Discussion On Imam-e-zaman

The View of Traditions

Traditions narrated from the Holy Prophet (s.a.) in this regard can be classified into three broad categories. The first group of traditions is those that talk about the immediate successor of the Holy Prophet (s.a.). The second group talks about all his successors while the third discusses about his last successor, the reformer of Islam and the promised one of humanity. Under the last category, various topics can be initiated and traditions can be further classified under them.

12 Maaedah: 3 13 Qasas: 5,6

Initially, it is necessary for us to know that for which type of discussions should we refer to the traditions and on what topics we can rely on them and for what kind of people should these traditions be quoted. For example, can we use traditions as an argument for a youth who cannot digest the concept of longevity of Imam-e-Zaman (a.t.f.s.) or somebody who thinks that what sort of social problems could be solved by believing in Imam-e-Zaman (a.t.f.s.)?

Certainly not, because such persons are absolutely unwilling to enter the field of traditions. Their question or skepticism is not related to traditions. Even if we quote two thousand traditions for them to prove longevity, they will raise yet another question: Why have the traditions supported a concept that is contradictory to science and intellect?

Then in what circumstances or on what occasions should we rely on traditions?

If we consider the appointment of the Imam to be from Allah’s side and that of His messenger (s.a.), then there is no other way to know who the twelfth Imam except through traditions is. If we consider the Prophet (s.a.) as the final authority in the appointment of his successor and Imam, then the appropriate and scientific way would be to refer to his sayings. And if we desire to know about a person and his biography, then the only way would be to refer to the books of traditions and history. Any other approach would be unscientific and incorrect.

It was necessary to present the above preface because in the past we have encountered such people who have demanded that we prove the existence of Imam-e-Zaman (a.t.f.s.) through scientific ways and means. And when somebody forwards traditions and quotes from the Prophet (s.a.), they refute it by countering, ‘Mister, tradition is not science. Prove to me scientifically.’ Maybe somebody might attempt to prove the same scientifically for him. But we prefer to avoid this approach and say, ‘Well, you please prove scientifically that you are the son of your father or that Shah Abbas was a Safavi king!’

Of course, the scientific and correct method to prove this would be the books of history and for every subject; the appropriate approach to solve its intricacies and difficulties would be through its own ways, means and references. If we want to establish the geographical location of a particular place, it certainly would not be through physics, chemistry or mathematics but geography. That too, the geography of Iran under the subject of divisions of states and provinces.

Therefore, if somebody refers to the geography books, then indeed he has adopted a scientific approach. Similarly, if somebody refers to the books of traditions regarding the appointment of an Imam, then surely his method is right.

Principally, this is the only correct procedure in this discussion. Hence, today if I have brought books of traditions to present before you some of these, it is with the sole purpose of executing a job in a scientific manner and not to show that I am a mullah. Why I’m using the word mullah or sheikh is that because some people have the habit of driving the opponent away by using such terms like ‘don’t be a mullah or don’t be a sheikh’, and say, if you are right, go to the laboratory and prove your theory. But, a laboratory is a place for a different kind of science. Recently, each science has developed its own form of a laboratory and the laboratory for historical discussions is the history books. This only will be the right approach to solve its problems and there is nothing unscientific about it.

After discussing this preface, let us come to the main topic. We said that numerous books have been written about Hazrat Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) and plenty of traditions have been narrated about him from both Shia as well as Sunni sources.

Among the books that have compiled the traditions concerning Imam-e-Zaman (a.t.f.s.), is the book of “Muntakhabul Athar fil Imam al-Thaani Ashar” by Ayatullah Lutfullah Safi Gulpaygani. Firstly, I would state the sources of this book and then present the list of topics, albeit briefly.

Among the references of this book are Saheeh-e-Bukhari, Sunan-e-Abi Dawood, etc. It is worth mentioning that in this book more than 60 sources of the Ahle Sunnat have been used.

This book comprises of ten chapters, altogether and each chapter is further divided into sub-chapters. At the beginning of each chapter and sub-chapter, the author mentions the subject of its discussion.

The first two chapters of this book are as follows: