Islam Guidance

The 9th of Rabi'al Awwal marks a turning point in the history of the Ahlul Bait (A.S) and their followers. This day is a day of joy and happiness for the lovers of the Ahlul Bait (A.S). The hadith which speaks about this day refers to it as the ‘Greatest Eid in the sight of the Ahlul Bait (A.S) and those who love and follow them.
Indeed, it is after going through close to 70 days of grief and sorrow in which we commemorated the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (A.S) and his family and friends in Karbala and the other martyrdoms which we have marked over this period - including the demise of our 2nd Imam, 4th Imam 8th Imam, 11th Imam, and of course our beloved Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H&H.P) – that we have finally reached this day of blessings when we can adorn ourselves with the clothing of piety which we have learned from the ceremonies over the past two and a half months.
One particular hadith which speaks of this day tells us that while in a gathering with the Prophet of Islam, Imam Ali and his two sons, Hasan, and Husain (A.S), the Prophet, with a smile on his face, said, “It is on this day that Allah will destroy your enemies and the enemies of your grandfather and it is on this day when Allah will accept the actions of your Shia and those who love you." This is the day when the words of Allah came true where He said (in the Qur`an): ‘So those are the houses fallen down because they were unjust…’ (27:52) and this is the day when the Pharaoh of the time of the Ahlul Bait (A.S) was destroyed…”
On this day, one of the important things which we should bring to mind is the start of the Imamate and leadership of our 12th and Living Imam, Al-Mahdi (A.S). With the tragic death of his father at such a young age, the Awaited Savior began the mission of his Imamate on this day – and it continues even now during the period of the Occultation until Allah permits him to make his advent to establish the universal government of Islam over the entire planet!
We should also keep in our hearts two of the most important pillars of our Furu ad-Din – namely Tawalla and Tabarra – or showing love for the Ahlul Bait (A.S) and those who love them and showing and expressing our dislike for the enemies of the Ahlul Bait (A.S) during this day and the gatherings which we attend. The concept of love and hate is something which is engrained in the Quran in many verses and is something which we must live our life by – we must know who our friends are and love and support them, and we must know who our enemies are so that we can keep away from them and their wicked plots and ideas.
This is the day of Eid for faithful and marks the end of the mourning period after the events of Karbala. According to Ulema, this is the day when the key murderers of Imam Hussain (A.S), Umar Ibn Saad and Ubayd Allah ibn Ziyad were killed and sent to the Hell. When their heads were presented to Imam Sajjad (A.S) by the forces of Mukhtar Al-Saqafi, Imam (A.S) prostrated and thanked Allah (S.W.T) that he had granted him long enough life that he could see the heads of the killers of Imam Hussain (A.S).
This was the first time since the events of Karbala that the people saw smile on the face of Imam Sajjad (A.S). Therefore, the faithful of Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H&H.P) and his Ahlul Bait (A.S) should celebrate this day as an Eid day. Allah (S.W.T) has reserved great reward for anyone who declares and celebrates this day as Eid day.
This Eid day achieves more heights of honor, glory and excellence as on this auspicious day the crown of Imamate is passed to Imam of our era, the last 12th Imam Al-Mahdi (A.S). A saying of Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P) goes: "One, who dies without knowing the Imam of his time, dies a death of ignorance.”
Imam Al-Mahdi (A.S) is our Imam, Imam of our time and as the verse 71 of chapter Bani Israel of holy Quran says: "(Remember) the day (of Judgment) when we shall call every people with their Imam". we will be called and presented with our Imam on Resurrection Day.
Friends of Muhammad (P.B.U.H&H.P) should celebrate this day with great happiness, for our joys are with the joys of Ahlul Bait (A.S) and our grief and sorrows are for them alone.

Derived from The Universal Center of Imam Al-Mahdi.

