Introduction

Discussion on occultation of Imam Mahdi(a.s)

First Principle: Necessity of Imamate

Second Principle: Infallibility of Imam

Third Principle: Truth will never leave the Islamic Ummah

Invalidity of Kaisaniyya creed

Refutation of Nawusiyya belief

Refutation of Waqifiya belief

Traditional reports about the martyrdom of Imam Kadhim

Clear declaration of Imam Kadhim about the Imamate of Imam Ridha

Evidence of the Imamate of Imam Musa Kadhim (a.s) and refutation of Waqifiya

Factors of appearance of Waqifi sect

Traditional reports in condemnation of Waqifites

Some miracles of Imam Ali Ibn Musa Ridha

Objections of the opponents with regard to the birth of Imam Mahdi (a.s)

Refutation of all sects, which believed in Imamate of someone other than Master of the Age (a.s)

Philosophy and wisdom of Occultation

What is the difference between a hidden Imam and an Imam who does not exist or one that exists in the heavens?

Application of Divine Penalties during the Occultation of Imam Mahdi (a.s)

Discerning truth during occultation of the Imam

Statement of Sayyid Murtadha (r.a)

Reason of occultation of the Imam from his followers

Concealed Birth of the Imam of the Time (a.s) was not an extraordinary event

Stories of people with long lifespans from Arabs and non-Arabs are famous and chronicled in books and history.

Reports of Ahle Sunnat that Imams are twelve in number

Shia traditional reports on the topic that Imams are twelve in number

Traditions of the Holy Imams on the occultation of Imam Mahdi

Traditional reports that confirm the uprising of Imam Mahdi

Mahdi is from the progeny of Ali and Fatima (a.s)

Mahdi is from the progeny of Imam Husain (a.s)

Refutation of Kaisaniya belief and account of the demise of Muhammad bin Hanfiyyah

Refutation of those who stopped at the Imamate of Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s) and said that he is the Promised Mahdi

Imamate of Imam Hasan Askari (a.s)

Evidence of the Birth of the Master of the Age

Reports of those who saw the Imam of the Time (a.s)

Miracles of the Master of the time during his Occultation

Epistles issued from Imam Mahdi (a.s)

Causes of delay in reappearance of the Master of the Affair

Test of Shia during the period of occultation of the Imam

Reports of the Emissaries of Imam (a.s) during the period of occultation

Approved Emissaries

Emissaries condemned by the Imam

Special Emissaries of the Imam during the Occultation

Questions of Muhammad bin Abdullah bin Ja’far Himyari

Excellence of Husain bin Rauh continued

Abul Hasan Ali bin Muhammad Saymoori

False claimants of deputyship of Imam who are also clearly condemned by the Imams

Appointees of the four special deputies of the Imam

Long lifespan of the Imam (a.s)

Time of reappearance of the Imam (a.s)

Signs preceding the reappearance of Imam Mahdi (a.s)

Some Qualities, practices and manners of the Master of the Age (a.s)

فإن قيل كيف تعولون على هذه الأخبار وتدعون العلم بموته والواقفة تروي أخبارا كثيرة تتضمن أنه لم يمت وأنه القائم المشار إليه موجودة في كتبهم وكتب أصحابكم فكيف تجمعون بينها وكيف تدعون العلم بموته مع ذلك. قلنا: لم نذكر هذه الأخبار إلا على جهة الاستظهار والتبرع لا لأنا احتجنا إليها في العلم بموته لأن العلم بموته حاصل لا يشك فيه كالعلم بموت آبائه عليه السلام والمشكك في موته كالمشكك في موتهم وموت كل من علمنا بموته. وإنما استظهرنا بإيراد هذه الأخبار تأكيدا لهذا العلم كما نروي أخبارا كثيرة فيما نعلم بالعقل والشرع وظاهر القرآن والإجماع وغير ذلك فنذكر في ذلك أخبارا على وجه التأكيد. فأما ما ترويه الواقفة فكلها أخبار آحاد لا يعضدها حجة ولا يمكن ادعاء العلم بصحتها ومع هذا فالرواة لها مطعون عليهم لا يوثق بقولهم ورواياتهم وبعد هذا كله فهي متأولة. ونحن نذكر جملا مما رووه ونبين القول فيها فمن ذلك أخبار ذكرها أبو محمد علي بن أحمد العلوي الموسوي في كتابه في نصرة الواقفة.

If it is said: On what criterion have you justified these reports and claim that Imam Kadhim (a.s) is dead, whereas the Waqifiya have also narrated a large number of reports, which mention his being alive and that His Eminence is the Qaim is hinted at. These traditional reports are present in their books and even in books of your scholars. So, how can you reconcile these two types of traditional reports? And with attention to these traditional reports, how can you claim that he is dead? We would reply: We mentioned these traditional reports by way of information and announcement and not to prove his death from them. It is so, because there exists knowledge of his martyrdom (it is a definite matter) and there is no doubt in it. Like the knowledge of martyrdom of his respected ancestors and one who has doubt in the martyrdom of Imam Musa Kadhim (a.s), he can also doubt the martyrdom of his respected ancestors and it is possible to doubt the death of anyone whose information of death we have. We have mentioned these traditional reports only to emphasize the information, because a large number of reports create this knowledge for us through evidence, Shariah, apparent aspect of Quran, consensus and other reasonings. Thus, I mentioned them in this chapter only for emphasis. As for that, which the Waqifiya have narrated: (Firstly) All of them are solitary reports and no evidence and reasoning strengthens them; and it is impossible to claim that they are authentic. (Secondly) In addition, their narrators have also been targets of ridicule and they were unreliable and it is not possible to trust their statements and reports. (Thirdly) With all these explanations all their reports can be interpreted and justified in other ways. We will quote some of them from Fee Nusratul Waqifa of Abu Muhammad Ali Ahmad Alawi Musawi and explain his discussions.

