Special Deputies

A short biographical text detailing the lives and circumstances of the four special deputies of Imam Mahdi [ajtf] during the Minor Occultation.

Miscellaneous information: 

Compiled & Published in August 2007 by: Association of Imam Mahdi (a.s.) P. O. Box 19822, 400 050 Mumbai – India

Preface

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَحِيْمِ

وَ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْكَ يَا وَلِيَّ الْعَصْرِ (عج) اَدْرِكْنَا

Allah’s mercy is infinite. None else is more gracious than the Almighty to His creatures. Even the vast love of a mother for her child is just a minor ray of endless love which the Creator has for His creatures. When a mother can never see her offspring in any trouble, then how can the immense mercy of Allah see His creatures punished in Hell?

The Best Creation

Allah created man as his best creation. He made man the most balanced and granted him superiority over every other creation. He provided for all his requirements. He granted the power of “Freewill” to man, and also do gift him “Intelligence” so that he may use the bounty of “Freewill” most appropriately.

He gave man “Physical instincts” and also decorated him with comprehensive inclinations towards “True guidance”. As the Satan undertook the task of igniting the physical instincts, Allah set up the system of guidance through the Divine Messengers, Leaders and Imams (a.s.).

As Allah is thoroughly acquainted with man He has made a comprehensive arrangement for his guidance right from the very first person who was sent on this earth as His Prophet and Guide. The people can thus never have an excuse for their deviation. One who treads the path of error does so of his very willingness.

Man is Free

Allah has created man free. Freedom is meaningful only if one has options to choose. That is, select between the good and the evil. In absence of choice when one is forced to tread a particular path, freedom becomes totally meaningless. The Holy Quran mentions about this reality thus:

وَهَدَيْنَاهُ النَّجْدَيْنِ

“ And We guided him to the two ways ” 1

إِنَّا هَدَيْنَاهُ السَّبِيلَ إِمَّا شَاكِرًا وَإِمَّا كَفُورًا

“ Surely We have guided him to the way either: he may be thankful or ungrateful .” 2

فَأَلْهَمَهَا فُجُورَهَا وَتَقْوَاهَا. قَدْ أَفْلَحَ مَن زَكَّاهَا. وَقَدْ خَابَ مَن دَسَّاهَا.

“ Then He inspired it to understand what is right and wrong for it; He will indeed be successful who purifies it, And he will indeed fail who corrupts it. ” 3

Allah has granted man great bounties that He has not given anyone else. These are intelligence, wisdom and capacity to think. Among men are some who have been endowed with caliphate, messengership, prophethood and divine leadership. Consequently man will also be tested in the same proportion. One who succeeds in this test will then be granted unimaginable rewards.

An Examination

Bestowals are accompanied by free-will and a test. The test is followed by either a great elevation or an infinite lowliness caused by the incorrect application of one’s free-will.

Allah had granted innumerable bounties to Satan. He accorded him a high status among the angels due to his excessive worship. A creature made from the fire thus moved around with creatures made from light. This enhancement of the status was followed by a test. Allah commanded him to prostrate before a creature made from soil. The angels were the perfect servants of the Lord.

They carried out His every command. Without paying attention to the earthly creature they focused on the divine command and immediately prostrated. They succeeded and were declared His nearest attendants. The Satan on the other hand focused on the apparent and ignoring the divine command refused to prostrate. Allah then expelled him from His attendance and the company of the angels. From the lofty heights he was disgraced to the lowest of depths.

At that moment the Satan exceeded all limits of decency and his misbehavior in divine presence is recorded thus in the Holy Quran:

قَالَ يَا إِبْلِيسُ مَا لَكَ أَلاَّ تَكُونَ مَعَ السَّاجِدِينَ. قَالَ لَمْ أَكُن لِّأَسْجُدَ لِبَشَرٍ خَلَقْتَهُ مِن صَلْصَالٍ مِّنْ حَمَإٍ مَّسْنُونٍ. قَالَ فَاخْرُجْ مِنْهَا فَإِنَّكَ رَجِيمٌ. وَإِنَّ عَلَيْكَ اللَّعْنَةَ إِلَى يَوْمِ الدِّينِ. قَالَ رَبِّ فَأَنظِرْنِي إِلَى يَوْمِ يُبْعَثُونَ. قَالَ فَإِنَّكَ مِنَ الْمُنظَرِينَ. إِلَى يَومِ الْوَقْتِ الْمَعْلُومِ. قَالَ رَبِّ بِمَآ أَغْوَيْتَنِي لَأُزَيِّنَنَّ لَهُمْ فِي الأَرْضِ وَلأُغْوِيَنَّهُمْ أَجْمَعِينَ. إِلاَّ عِبَادَكَ مِنْهُمُ الْمُخْلَصِينَ. قَالَ هَذَا صِرَاطٌ عَلَيَّ مُسْتَقِيمٌ. إِنَّ عِبَادِي لَيْسَ لَكَ عَلَيْهِمْ سُلْطَانٌ إِلاَّ مَنِ اتَّبَعَكَ مِنَ الْغَاوِينَ.

“ He said: O Iblis! What excuses have you that you are not with those who make obeisance? He said: I am not such that I should make obeisance to a mortal whom Thou hast created of the essence of black mud fashioned in shape.

