The
content that follows will guide you through a brief introduction of the one of
the most profound books on Mahdaviyat. A book which has made Janabe Zahra (s.a)
happy, a book which is an account of the ghaibat of Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s), a
book which mentions about 100 authentic reports of the people meeting the Imam
(a.t.f.s) of the time, a book which mentions the rituals for getting an honour
of seeing His Eminence (a.t.f.s), a book for masses to guide on the path of
Ahlebait (a.s) in the times of Ghaibat, a book authored by renowned
traditionalist Mirza Husain Noori Tabarsi (r.a), originally titled as “An-Najmus
Saaqib Fee Ahwaal-e-Imaamul Ghaaeb”.
About the author:
Mirza
Husain (r.a) was born on 18th Shawwal 1254 A.H in Tabristan and
passed away on 26th or 27th Jamaadius Saani 1320 A.H, was
buried in the sanctuary of His Eminence, Ameerul Momineen (a.s) in the
courtyard of the third Hall.
His
teachers were eminent personalities with likes of Mirza Buzurg Shirazi, Shaikh Abdul Husain
Tehrani (r.a), Shaikh Abdul Rahim Burujardi (r.a), Shaikh Ali Khalili (r.a),
Shaikh Murtuza Ansari (r.a.), Sayyed Mahdi Qazwini (r.a.).
He has
trained large number of students, some of the prominent amongst them were,
Shaikh Abbas Qummi (r.a), Shaikh Agha Buzurg Tehrani (r.a) and Syed Abdul
Husain Sharafuddin (r.a.).
The best
tradition started during his time was going on foot to Kerbala Moalla and it
continued till the time of Sheikh Ansari (r.a.). After the demise of Shaykh
Ansari (r.a.), a time came that going on foot to Kerbala was regarded as a sign
of poverty. Mohaddis Noori (r.a.) took note of this and revived the custom. He
walked to Kerbala with his companions, especially on the occasion of Eid of
sacrifice, but as he was unwell and it was not possible for him to cover that
distance in one day (as per the custom), he completed it in three days.Thereafter
inclination of the people towards walking to Kerbala increased.
Content
of the book:
The
author has proved beyond doubt that belief in Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s) is not only
a Shia belief, but is entrenched even in the faith of Ahle Sunnat and some of
their notable scholars have confessed that Imam Hasan Askari (a.s.) was indeed
survived by a son and that his whereabouts are presently unknown to all.
However, the author of this book has proved that the absence of person from
others does not prove that he is dead.
The first chapter deals
with a brief account of the birth and some circumstances of Imam (a.t.f.s.)
during the lifetime of his father (a.s.).
Chapter Two is
regarding the names, titles and agnomen (Kuniyyat) of Imam (a.t.f.s.) and the
reason of naming him as such. A total of 182 names, titles and Kunniyat are
discussed in this chapter.
Chapter Three is about
some distinctive qualities of the Imam of the Time (a.t.f.s.). There are about
46 distinctive qualities mentioned in this chapter.
Chapter Four studies
the difference among Muslim sects regarding him.
Chapter Five presents
evidences that Hujjat Ibne Hasan Askari (a.t.f.s.) is the Promised Mahdi.
Chapter Six provides
the proofs of the Imamate of the Twelfth Imam through his miracles. There are
around 40 traditions put forward in this section.
Chapter Seven
comprises of incidents of those who met the Imam during Major Occultation. A
total of 100 authentic incidences are mentioned here
Chapter Eight
reconciles these incidents with claims of meeting the Imam 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 Asr (a.t.f.s.) are mentioned in Chapter Nine.
Chapter Ten is a
compendium of duties of the believers towards the Imam of the Age.
Chapter Eleven explains
in brief, the times and occasionsspecially associated with Imam Asr (a.t.f.s.).
Lastly, Chapter Twelve suggests some rituals
for getting the honor of seeing Imam Zamana (a.t.f.s.). These include special
Amaal to see the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a)
Conclusion:
The book
is indeed a masterpiece in all aspects which is available in many languages
including English. It promises the readers to give an insight into the subject
and quench their thirst for knowledge. It clears any doubts that may arise due
to false propaganda by the enemies during the time of Ghaibat and bring us near
to our Master (a.t.f.s).
We end by quoting the words of the author who wrote
in the preface of this book “This sinful servant, Husain bin Muhammad Taqi
Noori Tabarsi, may Allah make his end good and make it to be the best of the
ends, a close confidant of Haji Mirza Hasan Ali, son of Haji Ali Asghar Noori
realized that the best option in life
was to remain attached to the Caliph of the Beneficent and the Imam of
the men and jinns (a.s.) and to serve
him is the best of occupations.’
