“Imam Mahdi (‘a) is the closest one living to Allah (SWT), being the Wali.”

We need to make an effort to get close to Allah (SWT). As much as Prophet Jesus (‘a) is Walih Allah (SWT) his mother Mariyam is Walih Allah (SWT). In our day to day transactions we need a guide and example. This is nothing other than Imam Mahdi (‘a) as he has reached a perfection in practical doings.

We cannot reach perfection unless we take from the examples of all the Walihs males or females. This is not gender specific, but gender independent. To take them as our role models we must analyze and understand their lifestyle. Steadily, we should be developing a relation with them.

How To Get Closer To Ahlul-Bayt

Develop closer relationship and connection with Ahlul-Bayt by attending Majalis. Imam Ali (‘a) for example comes to you and protects you, a saleek can reach a stage that so much they are attached to Ahlul-Bayt that they are under the protection and supervision of Ahlul-Bayt. In the dream they give us the guidance, without going to attend majlis.

Ahlul-Bayt become the intercessors between us and Allah (SWT).

“O you who believe! be careful of (your duty to) Allah and seek means of nearness to Him and strive hard in His way that you may be successful.” (5:35)

This is well established in theoretical Irfan, that Ahlul-Bayt have said that if you want to seek closeness to Allah (SWT) (wasilah) then get acquainted to us.

Faitma Al-Zahra (‘a), if any majlis is held on the name of Fatimah Al-Zahra, all of Ahlul-Bayt are attending including Imam Mahdi (‘a).

Cream of the Ulama for Practical Irfan Shiekh Jaffar Mushtahadi,

Always attended majlis of Ahlul-Bayt, and had an eye problem, he went to the doctors and they said that if you kept crying then you may go blind. He said – you know if I do not cry for Ahlul-Bayt I will not live anymore. So between choosing my life and my eye then its worth it that I lose my eye sight. There was one majlis that was read that Sheikh Jaffar said that when it was read I saw Fatimah Al-Zahra (‘a). Prophet (S)

If you want to know Laylat Al-Qadr, get to know Fatimah Al-Zahra, the reason why she is called Fatimeh is called people are deprived of knowing her role model. She has two aspects of herself,

Lifestyle of this dunya, it is enough to quote one hadith from the Prophet (S):

“If the righteousness could be personified it would be Fatimah (‘a). Fatimah (‘a) is even higher than righteousness. Because Fatimah (‘a) is my daughter. She is the best of all the inhabitants of your origin, honour and dignity.”

There is one hadith that Imam Khomeini thinks that introduces Fatimah (‘a) in the best of manners.

Imam Al-Sadiq (‘a):

“During the 75 days of missing your father after his death, she suffered a deap grievance. During that time Gabriel was descending down to Faitmah (‘a) to give her condolences and was pleasing her and comforting her, by informing her of the Prophets (‘a) status, as well as informing her of the status of her progeny.” Imam Ali (‘a) is writing this hadith.

Status in the Hereafter: Prophet (S)

“As if on the Day I seek my daughter, she is arriving on the Day on an outstanding light, on her right, left and behind her are 70,000 angels are escorting her, she has arrived to lead the believing women into paradise. People will be ordered to lower your eyes as Fatimah (‘a) is passing by. Urafa say that this is like the angels prostrating in front of Adam (‘a) out of humbleness. All those whom love Fatimah (‘a) from their heart step forward there is something special for you. Then she addresses Allah (SWT), oh Allah (SWT) I want my spiritual status to be known on a day like today, Allah says oh daughter of my beloved one, turn back and look at the people. Whomever ever in their hearts has even a drop of love for you or one of your offspring, let them go into paradise.”

To develop love for Ahlul-Bayt attend majlis for them,

Fatimah (‘a) narrates this herself:

“The first time they send somebody to their house, for Imam Ali (‘a) to come to the masjid to pay allegiance to Abu Bakr. Omar came and said that I am going to burn the house and get Imam Ali (‘a) out. They said that this house belongs to Fatimah Al Zahra (‘a). This is the house that the Prophet (S) stayed for some months before his ascension. Then they break the wood to burn the house and us. I stood at the gate of the house. I appealed to them in the name of God and the name of the Prophet (S) leave us alone or help us. Omar took the whip of the slave of Abu Bakr and hit me so hard on my hard that it bruised so hard. He kicked the door against me so hard and I was pregnant and I fell down. They put the door to the fire and the heat was hurting my face. They struck me until my earing dropped. I felt the pain of the child birth and I aborted the child.”