He said: Then get out of it, for surely you are driven away: And surely on you is curse until the Day of Judgment. He said: My Lord! Then respite me till the time when they are raised. He said: So surely you are of the respited ones Till the period of the time made known. He said: My Lord! Because Thou hast made life evil to me, I will certainly make (evil) fair-seeming to them on earth, and I will certainly cause them all to deviate Except Thy servants from among them, the devoted ones. He said: This is a right way with Me: Surely as regards My servants, you have no authority, over them except those who follow you of the deviators .” 4

In Surah Sad after recording this incident in some other words, it is mentioned that:

قَالَ فَبِعِزَّتِكَ لَاُغْوِيَنَّهُمْ أَجْمَعِينَ.

“ He said: Then by Thy Might I will surely make them live an evil life, all ” 5

The Satanic Conspiracy

These verses amply clarify that the Satan desires to deviate everyone and make them his companions in hell.

Deviating someone means to take him away from his Lord, his divine religion and his divine leaders. It implies non adherence to divine laws and considering the permitted as prohibited and vice-versa.

It leads to man’s deprivation from divine guidance. Deviation entails the non-establishment of divine government in this world, preoccupation of Allah’s creatures in oppression - instead of righteousness - and opposing divine commands. It is the involvement in polytheism instead of Divine Unity, denial instead of submission and hypocrisy in place of sincere belief.

Swearing on divinity itself the accursed Satan has firmly decided to misguide all men. He aims to spread deviation in every corner of the earth. Such is the scheme of Satan

The Arrangement of Allah

Consequently, Allah made a comprehensive arrangement for man’s guidance. Regarding the Holy Prophet of Islam (s.a.w.a.), the Holy Quran declares:

قُلْ يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ إِنِّي رَسُولُ اللهِ إِلَيْكُمْ جَمِيعًا

“ Say: O people! Surely I am the Apostle of Allah to you all ” 6

وَأُوحِيَ إِلَيَّ هَذَا الْقُرْآنُ لِأُنذِرَكُم بِهِ وَمَن بَلَغَ

“ This Quran has been revealed to me that with it I may warn you and whomsoever it reaches ” 7

وَمَا أَرْسَلْنَاكَ إِلاَ رَحْمَةً لِّلْعَالَمِينَ

“ And We have not sent you but as a mercy to the worlds ” 8

هُوَ الَّذِي أَرْسَلَ رَسُولَهُ بِالْهُدَى وَدِينِ الْحَقِّ لِيُظْهِرَهُ عَلَى الدِّينِ كُلِّهِ وَلَوْ كَرِهَ الْمُشْرِكُونَ.

“ He it is Who sent His Apostle with guidance and the religion of truth, that He might cause it to prevail over all religions, though the polytheists may be averse .” 9

Likewise, there are many more verses. Hence, it is clear that while the Satan desires deviation for all, Allah plans for the preeminence of the religion of Islam throughout the world. The Satan considers all means permissible for achieving his nefarious aims. Homicides, plundering, falsehood, accusations, and slander -he is capable of anything.

The Divine representative on the other hand does not budge even slightly from the boundaries of the holy law for achieving his divine goals. He is steadfastly attached to the divine commandments in attaining his objectives. He always maintains the highest standards of morals and ethics in all his dealings.

Thus, on one hand there are all possible modes of achieving the reprehensible intentions and on the other along with a holy aim there is also self-discipline in limiting the means to only what has been divinely permitted.

The Final Victory is for the Virtuous

In addition there is another glaring difference due to which the Divine Representative is always content even in the worst of the circumstances and the Satan and his allies are always agitated despite accessing all means to achieve their evil intentions. This difference is in the following Quranic declaration:

وَالْعَاقِبَةُ لِلْمُتَّقِينَ

“ And the final end is for the pious ” 10

Thus, finally success will be for those who are pious and virtuous. The outcome of the age old battle of guidance and deviation will result in the evident victory of guidance.

Apparently the Satan has got an upper hand until now. This is so because; the Divine Representatives have always invited the people towards the religion with a freedom of choice. They desire that the true religion should be accepted by all exercising their own free-will and preference without the involvement of any force or duress.

For the people to consciously choose guidance and totally hand over their emotions to the will of Allah is undoubtedly a difficult but an extremely rewarding task. If man could only fathom the greatness of this, he would certainly consider these difficulties a great bounty.

The Absence of Compulsion

The world is a collection of causes and effects. Everything runs its own course like a seed which gradually matures into a tree. The world is not governed by miracles. If it was so none would ever be deviated. Allah has destined that man should traverse the path of guidance as well as deviation by his own intent.

Satan adopted the path of rebellion right from the beginning. If he would have felt any remorse for his action and sought forgiveness, it was possible that the merciful Lord may have excused him. Jettisoning the approach of seeking forgiveness he adopted the path of opposition and conflict. He started creating problems for the divine representatives, right from the start.

He ignited the fire of jealousy in the heart of Qaabeel provoking him to kill Haabeel. He continued his rebellious approach inciting Firaun, Hamaan, Namrud, Qarun, Abu Lahab, Abu Jahl, Akramah, Abu Sufiyan, Bani Ummayah, Bani Abbas ….and so on. All of them had a common agenda: “Extinguish the light of Allah”. If the sun of guidance were to set, the darkness of misguidance would spread. The enemies of Guidance would then get a free hand to popularize deviations.