“O Spirit of Allah, I have come to ask for the hand of the daughter of your successor Simon in marriage for this son of mine…” (The words of Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H&H.P) addressing Prophet Jesus (A.S))
Bishr ibn Sulayman was one of the lovers of Imam Hadi (A.S) and Imam al-Askari (A.S). He was the neighbor of these two Imams in Samarra. He has narrated that:
One day Imam Hadi (A.S) called me. He then wrote a letter in Roman, stamped it with his ring, gave the letter to me along with two hundred and twenty gold coins and said,” Take these to Baghdad, and get to a specific location. Some boats which carry a group of captives will arrive there in the morning”. Then he described one of the captives for me, and ordered me to give her the letter, and to say that I was the representative of the owner of the letter, so that she would follow me.
I acted as Imam Hadi (A.S) had ordered me. I found the captive the Imam (A.S) had described, and gave her the letter. When she saw the letter, she was driven to tears, and agreed to follow me. When we reached a resting area in Baghdad, she took the letter of Imam Hadi (A.S) out, started kissing it and wiping it over her eyes. I asked her in shock,” You are kissing a letter whose writer you do not know?”
She said,” You cannot understand the greatness of the children and successors of the Prophets. Listen to me so that I narrate my story. I am “Malakah”, daughter of “Yashu’a” (son of the Roman Emperor). My mother is a descendant of Simon, the successor of Prophet Jesus (A.S).
One night, I saw Prophet Jesus (A.S) and his disciples in my dream making a pulpit of light. Then, the Prophet of Islam, Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H&H.P) and his successor and son-in-law, Ali ibn Abi Talib (A.S) and a number of the Imams among his children blessed the palace with their presence.
Then, Prophet Jesus (A.S) received Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H&H.P). Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H&H.P) said,” O Spirit of Allah, I have come to ask for the hand of the daughter of your successor Simon in marriage for this son of mine”, and he pointed to Imam al-Askari (A.S).
Prophet Jesus (A.S) then said to Simon,” The glory of the two worlds has turned to you. Connect your progeny with that of Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H&H.P)”.
Simon accepted the offer, so all of them went on top of the pulpit. Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H&H.P) recited a sermon, and he and Prophet Jesus (A.S) married me to Imam al-Askari (A.S), while children of Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H&H.P) and the disciples were witnessing.
Later, Imam al-Askari (A.S) came to my dream and informed me that:” Your grandfather will send an army to the Muslim territories. You have to join them while wearing the clothes of the maids so that you would not be recognized”. I followed the instructions. The Muslim army fought ours and achieved victory, so we were caught as captives, and you saw how it ended. No one other than you knows that I am the daughter of the Roman Emperor. I introduced myself to the old man who made ma captive as “Narjis”.
Bishr ibn Sulayman narrates that:
“When I took her to Imam Hadi (A.S) in Samarra, he asked her,” How did Allah (S.W.T) show you the glory of Islam and the honor of Muhammad (P.B.U.H&H.P) and his family?
She replied,” How can I describe to you something which you know better than me?”
Imam Hadi (A.S) said,” Glad tidings to you for a son that shall become the king of the east and the west of world. He shall fill the earth with justice and equity after it will be filled with injustice and oppression. He is the son of the person whom the Messenger of Allah (S.W.T) married you to”.
Then, he said to his sister, Hakimah Khatun,” Take her home and teach her the obligatory and recommended acts, as she is the wife of Imam al-Askari (A.S) and the mother of the Saahib al-Zaman (Owner of Time, referring to Imam Mahdi(A.S))”.
Indeed Narjis had the best social status and the best means of joy and comfort in the Roman Empire at that time; however, she manifested purity and sincerity in herself in a way that the Messenger of Allah (P.B.U.H&H.P) married her to Imam al-Askari (A.S), and she was honored to become the mother of unique savior of the world. Nevertheless, Imam Hadi (A.S) has taught is that besides all the qualifications, the best and most fundamental foundation for a family is based on knowing the commands of Allah (S.W.T) and fulfilling them. Therefore, when such a family, which will create the destiny of mankind, was about to form, the first step was to learn the Divine commands.
So on what basis do we form our lives?
(The above is a selection taken from “Al-Abqari al-Hisan fi Ahwal Maulana Sahib al-Zaman”, by Ayatullah Shaykh Ali Akbar Nahawandi (with some changes and additions))