Imam Ali (‘a) bathed and closed her during the night as he was bathing her. All of the sudden he stopped and he put his head against the door and crying. Why was he crying? Imam Ali (‘a): "She never showed me the bruise on her arm.”

He is now ready to bury his wife and daughter of the Prophet (S) as he was still in the grave he said, he stood up towards the Qibla:

“The trust is returned; my Zahra is taken away from me. How ugly the heaven and the earth will appear to me”

There is a special dua if you want to seek refuge between yourself and Fatimah Al-Zahra or make her an intercessor on the Day:

Allahomma inni asaloka, bi hakki fatimata wa abee ha, wa ba’liha wa baneeha, wa sirril al mosto’da’een fi ha, an tosalli ala mohammaden wa ali mohammad, wa anta fa’ala bi ma anta ahlo wa antatheya hawaijee

Special Blessings Of The Month Of Rajab:

There are special books written about this month, Sha’ban and the month of Ramadhan. Rajab is the name of a river in paradise, that is sweeter than honey and whiter than milk and it is reserved for special people.

Prophet (S):

“Used to call people for a special class before the month of ramadhan, Oh muslims, a very blessed month is about to embark on you, something is pouring, Allah (SWT) will be pouring his mercy onto those that worship him. With the exception of those that associate others with Allah (SWT). There is one night in this month that if you do not sleep, Allah (SWT) will prevent his body in Hellfire. 70,000 by the end of the night will greet him, and they will ask Allah (SWT) to forgive him until next year on the same night on the same day. If God gives me the blessing then next year the angels will repeat this blessing. Whoever fasts in this month, one day he will be safeguarded from the Hellfire.”

The question is which not is this night? We have the problem of Laylat Al-Qadr as well. Someone asked Imam Al-Sadiq (‘a):

Don’t you know when Laylat Al-Qadr is? He said, of course we know the angels come down in descension. Is it that hard to fast for just one of these nights? Imam Al-Sadiq (‘a) through Imam Ali (‘a) says:

I appreciate to see that someone frees themselves on four of the following nights:

“Laylat Al-Fatr, on night of Eid Al-Fitr

Laylat Al-Nah (night of Eid Al-Adha/Eid Al-Ghorban)

Laylat Al-Nisbeh min Al-Sha’ban (15th) (birth of Imam Mahdi as)

Laylat Awal min shahr Al-Rajab(1st night of month of Rajab)”

Another month, Rajab, is a month of repentance, Prophet (S) said: “Say as much of repentance and seek forgiveness as much as possible in this month.” Prophet (S) brought this from his Mi’rage:

“When the month of Rajab arrives, every night from sunset until dawn, an angel cries out – (toba is a tree in paradise, which Prophet had one fruit of it and it produced Fatimah Al-Zahra (‘a)), that tree is reserved for those that remember and worship God in the month of rajab between sunset until sunrise. Allah (SWT) said directly – I am the companion of whomever sits with me, God says that I obey whomever obeys me (I listen to your invocation) I forgive whomever asks for my forgiveness, the month is my month, this slave is my slave, the blessing is my blessing, whoever then calls upon me in this month I answer him positively, whomever asks me I give him, whoever asks me for guidance I guide him, I have made this month a rope between myself and my servants, whoever gets hold of it will reach.”

Hadith: “Oh Prophet, from what we have been hearing of the month of Rajab is it better than the month of Ramadhan?” The Prophet (S) replied, “No, nothing can compete with Ramadhan, but Rajab is a special month. We should purify ourselves in the months leading up to the month of Ramadhan.”