The divine representatives were one after the other killed by them. Finally the chain of divine prophets concluded in the most beloved and illustrious persona of the Holy Prophet of Islam, Hazrat Muhammad Mustafa (s.a.w.a.).

Satan tried his level best to extinguish this illustrious light of guidance in Mecca itself. All the tribes jointly schemed to assassinate the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.). However Allah foiled all their plans. The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) escaped from the devious disbelievers who had besieged him just as the moon emerges from behind the clouds. He (s.a.w.a.) had hardly settled down in Medina, that he was confronted with a series of battles. This sequence continued till the very end of his earthly life.

Bravely despite all odds the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) continued his efforts which culminated in his (s.a.w.a.) declaring the mastership and absolute leadership of Hazrat Ali (a.s.) after him (a.s.) at Ghadeer al-Khumm. This declaration marked the completion of his efforts in the propagation of guidance.

The verse of “completion of religion” in the Holy Quran is a living testimony to the fact that the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.) completed his job of conveying Allah’s message to the people. Divine messenger-ship was now concluded. The announcement of the mastership of Hazrat Ali (a.s.), in addition to completing the religion also became a guarantee for its protection till the day of Judgment.

This announcement crushed the hopes of Satan and all the enemies of Allah and His religion. This was more severe than the announcement of prophethood as then they had hoped that with the conclusion of Holy Prophet’s (s.a.w.a.) life even his message will be gradually forgotten. The proclamation of Hazrat Ali’s (a.s.) leadership dashed all their schemes.

They now restlessly started awaiting the demise of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.). Purposefully they ignored the clear and forceful instructions of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) for joining the army of Usama. The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) had informed Hazrat Ali (a.s.) about the conspiracies which will occur after his death. Hazrat Ali (a.s.) was well aware of the series of suppression that will follow the demise of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.).

The hidden hatred will manifest itself. It was however crucial to make the people submit to guidance with their own free-will. Hence forcing himself upon them was totally ruled out. The people ignoring the clear instructions of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) embraced the decorated worldly pleasures offered to them by the accursed Satan. Then for the sake of these material benefits they martyred Allah’s divine proofs one after another.

The Neglect of Divine Guides

For the purpose of continuing divine guidance after the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) Allah had destined only 12 guides till the Day of Judgment. The first of whom is Hazrat Ali (a.s.) and the last is Hazrat Mahdi (a.t.f.s.). The enemies of Allah and his religion never allowed anyone of these to live freely. Allah had appointed 12 Imams (a.s.); however these worldly worshippers and enemies of divine light martyred eleven of them. The moment destined for the Day of Judgment was still to arrive. Hence, Allah protected the last guiding sun from His enemies by placing him in occultation.

Allah does not desire compelling in matters of religion. Also it is not His practice to use miracles every time. Hence it was necessary to protect the divine guide to exhaust the enemies and gradually prepare the people to support the Universal Government.

This idea can also be elaborated as follows:

1. Allah revealed the religion of Islam for the guidance and success of mankind.

2. He declared the Universal and Final Messenger-ship of the Holy Prophet of Islam (s.a.w.a.).

3. The deputation of Prophets (a.s.) and the promulgation of divine laws were with the aim of establishing justice throughout the world so that no one is oppressed. A person does not oppress his own self by adhering to satanic ideologies or others by oppressing them.

4. In light of His divine wisdom Allah has made Hazrat Hujjat ibnil Hasan al-Askari (a.t.f.s.) responsible for the establishment of a system of justice by fully eradicating all forms of oppression. Hence we find traditions mentioning about him (a.t.f.s.) thus:

يَمْلَأُ الْاَرْضَ قِسْطًا وَ عَدْلاً بَعْدَ مَا مُلِئَتْ ظُلْمًا وَ جَوْرًا

“He will fill the earth with equity and justice as it would be fraught with oppression and tyranny.”

5. It is the divine will that the people are not forced to accept true guidance but they accept it voluntarily.

6. In the last 1400 years Allah sent 12 Muhammads or 12 Alis or 12 Hasans or 12 Husains…..for the guidance and prosperity of mankind. All of them were alike in their superiority, knowledge and understanding. They were the evident chiefs of the entire creation. However none was given his due by the people!

Had they been cared for, then during the battle of Siffeen when victory was just round the corner, Hazrat Ali (a.s.) would not have been forced to ask his commander Janab Malik al-Ashtar (r.a.) to return. Had they been cared for, Hazart Ali (a.s.) would not have been forced to been isolated. Had they been cared for Hazrat Imam Hasan (a.s.) would not have signed a treaty with Mu’awiyah.

Had they been cared for, an incongruous person like Yazid would never become the Caliph leading to the merciless martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Husain (a.s.). Had they been cared for, the tyrant Haroon Rashid would never be able to arrest Hazrat Imam Musa Kazim (a.s.). Had they been cared for, Hazrat Imam Ali Naqi (a.s.) and Hazrat Imam Hasan al-Askari (a.s.) would not be exiled from Medina and lived under governmental scrutiny in Samarra.

Had these arks of salvation, true guides, protectors of true religion, pointers to the straight path and the equivalent of the Holy Quran been cared for, and had they been accorded the status and respect due to them by the people, the oppressors would never have dared to execute them. But alas!

7. Allah in the light of His divine wisdom decreed the number of guides after the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) to be only twelve. Eleven of these were martyred due to the carelessness of the people.

