Hazrat Imam Husain (a.s.) and Hazrat Imam Mahdi (a.s.)
The cries of help raised by Imam Husain (a.s.) on the day of Ashura
didn’t die away in Karbala itself. Indeed, it reverberated with greater
intensity with the passage of time. Those who weren’t present in this
physical world but were yet to come too had said labbaik on hearing his
(a.s.) plea.
There’s a strong connection between the martyrdom of Imam Husain
(a.s.) and the reappearance of Imam Mahdi (a.s.). In the traditions
narrated by Imam Husain (a.s.) as well as in supplications, we find the
mention of Imam Mahdi (a.s.). Imam Mahdi (a.s.) too has often spoken
about the afflictions that befell Imam Husain (a.s.). In this article we
will try to make a brief analysis.
(1) Imam Husain (a.s.) in the eyes of Imam Mahdi (a.s.)
Sa’ad bin Abdullah Qummi states that I inquired from Imam Mahdi (a.s.) the explanation of kaaf haa yaa ayn saad.
He said: “These are the concealed words with which Allah had
forewarned His servant J. Zakariyyaa (a.s.) and also reiterated it to
Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.). J Zakariyyaa (a.s.) had requested Allah to
teach him the five (special) names and Allah had taught him those names
through J. Jibraeel (a.s.). When J Zakariyyaa (a.s.) would take the
names of Muhammad (s.a.w.a.), Ali (a.s.), Fatima (s.a) and Hasan (a.s.)
then the grief within him would subside. But, when he took the name of
Husain (a.s.) his sorrow would intensify. One day he implored Allah, ‘Oh
Allah, when I take four names I find rest and inner peace but when I
take the name of Husain, then sorrow overcomes me and tears start
flowing from my eyes. Allah revealed the significance of these words.
‘kaaf’ means Karbala, ‘Haa’ refers to the massacre and martyrdom of the chaste progeny, ‘yaa’ is for the oppressor Yazeed, ‘ayn’ stands for thirst and ‘saad’ is for the patience of Imam Husain (a.s.).
On hearing this J Zakariyyaa (a.s.) became so anguished that he did
not leave his prayer niche for three days. He did not allow anyone to
come near him. Even as he wept incessantly, he kept saying,
‘O Allah, I am in grief because calamities will befall on the son
of Your best creation. O Allah! Grant me a son who will be a support in
my old age, who will be the light of my eyes, who will be my inheritor
and my vicegerent. And then you involve me in his misery, just like how
You have involved Your beloved messenger Muhammad Mustafa (s.a.w.a.) in
his son’s sorrow.’
Allah granted J. Zakariyyaa (a.s.) a son named Yahya (a.s.) and then
involved him in his suffering. Janabe Yahya (a.s.) and Imam Husain
(a.s.) were born after six months of pregnancy’.”
(Kamaluddin, Vol 2, page 420)
(2) Imam Mahdi (a.s.) in the eyes of Imam Husain (a.s.)
Imam Muhammad Baqir (a.s.) says:
Haaris al-A’war asked Imam Husain (a.s.) the meaning of “I swear
by the sun and its heat’ (Surah Shams, verse 1)” He (a.s.) replied “It
refers to the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.).” Then he asked him about
the second verse “I swear by the moon while it follows it”. He said, “It
refers to Hazrat Ameerul Momineen (a.s.), who is after the Messenger of
Allah (s.a.w.a.). Then he asked him (a.s.) about the third verse “I
swear by the day when it manifests itself” He (a.s.) said: “It refers to
Hazrat Qaem of Aale Muhammad, who will fill the earth with justice and
equality”
(Tafseer-e-Furaat Kufi, p. 212)
(3) Imam Mahdi (a.s.) the avenger of the blood of Imam Husain (a.s.)
Imam Mahdi (a.s.) will avenge the brutal and tyrannical killing of
Imam Husain (a.s.) and his companions. While explaining this verse of
Quran,
“….. and whoever is killed unjustly, We have indeed given to
his heir authority, so he shall not be extravagant in slaying; surely he
is aided”
(Bani Israel 33)
Imam Muhammad Baqir (a.s.) says:
“The oppressed ones are Imam Husain (a.s.) and his successors.
