All the Islamic sciences have their sources in the holy Qur’an and as per Shia belief; the fundamental of everything has its root in this divine book. The ‘Vilayat’ (authority) of Amir-ul-Mu’minin, the status of Imams (a.s.) and the Imamate, and rule of Hazrat Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) all have their root in the holy Qur’an. As such, scholars of Hadith, from past and present have left writings revealing traditions that have interpreted and explained the Qur’anic verses in honour of Ali (a.s.) and pure Imams particularly Hazrat Mahdi (a.t.f.s.).
Amongst them, the verses interpreted in all its dimensions concerning Hazrat Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) has been written down in the book “Al-Muhajjah-Fi-Ma-Nazala-Fi’l-Qaem al-Hujjah” (a.t.f.s.) written by Sayyed Hashim Bahrani, a scholar of 11th and 12th century A.H. He has set forth 120 verses from the Qur’an and below each verse, narrated traditions that talk about the characteristics of Imam (a.t.f.s.) and program of his government. Here, suffice it is to mention three such verses:
“Allah has promised to those of you who believe and do good that He will most certainly make them rulers in the earth……………….” (Qur’an, 24:55)
Under this verse, Imam Sadiq (a.s.) says:
“This saying of Allah: “Allah has promised……” has been revealed about the ‘Qaem’ and his followers.”[i]
Similarly, Imam Sajjad (a.s.) after reciting this verse said:
“I swear by Allah, they are our Shias. By means of a man from us (who is the Mahdi of this Ummah), Allah will make them rulers in the earth. In same regard, the prophet (s.a.w.a.) said: ‘If not more than one day remains from the life of this world, Allah will extend that day so much that a man from my progeny would gain authority over it. His name is the same as my name. He will fill the earth with equity and justice, just as it would be filled with cruelty and tyranny.”[ii]
“What remains with Allah is better for you if you are believers, and I am not a keeper over you.” (Qur’an, 11:86)
Under this verse we read as follows:
Imam Sadiq (a.s.) was asked: ‘Will the Qaem be greeted by the title ‘Amir-ul-Mu’minin? Imam (a.s.) replied: “No, this title is reserved by Allah for Ali (a.s.) only…..”
I said: Then how will the Qaem be greeted?
Imam (a.s.) replied: People will say:
السلام عليك يا بقية الله
Thereafter, Imam (a.s.) recited (this verse):[iii]
“بقية الله خير لكم…”
- “This Book, there is no doubt in it, is a guide to those who guard (against evil) and those who believe in the Unseen…….” (Qur’an, 2:2)
Below this verse, it is stated that Yahya-ibn-Abi’l Qasem says: “I requested Imam Sadiq (a.s.) to explain this verse.” He (a.s.) said:
“In this verse, ‘those who guard (against evil) are Ali’s Shias and ‘Ghaib’ (Unseen) refers to the hidden Hujjat.”