8. The promise which Allah had made to His beloved Prophet (s.a.w.a.) that He would make his religion supreme over all others in the world was still not fulfilled.

9. Hence, the available options now were:

a. Either this last Imam (a.s.) should also be made apparent for the people to oppress him and get him martyred as they had done with the previous eleven Imams (a.s.).

b. Or the system of this world should be changed for the sake of this last Proof. Then if the people attack him with the sword it would cause him no harm. If he is poisoned it would be futile. If arrows are thrown towards him they will be in vain. Such a change in the universal system would render the free-will of the people ineffective is against the practice of Allah.

c. Or this last proof should be taken out of this world. Then the entire system of the world would become inside out, as the presence of a Divine Proof on the face of the earth is a must for its continued existence.

d. Or this Proof continues his abode on the earth. The Divine system will therefore be protected. The Proof lives in Occultation without being recognized by the people. He would continue to stay among the people and meet them but his identity would remain unknown to them. This arrangement should continue till the people out of their own free-will are not ready to accept his commands. This arrangement is called “occultation” (غيبت).

Janab Khawaja Nasir at-at-Tusi (r.a.) in his book ‘Tajrid ul-Itiqad’ mentions this reality very subtly as follows:

وُجُوْدُهُ لُطْفٌ، و تَصرُّفُهُ لُطْفٌ آخِرُ وَ غَيْبَتُهُ مِنَّا

“His existence is Allah’s grace, his sovereignty is another grace and his occultation is due to us”

Hence, Occultation of Hazrat Wali Asr (a.t.f.s.) was a need of the situation. Since, Allah’s knowledge is all encompassing; He knew that a sudden occultation would put the people in doubt. Hence on account His vast mercy; He decreed the mention of Occultation along with the Imamat of the last Proof. This would ensure the acceptance of occultation by the believers. Therefore, traditions mention abundantly about his (a.s.) Imamat as well as Occultation and even the conditions during Occultation.

These traditions also clarify the two types of Occultation:

1. The minor Occultation and

2. The major Occultation.

The minor occultation is remembered as ‘Gaibat al-Sughra’ and the major occultation is called ‘Gaibat al-Kubra’.

The specialty of the minor occultation is that though the common people could not have direct access to the Imam (a.s.), some special deputies were appointed by Imam (a.s.) who were mediators between Imam (a.s.) and the people. A more detailed discussion about them follows in the forthcoming pages. The period of the minor Occultation was for 69 years, from 260 A.H. till 329 A.H.

The Major Occultation started in 329 A.H. when the last special deputy Ali ibn Muhammad Samari (r.a.) expired, which continues till today.

We sincerely pray that our good deeds contribute to the reduction in the length of Major Occultation and Hazrat (a.t.f.s.) reappears.

In this Major Occultation though Hazrat (a.t.f.s.) is hidden from our eyes but he does neglect us. He protects us despite our deficiencies in fulfilling his rights.

Hazrat (a.t.f.s.) has not left us unattended in this major Occultation. He (a.t.f.s.) has entrusted us to the religious scholars of the religion of Ahlul Bayt (a.s.). This is discussed more in detail under the heading “The Protectors of Wilayat”.

Ultimately a day will definitely come when the Major Occultation concludes. The descendent of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.), Hazrat Hujjat (a.t.f.s.) will reappear. Brave and sincere companions will assist him in establishing the government of Allah on this earth. “Polytheism” will be demolished.

Tyranny will finally end. Truth and Justice will be widespread. No one will have to bear even an iota of oppression. The true religion will triumph over all other religions and school of thoughts.

Centuries of efforts of Satan and his companions will become worthless. All the schemes of Satan will fail. The truth will be victorious. The Islam of Ghadeer will prevail. The Satan will finally be executed. People will then realize the true Divine promise.

“In the hope of that enlightened day whose dawn is near, tell the heart- don’t fear”

This book is a collection of articles from the previous Sha’ban issues of “Al-Qa’im: Al-Muntazar”. Though there were a number of representatives of Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.) in the minor Occultation, only four of them were privileged with a special status. These were the most reliable in front of Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.).

They are referred to as the “Nuwwab al-Arbaa’”- The Four Special Representatives. Their brief biography are presented in this book. These highlight their pure service in the way of their master Hazrat Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.) and also the benevolence and respect granted to them by Hazrat Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.).

The Major Occultation began after the demise of the fourth representative Janab Ali ibn Muhammad as-Samari (r.a.). In the Major Occultation Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.) does not have any special representative. In this period Hazrat Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.) has delegated this responsibility to the respected and learned “Fuqaha” and “Mujtahids”. Thus, today it is our imperative responsibility to respect and honor these “Fuqaha” and “Mujtahids”. The last article titled “Protectors of Wilayat” expounds this responsibility in detail.

May Allah send His vast and innumerable blessings upon the Holy Ahlul Bayt (a.s.), as only He can send. May He enumerate us among the slaves of the slaves of the Holy Ahlul Bayt (a.s.). May He grant us the great opportunity of contributing towards the preparation of the reappearance of Hazrat Qa’im Ali Muhammad (a.t.f.s.).