When our Qaem will reappear he will account for their blood. He will
take revenge in such a way that people will say that he has gone to the
extreme.”
(Tafseer-e-Burhaan, vol 2, p. 419; Behar, vol 10, p. 15)
‘Going to the extreme,’ means to slay the innocent ones.
Imam-e-Zamana (a.s.) is infallible, so there is no question of him
shedding the blood of innocent people. This is the opinion of those who
think that the killers of Imam Husain (a.s.) were present only in
Karbala. On the contrary, in the eyes of Islam, even they are culpable
who agree with the actions of the tyrants, justify it and then go
all-out to prove their innocence. In our times too, we find some
wretched people who praise Yazeed (l.a.) and those involved in the
killing of Imam Husain (a.s.). Imam-e-Zamana (a.s.) will take revenge
from all of them.
(4) Imam Mahdi (a.s.) – in the words of Imam Husain’s (a.s.)
In Ziyarate Ashura, Imam-e-Zamana (a.s.) is referred to as ‘Mansoor
(the helped one).’ Esa al-Khashaab inquired from Imam Husain (a.s.),
‘Are you the Master of Affairs?’
He (a.s.) said:
“I am not the Master of Affairs. Rather he is the one who will be
hidden from the eyes of the people. His dwelling is far away from the
human inhabitants. He’ll be the one to avenge the slaying of his father.
His agnomen will be the agnomen of his uncle. The sword will rest on
his shoulder for 18 months.”
(Kamaluddin, vol. 1, p. 318)
The words “Tareed” and “shareed” are synonyms. They are used for the
one who has gone far away from the people because they deserted and
abandoned him. The people did not value the blessing of Imam’s (a.s.)
presence. On the contrary, they dishonored him. They made the killing of
his family lawful, used their tongues and pens to oppose him and did
all they could to take his remembrance out of the minds.
‘He’ll avenge the killing of his father.’ This could also mean Imam
Hasan Askari (a.s.) because he was martyred through poison and it could
also mean Imam Husain (a.s.).
Imam Mahdi (a.s.) and the remembrance of Imam Husain (a.s.)
In Ziyarat-e-Naahiyah, Imam-e-Zamana (a.s.) has remembered Imam Husain (a.s.) in these words:
‘You were to the Messenger (s.a.w.a.) a son, an authority on the
Noble Quran and its saviour. You were the pillar and supporter of the
nation. You were diligent in obeying your Lord, a protector of the
covenant and the oath, kept away from the paths of the sinners; were
excessive in your bowing and prostrations. You had turned your face from
the enticements of the world like the one who is departing from it,
looking upon it with fear.
(Behaar-ul-Anwaar, vol. 101, p. 239)
This is how Imam-e-Zamana (a.s.) has articulated ten qualities and
specialties of his illustrious grandfather. The truth is that Imam
Husain (a.s.) and Imam Mahdi (a.s.) share a special bond. They both
share the same objective. Imam Husain (a.s.) desired to safeguard the
religion while Imam-e-Zamana (a.s.) will enforce the religion in the
entire world.
Imam Mahdi (a.s.) and the Day of Ashura
Just as the title of Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) is exclusively for Imam
Ali (a.s.) similarly the title of Qaem is only for Imam Mahdi (a.s.).
Abu Hamza Thumali asked Imam Muhammad Baqir (a.s.): “Are you not the
Qaem? And why only Wali-e-Asr is called as the Qaem?” He (a.s.) replied:
“When my grandfather Imam Husain (a.s.) was martyred the angels
wailed loudly and they pleaded in front of Allah — ‘O Allah, will you
let go the ones who have massacred the best of Your creation – the one
chosen by You and the son of Your chosen one?” Allah revealed to the
angels:
“O My angels, be patient! I swear by My Honour and Might,
verily I will take revenge from these people even if it may be after a
few days. Thereafter Allah removed the veil from the eyes of the angels
and they saw the Imams from the progeny of Imam Husain (a.s.). Seeing
this the angels became happy and they saw that among those Imams there
was one who was in the state of qiyam (standing) and Allah said,
‘Through this Qaem I will take revenge.’
(Dalaail-ul-Imaamah, Muhammad Ibn Jurair al-Tabari (he is different from the famous Sunni historian), p. 239)
Imam Mahdi (a.s.) and his yearning to help Imam Husain (a.s.)