Taken from: Roshd Islamic Shia Website

Imam Hassan al-Askari (A.S) has said: "There are two characteristics, which surpass all others: having faith in Allah, and benefiting one's brothers (in faith)." (Tuhaf al-Uqul, p. 489)
One of the major responsibilities of Imam Hassan al-Askari (A.S), for which he endeavored earnestly, was to introduce the Imam after him to the Shiites and to inform them of the next Imam's occultation. At the time, the Abbasid dynasty, having had heard the words of the previous Imams (A.S) and those of Prophets'  (A.S) about the savior that would be born to Imam Hassan al-Askari (A.S), were in close watch of Imam Hassan's (A.S) residency to make sure he would not have a son. Thereupon, Imam Hassan al-Askari (A.S) had to hide his son from the guards sent by the government and in that manner save his son's life. After the martyrdom of Imam Hassan al-Askari (A.S), Imam Mahdi (A.S) went into the periods of his short and long occultation, whereupon most Shiites were deprived from seeing their Imam. Upon this matter, at the time of Imam al-Askari (A.S) it was necessary to introduce Imam Mahdi (A.S) to certain Shiites, and clarify his processes of occultation. Many narrations have been recorded on this matter, but in this excerpt we will refer to only one.
Ahmad ibn Is'haq, one of the reliable companions of Imam Hassan al-Askari (A.S), has narrated: "In one of my visits to the Imam, I had intended to ask about his successor. Yet before I had spoken, the Imam (A.S) said: 'O Ahmad ibn Is'haq! From the creation of Adam, Allah (S.W.T) has never left the earth without His successor on people, and will never do so until the Day of Judgment…'
I asked: 'O son of the messenger of Allah! So who is the successor and Imam after you?'
Imam Askari (A.S) stood up immediately, and entered the house. He then returned carrying a three year old boy, whose face was filled with a halo of light. He said:
'O Ahmad! If it were not for your eminence in the eyes of Almighty Allah and His chosen people, I would not have shown you my child. His name and nickname are the same as that of Prophet Muhammad's (P.B.U.H&H.P); and it is he who will fill the earth with justice after it has been corrupted with oppression…
By Allah (S.W.T)! He will live through a long occultation from which people will not survive perdition and deviation, except for those who stand firm on believing in his Imamate, and those who are honored with the opportunity to pray for haste in his reappearance.
Ahmad ibn Ishaq narrates: "the minute I asked Imam Askari (A.S): 'Will any sign or miracle appear to make me confident?' the child began speaking:
'I am the remainder of Allah on earth; the one who will take revenge on the enemies of Allah; and after seeing me, do not search for any other signs!"…

Derived from: Roshd Islamic Shia Website

“So relate the stories that perhaps they will give thought.” (7:16)
History is filled with stories about miracles and happenings that we today consider ‘supernatural’. Each miracle serves a purpose and is suited to the circumstances it is in. Learning about these ‘miracles’ helps strengthen the attachment to our beliefs and principles.
In this article, we discuss one phenomenon that today we agree is ‘impossible’, but history has served us with numerous examples of it happening. That phenomenon is babies speaking a comprehensible language.

Prophet Jesus (A.S)
By far, the most prominent case and the one that is directly mentioned in the Qur’an is Prophet Jesus (A.S) speaking after his birth. This was a miracle that Prophet Jesus was armed with in order to spread the message of God.
When the people came to Lady Maryam (S.A) and accused her of being unchaste, she remained silent and pointed to the baby. At that point, God gave the power of speech to Prophet Isa, who spoke and introduced himself to everyone and mentioned some of his qualities. In essence, this speech from the baby was proof for every one of the status of Prophet Isa and his mother. Also, it was a direct answer to the accusations that the people made towards Lady Maryam. This story is recounted in the 19th chapter of the Holy Qur’an.
   
The Witness of Prophet Joseph (A.S)
In the story of Prophet Joseph(A.S), Zulikha accused the prophet of trying to seduce her when in fact she was the one who did so. When the king was questioning both, Prophet Yusuf told him what happened. It was at that point that Allah inspired Prophet Yusuf to point to a baby which was still in a cradle. Prophet Yusuf then told the king to question the baby. Allah gave the power of speech to that baby, who said, “If his shirt is torn from the front, then she has told the truth, and he is of the liars. But if his shirt is torn from the back, then she has lied, and he is of the truthful.” (12:26-27) It was that baby who became a witness through the will of Allah and was the one who saved the Prophet of Allah from being wrongfully accused by Zulikha. (Bihar Al-Anwar)

Son of the Hairdresser of Pharaoh’s Daughter
The hairdresser of Pharaoh’s daughter secretly believed in Allah and Prophet Moses. One day, while she was combing the hair of the daughter, the comb fell. As she picked it up, she said “In the name of Allah”. The daughter surprisingly asked, “[Do you mean] my father?” The hairdresser replied, “No, but my Lord, and the Lord of you and your father.” The daughter told the Pharaoh about the hairdresser’s secret faith, so Pharaoh punished her by throwing her children one by one alive into a blazing fire. The hairdresser was patient as she saw her kids martyred before her very eyes. But her last child was a newborn, a baby! She was devastated. It was at the point that Allah gave the hairdresser that last surge of patience and hope through her baby son. Allah let the baby speak, and he told his mother, “Have patience, mother, because you are on the right path.” Upon hearing these words, she stood there armed with more patience than ever, and she was martyred right after her son. (Bihar Al-Anwar)

