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Translator’s Foreword

Praise to Allah, the Mighty and Sublime and may Allah bless Muhammad (S) and Aali Muhammad (‘a).

The present book is one more gem from the treasure trove of Twelver Shi’a writings, which leave alone English readers, was Also, inaccessible for those who can read Urdu, because it was originally written in Persian, when it was the main language of Muslims of non-’Arab countries. After the downfall of Muslim rule in the Indian subcontinent, began the decline of Persian language in this highly populated region and majority of people lost touch with this sweet language of Iran.

Although the topic is highly scholarly, but this book was mainly written for the masses, as they are most susceptible to the misleading propaganda. As will be clear from the author’s preface, even though having limited sources, the writer of this book was able to prove beyond any doubt that the belief in Imam al-Mahdi (‘aj) is not only a Twelver Shi’a belief, but it is entrenched even in the faith of Ahl al-Sunnah and some of their notable scholars have confessed that Imam Hasan Al-’Askari (‘a) was indeed survived by a son named Muhammad Ibn Hasan (‘a) and that his whereabouts are presently unknown to all leading to the assumption that he is no more. However, the author of this book has proved that the absence of person from others does not prove that he is dead.

Moreover, there are authentic reports of people in different milieus and times, who have sighted and even met him; and to support this contention, one hundred incidents are mentioned in this book.

The first chapter deals with a brief account of the birth and some circumstances of Imam (‘aj) during the lifetime of his father (‘a).

Chapter Two is regarding the names, titles and agnomen (kunya) of Imam (‘aj) and the reason of naming him as such.

Chapter Three is about some distinctive qualities of the Imam of the Time (‘aj).

Chapter Four studies the difference among Muslim sects regarding him.

Chapter Five presents evidences that Hujjat Ibn Hasan al-’Askari (‘a) is the Promised al-Mahdi (‘aj).

Chapter Six provides the proofs of the Imamate of the Twelfth Imam (‘aj) through his miracles.

Chapter Seven comprises of incidents of those who met the Imam (‘aj) during Major Occultation.

Chapter Eight reconciles these incidents with claims of meeting the Imam (‘aj) during Major Occultation.

Incidents of persons lost in the wild etc. and saved by a holy personality, regarding whom it is not confirmed that he was Imam al-’Asr (‘aj) are mentioned in Chapter Nine.

Chapter Ten is a compendium of duties of the believers towards the Imam of the Age (‘aj).

Chapter Eleven explains in brief, the times and occasions specially associated with Imam al-’Asr (‘aj).

Lastly, Chapter Twelve suggests some rituals for getting the honour of seeing Imam Az-Zaman (‘aj).

In translating various complex discussions of this book, we have tried to maintain a balance between accuracy and clarity, so that it may be understood even by those who possess an elementary knowledge of Islam.

As always, we invite the readers to correspond with the translator in case of doubts and also, to make suggestions.

Though I wanted to complete this book on 20th Jamadi II in order to present it to Lady Fatimah az-Zahra’ (‘a) on her birthday; but I missed the target by a few days (and completed it on 24th Jamadi II, 1434 A.H.). So, I hope that despite the delay, it will be accepted as a humble belated birthday gift from this lowly servant of her progeny.

Sayyid Athar Husayn S.H. Rizvi

Email: sayedathar@hotmail.com