25- قال حدثني محمد بن بشر قال حدثني الحسن بن سماعة عن أبان بن عثمان عن الفضيل بن يسار قال سمعت أبا عبد الله عليه السلام يقول: لا ينسجني والقائم أب.

H 25 - Narrated to me Muhammad bin Bashar: narrated to me: Hasan bin Sama-a from Aban bin Uthman from Fudhail bin Yasar that he said: I heard Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s) say: I and His Eminence, the Qaim will not be from the same father.

26- قال الموسوي وأخبرني علي بن خلف الأنماطي قال حدثنا عبد الله بن وضاح عن يزيد الصائغ قال لما ولد لأبي عبد الله عليه السلام أبو الحسن عليه السلام عملت له أوضاحا وأهديتها إليه،فلما أتيت أبا عبد الله عليه السلام بها قال لي: يا يزيد أهديتها والله لقائم آل محمد صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم.

H 26 - Musawi said: Narrated to me Ali bin Khalaf Anmati: Narrated to us Abdullah bin Wazah from Yazid Saigh: When Imam Musa Kadhim (a.s) was born, I made a gold ornament for Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s) and gave it to him as a gift, and when I brought the gift to Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s), the Imam said: O Yazid, by Allah, you have gifted this ornament to the Qaim of Aale Muhammad (a.s).

27- قال الموسوي وحدثني أحمد بن الحسن الميثمي عن أبيه عن أبي سعيد المدائني قال سمعت أبا جعفر عليه السلام يقول: إن الله استنقذ بني إسرائيل من فرعونها بموسى بن عمران وإن الله مستنقذ هذه الأمة من فرعونها بسميه.

H 27 - Musawi said: Narrated to me Ahmad bin Hasan Mithami from his father from Abu Saeed Madayani: who heard Imam Muhammad Baqir (a.s) say: The Almighty Allah saved Bani Israel from the mischief of Firon through Musa (a.s) and He would save this community from its Firon also through a person named Musa.

28- قال وحدثني حنان بن سدير قال كان أبي جالسا وعنده عبد الله بن سليمان الصيرفي وأبو المراهف وسالم الأشل فقال عبد الله بن سليمان لأبي يا أبا الفضل: أعلمت أنه ولد لأبي عبد الله عليه السلام غلام فسماه فلانا،يسميه باسمه.فقال سالم: إن هذا لحق. فقال عبد الله: نعم. فقال سالم: والله لأن يكون حقا أحب إلي من أن انقلب إلى أهلي بخمسمائة دينار وإني محتاج إلى خمسة دراهم أعود بها على نفسي وعيالي.فقال له عبد الله بن سليمان: ولم ذاك؟قال: بلغني في الحديث أن الله عرض سيرة قائم آل محمد على موسى بن عمران فقال: اللهم اجعله من بني إسرائيل. فقال له: ليس إلى ذلك سبيل. فقال: اللهم اجعلني من أنصاره. فقيل له: ليس إلى ذلك سبيل. فقال: اللهم اجعله سميي. فقيل له: أعطيت ذلك.

H 28 - Narrated to me Hannan Bin Sudair: My father was seated and Abdullah bin Sulaiman Sairafi, Abu Marahif and Saalim Ashal were also seated with him. Abdullah bin Sulaiman asked my father: O Abal Fadhl, do you know that a son is born to Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s) and he has named so and so as Musa. Is that right? asked Saalim. Yes, replied Abdullah. Saalim said: By Allah, if this report is correct, it is more pleasing to me than getting 500 dinars for my family, whereas the fact is that at present I am needful even for five dirhams for myself and my family. Abdullah bin Sulaiman asked: How is this so important to you? He replied: It has reached to us in traditions that Almighty Allah described Qaim Aale Muhammad (a.s) to Musa Ibn Imran. Musa pleaded: O Allah, please deem him to be from Bani Israel. Almighty Allah said: This is not possible. After that he pleaded: O Allah, make me among his helpers. It was revealed to him: This is also not possible. After that he pleaded: O Allah, make him my namesake. It was revealed: I have bestowed it to you (that is he would be named as Musa).

29- قال: وروى زيد الشحام وغيره قال: سمعت سالما يقول: سمعت أبا جعفر عليه السلام يقول: إن الله تعالى عرض سيرة قائم آل محمد على موسى بن عمران… وذكر الحديث،

H 29 - Zaid Shaham etc. have narrated from Saalim that he said: I heard Imam Muhammad Baqir (a.s) say: The Almighty Allah described the life history of Qaim Aale Muhammad (a.s) to Musa Ibn Imran; and the tradition goes on as above.

30- قال: وحدثني بحر بن زياد الطحان عن محمد بن مروان عن أبي جعفر عليه السلام قال: قال رجل: جعلت فداك، إنهم يروون أن أمير المؤمنين عليه السلام قال بالكوفة على المنبر: لو لم يبق من الدنيـا إلا يوم لطوّل الله ذلك اليوم حتى يبعث الله رجلاً مني يملأها قسطاً وعدلاً كما ملئت ظلما وجورا. فقال أبو جعفر عليه السلام: نعم. قال: فأنت هو؟ فقال: لا،ذاك سمي فالق البحر.