The Baby from the Companions of the Trench
This story is similar to that of the hairdresser of Pharaoh. The companions of the trench were those who followed a prophet sent by Allah, but the disbelievers fought him and hurt him until he was martyred. Then they dug trenches and filled them with fire, warning everyone to either abandon the prophet and his path or be thrown in the ignited trenches. Many people feared for their lives and abandoned the right path. Only a few held on to what they believed in, and they were consequently martyred. These are the companions of the trench mentioned in the Qur’an in chapter 85, verse 4.
One lady from these true followers was willing to throw herself into the fire, but then she saw her newborn, who was only two months old. She pitied him and was close to abandoning martyrdom. Just like in the story of the hairdresser of Pharaoh, Allah let the baby talk. The baby told his mother, “O mother, throw yourself and me in the fire. This is little in [the way] of Allah.” (Bihar Al-Anwar)

A Final Look
Indeed, history is filled with fascinating stories. And what we consider today as ‘impossible’ has repeatedly occurred throughout history. Given these multiple examples of babies speaking, it is rather ironic that people have a hard time believing that our Infallibles (peace be upon them) testified to God’s Oneness as soon as they were born.
Yes, when Imam Mahdi (A.S) was born, his father Imam Askari (A.S) held him and told him to speak, and Imam Mahdi (A.S) recited the testimony of faith. And according to narrations, on the seventh day, Imam Mahdi (A.S) recited the following verse: “And we wish to confer favor upon those who were oppressed in the land and make them leaders and make them inheritors.” (28:5) (Kamal Al Deen Wa Tamam Al Ne’ma)
And similar stories regarding the Prophet, Imam Ali, and the rest of Ahlul Bayt (A.S) exist, and if Allah made other babies in history speak, is it really difficult for Him to make the best of all people speak when they were babies?
No, and “indeed, Allah is over all things competent.”

Taken From: Islamic Insight

Chains of Noor - Deculturalization of our centers

By: Abbas Ayleya

Likewise, the final call for travel to partake in the Divine banquet of the month of Ramadan is being done and the self is required to undergo a 'security scan'.
Aba Salt Al Harawi narrates: "On the last Jum'ah - Friday - of the month of Sha'baan, I went to visit Imam Ali Ar Ridha. The Imam said to me, 'O' Aba Salt! Certainly a great amount of the month of Sha'baan has passed and today is the last Friday (of this month).Therefore make up for your negligence during this month on this day through..." Thereafter the Imam outlines nine points as here below:
1. Increase in supplication
2. Increase in seeking forgiveness
3. Increase in recitation of Qur'an
4. Repent towards Allah
5. Fulfill any outstanding trust/requirement upon you
6. Remove from your heart any hatred for a Mumin (Faithful one)
7. Guard your duty towards Allah; observe Taqwa
8. Have Tawakkul - complete reliance - upon Allah (S.W.T)
"During the few days that are left in this month of Sha'baan, increase to continuously recite:

اللّهُمَّ إنْ لَمْ تَكُنْ غَفَرْتَ لَنَا فِيمَا مَضَى مِنْ شَعْبَان فَاغْفِرْ لَنَا فِيمَا بَقِيَ مِنْهُ

O' Allah! If you have not forgiven us (our sins) in that which has passed of this (month of) Sha'baan, then forgive us (our sins) in the period that is remaining (of the month of Sha'ban).
Since Allah the Most High, out of His respect for the month of Ramadan will release a large number of people from the hell fire."
Note the positive, encouraging and motivating content of the address urging one to make up for their negligence.

Imam Mahdi (A.S) addressing you
Just as the 8th Imam was addressing Aba Salt, imagine that today one is being similarly addressed by Imam Mahdi (A.S). How would one take these nine points for checking in the scan of one's nafs (Soul) travelling towards the month of Ramadan?

