Question 1
For acquaintance with the affairs related to beliefs, particularly Imamate and Mahdaviyat, what are the sources? To what extent can one rely on the Islamic sources, the holy Qur’an and the ‘Ahadith’ (traditions)?
Question 2
Why the Imams (a.s.) are twelve in number and not more? If their number were more and they were always present and active amongst the people, the phenomenon of ‘Ghaibat’ (concealment) would cease to exist with the result that all the problems arising from ‘Ghaibat’would fail to appear and people would not go astray.
Question 3
Isn’t the verse 5 from chapter Qasas about the story of Sons of Isreal and Pharaoh?
“And We desired to bestow a favour upon those who were deemed weak in the land, and to make them the Imams, and to make them the heirs.”(Qur’an, 28:5)
So why do we say it concerns Hazrat Mahdi (a.t.f.s.)?
Question 4
Can we find any traditions or sayings about Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) in non-Shia books? Moreover, is Mahdi a known and specific personality or it’s merely a title given to the one who would rise and save the world?
Question 5
In the Shia traditions, the promised Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) is introduced as a known and specific person. What has been said about his qualities and signs?
Question 6
In spite that the promised Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) is a fully known and specified figure, how is it that a few have ascribed and a few have claimed the post of Mahdaviyat?
Question 7
Does Hazrat Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) possess a name and family name (surname) just like the common man? If so, what is his name and surname? Has any sketch made of his face and apparent appearance?
Question 8
Is there any authentic tradition(s) specifying the characteristics of Imams, and in particular, the twelfth Imam?
Question 9
How does Hazrat Mahdi’s position and station differ from that of other Imams? Similarly, how does his companions’ position differ from other Imams’ companions’? What does this tradition imply that ‘Hazrat Mahdi is the peacock of the dwellers in paradise’?
Question 10
Does Hazrat Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) have a spouse? Does he have children? Are his children aware that their father is Hazrat Mahdi? Is his wife aware that his husband is Allah’s Wali? In general, what information we have, in hand, about Hazrat’s family and his private life?
Question 11
The following phrase is from Kh aja Nasiruddin Tusi:
“The existence of Imam is a grace, and his authority (and his precise presence for guiding the people) is another grace. His absence is due to us.”
Is the sins on part of Harzrat’s Shias and the sins of his friends and near ones the only reason for his concealment and absence or are there other reasons too?
Question 12
Have any details come down in the Islamic traditions concerning the era of concealment? If yes, please mention a few of them.
Question 13
For acquaintance with the affairs related to beliefs, particularly Imamate and Mahdaviyat, what are the sources? To what extent can one rely on the Islamic sources, the holy Qur’an and the ‘Ahadith’ (traditions)?
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Question 14
What is ‘Tauqee’ and how can one know that it is from Imam (a.t.f.s.)?
Question 15
Is it possible to narrate with documentary proof one of the meetings of Imam (a.t.f.s.)?
Question 16
The ‘Tauqees’ that have been issued talk about what topic(s) or subject(s) and are they useful for the common man?
Question 17
In diverse traditions of the immaculate Imams as well as ‘Tauqees’ of Hazrat Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) it has come down that the holy Imams pray and seek forgiveness for their Shias. How does the effect of these prayers and forgiveness manifest in our day-to-day life? Basically, do such prayers have any influence in our worldly life or do they leave their effect on us only spiritually on the Day of Resurrection?
Question 18
During ‘Ghaibat’ (concealment) what benefits can people obtain from Hazrat Mahdi (a.t.f.s.)? What is the advantage of Hazrat during this concealment period?
Question 19
Does there exist any known source from traditions about the phrase“Ya Aba-Saleh al-Mahdi Adrekni” (يا اباصالح المهدي ادركني ) that is usually uttered by those seeking help from Hazrat Mahdi (a.t.f.s.)?
Question 20
Is Imam Mahdi’s long life natural or is it a miracle?
Question 21
How would be the manifestation and Reappearance of Imam Mahdi?
Question 22
In the writings about Hazrat Mahdi (a.t.f.s.), we find sayings concerning ‘Raj’at’ (return to life). What is its precise meaning? Can we find any decisive evidence about this matter in the holy Qur’an and traditions?
Question 23
During Hazrat Mahdi’s (a.t.f.s.) rule, who would enjoy the privilege of ‘Raj’at’ (return to life)? Does the authority lies with those who return to life or the authority lies only with Allah or does it have a fixed and determined time?
Question 24
What is the reason and philosophy behind ‘Raj’at (return to life)?
Question 25
What does it imply when we say the sword of Amir-ul-Mu’minin (a.s.) would accompany and assist Hazrat Mahdi (a.t.f.s.)?
Question 26
In the battles that took place in the beginning of Islam, divine and mysterious powers supported the Muslims. The holy Qur’an, too, has narrated such incidents. Will the same occur during the rise of Hazrat Mahdi (a.t.f.s.)?
Question 27
What would Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) bring with himself at the time of his Reappearance? In other words, what would be the consequences of his Reappearance?
Question 28
What is the meaning of ‘Entezar’ and what are its signs? In its true sense, is ‘Entezar’ one of the duties of those awaiting him? What are its effects in lowering the problems during the concealment era?
Question 29
At what places or times, the possibility of visiting Hazrat Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) is more? Is it our duty or not to take steps and endeavour to meet him?
Question 30
What are the responsibilities of Shias during the period of Hazrat Mahdi’s concealment?