The special deputies of the Imam Mahdi (‘a) have had some limited correspondence with the Imam and three of these communications are referring to the month of Rajab. Dua Rajabiya is one of the things that Imam Mahdi (‘a) is teaching us how to read. When one of the deputies approached Imam Mahdi (‘a) about fasting, he said so good is this month of Rajab for making up fasts that was missed before. Rajab being a river in Jannah is reserved for those that fast. The Prophet (S) is quoted to have said:

“He is observing (not that he is blindly talking) one day that you fast in this month you have closed one of the gates of Hell, whoever fasts (especially three nights they are 13th, 14th and 15th of Rajab) three days in the month of rajab he has made between himself and between the Hellfire a Khandaq (gap) a distance of seventy years. Whoever fasts seven days in this month remember that the gates of heaven are seven for each of the days you fast you will close all doors of hell, whomever fasts eight days, remember that there are eight gates of heaven, for every day you have fasted there will be a door open for you enter from whatever gate you have opened

One of the companions stood up and said, who about someone like me whom is old, Prophet (S) said, that whomever cannot fast then you should pay some charity away for each of the days, so that you can be conscious of the month of Rajab. I swear that they will receive the same reward. Someone stood up and said – oh Prophet (S) I cannot afford it. Prophet (S) replied that if you cannot afford this, at least say the dua 100 time a day:

Subhanal illahi al jalil, subhana mal la yambaghit tasbeh illa lah subhana al a’zel akram subhana man labisa la’ez wahowa laho ahl.”

Hadith:

One of the students of Imam Al-Sadiq (‘a) towards the end of the month of Rajab. I went to visit Imam Al-Sadiq (‘a) and he asked me whether I have been fasting this month. He said you have missed out on a lot and only Allah (SWT) knows how much you have missed. He encouraged him to do the a’mal for the rest of the month.

Prophet (S):

“There is one dua that the Prophet (S) taught us for this month of Rajab:

In the name of Allah

Allahoma ahilllaho alayna bil amni wal iman wasalamata walislam rabbi wa rabboka allah a’za wajal allahoma baarik lana fi rajab wa sha’ban wa balighna shahro ramadhan wa a’inna alas asiyam wal qiyam wa hifdthel lisan waqodil basar wala taj’al hadthala min hol joo’aa wal’atash.”

The secret was the last few words, Oh Allah (SWT) don’t make the reward for our hunger and thirst only. Prophet (S): "The best deed is the most repeated one"

Hafiz: "I have been on this journey all my life and I do not know how I am going to die"

Meeting Our Present Imam Mahdi (‘A)

Concept of Imamah in Irfan, so much so that without it there is no Irfan. Dua Ahad is imperative because it is part of the practical Irfan, because in a nutshell it is very built point that Imam (‘a) is the first creature that Allah (SWT) has created. Because Allah (SWT) starts the creation with the most perfect people. Their noor and spirit is perfect. It is like there is a corn and the top of every corn is the corn head. Before the creation there has been an Imam and there will always be an Imam.

The present Imam Mahdi (‘a) is establishing a path to Allah (SWT). Wherever the Quran mentions Sirat Al-Mostaqim it means following the path of Imam Ali (‘a), following the footsteps of the guide. The way to Allah (SWT) is through Imammaat.

Whenever the blessings reaches the people it goes through the Imam (‘a), because they are at the top. Any ascension from us has to go through the Imam (‘a).

The question is that – is it possible to visit the Imam ?

Method to see any Imam, either they appear in flesh and blood when everyone can see them (whether kafir or mo’min) this is good and bad at the same time, punishment of disobeying is so sever. Our concern is how we can be blessed personally with the personal visitation of our Imam.

Sayyid Ibn Tawoos:

“First step is that you must have no doubt that the gate to our Imam (‘a) is definitely open, you must not be in any doubt but be very certain of this.”

You then need to study the biography of those people whom attested that yes we have visited the Imam (‘a), how did they do this, what was special in their life, and what is lacking in my life so that we can try to do the same

For example: each and every one of us has an idol and unless we break this idol, we cannot see him. This is the inner struggle that each one of us has within us. One of the Ulama was telling his students this: Sheikh Hasan came to me once and he asked me to teach him islamic studies from scratch. I asked how do you want to learn from the beginning. My father was the sheikh of the village, and people out of respect for my father they put the imamah on my head, and I was reading majlis and as the time passed, people started asking me some questions and I was guessing, until one day I said look I cannot afford this, I confessed that in the end I could not do it. I went up on the mimbar and said that from today I am not the imam – at the start people didn’t believe me, but in the end I left the village. I then saw Imam (‘a) in my dream. He said go visit this person and ask him to teach me. The Imam (‘a) introduced me to you. I was not in the level of teaching elementary level, but for that case I agreed to help him out. I then realized that he really sees the Imam (‘a) and the ordinary people do not know. I said to him, next time you see the Imam (‘a) ask him how I can also visit him. He said yes I saw the Imam (‘a) and he gave me the answer and the response was that you break your idol and then I will visit you. (Pride is one of the idols)

Someone was invited to give a lecture and he gave the wrong answer – he said look how can I tell them the right answer, what will they think of me in the end – this is an idol.