Derived from: Al Mahdi.org.uk

Yes, everyone but Allah is mortal, and in fact, Imam al-Mahdi will pass away too. But the difference is the length of life in this world. The holy Qur’an and the prophetic traditions inform us that some people have had/have long life in this world. Thus the possibility of the occurrence of such phenomena is confirmed by the religion of Islam.
Are you aware that according to the Qur’an (see 29:14); Prophet Noah has just been prophet for 950 years? His age should have been even more than that because we should add his age before prophet hood to the above number.
Do you agree that Prophet Jesus (A.S) is still alive? He is, in fact, 1995 years old by now. Of course, he is not living on the earth. He is rather in the heavens, and according to the Muslim’s belief, he will come back to the earth, and will pray behind Imam al-Mahdi (A.S).
Do you agree that al-Khidr (A.S) is still alive? Qur’an mentions the story of his meeting with Prophet Moses (A.S). He existed before the time of the Prophet Moses (A.S), and as such, al-Khidr (A.S) is now more than 3000 years old! He lives right here on the earth, but we cannot recognize him (fairly similar to the case of Imam al-Mahdi). He serves Allah (S.W.T) as one of His agents.
The Hanafi scholar, Sibt Ibn al-Jawzi, in his book "Tathkirat al-Khawas al-Ummah", pp. 325-328 gives the names of 22 people believed by Muslims to have lived various ages from 3,000 down to 300 years! No doubt! Allah has the ability to give a very long life to His servants, but He also has assigned a death time for everyone (including the above mentioned individuals) which can be very soon or very late.
Moreover, scientifically speaking, there are no objections whatsoever to the extended life span assertion. A group of scientists conducted a series of experiments at the Rockefeller Institute in New York in 1912 on certain “parts” of plants, animals, and humans. These scientists included Dr. Alex Carl, Dr. Jack Lope, and Dr. Warren Lewis and his wife, among others. Among the experiments conducted was one that directly treated the nerves, muscles, hearts, skin, and kidneys of human beings.
These organs were not connected to a human body; they were independent organs that were perhaps donated for the experiment. It was concluded by the scientists that these "parts or organs “can continue to live almost indefinitely as long as they are nourished properly, and as long as they are shielded from external negative interactions like microbes and other obstacles that might inhibit the growth of these organs; furthermore, the assertion was made that the cells would continue to grow normally under the above conditions, and that the growth is directly related to the nourishment provided.
Again, aging had no effect on these organs, and they grew every year without any signs of deterioration. The scientists concluded that these organs will continue to grow as long as the patience of the scientists themselves is not exhausted, causing them to abandon the nourishment process.

Derived from: Al-Islam.org

How do we prepare for imam Mahdi (A.S)? - Hajj Hassanain Rajabali

How To Become More God Fearing / Supplicating For Imam Al Mahdi (A.S) - Sheikh Hamam Nassereddine

We offer our deepest consolations to The Master of This Time Imam Al-Mahdi (A.S), and to all the believers and strugglers for the anniversary of Imam Hassan Al-Askari (A.S)'s martyrdom.
The period of imamate of Imam Hassan Al-Askari (A.S) was characterized by its extreme importance because it was aiming to pave the way for Imam Mahdi's birth, to lay down his imamate, to introduce him for the Shiite, protect his existence, prepare for his occultation, and prepare the connection between him and his representatives as well.

Imam Al-Hassan's Imamate and its Political Conditions
Imam Hassan Al-Askari (A.S) had to prepare all the needed prefaces during his 6 years of imamate; at that time, he was living in a very sensitive and serious condition with regard to the Abbasids who were watching the Infallibles (A.S) from a short distance, and trying to control all their activities and they in addition to the other Muslims were expecting Imam Mahdi's birth the progeny of Imam Hussein Bin Ali (A.S).   
Hence, Imam (A.S) had lived a very difficult days during the Abbasids Caliphate with dictatorial sultans who had ascended the throne at the time he arrived to Samarra with his father Imam Al-Hadi (A.S) in Al-Mutawakkil days in the year 234 A.H.
We can summarize hereinafter, the most important forms of the political situation for the era which Imam had lived in:
1- The political situation of the Abbasid state had deteriorated, and the Turks had taken the power over.
2- The amusement, the impudence, and the opulence that the caliph and his followers were living.
3- The separatism movements that were being in the government as a result of the weakness of the caliph's authorities; because of this, the historians had called this era as: the era of the Commanders' Command.