To be alongside Hazrat Imam Husain (a.s.) and be fortunate enough to
attain martyrdom is the greatest achievement and honour. It is something
which we mention repeatedly in Ziyarat-e-Waaresah,
‘O how we wish we would have been with you and attain this ultimate success.’
In Ziyarat-e-Naahiyah, Imam Zamana (a.s.) has expressed this great desire in the following words:
“O my oppressed father! I came in this world after you and by the
decree of Allah I couldn’t help you. Therefore, I will lament morning
and evening and instead of tears I will shed blood.”
This gives us an idea that in the eyes of Imam-e-Zamana (a.s.), it is
an honour and privilege to help Imam Husain (a.s.). The mission of Imam
Husain (a.s.) will be completed by Imam Mahdi (a.s.) and the religion
for which the Chief of Martyrs (a.s.) sacrificed his life will be put
into practice in the entire world.
The Day of Ashura and the Day of Reappearance
There’s no particular day fixed for the reappearance of Imam Mahdi
(a.s.). Some traditions, however, do speak of certain days on which
there’s a possibility of Imam (a.s.) reappearing. It means one can hope
and expect the reappearance to happen on these days.
Some reports mention Friday. Some speak of Ashura and some also talk about Saturday.
These traditions can be reconciled broadly as – Ashura and Friday
could be one day on which reappearance may take place while Saturday
could be the day of announcement. So, in this way the day of martyrdom
and reappearance will be Friday. Saturday will be the day of balancing
the things. Thus the day of martyrdom will be the day when the religion
will be stabilized and operational in the whole world. The day of
martyrdom will be the day on which the powers of falsehood will be
annihilated.
Imam Jafar as-Sadiq (a.s.) says:
On 23rd day of the holy month of Ramazan there will be a voice in
the sky calling out the name of Hazrat Qaem (a.s.) and the day of
Ashura will be the day when he will rise – the day on which Imam Husain
(a.s.) was martyred.
(Al-Ghaibah of Shaikh al-Tusi (r.a.), p. 474)
It appears the decision on the reappearance of Hazrat Wali-e-Asr
(a.s.) will be taken in Shab-e-Qadr. He will be informed about his
reappearance and the day of Ashura will be on which he will reappear and
commence his uprising.
Imam Mahdi’s (a.s.) first speech
In his first speech after reappearance, Imam Mahdi (a.s.) will
introduce himself in such a way that the deep connect between his
reappearance and the martyrdom will be manifested. When Imam Mahdi
(a.s.) will reappear he will introduce himself in the following way by
standing between Hajar-e-Aswad and Maqam-e-Ibrahim:
‘O people of the world! Be warned, I am the Qaem’
‘O people of the world! Know that I am the sword with which revenge will be taken.’
‘O people of the world! Know that my Husain was martyred thirsty.’
‘O people of the world! Know that my Husain was left uncovered without a shroud on the dusty plains.’
‘O people of the world! My grandfather Husain’s body was trampled (by horses) after he was massacred
(Intezaar, first year, second edition, p. 178)
Imam Mahdi (a.s.) will first declare that he is the Qaem. Then he
will talk about taking revenge through his sword and then speak about
the tribulations that befell upon Imam Husain (a.s.). Hazrat (a.s.)
will start his oration with the majlis of Imam Husain (a.s.) This will
make it clear to one and all the importance of narrating the
tribulations and sufferings of Imam Husain (a.s.). It also becomes clear
that the objective of Imam Husain’s (a.s.) martyrdom will only be
realized following the reappearance of Imam Mahdi (a.s.). Besides, it is
evident that those who draw attention to the afflictions that were
faced by the Chief of Martyrs (a.s.), are actually following the path
and tradition of Imam-e-Zamana (a.s.). Thus those who put obstacles in
the way (of Azadari) can now judge their own fate.
Imam Mahdi (a.s.) and the avenging of the killing of Imam Husain (a.s.)
Imam Husain (a.s.) told Imam Zainul Aabedeen (a.s.):
By Allah! My blood will keep boiling until Allah makes Mahdi
apparent. He will avenge my killing and he will slay seventy thousand
transgressors and disbelievers.