1. Surah Balad (90): Verse 10

2. Surah Dahr (76): Verse 3

3. Surah Shams (91): Verses 8-10

4. Surah Hijr (15): Verses 32-42

5. Surah Sad (38): Verse 82

6. Surah A’raaf (7): Verse 158

7. Surah An’aam (6): Verse 19

8. Surah Anbiya (21): Verse 107

9. Surah Tauba (9): Verse 33

10. Surah A’raaf (7): Verse 128

The Need for Representation

As we are aware, occultation is of two types: the Minor Occultation and the Major Occultation with the former being the foundation for the latter.

Imam Hasan al-Askari (a.s.) was martyred in 260 A.H., within 5 years of the birth of Imam al-Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) in 255 A.H. Immediately after his martyrdom, the soldiers of the Abbassid Caliph surrounded his house. They were in search of his son, who was his successor.

These historical incidents in themselves are a proof of the danger to the life of Imam Hasan al-Askari’s (a.s.) son. Occultation was thus necessary for the protection of Imam Mahdi’s (a.t.f.s.) life and for the continuity of the institution of Imamat and successorship of prophethood.

The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) had already prophesied about this:

ثُمَّ يَغِيْبُ عَنْهُمْ اِمَامُهُمْ مَآ شَآءَ اللهُ وَ يَكُوْنُ لَه غَيْبَتَانِ…

‘Then till Allah desires, their Imam will be hidden from them and he will have two occultations...’ 1

Selection of the Special Representatives

Subsequent to the martyrdom of Imam Hasan al-Askari (a.s.), the Shias were enveloped in the darkness of doubt and indecision. The demise of Imam (a.s.) was not the sole reason for their condition, essentially it was also due to the political situation prevailing at that time.

The atmosphere of fear and anxiety unleashed by the Abbassid Caliphs on the Shias and the lack of direct contact with the Imam (a.s.) aggravated things further. Soon the Shias disintegrated into different sects.

The martyrdom of Imam Hasan al-Askari (a.s.) disturbed the Shias even more. The situation worsened to such an extent that many Shias despaired of their faith. Such conditions marked the beginning of the minor occultation. Imam az-Zaman (a.s.) was physically absent from the midst of the people.

To ensure his safety and well-being, Imam Hasan al-Askari (a.s.) had not introduced him to everyone, but only to the innermost circle of his Shias. In the words of Shaykh Mufid (a.r.), ‘To the extent that he [Imam Hasan al-Askari (a.s.)] had not introduced his son to a large group of his followers’.2

However, it was not as if Imam Hasan al-Askari (a.s.) had not introduced his son and successor at all. The introduction was made, but only to the trustworthy ones. Ahmad b. Ishaaq al-Qummi was informed through a letter. He was instructed to inform reliable people about the birth of Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.). Also, care was taken to ensure that this news did not break out to the general masses.

Some Incidents

(i) Some descendants of Janabe Abu Talib (a.s.) stayed in Medina. They were true believers, having complete faith that the son of Imam Hasan al-Askari (a.s.) would be the twelfth Imam. However, after the martyrdom of Imam Hasan al-Askari (a.s.) some of them turned apostates (i.e. they turned away from Shiaism).3

(Although they were Shias of Hazrat Ali (a.s.), they deviated after the demise of Imam Hasan al-Askari (a.s.))

(ii) Muhammad b. Ibrahim was confused after the martyrdom of the eleventh Imam (a.s.). This was despite the fact that his father Ibrahim b. Mahziyar was a representative of Hazrat Wali al-’Asr (a.s.) in Ahwaz. Sheikh Kulaini (a.r.) narrates that when the father of Muhammad b. Ibrahim died, some amount of Khums (Sihm ul-Imam) was in his possession.

His father had mentioned in his will that he should be careful about the Sihm ul-Imam and it should reach to the correct person. In a state of confusion, Muhammad b. Ibrahim carried the money to Iraq. He decided to hand over the amount only after a satisfying proof was presented to him.

Later, a messenger came to his house and advanced some convincing signs about the money and took custody of it. Muhammad b. Ibrahim became distressed and few days had not passed when he received a letter appointing him as a representative in his father’s place.4

(iii) Sheikh Saduq (a.r.) narrates from Abu Raje Misri, ‘Two years after the demise of Imam Hasan al-Askari (a.s.), I undertook a journey to search for his successor but I failed in my mission. In the third year while I was still seeking Imam Hasan al-Askari’s (a.s.) successor in Medina, Abu Ghanim invited me to his house one evening.

At that time, a thought crossed my mind that if at all there was any son of Imam (a.s.) then after three years he would definitely have made himself known. Suddenly a voice reached my ears, ‘O Nasr b. Abdullah (Abu Raje), ask the Egyptians whether they have seen the Prophets (a.s.) in whom they believe?’ Abu Raje says, ‘Till then I was unaware of my father’s name as I was born in Madyan and Naufali had brought me to Egypt. After my father’s death I was brought up in Egypt. Listening to this I got up. Instead of going to Abu Ghanim’s place I took the road to Egypt. 5

(iv) Hasan b. Abdul Majid says, ‘I was in doubt about Hajiz b. Yazid (he was one of the representatives of Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.) in Baghdad and among the foremost assistants of ‘Uthman b. Sa’eed (r.a.)). Then I collected some money and reached Saamarrah. There I received a letter stating, “It is not proper to doubt about us or about those who are helpers in our affairs. Whatever you have brought with you, deposit it in the custody of Hajiz b. Yazid’.6

There are many such incidents in the books of traditions. Nevertheless, such doubts and confusions led to the disintegration of Shiaism into many sects. Al-Ma’sudi in ‘Muroojuz Zahab’ mentions about twenty such sects. Sa’d Qummi in ‘Al Maqaalaat wal Feraq’ has mentioned 15 such sects. While Nawbakhti in ‘Firaq ‘ush-Shia’ and Sheikh Mufid (a.r.) in ‘Fusool-ul-Mukhtaar’ have named fourteen sects each. Shahrastani in ‘Al Milal wa al-Nahal’ has mentioned eleven sects.