Is there anyone here to rescue the needy and desperate, if you for example are in the sea and they are about to die for sure, and are in touch with Imam Mahdi (‘a) in that moment, the Imam (‘a) came to rescue them.

Teacher – Bahait Khorasani, tips for seeing Imam (‘a):

Ziyarat Ashoora and Ziyarat Imam Husain (‘a), it is very important to read, there is a reason why we are to read it constantly. If you make it your habit that atleast once a day you read it until it becomes your second nature. Every time that you read it – that you read it with this intention, and give the reward to the mother of our present Imam (‘a). Imam Zamman (‘a) loves his mother so much and on that ask his mother to allow you to see her son.

Surah Israa each Thursday evening, to visit the Imam (‘a) – you will not die before until you see the Imam. This is a hadith from a Ma’soom.

Most guaranteed method given to us by Bahait Khorosani, path of love with no doubt, the reason for this is a authentic hadith said from Prophet (S): “you will be associated with whatever most you love.” (if you can develop the love for our Imam (‘a) then you can see if, how can you do this? There is no tablet for this, this is something that you just fall into).

ibn Arabi, an Urafa, says if anything comes to me then I respond by saying first fall in love with humanity.

If one is created from the same thing as from Ahlul-Bayt then the love is there.

Imam Askari (‘a) tells his son (‘a):

“My son, know that the hearts of the obedient and sincere one are attracted to you in such a way that birds are attracted to nests.”

NB: one thinks of the person that much that it comes to your dream this is genuine and real love, if one wants to meet with Imam (‘a) then do it through love for our present Imam (‘a). You need to miss our Imam (‘a), the heart has been attached to other things, and there is no room to turn our attention to other than Imam (‘a).

Another sign is that you become impatient, how many days has it been since you have seen our present Imam (‘a) just as though you miss your mother.

Janade – one of the Urafa that benefited from the singer, a teacher studied the lyrics of one of the singers Ricky Martin from South America. She is the air I breath, when this was read he is talking nonsense that the truth is that he (imam as) is the air that I breath so much so that we feel as though we cannot live without him. How suffocated do you feel if there is no air.

Give charity for those that we have love for, how many times did we give charity for our present Imam (‘a), every day put a coin aside for the health of our Imam (‘a), over time it would become a relation through this charity. Every time that you send a greeting one builds the relation and then this love is activated, and naturally one sees their present Imam (‘a)

There are different degrees and levels of visiting our present Imam (‘a), first step is that one sees him in our dream. We see our Imam (‘a) in the form of a scholar, our soul was meant to catch our Imam – the real target was the Imam (‘a). One needs to acquire the sowing of lips and not to share anything to anyone – one then has riya (showing off) and this deprives one of receiving more.

Next step is that you see him in your dream but you do not recognize his face – you see him in your memory. You say when you wake up that you saw him, but I cannot recognize his face in my memory saw our present Imam (‘a). The higher stage is that one is still in their dream. Allamah Tabatabai said: “the more I do monitoring of self in the day the more I see him in the dream more bright.” Then one can see him and recognize him in your dream. Then you will be able to see your Imam (‘a). An ayah says those whom struggle we will show them the path to the present Imam (‘a). Next stage is that you come across the Imam (‘a) in reality, but do not recognize him. But later they figure it out but it is too late because they haven’t recognized him. The next step is that you see him and recognize him. It is possible and can have for each and every person – have no doubt that there is certainty that the path to our Imam (‘a) is there. Keep all visitations to oneself, and have moraqabah of one’s thoughts and imagination, mind your mind and you could see the Imam (‘a). Then slowly do muraqabah on various other senses.