H 30 - Narrated to me Bahar bin Ziyad Tahan from Muhammad bin Marwan that he said: A man asked Imam Muhammad Baqir (a.s): May I be your ransom, people say that Amirul Momineen (a.s) said from the pulpit of Kufa: Even if a single day remains from the tenure of the world, Allah, the Mighty and the High, would prolong that day to such an extent that a man from my progeny will appear; he would fill the earth with justice and equity, just as it would have been fraught with injustice and oppression. Imam Muhammad Baqir (a.s) said: Yes, His Eminence said so. He asked: Are you that one? Imam (a.s) replied: No, he would be the namesake of one who split the sea.

31- قال وحدثني أبو محمد الصيرفي عن الحسين بن سليمان عن ضريس الكناسي عن أبي خالد الكابلي قال سمعت علي بن الحسين عليه السلام وهو يقول: إن قارون كان يلبس الثياب الحمر وإن فرعون كان يلبس السود ويرخي الشعور فبعث الله عليهم موسى عليه السلام وإن بني فلان لبسوا السواد وأرخوا الشعور وإن الله تعالى مهلكهم بسميه.

H 31 - Narrated to me Abu Muhammad Sairafi from Husain bin Sulaiman from Zaris Kanasi from Abu Khalid Kabuli that he said: I heard Imam Zainul Abideen (a.s) say: Qaroon dressed in red and Firon used to dress in black; and he used to leave his hair loose and they fell on the two sides of his head; and Almighty Allah sent Musa (a.s) with prophethood. And the sons of so and so (Bani Abbas) also dress in black; and leave their hair loose and they fall on the sides of their heads; and Almighty Allah will also destroy them through his namesake (Musa).

32- قال: وبهذا الإسناد،قال: تذاكرنا عنده القائم فقال: اسمه اسم لحديدة الحلاق.

H 32 - Through the same chains, Abu Khalid Kabuli said: The topic of Imam Qaim (a.s) was mentioned before Imam Zainul Abideen (a.s). Imam (a.s) said: His name is the name of the scalpel [Musa].

33- قال: وروى جعفر بن سماعة عن محمد بن الحسن عن أبيه الحسن بن هارون قال: قال أبو عبد الله عليه السلام: ابني ه��ا، يعني أبا الحسن عليه السلام، هو القائم وهو من المحتوم وهو الذي يملأها قسطاً وعدلاًكما ملئت ظلما وجورا.

H 33 - Ja’far bin Samaa-a has narrated from Muhammad bin Hasan from his father, Hasan bin Harun that Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s) said: This son of mine, that is Abul Hasan (Musa), is the Qaim and this is an inevitable matter and he would fill the earth with justice and equity just as it would have been fraught with injustice and tyranny.

34- قال وحدثني عبد الله بن سلام عن عبد الله بن سنان قال سمعت أبا عبد الله عليه السلام يقول: من المحتوم أن ابني هذا قائم هذه الأمة وصاحب السيف،وأشار بيده إلى أبي الحسن عليه السلام.

H 34 - Narrated to me Abdullah bin Sinan that: I heard Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s) say: Among the inevitable matters is that this son of mine is the Qaim of this Ummah and the owner of the sword; and the Imam pointed to Abul Hasan Imam Musa Kadhim (a.s).

35- قال وأخبرني علي بن رزق الله عن أبي الوليد الطرائفي قال كنت ليلة عند أبي عبد الله عليه السلام إذ نادى غلامه فقال: انطلق فادع لي سيد ولدي. فقال له الغلام: من هو؟فقال: فلان. يعني أبا الحسن عليه السلام. قال فلم ألبث حتى جاء بقميص بغير رداء…إلى أن قال: ثم ضرب بيده على عضدي وقال: يا أبا الوليد كأني بالراية السوداء صاحبه الرقعة الخضراء تخفق فوق رأس هذا الجالس ومعه أصحابه يهدون جبال الحديد هدا لا يأتون على شيء إلا هدوه. قلت: جعلت فداك، هذا؟قال: نعم هذا، يا أبا الوليد، يملأها قسطاً وعدلاًكما ملئت ظلما وعدوانا. يسير في أهل القبلة بسيرة علي بن أبي طالب عليه السلام. يقتل أعداء الله حتى يرضي الله. قلت: جعلت فداك، هذا؟قال: هذا. ثم قال: فاتبعه وأطعه وصدقه وأعطه الرضا من نفسك فإنك ستدركه إن شاء الله.

H 35 - Informed me Ali bin Razaqallah from his father, Abul Walid Taraifi that: One night I was with Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s) when the Imam called his servant and said: Go and call the chief of my children to me. The servant asked: Who is the chief of your children? Imam (a.s) said: So and so [that is Abul Hasan (a.s)]. Not much time passed that he came with a gown and without a cloak. Till Abul Walid said: The Imam tapped his arm and said: O Aba Walid, as if I can see black flags besides green standards waving above this son of mine. He would be accompanied by companions, who would search out for mountains of iron, and remove every obstacle that they encounter on the way. I asked: May I be your ransom, this same son? He replied: Yes, O Aba Walid, this same son would fill the earth with justice and equity, like it would have been filled with injustice and oppression and he would emulate the practice of Ali Ibn Abi Talib (a.s) and slay the enemies of Allah till Almighty Allah is satisfied. I asked: This same son? He replied: This same son. Then he said: Follow him and obey him; testify to him and make him satisfied; indeed you will meet him soon, if Allah wills.