(Al-Manaaqib by Ibn Shahr Aashoob, vol. 4, p. 85; Behaar ul Anwaar, vol. 45, page 299)
The narrator asked Imam Reza (a.s.): What do you have to say about this tradition wherein Imam Jafar Sadiq (a.s.) says:
‘When our Qaem will rise he will massacre the descendants of the killers of Imam Husain (a.s.) for the crime of their fathers!’
Imam Reza (a.s.) said,
‘Yes it is true.’
Then the narrator asked, ’What is the essence of this verse of Quran then:
‘No bearer of burdens can bear the burden of another,’
(Surah Anaam 164)
Imam Reza(a.s.) replied:
“What Allah has said is true but these people were happy and
proud over what their ancestors had done. If a person concurs with the
one who performs the action then he too becomes a party in it. If
someone is killed in the east and the people of west are in accord with
it then in the eyes of Allah they too are partners in crime along with
the killers. For that Qaem will execute the sons of the killers of Imam
Husain (a.s.) on the premises that they were in pleased and satisfied
with their predecessors.”
(Elal al-Sharae’, vol. 1, page 219; Oyoon Akhbaar ar-Raza (a.s.), vol. 1, p. 273; Behar ul Anwaar, vol. 52, p. 313)
Imam Mahdi (a.s.) and the Completion of Imam Husain’s (a.s.) Journey
Imam Husain (a.s.) had travelled from Makkah to Kufa because he
wanted to live in Kufa. But, the tyrants of the time didn’t allow him to
complete his journey. They did not let him enter Kufa and instead
martyred him in Karbala. Imam Mahdi (a.s.), after reappearing, will
designate Kufa as his capital. Imam Mohammad Baqir (a.s.) says:
Mahdi will reappear and then travel to Kufa, which will be his home.
(Behaar ul Anwaar, vol. 25, p. 225)
In another tradition he says:
When our Qaem will reappear he will go to Kufa. At that time
every believer will live in Kufa or at least will definitely go there.
(Behaar ul Anwaar, vol. 52, p. 385)
These traditions clearly state that Kufa will be Imam Mahdi’s (a.s.)
seat of power; he will stay and rule over the entire world from there.
The Helpers of Imam Husain (a.s.) and Imam Mahdi (a.s.)
Along with believers, angels from the skies too will join Imam
Mahdi’s (a.s.) troops. Rayyan ibn Shabeeb narrates from Imam Raza
(a.s.):
“Four thousand angels had descended from the heavens to help and
support Imam Husain (a.s.). But when they reached Karbala, Imam Husain
(a.s.) was already martyred. Since then, those angels have covered
themselves in dust and are lamenting besides the sacred grave of Imam
Husain (a.s.). They will remain in this condition till the reappearance
of Qaem following which they will be among the helpers and their slogan
will be, ‘Revenge for the unjust killing of Imam Husain (a.s.)’
(al-Amaali of Shaikh Sadooq (a.r.), Speech No. 27, Behaar ul Anwaar, vol. 44, p. 285)
The aspiration of helping Imam Husain (a.s.) can be met by helping
Imam Mahdi (a.s.). Therefore, every person while reciting
Ziyarat-e-Waaresah wishes that he too should have been present in the
battle of Karbala, can attain this great of blessing by helping Imam e
Zamana (a.s.) – even while Imam (a.s.) is in occultation. He can do that
by spreading the name of Imam e Zamana (a.s.), by increasing the love
of Imam e Zamana (a.s.) in the hearts of the people, by making them
remember him, by erasing the doubts concerning him and preparing them
for his reappearance and waiting for his reappearance devotedly. These
are the ways of helping Imam (a.s.) and in whatever way it is possible
one should step forward and realize the ambition of helping Imam Husain
(a.s.).
The Birthday of Imam Husain (a.s.) and Remembrance of Imam Mahdi (a.s.)
The third of Shabaan is the birthday of Chief of Martyrs – Imam
Husain (a.s.). It is a day of joy for the Ahle Bait (a.s.), their Shias
and their friends. For Allah, this is a great day. On this very
distinguished day, Allah had gifted His Messenger (s.a.w.a.) a tradition
luminously etched on a green slate, which is called as Hadith-e-Lauh.
This tradition elucidates the messengership, mastership and leadership
of the Fourteen Infallibles (a.s.). There’s a special mention of Imam
Mahdi (a.s.). The past editions of Al Muntazar have discussed this
tradition extensively and that is why we will refrain from discussing it
further in this issue.
There are exclusive supplications and actions prescribed for this
day. In these supplications there is a special mentioning of Imam Mahdi
(a.s.) along with Imam Husain (a.s.).
‘O Allah I beseech You for the sake of the son who was born on
this day. I raise my hands in Your presence, on whose birthday the news
of his martyrdom was given; on whose martyrdom, the earth, the sky and
everything that lived in it wept. And in return of the martyrdom,
Imamate was bestowed in his lineage. The dust of his burial place has
healing powers. In whose company lays success and good fortune and in
his lineage is the Qaem for whom occultation has been decreed.”
(Misbah al-Mutahjjid, p. 758; Mafateehul Jinaan, Amaal of 3rd Shabaan)
The day of Imam Mahdi’s (a.s.) birth and the remembrance of Imam Husain (a.s.)
The night of 15th Shabaan is the greatest and most blessed after
Shab-e-Qadr. On one night the silent Quran was revealed and on the other
the speaking Quran was born. One is the night of ‘Qadr’ which is better
than thousand months and the other night is a practical interpretation
of Shab-e-Qadr. It is better to spend this night, too, in worship. The
best action in this highly significant night is the Ziyarat of Imam
Husain (a.s.) and the one who wants to shake hands with 1,24,000
Prophets then he should recite the Ziyarat of Imam Husain (a.s.).
As if, all the Prophets have come to congratulate Imam Husain (a.s.)
on the birth of his dearest grandson Imam Mahdi (a.s.) this night. To
praise him for the one who will fulfill the purpose for which he
sacrificed himself and spread his religion in the entire world.
Shab-e-Qadr and the remembrance of Imam Husain (a.s.)
Shab-e-Qadr is the most significant of all nights. This night is
specifically related to Imam Mahdi (a.s.) because in this night the
angels appear in the pious presence of Imam (a.s.) with the affairs of
the entire year. The most commendable of actions for this night is
Ziyarat of Imam Husain (a.s.). The one who recites it will have the
honour of shaking hands with the souls of 124,000 Prophets (a.s.).
The day of birth of Imam Mahdi (a.s.), too, is of similar
significance. The visitor will have the honour of shaking hands with
124,000 Prophets. Likewise, the one who does Ziyarat on Shab-e-Qadr will
have the same privilege. Perhaps, the reason for this is that Imam
Mahdi (a.s.) was born on the night of 15th Shaban and that he may
reappear in Shab-e-Qadr. One night is holy on the basis of his birth and
the other is from the perspective of reappearance. Both nights are
categorically connected with Imam Zamana (a.s.) and on both these nights
there is Ziyarat of Imam Husain (a.s.).
The supplication of Nudbah and the remembrance of Imam Husain (a.s.)
Dua-e-Nudbah is one of the many supplications exclusively related to
Imam Zamana (a.s.). Those who carry the desire of assisting Imam Mahdi
(a.s.) recite this dua every Friday. From the depths of their hearts,
they remember Imam (a.s.) and shed tears on being separated from him.
They keep their hearts fresh with the remembrance of Imam (a.s.). From
the point of legitimacy and on the basis of the actions of the Ulama,
this is an absolutely authentic supplication. Along with Imam Zamana
(a.s.) this dua also refers to Imam Husain (a.s.).
Pay attention to the following words from this dua:
“Where is Hasan and where is Husain? Where are the sons of
Husain? The virtuous – one after the other?The truthful – one after the
other.’’
Then Imam Husain (a.s.) is especially remembered in this manner:
“Where is the avenger of the blood of the innocent martyrs of Karbala?”
Thus, along with Imam Zamana (a.s.) the memory of Imam Husain (a.s.) too is revived every Friday.
Ziyarate Ashura and Imam Mahdi (a.s.)
One of the most authentic Ziyarats is Ziyarat-e-Ashura. The
Infallible Imams (a.s.) and in particular Imam Zamana (a.s.) have
greatly emphasized that this ziayarat should be recited every day.