It is famous among the scholars that after the demise of Imam Hasan al-Askari (a.s.), the Imamites (Shias) were divided into fourteen sects and according to the contemporary ulema these 14 sects from the aspect of beliefs, form 5 sects.

Currently, only the Imamiyyah sect (believers in the Imamat of Imam Mahdi (a.s.)), among all others, has survived.

Reminder

We observe that despite the foresight and anticipation of the Shias of that time, they were afflicted with doubt and skepticism. Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.), who never forgets his Shias has himself declared:

“We are neither negligent of your affairs nor are we forgetful of your remembrance. If it was not so, calamities would have surrounded you and enemies would have crushed you.”

Surely, if it wasn’t for the link between the noble and extraordinary Shias and Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.), the entire foundation of Shiaism would have been decimated.

To avoid such a scenario, in the initial period of occultation, Imam az-Zaman (a.s.) maintained contact with the Shias through the special representatives. The common people were thus trained to live without an apparent Imam for a long period. This contact satisfied the people who were denied even a glance of their leader.

The Important Role of the Representatives

The leadership of the four special representatives transformed the conditions of the Shias for the better. The Shias were saved from disintegration and deviation. Of course, this was possible only with the guidance of Imam az-Zaman (a.s.).

The era of the first representative was marked with the presence of many groups having variant views vis-a-vis the son of Imam Hasan al-Askari (a.s.). However, the era of the second representative witnessed a successful transition, as his teachings prevailed among the Shias, thereby weakening the other groups.

Consequently, at the time of the third and the fourth representatives, the new generation of Shias had become acquainted with the true Shiite beliefs. They considered the words of the special representatives as the words of Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.) himself and they were desirous of meeting him.

Same Signature in Every Tawqee’

The belief of the new generation was strengthened by the presence of the same signature in all the letters issued to the four representatives. The fourth (and last) special representative was issued the last letter, which announced the termination of the minor occultation and the onset of the major occultation. The foundation of the major occultation of Imam az-Zaman (a.s.) was laid with the help of the minor occultation.

Under these circumstances the Shias were united. Shaykh Mufid (a.r.) in 373 A.H. while writing the book, ‘Al Fusool-ul-Mukhtaarah’ records that out of the fourteen sects only the Imamiyyah sect survived. He further writes that this sect had the maximum number of scholars, visionaries, righteous ones, worshippers, jurists, traditionalists, linguists and poets. As these personalities were the leaders and were highly revered in society, the Shia Imamiyyah led an honourable existence.7

Purpose of Representation

Representation had two basic objectives:

(i) Mentally preparing the masses for the major occultation and gradually habituating them to live in the period of occultation. At the same time they had to safeguard the people from any negligence towards the matter of occultation. Had Imam (a.t.f.s.) directly gone into occultation, people would have denied his very existence and would have deviated. The special representatives of Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.) in the minor occultation prepared the people mentally for the major occultation.

(ii) Guiding the lovers and followers of Imam az-Zaman (a.s.) and protecting the unity of the Shia community. To a certain extent the special representatives filled the void created by the occultation of Imam (a.t.f.s.). Through them, Imam (a.t.f.s.) guided his Shias and ensured that no adversity touched them in his absence.

The deviation that would have occurred without the special representation is unimaginable.

Lastly, let us discuss some of the general responsibilities of the special representatives:

a) Concealing the abode of Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.)

This responsibility involved two facets. The dwelling of Imam (a.t.f.s.) was to be concealed not only from the enemies but also from the Shias. They prohibited their local representatives from even mentioning the name of Imam (a.t.f.s.) among the general masses. The Shias were thus protected from the Abbassides.

On the other hand they were also responsible for proving the existence of Imam (a.t.f.s.) among the reliable Shias to prevent any doubt from creeping in their beliefs. In some instances they even arranged meetings or indicated a place for meeting Imam (a.t.f.s.) to reliable people so as to disperse the cloud of uncertainty.

We shall further enlighten our readers about the responsibilities of the special representatives in the brief life-sketch of the second representative, Janab Muhammad b. ‘Uthman Ibn Sa’eed (a.r.). Insha-Allah.

b) Preventing the disintegration among the Shias:

We have mentioned this point in some detail in the preceding paragraphs.

c) Resolving the religious and legal problems and explaining beliefs and knowledge:
They were the channels for presenting religious and legal problems of the Shias before Imam (a.t.f.s.) and conveying Imam’s (a.t.f.s.) reply to the people. One can find a number of questions and their replies during the time of the second representative.

d) Contending the false claimants of Mahdaviyat:
This too will be discussed Insha-Allah in detail in the life history of the second representative.

e) The collection and distribution of the wealth of Imam (a.t.f.s.):

The special representatives collected the share of Imam (a.t.f.s.) from the Shias and their own local representatives. It was then presented to Imam (a.t.f.s.) and expended according to his (a.s.) instructions.

f) Appointing local representatives

The practice of appointing local representatives was prevalent since the time of the previous Imams (a.s.). This practice continued during the occultation of Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.). The local representatives were appointed by the special representatives.

Sometimes the local representatives got the opportunity to meet Imam (a.t.f.s.) along with the special representatives. Some local representatives got the honor of meeting Imam (a.t.f.s.) once, while others got this grace several times. The second special representative had ten local representatives in Baghdad. The highest among them was Janab Husain b. Rauh (a.r.) who later went on to become the third special representative.

We now proceed with the details of the life histories of the special representatives.

1. Bihar al-Anwar, Vol. 52, Pg. 380

2. Kitabul Irshad, pg. 345

3. Al-Kaafi, vol. 2, Kitab al-Hujjah, Chapter of Birth of Sahebuz Zaman (a.t.f.s.)

4. Ibid., Vol.2, Pg. 456

5. Kamaaluddin, by Shaykh Saduq, vol.2, pg. 491, chap. 25, tradition 15

6. Al-Kafi, vol. 2, Chapter of birth of Imam (a.s.)

7. Peeramun Zindagi al-Nawwaab al-Khassa al-Imam al-Zaman (a.s.), p. 84

The first deputy - Hazrat ‘Uthman b. Sa’eed al-Amri (r.a.)

Hazrat ‘Uthman b. Sa’eed (r.a.) was the first special deputy of Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) in Minor Occultation (غيبتِ صغري). The renowned Shiite scholar, Shaikh Muhammad b. Hasan at-Tusi (r.a.) records in his illustrious book, ‘Ghaibat’ “Among the companions that the infallible Imams (a.s.) considered as virtuous and pious was Hazrat ‘Uthman b. Sa’eed al-Amri (r.a.). Imam Ali Naqi al-Hadi (a.s.) and Imam Hasan al-Askari (a.s.) have spoken highly of him and he was their most trusted companion.’1

His Name And Title

‘Uthman was his name and his father Sa’eed. His name in Rijaal al-Kashi is recorded as ‘Hafs b. Amr’, but other scholars of Ilm al-Rijaal (science of narrators of traditions) have considered this erroneous. His name is widely recorded as ‘Uthman b. Sa’eed.

He has been attributed with 2 agnomens (Kuniyyat) - Abu Amr and Abu Muhammad. He was called Abu Amr since his grandfather’s name was Amr. He was called Abu Muhammad because of his son Muhammad.

In books of Rijaal and traditions he is referred to as Abu Amr. However, in Safinatul Behar and Bihar al-Anwar, he is referred to as Abu Muhammad.
Among Shias Hazrat ‘Uthman b. Sa’eed (r.a.) is known by four titles.

1. Saman / Zayyat (Oil Vendor)

Hazrat ‘Uthman b. Sa’eed (r.a.) took up the profession of oil-vending to camouflage his more critical duties and responsibilities of deputyship from the masses in general and the tyrant kings of Bani Abbas in particular. In this way, he protected his own life and the lives of Shias from the persecution of the Bani Abbas.

He had a very ingenious way of operating. He would collect all the money and trusts from the Shias for Imam Hasan al-Askari (a.s.). Out of fear of the Bani Abbas caliphs, he would conceal all money and trusts in his oil barrels so as to escape the scrutiny of the common masses. In this way, he could safely courier everything to Imam Hasan al-Askari (a.s.).2

To keep his position of deputyship secret, he used to supply oil and other goods to the army.3

2. Asadi

He was a member of the Bani Asad clan and was therefore also famous as ‘Asadi’.

3. al-Askari

He used to reside in Samarra, in a place called ‘Askar’ which implies a military cantonement.

4. Amri

Scholars are unanimous that ‘Amri’ was one of his titles. However, scholars of Ilme-Rijaal have given differing reasons for this title. The illustrious scholar Muhammad b. Hasan Shaikh at-Tusi (r.a.) has explained,

‘First of all he was referred to as Amri due to his grandfather whose name was ‘Amr’. Some scholars have recorded that Imam Hasan al-Askari (a.s.) did not like that the names ‘Uthman (name of third caliph) and Abu Amr should combine in one person. That is why he ordered ‘Uthman to change his Kuniyyat from Abu Amr to Amri.4

Special Deputy of Three Imams (a.s.)

Shaikh at-Tusi (r.a.) records that at the tender age of 11 years, Hazrat ‘Uthman b. Sa’eed (r.a.) swore allegiance to Imam Ali Naqi (a.s.) and commenced serving Imam (a.s.). Shaikh at-Tusi (r.a.) has discussed the companions of Imam Hasan al-Askari (a.s.) in detail. While mentioning about Hazrat ‘Uthman b. Sa’eed (r.a.), he says, “He was an oil trader famous as Abu Amr. He was an esteemed and reliable companion in the eyes of Imam (a.s.), and was also Imam’s (a.s.) special deputy.” The statement of Shaikh at-Tusi (r.a.) makes it clear that he was deputy of three Imams (a.s.).