36- قال وحدثني عبد الله بن جميل عن صالح بن أبي سعيد القماط قال حدثني عبد الله بن غالب قال أنشدت أبا عبد الله عليه السلام هذه القصيدة: فإن تك أنت المرتجى للذي نرى فتلك التي من ذي العلى فيك نطلب. فقال: ليس أنا صاحب هذه الصفة ولكن هذا صاحبها،وأشار بيده إلى أبي الحسن عليه السلام.

H 36 - Narrated to me Abdullah bin Jamil from Salih bin Abi Saeed Qummat from Abdullah bin Ghalib that: I composed and recited the following Qasida to Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s): “If you had only been our source of hope as I can see. It is about which we request Almighty Allah for you.” “Not I, but he has these qualities,” he said pointing to his son, Musa.

37- قال وحدثني أبو عبد الله لذاذ عن صارم بن علوان الجوخي قال دخلت أنا والمفضل ويونس بن ظبيان والفيض بن المختار والقاسم شريك المفضل على أبي عبد الله عليه السلام وعنده إسماعيل ابنه،فقال الفيض: جعلت فداك،نتقبل من هؤلاء الضياع فنقبلها بأكثر مما نتقبلها. فقال: لا بأس به. فقال له إسماعيل ابنه: لم تفهم يا أبة!! فقال أبو عبد الله عليه السلام: أنا لم أفهم! أقول لك الزمني فلا تفعل. فقام إسماعيل مغضبا،فقال الفيض: إنا نرى أنه صاحب هذا الأمر من بعدك. فقال أبو عبد الله عليه السلام: لا والله ما هو كذلك. ثم قال: هذا ألزم لي من ذلك، وأشار إلى أبي الحسن عليه السلام وهو نائم،فضمه إليه فنام على صدره. فلما انتبه أخذ أبو عبد الله عليه السلام بساعده ثم قال: هذا والله ابني حقا هو والله يملأها قسطاً وعدلاًكما ملئت ظلما وجورا. فقال له قاسم الثانية: هذا جعلت فداك؟قال: إي والله ابني هذا لا يخرج من الدنيا حتى يملأ الله الأرض به قسطاً وعدلاً كما ملئت ظلما وجورا،ثلاث أيمان يحلف بها.

H 37 - Narrated to me Abu Abdullah Lizaz from Sarim bin Alwan Jokhi: I, Mufaddal, Yunus bin Zabyan, Faiz bin Mukhtar, Qasim, partner of Mufaddal came to meet Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s); and his son, Ismail, was also present there. Faiz asked: May I be your ransom, what if we accept monies, which people are having [which they cannot use or spend in any lawful manner] and guarantee to pay more than what we take. His Eminence said: There is no problem in it. Ismail said to the Imam: Father dear, you didn’t pay attention to the problem. The Imam said: I did not understand? (many times); I told you to be with me, so that I may understand these problems, but you don’t listen to me. Ismail arose in fury and went away. Faiz said: We thought that he is the Imam after you. Imam (a.s) said: No, by Allah, it is not so. Then he said: This is the one who is my assistant and deputy in Imamate and he pointed to Abul Hasan, Musa (a.s), who was asleep. Imam (a.s) took him in his arms and made him sleep on his chest. When he awoke, Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s) took his hand and said: By God, indeed this son of mine (is the Imam after me). By God, he would fill the earth with justice and equity, just as it would be fraught with injustice and tyranny. Qasim, partner of Mufaddal said: May I be your ransom, this boy? Imam (a.s) replied: Yes, by God, he is the one; and he would not leave the world till through him the Almighty Allah fills up the earth with justice and equity, just as it would have been fraught with oppression and tyranny, and the Imam swore thrice.

38- قال وحدثني حنان بن سدير عن إسماعيل البزاز قال قال أبو عبد الله عليه السلام: إن صاحب هذا الأمر يلي الوصية وهو ابن عشرين سنة. فقال إسماعيل: فو الله ما وليها أحد قط كان أحدث منه وإنه لفي السن الذي قال أبو عبد الله عليه السلام.

H 38 - Narrated to me Hannan bin Sudair from Ismail [bin Ziyad] Bazzaz that he said: Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s) said: The master of this affair is the executor of the will, while he is twenty years old. After that Ismail said: No one became the executor of the will of Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s) who was younger; and Imam Kadhim (a.s) was of the age, which Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s) had mentioned.

39- قال وحدثني إبراهيم بن محمد بن حمران عن يحيى بن القاسم الحذاء وغيره عن جميل بن صالح عن داود بن زربي قال بعث إلي العبد الصالح عليه السلام وهو في الحبس فقال: ائت هذا الرجل، يعني يحيى بن خالد، فقل له: يقول لك أبو فلان: ما حملك على ما صنعت؟! أخرجتني من بلادي وفرقت بيني وبين عيالي. فأتيته وأخبرته فقال: زبيدة طالق وعليه أغلظ الأيمان لوددت أنه غرم الساعة ألفي ألف وأنت خرجت، فرجعت إليه فأبلغته، فقال: ارجع إليه فقل له: يقول لك: والله لتخرجني أو لأخرجن.

H 39 - Narrated to me Ibrahim bin Muhammad bin Humran from Yahya bin Qasim Hazza etc. from Jamil bin Salih from Dawood bin Zarbi that he said: When Abde Salih, Imam Musa Kadhim (a.s) was in prison, he summoned me and said: Go to that man, Yahya bin Khalid Barmaki and say: So and so says: ‘What is the reason that you should do this; you have made me homeless and separated me from my family and children?’ I went to Yahya and informed him of this. Yahya exclaimed: Zubaida [wife of Harun] is being divorced! He swore many times and said: ‘I wish to pay two million dirhams as ransom and free you!’ I returned to the Imam and mentioned the matter; he said: Go and tell him: So and so says: By God, you will definitely release me or I would leave of my own accord.

40- قال وحدثني إبراهيم بن محمد بن حمران عن إسماعيل بن منصور الزبالي قال سمعت شيخا بأذرعات قد أتت عليه عشرون ومائة سنة قال سمعت عليا عليه السلام يقول على منبر الكوفة: كأني بابن حميدة قد ملأها عدلا وقسطا كما ملئت ظلما وجورا. فقام إليه رجل فقال: أهو منك أو من غيرك؟فقال: لا،بل هو رجل مني.

H 40 - Narrated to me Ibrahim bin Muhammad bin Humran from Ismail bin Mansur Zubali that he said: I heard from a man from Azrat [a province of Syria], aged more than 120 years: I heard from Imam Ali (a.s) from the pulpit of Kufa: As if I can see the son of Hamida that he has filled the earth with justice and equity, like it had been fraught with injustice and oppression. I arose and asked: Is he from your descendants or from someone else? Imam (a.s) said: No, he is from my progeny.

41- قال وحدثني أحمد بن الحسن قال حدثني يحيى بن إسحاق العلوي عن أبيه قال دخلت على أبي عبد الله عليه السلام فسألته عن صاحب هذا الأمر من بعده، قال: صاحب البهمة. وأبو الحسن في ناحيـة الدار ومعه عناق مكية ويقول لهـا: اسجدي لله الذي خلقك. ثم قال: أما إنه الذي يملأها قسطاً وعدلاً كما ملئت ظلما وجورا.

H 41 - Narrated to me Ahmad bin Hasan that: Narrated to me Yahya bin Ishaq Alawi from his father that: We came to Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s) and inquired from him about his successor. Imam (a.s) said: The same who is with that animal. At that moment Abul Hasan Imam Kadhim (a.s) was in a section of the house with a lamb and telling it: Prostrate for the God, Who has created you. After that, Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s) said: Know that he is the one who would fill the earth with justice and equity, just as it would be fraught with injustice and oppression.

42- قال وحدثني الحسين بن علي بن معمر عن أبيه عن عبد الله بن سنان قال سمعت أبا عبد الله عليه السلام، وذكر البداء لله، فقال: فما أخرج الله إلى الملائكة وأخرجه الملائكة إلى الرسل فأخرجه الرسل إلى الآدميين فليس فيه بداء وإن من المحتوم أن ابني هذا هو القائم.

H 42 - Narrated to me Husain bin Ali bin Muammar from his father from Abdullah bin Sinan that: I heard from Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s) that he said with regard to change of destiny (Bada) by Allah: That which Almighty Allah gave to the angels, they conveyed it to the prophets and the prophets in turn conveyed to the people [law of religion]. Therefore, in this instance it is not Bada, because it is called definite (Mahtum); and among the definite matters is that this son of mine is the Qaim.

43- قال وروى بقباقة أخو بنين الصيرفي قال حدثني الإصطخري أنه سمع أبا عبد الله عليه السلام يقول: كأني بابن حميدة على أعوادها قد دانت له شرق الأرض وغربها.

H 43 - Baqubaqa, brother of Bani Sairafi said: Istakhri said: I heard Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s) say: As if I can see the son of Hamida; that he has occupied the position of Imamate and the whole world has humbled before him.

44- قال وحدثني محمد بن عطاء ضرغامة عن خلاد اللؤلؤي قال حدثني سعيد المكي عن أبي عبد الله عليه السلام، وكانت له منزلة منه،قال: قال أبو عبد الله عليه السلام: يا سعيد،الأئمة اثنا عشر إذا مضى ستة فتح الله على السابع ويملك منا أهل البيت خمسة وتطلع الشمس من مغربها على يد السادس.

H 44 - Narrated to me Muhammad bin Ataa Zarghama from Khallad Lului that: Narrated to me Saeed Makki who was a close confidant of Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s); that Imam (a.s) said: O Saeed, the Imams are twelve; when six of them pass away, Allah, the Mighty and the High would give ease to the seven of them and five persons from us, Ahle Bayt (a.s) will be Imams and through the sixth, sun would rise from the west.

45- قال وحدثني حنان بن سدير عن أبي إسماعيل الأبرص عن أبي بصير قال قال أبو عبد الله عليه السلام: على رأس السابع منا الفرج.

H 45 - Narrated to me Hannan bin Sudair from Abu Ismail Abras from Abu Basir that he said: Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s) said: Deliverance is on the seventh (Imam) of us.

46- قال وحدثني عبد الله بن جبلة عن سلمة بن جناح عن حازم بن حبيب قال قلت لأبي عبد الله عليه السلام: إن أبوي هلكا وقد أنعم الله علي ورزق. أفأتصدق عنهما وأحج؟فقال: نعم. ثم قال بيمينه: يا أبا حازم من جاءك يخبرك عن صاحب هذا الأمر أنه غسله وكفنه ونفض التراب من قبره فلا تصدقه.