Paving the Way for Imam Mahdi's Imamate
Imam Hassan Al-Askari had paved the way for his son's imamate through many procedures, such as:

A- Concealing Imam Mahdi (A.S)'s Birth
The Imam (A.S) had concealed his son's birth for fear of the authority who knows that the expected Mahdi is the son of Imam Al-Hassan Al-Askari (A.S) who will put an end for the oppression and will establish justice and triumph for the feeble ones.
When Imam Hassan (A.S) informed his elites, like Ahmad Bin Ishak and others, about the birth of Imam Mahdi (A.S) he ordered them to let this be a secret by saying: "A baby for us was born, let this be a secret, and let people know nothing about him".
Shortly before the birth of Imam Mahdi (A.S) in the night of 15 of Shaaban month, Imam Hassan Askari (A.S) called for aunt Hakima and told her: "O my aunt, you are invited to break your fast in my home, because God Almighty will delight you by His guardian and proof for His people, and will be the caliph after me".
Thus, we can notice from this, that despite of what steps he had taken, Imam Hassan had informed the elites of the Shiites the birth of his son Imam Mahdi (May God hasten his honorable reappearance).

b- Informing the Elites about Imam Mahdi's Birth and presenting him to them
Some people had seen the Imam (A.S) after three days of his birth including: Ali Bin Bilal, Mohammad bin Muawiyah bin Hakeem, Al-Hassan Bin Ayoub Bin Nouh and others. Imam Al-Hassan (A.S) told those people while presenting his son for them the following: "this is your friend after me, he is the caliph, and he is the one who will reappear to establish justice and equity and put an end for the oppression". 
Ahmad Bin Ishak posed Imam Hassan a question saying: "O my master is there any sign for me to be assured? Then the baby uttered eloquently: "I am the Living Proof of God, I am the one who will be the revenger of the enemies of God, and don't request for a sign after that you Ahmad Bin Ishak", then Ahmad said: "I left feeling so happy and delight…

c- Laying down the Imamate of Al-Mahdi (A.S)
Laying down the Imamate of Al-Mahdi (A.S) and his Occultation and attesting that a delegation consisting of 40 persons who support the Prophet's Family came to Samarra, and visited Imam Hassan's home in order to ask them about the proof "Hojjah" after him, while sitting, Othman Bin Saeed Bin Amro Al-Amry said: "O the son of the Prophet, I want to ask you about something which you know more than me, then Imam (A.S) said: "If you please, no one walk out, I will be back. Really this happened, no one went; and after an hour later, Imam Hassan returned back and called Othman, so he stood directly. Imam Hassan said: "Shall I tell you the reason why you had come?" They answered: "O yes the Son of the Prophet, then he answered them saying: "You came asking me about the proof after me". They said: yes. And Imam Mahdi was in front of them, a very nice guy who looks like the moon, just the same as Abo Mohammad; then Imam Hassan (A.S) said: "this is your Imam after me, and the caliph, so you should obey him and you should be united and never be separated in order not to be perished. You will not see him after this day (because of his occultation), so you should agree about what Othman tells you, and obey him, because he is the caliph of your Imam and matters go back to him".
Eventually, all praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the worlds.

Ref: Al-Maaref Islamic Net

I. Imam Mahdi’s (A.S) Occultation
Imam Ali Ibn Abi Talib (A.S) has brought up the subject of Imam Mahdi (A.S)’s occultation in different occasions within the limits of his audience intellectual and understanding abilities and according to the natural trend of events in the future.
On an occasion he points to the necessity of the existence of a divine Hujjah on the earth, even more, in the entire universe. Then he notes that this Hujjah may be present and apparent and may be hidden from the people’s sight because of the situation not being suitable. The Imam (A.S) declared that during the time of occultation, even though his body cannot be sighted and is not present, his knowledge will be known to the people. [Kulaini, Al-Kafi, Vol. 2, P. 139]
On the second occasion, Imam Ali (A.S) emphasized that the Mahdi (A.S) is one of us, the Ahlul-Bait, and he will fill the earth with justice and equity after it is filled with oppression. [Allameh Majlesi, Bihar ul-Anwar, Vol. 51, P. 118]
Finally, on the third occasion, he mentions the hardships and problems of the time of occultation and the characteristics of the people of that time saying at the end that many people will go astray or lose hope and start denying His Eminence. [Ibid. Vol. 38, P. 70; Vol. 51, P. 119]

II. The Causes and Philosophies behind the Occultation
Even though some traditions clearly state that the actual philosophy of occultation is not known for mankind, some of Imam Ali’s (A.S) sayings point out a few. Some of these are: the Imam (A.S) not having to pledge allegiance to the oppressors, the distinction of the deceived, the oppression of people and the children of Imam Ali (A.S) by people themselves, and the perseverance of the signs of guidance.

III. The Signs of the Era of Occultation
There are interesting face that can be found in Imam Ali (A.S)’s sayings about the signs and dangers for the intellect and belief in the era of occultation. Some of these are the wonderment of the people and their being lost; having difficulties in being religious and, hesitance in the existence of the Imam (A.S).

