Ibn Abi Ghanam Qazwini along with some Shia people had a difference of opinion regarding the successorship of His Eminence, Imam Hasan Askari (a.s.). So much so that Qazwini denied the existence of His Eminence, the Awaited Imam (a.s.). However, others stressed that the successor of His Eminence (a.s.) was present and he is His Eminence, Imam Mahdi (a.s.). They wrote a letter to the Awaited Imam (a.s.) and related their discussion with Qazwini. His Eminence (a.s.), wrote in reply as follows:
In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful.
May the Almighty Allah (SwT) keep you and us safe from the mischiefs and may He bestow you and us with certainty and may He also protect you and us from bad consequences. Information regarding the doubt and denial of a group from you in religion and the matter of guardianship (Wilayat) has reached us. Our sorrow and anger is for you and not for our own selves, as the Almighty Allah (SwT) is with us, therefore except for Him we are not needful of anyone else and the truth is with us.
Therefore I am not afraid if someone turns away from us. And we are the first creations of our Lord and (other) creatures and people were created afterwards. And you O People! Why have you fallen into doubt and bewilderment? Have you not heard the statement of Almighty Allah (SwT) that He said:
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا أَطِيعُوا اللَّهَ وَأَطِيعُوا الرَّسُولَ وَأُولِي الْأَمْرِ مِنْكُمْ ۖ فَإِنْ تَنَازَعْتُمْ فِي شَيْءٍ فَرُدُّوهُ إِلَى اللَّهِ وَالرَّسُولِ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ تُؤْمِنُونَ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الْآخِرِ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ خَيْرٌ وَأَحْسَنُ تَأْوِيلًا
“O you who believe! Obey Allah and obey the Apostle and those in authority from among you; then if you quarrel about anything, refer it to Allah and the Apostle, if you believe in Allah and the last day; this is better and very good in the end.” (Surah 4, Verse 59)
Don’t you know that it has come in traditional reports that unforeseen events had befallen the past and would befall the remaining Imams? Have you not seen how in all the times, the Almighty Allah (SwT) had made a refuge for you to seek protection in? He appointed torches of guidance from the time of Adam (a.s.) till the time of Imam Hasan Askari (a.s.) that you may obtain guidance and direction, in such a way that whenever a guide went away, another one took up his place and torch.
When the Almighty Allah (SwT) took away Imam Hasan Askari (a.s.), do you think He has rendered His religion invalid and severed His relation with the creatures? Never! Till the Day of Judgment and the time of the exposure of Allah’s command, which is not in favor of the people, it cannot be thus.
Indeed, His Eminence, Imam Hasan Askari (a.s.) passed away with success and good fortune like his respected forefathers and in such a condition that his knowledge and will is present with us. And his successor would perform his functions. And except for an unjust criminal, no one has a dispute with us in this matter. And except for a denier disbeliever, no one claims this our divine position.
And if it would not have rendered the command of Allah (SwT) to be subverted and His secret had not been exposed, our right upon you would have become so clear that your intellects would have become astonished and your doubts and uncertainties would have disappeared. However, what Allah (SwT) had willed, predestined and written would surely happen and nothing except that.
Then fear Allah (SwT) and submit to our affair, and leave this matter with us. And do not persist in acquiring that which Allah (SwT) has concealed and do not get deviated to the left and right. And make our right and illuminated path as the aim. Indeed I wish your well-being and Allah (SwT) is witness upon you and me. If I had no affection for you and had not desired mercy and good for you, I would not have said anything to you.
It is by way of trial and divine test for us that a misguided oppressor, without any right has become a prisoner of his selfish desires and usurped the right of others. Like the daughter of the Messenger of Allah (S) it is obligatory I should be patient and in the end the ignorant and tyrant would see the consequences of his deeds. May Allah Almighty (SwT) protect you and us from perditions, calamities and evils. And Allah (SwT) is having authority and power on them and blessings and mercy of Allah (SwT) be upon all the successors, saints and believers. And may Allah (SwT) bless Muhammad (S), the Prophet, and his progeny and peace be upon them.
Bihar, 13/247