H 46 - Narrated to me Abdullah bin Jabla from Salma bin Jinah from Hazim bin Habib that he said: I asked Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s): My parents are no more and Almighty Allah has bestowed me with wealth. Shall I spend on charity for them and perform Hajj on their behalf? Imam (a.s) replied: Yes. After sometime, he said with oath and emphasis: O Aba Hazim, if someone comes to you and tells you that he has participated in the funeral of this Imam, you must not believe him (because he would be a liar).

47- قال وحدثني أبو محمد الصيرفي عن عبد الكريم بن عمرو عن أبي بصير عن أبي عبد الله عليه السلام قال سمعته يقول: كأني بابني هذا، يعني أبا الحسن عليه السلام، قد أخذه بنو فلان فمكث في أيديهم حينا ودهرا،ثم خرج من أيديهم فيأخذ بيد رجل من ولده حتى ينتهي به إلى جبل رضوى.

H 47 - Narrated to me Abu Muhammad Sairafi from Abdul Karim bin Amr from Abu Basir that he said: I heard Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s) say: As if I can see this son, Abul Hasan, apprehended by Bani so and so [Bani Abbas] and is under their arrest for a long time. Then he is released and he holds the hand of a person from his progeny so that they may convey him to Mount Razawi.

48- قال وحدثني جعفر بن سليمان عن داود الصرمي عن علي بن أبي حمزة قال قال لي أبو عبد الله عليه السلام: من جاءك فقال لك إنه مرض ابني هذا وأغمضه وغسله ووضعه في لحده ونفض يده من تراب قبره فلا تصدقه.

H 48 - Narrated to me Ja’far bin Sulaiman from Dawood Sarmi: Ali bin Hamza said: Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s) said: If someone comes to you and says: This son of mine [Imam Kadhim (a.s)] was unwell and then he died and I participated in his funeral etc, do not believe him, as he would be a liar.

49- قال: وروي عن سليمان بن داود عن علي بن أبي حمزة عن أبي الحسن عليه السلام قال،قال لي: يا علي من أخبرك أنه مرضني وغمضني وغسلني ووضعني في لحدي ونفض يده من تراب قبري فلا تصدقه.

H 49 - It is narrated from Sulaiman bin Dawood from Ali bin Abi Hamza that he said: Imam Kadhim (a.s) said: O Ali, if someone informs you that he was at my bedside in my illness and after my death, he saw me with my eyes closed and took part in my funeral, you must not believe him.

50- قال: وأخبرني أعين بن عبد الرحمن بن أعين قال: بعثني عبد الله بن بكير إلى عبد الله الكاهلي سنة أخذ العبد الصالح عليه السلام زمن المهدي،فقال: أقرئه السلام وسله أتاه خبر…إلى أن قال: أقرئه السلام وقل له: حدثني أبو العيزار في مسجدكم منذ ثلاثين سنة وهو يقول: قال أبو عبد الله عليه السلام: يقدم لصاحب هذا الأمر العراق مرتين؛ فأما الأولى فيعجل سراحه ويحسن جائزته،وأما الثانية فيحبس فيطول حبسه ثم يخرج من أيديهم عنوة.

H 50 - Narrated to me Ayyin bin Abdur Rahman bin Ayyin that: In the year Imam Kadhim (a.s) was arrested and imprisoned during the reign of Mahdi Abbaside, Abdullah bin Bukair sent me to Abdullah Kahili and said: Convey my greetings to him and ask him if the news of Imam’s arrest has reached him or not? [Till he said:] Convey greetings to him and tell him on my behalf: Thirty years ago Abul Izar said to me in your Masjid: Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s) said: The master of the affair of Imamate would be taken to Iraq twice: the first time he would be released soon. He would also be given a considerable compensation; but the second time, he would be imprisoned for a long time and would be released from their clutches all of a sudden.

51- قال: وأخبرني إبراهيم بن محمد بن حمران وحمران والهيثم بن واقد الجزري عن عبد الله الأرجاني قال: كنت عند أبي عبد الله عليه السلام إذ دخل عليه العبد الصالح عليه السلام فقال: يا أحمد افعل كذا. فقلت: جعلت فداك،اسمه فلان. فقال: بل اسمه أحمد ومحمد. ثم قال لي: يا عبد الله إن صاحب هذا الأمر يؤخذ فيحبس فيطول حبسه فإذا هموا به دعا باسم الله الأعظم فأفلته من أيديهم.

H 51 - Narrated to me Ibrahim bin Muhammad bin Humran and Humran Haitham bin Waqid Jazari from Abdullah Rajani that he said: I was with Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s) when Abde Salih, Imam Kadhim (a.s) entered and Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s) said: Ahmad, do that. I said: May I be your ransom, his name is so and so (Musa)! He replied: On the contrary, his name is Ahmad and Muhammad. After that he said: O Abdullah, indeed the master of the affair will be arrested and imprisoned for a long time. Thus when they decide to eliminate him, he would pray to Allah, the Mighty and Sublime to release him from their clutches.

52- قال: وروى بعض أصحابنا عن أبي محمد البزاز قال: حدثنا عمرو بن منهال القماط عن حديد الساباطي عن أبي عبد الله عليه السلام قال: إن لأبي الحسن عليه السلام غيبتين؛ إحداهما تقل والأخرى تطول،حتى يجيئكم من يزعم أنه مات وصلى عليه ودفنه ونفض تراب القبر من يده. فهو في ذلك كاذب؛ ليس يموت وصي حتى يقيم وصيا، ولا يلي الوصي إلا الوصي،فإن وليه غير وصي عمي.