Taken from: The universal center of imam Mahdi (A.S)

Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P) in the sermon on the day of Ghadeer made mention of Imam Mahdi (A.S).

ألا إن خاتم الائمة منا القائم المهدي، ألا إنه الظاهر على الدين، ألا إنه المنتقم من الظالمين، ألا إنه فاتح الحصون وهادمها، ألا إنه قاتل كل قبيلة من أهل الشرك، ألا إنه المدرك بكل ثار لاولياء الله عزوجل، ألا أنه الناصر لدين الله، ألا إنه الغراف من بحر عميق، ألا إنه قسيم كل ذي فضل بفضله وكل ذي جهل بجهله، ألا إنه خيرة الله ومختاره، ألا إن وارث كل علم والمحيط به، إلا إنه المخبر عن ربه عزوجل والمنبه بأمر إيمانه، ألا إنه الرشيد السديد، ألا إنه المفوض إليه، ألا إنه قد بشر به من سلف بين يديه، ألا إنه الباقي حجة ولا حجة بعده، ولا حق إلا معه، ولا نور إلا عنده، ألا إنه لا غالب له ولا منصور عليه، ألا وإنه ولي الله في أرضه وحكمه في خلقه وأمينه في سره وعلانيته

He (P.B.U.H&H.P) said:
Know that the seal of the leaders from among us shall be the Qa’im, the Mahdi.
He shall, most certainly, prevail over (all) religious (methods of life).
He shall definitely be the avenger against the oppressors.
He shall surely be the conqueror of the strongholds and their demolisher.
He shall be, indeed, the destroyer of every polytheistic group.
He shall be the supporter of the religion of Allah.
He shall bring out (people’s share) from (his) deep ocean (of knowledge and divine resources).
He shall mark each man of distinction by his distinction and every man of ignorance by his ignorance.
Behold! He is the elite of Allah, and Allah is his chooser.
He shall be the heir of every knowledge, and the one who shall encompass [every perception]
He shall advise and inform on behalf of his Lord, the mighty and the majestic, and shall remind about the matters pertaining to His faith.
He shall be the right-minded and unerring, to whom authority shall be vested.
Behold! All former (prophets) have given the glad tidings of him.
Know that he shall be the remaining proof (of Allah), after whom there shall be no (new) proof.
There shall be no truth except with him, nor shall there be any light (of guidance) except at his disposal.
None, indeed, shall overcome him, and none shall be supported against him.
He shall be the authorized representative of Allah on His earth, His judge over His creation, and His trustee in His secrets and in what He made evident.
[Source: Ihtijaj – e- Tabarsi, Vol 1/Rawzadatul Waizeen, Part 1]

Ref: Marefate AhleBait (A.S).com

وبهذا الاسناد عن أبي عبد الله جعفر بن محمد، قال: حدثنا محمد ابن حمران المدائني عن علي بن أسباط، عن الحسن بن بشير، عن أبي الجارود، عن أبي جعفر (عليه السلام)
ثم يدخل المسجد فينقض الحائط حتى يضعه إلى الأرض، ثم يخرج الأزرق وزريق غضين طريين، يكلمهما فيجيبانه، فيرتاب عند ذلك المبطلون، فيقولون: يكلم الموتى؟! فيقتل منهم خمسمائة مرتاب في جوف المسجد، ثم يحرقهما بالحطب الذي جمعاه ليحرقا به عليا وفاطمة والحسن والحسين (عليهم السلام)، وذلك الحطب عندنا نتوارثه، ويهدم قصر المدينة

.And with the same chain from Abi Abdillah Jafar bin Muhammad, from Muhammad bin Hamran al-Madaini, from Ali bin Isbaat, from al-Hassan bin Basheer, from Abi Jarood, from Abi Jafar al-Baqir (A.S):
(Part of a lengthy narration, quoting only the required portion here)
"Then He [al-Qaim (A.S)], will enter the Mosque (in Medina), then He will destroy the wall until it comes down to the ground. Then he will bring out al-Azraq and Zareeq (referring to Abu Bakr & Umar) while they are fresh. He [al-Qaim (A.S)] will speak to them and they will answer Him. Then the people of falsehood will doubt this and say, “He speaks with the dead!!!” Then He will kill 500 of those who doubted in the middle of the Mosque. Then He will burn those two with the firewood that was collected to burn (the house of) Ali, Fatima, Hassan & Hussein (A.S). And that firewood is with us, we inherited it and He will bring down the palace of Medina …"
[Source: Dalail al-Imamah by Muhammad bin Jareer al-Tabari, Pg. 455]