Traditions speak of enormous rewards for the one who recites it. In this
Ziyarat too Imam Mahdi (a.s.) is discussed.
‘O Allah! You give me the opportunity and the good fortune to be
along with the victorious Imam from the descendants of Muhammad
(s.a.w.a.) so that I can seek avenge for him.”
Imam Muhammad Baqir (a.s.), under the verse… “and if anyone is slain unjustly,” (Bani Israel 33) says:
“Imam Mahdi is the “Mansoor” (the helped one) just like how the
Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.) is referred to as Ahmad and Muhammad and
Janabe Eisa (a.s.) is called Maseeh.”
This also means that Mansoor is one of the names of Imam Mahdi (a.s.).
‘‘O Allah! You give me the nobility and the opportunity
to be alongside Imam Mahdi (a.s.) when he is avenging the blood of Imam
Husain (a.s.) while he is visible and speaking.”
In this sentence is the prayer for the early reappearance of Imam
Mahdi (a.s.) along with the plea for assisting him rightfully and
avenging the slaying of Imam Husain (a.s.).
The Day of Ashura and the Remembrance of Imam Mahdi (a.s.)
Just as the way Imam Mahdi (a.s.) has been mentioned in
Ziyarat-e-Ashura, similarly amongst the recommended acts on the day of
Ashura is to offer each other condolences on the severe tribulations
braved by Imam Husain (a.s.) in the following manner:
“May Allah grant us the highest rewards due to colossal calamity
that befell Imam Husain (a.s.). May He include us and you amongst those
who take revenge under the Mastership of Imam Mahdi (a.s.) who is from
the progeny of Imam Husain (a.s.).”
Take note, that on this day of severe afflictions, Imam Mahdi (a.s.) is mentioned along with Imam Husain (a.s.).
Imam Husain (a.s.) and Raj’at (the return)
In the light of Islamic teachings, just as the reappearance of Imam
Mahdi (a.s.) is a certainty, similarly Raj’at too is a certainty. Raj’at
means that after the reappearance of Imam Mahdi (a.s.) those who have
left this world will be brought back to life. Only those who don’t
believe in the Day of Judgment will consider Raj’at to be impossible.
Those who believe that the dead will be re-enlivened, are of the view
that when the Day of Judgment nears it will not be surprising if some
people are brought back to life following the reappearance of Imam Mahdi
(a.s.) and his reign, as it is in accordance with the Sunnah of Allah.
Amongst those who will return is Imam Husain (a.s.). According to a
tradition from Imam Sadiq (a.s.), the first person for whom the Earth
will split open to remerge is Imam Husain Ibn Ali (a.s.).
(Behaar ul Anwaar, vol. 53, page 39; Tafseer e Burhaan, vol. 2, p. 408)
In another tradition Imam Jafar as-Sadiq (a.s.) says:
“The first amongst those who will return is Imam Husain (a.s.)
and his faithful companions. At the same time Yazeed and his forces too
will return and they all will be killed.”
After this Imam Jafar as-Sadiq (a.s.) recited the following ayat:
“Then We will make you prevail again and will help you with wealth and children and increase your numbers.”
(Bani Israel: 6)
(Behaar ul Anwaar, vol 53, p. 76; Noorus Saqalain vol 3, p. 140)
In a tradition from Imam Muhammad Baqir (a.s.) it is mentioned:
“On the eve of Ashura, Imam Husain (a.s.) told his companions: “…
heaven awaits you, after what will happen with us. Following that we
will rest for as long as Allah wishes. Then Allah will bring us back to
life, when our Qaem will reappear. Then revenge will be taken from the
oppressors. Then you and I will see them chained and tied with ropes and
will witness them facing the severest of punishment.”
(Kefaayah al-Muhtadi, pp. 105-106)
Have you realized how strong is the bond between Imam Husain (a.s.)
and Imam Mahdi (a.s.)? They are mentioned together at all places. They
gave tidings about each other and will fulfill each others aims.
O Allah! Include us all amongst the sincere servants of Imam
Wali-e-Asr (a.s.) and raise us with the faithful companions. O Lord of
Husain (a.s.)! For the sake of Husain (a.s.), for the tranquility of the
heart of Husain (a.s.), hasten the reappearance of Hujjat (a.s.)!
Aameen!
Post a Comment