H 52 - Some of our scholars have narrated from Abu Muhammad Bazzaz that he said: Narrated to us Amr bin Minhal Qummat from Hadid Sabati from Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s) that he said: Abul Hasan, Kadhim (a.s) will have two occultations: one would be short and the other lengthy. Till the time a person will come to you and report that he has participated in his funeral etc., in that case that person is definitely a liar. My successor will not die till he has fulfilled the duty of his successorship, and the matters of the successor are not taken up, except by the successor and if anyone else performed this duty, he would lose his eyesight.

53- قال: وحدثنا عبد الله بن سلام أبو هريرة عن زرعة عن مفضل قال: كنت جالسا عند أبي عبد الله عليه السلام إذ جاءه أبو الحسن ومحمد ومعهما عناق يتجاذبانها، فغلبه محمد عليها، فاستحيا أبو الحسن فجاء فجلس إلى جانبي، فضممته إليّ وقبلته،فقال أبو عبد الله عليه السلام: أما إنه صاحبكم، مع أن بني العباس يأخذونه فيلقى منهم عنتا، ثم يفلته الله من أيديهم بضرب من الضروب، ثم يعمى على الناس أمره حتى تفيض عليه العيون وتضطرب فيه القلوب كما تضطرب السفينة في لجة البحر وعواصف الريح،ثم يأتي الله على يديه بفرج لهذه الأمة للدين والدنيا.

H 53 - Narrated to us Abdullah bin Salam Abu Huraira from Zara from Mufaddal bin Umar that he said: I was in the company of Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s) when Abul Hasan, Musa (a.s) came with Muhammad [his brother] and a little lamb and each of them were pulling at the lamb till Muhammad managed to pull it away and Abul Hasan was shamed and he came and sat down next to me. I took him in my arms and kissed him. After that Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s) said: He is your master and Imam; in spite of this, Bani Abbas would arrest him and he would bear hardships from them, but Almighty Allah would release him from their clutches in any way He likes. After that he would go into occultation, till people would start mourning for him and would be extremely terrified. Then Allah, the Mighty and the High will bestow deliverance of the world and hereafter through his hands.

54- قال وحدثني حنان عن أبي عبد الرحمن المسعودي قال حدثنا المنهال بن عمرو عن أبي عبد الله النعمان عن أبي جعفر عليه السلام قال: صاحب الأمر يسجن حينا ويموت حينا ويهرب حينا.

H 54 - Narrated to me Hanan from Abu Abdur Rahman Masudi that he said: Narrated to us: Minhal bin Amr from Abu Abdullah Noman from Imam Muhammad Baqir (a.s) that he said: The Master of the affair [Imamate] would be imprisoned once and also die at a time and flee [escape from prison].

55- قال: وروى بحر بن زياد عن عبد الله الكاهلي أنه سمع أبا عبد الله عليه السلام يقول: إن جاءكم من يخبركم بأنه مرض ابني هذا وهو شهده وهو أغمضه وغسله وأدرجه في أكفانه وصلى عليه ووضعه في قبره وهو حثا عليه التراب فلا تصدقوه. ولا بد من أن يكون ذا. فقال له محمد بن زياد التميمي وكان حاضر الكلام بمكة: يا أبا يحيى،هذه والله فتنة عظيمة. فقال له الكاهلي: فسهم الله فيه أعظم،يغيب عنهم شيخ ويأتيهم شاب فيه سنة من يونس.

H 55 - Bahar bin Ziyad has narrated from Abdullah Kahili that he said: I heard Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s) say: If someone informs you that my son has fallen ill and that he has witnessed his death and attended his funeral, do not believe him, because there is no option, except that this matter should come to Imam Kadhim (a.s). Meanwhile Muhammad bin Ziyad Tamimi [a companion of Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s)], who was present in Mecca, heard this and said: O Abu Yahya (agnomen of Abdullah Kahili) by God, this is a great evil. Kahili replied: Part of God in this matter is greater, while he is an old man, he would be concealed from the people and he would return as a young man, and in this he would be following the practice of Prophet Yunus (a.s).

56- قال: وروى أحمد بن الحارث رفعه إلى أبي عبد الله عليه السلام أنه قال: لو قد يقوم القائم لقال الناس: أنى يكون هذا وبليت عظامه؟

H 56 - Ahmad bin Harith has narrated directly from Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s) that he said: If the Qaim arises in these circumstances, people would say: How can this person be the Qaim, when his bones have also decomposed?

57- قال: وروى سليمان بن داود عن علي بن أبي حمزة عن أبي بصير قال: سمعت أبا جعفر عليـه السـلام يقـول:في صـاحب هذا الأمر أربع سنن من أربعة أنبياء؛ سنة من موسى وسنة من عيسى وسنة من يوسف وسنة من محمد صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم. أما من موسى فخائف يترقب، وأما من يوسف فالسجن،وأما من عيسى فيقال: مات، ولم يمت،وأما من محمد صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم فالسيف.