Derived from: Marefate AhleBait (A.S).com

Once on the eve of Ramadan, towards the end of a memorable sermon on the blessings of the month of fasting, the Prophet burst into tears. Asked by his dear cousin and son-in-law, the Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali ibn Abi Taleb (A.S), the reason for his weeping, the Almighty’s Last Messenger to mankind, replied:
"O Ali, I weep for that which will befall you in this month. (Imagining myself) to be in your place when you will be praying to your Lord, and the most wicked person of all times, like the one who chopped off the feet of the camel of Thamoud (that was the divine proof of Prophet Saleh's mission), will strike you on your head and your beard will be dyed by it (blood)."
"O Ali whoever kills you has (in fact) killed me, whoever annoys you has annoyed me and whoever slanders you has slandered me, because you are to me like my soul. Your spirit is my spirit and your nature is my nature. Surely, Allah the Praised and the Glorious created me then you, chose me then you. Selected me for Prophet Hood and selected you for Imamate. And whoever denies your Imamate has (in fact) denied my Prophet Hood. O Ali, you are my legatee and father of my (grand) children, and husband of my daughter, and my Caliph (vicegerent) over my ummah both in my lifetime and after my death. Your bidding is my bidding, and your forbidding is my forbidding. I swear by the Power that granted me Prophet Hood and made me the most excellent of creation, you are the Hujjat-Allah (Proof of Allah) over His creatures, and His Trustee over mysteries and His Caliph over His creatures.”
What the Prophet had predicted occurred over three decades later on the 21st of Ramadan in Iraq. The Imam of the Pious, on being struck the fatal blow in the Grand Mosque of Kufa while engrossed in the morning prayer of 19th Ramadan in the year 40 AH expressed that immortal phrase: By the Lord of the Ka’ba I have succeeded.”
And what a grand success did the Icon of Justice achieve! Till this day, Imam Ali (A.S), whose ideal administration of justice has yet to be emulated, is remembered as the Martyr for the Cause of Freedom and Liberties. As the most nearest and dearest person to the Prophet, he had stood beside his cousin through every thick and thin, frustrating the bloodcurdling plots of the hypocrites in order to free human societies from the fetters of ignorance, superstition and polytheism.
In short, Imam Ali (A.S) was the supreme example of social justice the world has ever seen. Even non-Muslim scholars have praised his dynamic personality. The Christian scholar George Jordaq has written a series of excellent books titled: Imam Ali (A.S) and Socrates; Imam Ali and Aristotle; Imam Ali and the French Revolution; and Imam Ali the Voice of Human Justice. Jordaq has shown that Imam Ali (A.S) excels all comparisons, and the freedom and liberties that he enshrined are still beyond the reach of human societies despite the bragging of democracy and human rights by western governments, whose practice is nothing but outright hypocrisy.
We thus pay our sincere tribute to this Icon of Justice, whose model government has been the source of inspiration in every age and era for those striving for justice in society. We pray to God to hasten the reappearance of the Lord of the Age, Imam Mahdi (A.S) to cleanse the world of all vestiges of corruption and oppression by establishing the global government of peace, prosperity and justice.

Derived From: Shia.es

The relationship between Imam Hussain (A.S) & Imam Mahdi (A.S)

The Walk to Imam Mahdi’s Arrival
O Lord! Enlist us all among those who pave this Divine Path
By: Seikh Hayder Shirazi

There is a Hadith that the name of Imam al-Hujjah (A.S) was mentioned in front of Imam Reza (A.S). Upon hearing Imam al-Hujjah’s name, Imam Reza (A.S) stood up and put his hand on his head and arose in respect, praying for the emergence of Imam Zaman (A.S).
[Abdul-Husain Ahmad Amini Najafi, Al-Ghadir, vol. 2, pg. 361; Sheikh Abbas Qomi, Muntahal-Amal, fourteenth chapter, chapter six, pg. 1127.]
Imam Sadiq (A.S) was asked about why when the name of the al-Qa’im is mentioned, all must stand.
The Imam (A.S) replied, “The Qaim’s occultation will be prolonged, and this name is a remembrance of his future ruler ship and a way of expressing sorrow for his loneliness. As a result, he takes a caring look at the followers of his who remember him with this name out of the love and affection he has for them. It is respectful for the humble servant to stand before his master (the master of his time) when he (the master) is looking at him. Therefore, he must stand and pray for the return of his master. “
[Lotfollah Safi Golpaygani, Muntakhabul-Athar, pg. 506]