H 57 - Sulaiman bin Dawood has narrated from Ali bin Abil Hamza from Abu Basir that he said: I heard Imam Muhammad Baqir (a.s) say: In the master of this affair [Imamate] are present four similarities from the practices of the prophets. A similarity with Musa bin Imran (a.s), a similarity with Isa bin Maryam (a.s), a similarity with Prophet Yusuf (a.s) and also a similarity with Prophet Muhammad (s). The similarity with Musa (a.s) is fear and anticipation; similarity with Yusuf is prison, similarity with Isa (a.s) is that it would be said with regard to him that he is dead; whereas he is alive and present; and finally a similarity with the Prophet of Islam (s), which is that he would stage an armed uprising.

58- قال: وروى علي بن عبد الله عن زرعة بن محمد عن مفضل قال: سمعت أبا عبد الله عليه السلام يقول: إن بني العباس سيعبثون بابني هذا ولن يصلوا إليه. ثم قال: وما صائحة تصيح وما ساقة تسق وما ميراث يقسم وما أمة تباع.

H 58 - Ali bin Abdullah has narrated from Zaraa bin Muhammad from Mufaddal bin Umar that he said: I heard Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s) say: Soon Bani Abbas would conspire against this son of mine, but they would never be able to reach him. Then he said: Neither a woman would mourn for him nor an official will take him and neither inheritance would remain from him and be distributed, and in the same way there will be no slave girl, which he would leave.

59- قال: وروى أحمد بن علي عن محمد بن الحسين بن إسماعيل عن عبد الرحمن بن الحجاج قال: سمعت أبا إبراهيم عليه السلام يقول: إن بني فلان يأخذونني ويحبسونني. وقال: وذاك وإن طال فإلى سلامة.

H 59 - Ahmad bin Ali has narrated from Muhammad bin Husain bin Ismail from Abdur Rahman bin Hajjaj that he said: I heard Abu Ibrahim, Imam Kadhim (a.s) say: So and so [Bani Abbas] would arrest and imprison me. Then he said: Although this matter would be much prolonged, but it would end in a nice way.

60- قال: وروى إبراهيم بن المستنير عن المفضل قال: سمعت أبا عبد الله عليه السلام يقول: إن لصاحب هذا الأمر غيبتين؛ إحداهما أطول من الأخرى،حتى يقال: مات! وبعض يقول: قتل. فلا يبقى على أمره إلا نفر يسير من أصحابه،ولا يطلع أحد على موضعه وأمره ولا غيره إلا المولى الذي يلي أمره.

H 60 - Ibrahim bin Mustanir narrates from Mufaddal bin Umar that he said: I heard Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s) say: There are two occultations for the master of this affair; one of them being longer than the other, till it would be said: He has died; and some will say: He is killed. Thus only a few companions of the Imam would remain steadfast on his Imamate and no one would know about his whereabouts and his circumstances, except a servant, who would perform his errands.

61- قال: وروى علي بن معاذ قال: قلت لصفوان بن يحيى: بأي شي‏ء قطعت على علي؟قال: صليت ودعوت الله واستخرت عليه وقطعت عليه.

H 61 - Ali bin Maaz narrated: I asked Safwan bin Yahya: Through which reasoning have you adopted faith in the Imamate of Imam Musa Kadhim (a.s)? He replied: I prayed the ritual prayer and after that sought counsel (Istikhara) from Almighty Allah and the result was that I got certainty about it.

62- ثم قال: وقال علي بقباقة: سألت صفوان بن يحيى وابن جندب وجماعة من مشيختهم،وكان الذي بينه وبينهم عظيم: بأي شي‏ء قطعتم على هذا الرجل؟ألشي‏ء بان لكم فأقبل قولكم؟قالوا كلهم: لا والله،إلا أنه قال فصدقناه. وأحالوا جميعا على البزنطي فقلت: سوءة لكم وأنتم مشيخة الشيعة! أترسلونني إلى ذلك الصبي الكذاب فأقبل منه وأدعكم أنتم؟

H 62 - Ali Baqbaqa said: I asked Safwan bin Yahya, Ibn Jundab and some of their associates – when an important discussion was going on between them: Through which argument have you believed in the rightfulness of this person [Imam Ali Ridha (a.s)]? Do you have a valid argument that I may also accept your word? All of them replied: No, by God, [we don’t have any argument]. He only said: we have also testified [in blind imitation] and gave me the reference of Bazanti; till I said: For you the congregation of Shia elders is evil that they falsely sent me to that child so that I should accept him and leave you.

63- قال: وسئل بعض أصحابنا عن علي بن رباط: هل سمع أحدا روى عن أبي الحسن عليه السلام أنه قال: علي ابني وصيي، أو إمام بعدي، أو بمنزلتي من أبي، أو خليفتي،أو معنى هذا. قال: لا.

H 63 - One of our scholars [Musawi Waqifiya] asked Ali bin Rabat: Have you heard from anyone that Abul Hasan Musa said: My son Ali, is my successor or the Imam after me or said he is with relation to me as I was to my father. Or that he is my Caliph and successor or something to the effect? He replied: No.

64- قال: وسأل أبو بكر الأرمني عبد الله بن المغيرة: بأي شي‏ء قطعت على علي؟قال: أخبرتني سلمى أنه لم يكن عند أبيه أحد بمنزلته.

H 64 - Abu Bakr Armini asked Abdullah bin Mughira: Through which argument have you believed in the Imamate of Ali Ibn Musa? He replied: Salma [a servant of the family of Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s)] informed that no one in the view of his father [Imam Musa Kadhim (a.s)] had as much worth and estimation as he was having.

Kitāb al-Ghayba

Book 1, Chapter 11