He further records that he was also a special deputy of Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.) and enjoyed an elevated and eminent status among the Shias of that period. Likewise, Ibn Dawood al-Hilli in his Rijaal, Marhoom al-Qahyaai in his Majmaul Rijaal and Sayyid Muhammad Mahdi Bahrul Uloom (r.a.) in his Rijaal have recorded this fact. This has also been mentioned in several other books of Rijaal like Tanqeehul Maqaal, Qamoos al-Rijaal, Mojam-o-Rijaalil Hadis.5

Note

Dr. Jasim Husain in his ‘Tarikh al-Siyaasi al-Ghaibat al-Imam al-Dawazdahum (a.t.f.s.)’ has reported that Hazrat ‘Uthman b. Sa’eed (r.a.) was among the companions of Abu Ja’far al-Saani Imam Muhammad Taqi al-Jawad (a.s.). Likewise Ibn Shahr al-Aashub in ‘Manaaqib al-Abi Talib (a.s.)’, Shaikh Abbas Qummi (r.a.) in Safinatul Behar and Allamah al-Hilli (r.a.) have recounted this fact.

Ali Ghaffarzadeh in his ‘Pazoohashi Piraamun -e-Zindagani Nuwwab-e-Khaas e-Imam -e-Zaman (a.t.f.s.)’ has rejected the fact that Hazrat ‘Uthman b. Sa’eed (r.a.) was the deputy of Imam Jawad (a.s.). He writes, ‘Anyone who is even briefly acquainted with the lives of the Imams (a.s.) and Minor Occultation (غيبتِ صغري) will know that Hazrat ‘Uthman b. Sa’eed (r.a.) was not a deputy nor a companion of Imam Jawad (a.s.). This is not an established fact of history and there is no chain of narration to support such an idea.’

After making this claim, Ali Ghaffarzadeh has outlined the names of scholars who have recorded in their books that Hazrat ‘Uthman b. Sa’eed (r.a.) was not a companion of Imam Jawad (a.s.).

i. Hajj Muhammad Ardabili (r.a.) in his book ‘Jaameul Ruwaat’

ii. Shaikh Abdullah Mamqaani (r.a.) in ‘Tanqeehul Maqaal’

iii. Allamah Shustari (r.a.) in ‘Qaamoosul Rijaal’

iv. Ayatullah al-Uzma al-Khu’i (r.a.) in ‘Mojamul Rijaal’

After referring to the books of these scholars Ali Ghaffarzadeh concludes that Hazrat ‘Uthman b. Sa’eed (r.a.) was not among the companions of Imam Jawad (a.s.).6

It is possible that he did spend a few years under the Imamat of Imam Jawad (a.s.), but may have been too young to qualify for companionship.

His (r.a.) Status in the Words of Imams (a.s.)

Ahmed b. Ishaaq Qummi (r.a.) narrates, ‘I was in the presence of Imam Ali Naqi al-Hadi (a.s.). I said, ‘O my master! At times I have the good fortune of meeting you and at times I am deprived of this blessing. It is not always possible for me to be in direct contact with you. Under such circumstances, who should I contact and whose commands should I obey?’ Imam (a.s.) informed me,

هٰذَا اَبُوْ عَمْرو الثِّقَةُ الْاَمينُ مٰا قَالَه لَكُم فَعَنّى يَقُولُهُ ، وَمٰا اَدّاهُ اِلَيْكُمْ فَعنّى يُوٴَدِّيْهِ

‘This man Abu Amr (Hazrat ‘Uthman b. Sa’eed (r.a.)) is a reliable and trustworthy person. Whatever he relates to you is from my side. Whatever he gives to you is from us.’ 7

Imam’s (a.s.) narration in favour of Hazrat ‘Uthman b. Sa’eed (r.a.) underlines the level of Imam’s (a.s.) trust and confidence in him. Moreover, it underscores another important fact - Hazrat ‘Uthman b. Sa’eed (r.a.) performed some critical duties i.e. to convey Imam’s (a.s.) message and commands to the Shias. The duty of the Shias was to accept this communication and implement it.

After Imam Hadi’s (a.s.) martyrdom, Ahmed b. Ishaaq Qummi (r.a.) once again approached Imam Hasan al-Askari (a.s.) and repeated his previous query who responded thus:

هٰذا ابوعَمرو الثقةُ الْاَمِيْنُ المَاضى وثقتِى فى المَحيَا وَالْمَمَاتِ فَمَا قَالَهُ لَكم فَعَنِّى يقُولُهُ وَمٰا اَدَّىٰ اليْكم فَعَنِّى يُوٴدِّيْهِ

‘This man Abu Amr (Hazrat ‘Uthman b. Sa’eed (r.a.)) is a reliable and trustworthy person. He was dependable for the previous Imam and is dependable and reliable even for me in my lifetime and even after my death. Whatever he conveys to you is from our side and everything he gives to you is from us.’ 8

Deputyship of Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.)

Imam Hasan al-Askari (a.s.) appointed Hazrat ‘Uthman b. Sa’eed (r.a.) as the first special deputy of Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.) in the presence of 40 Shias.

Some Shias like Ja’far b. Muhammad b. Malik al-Fazari, Ali b. Bilal, Ahmed b. Helal, Muhammad b. Muawiyah b. Hakeem, Hasan b. Ayyub b. Nuh have all narrated that they approached Imam Hasan al-Askari (a.s.) specifically to inquire from him about his successor. They recount, “In addition to us, there were 40 other people who were present with Imam (a.s.).

Then Hazrat ‘Uthman b. Sa’eed (r.a.) rose and asked Imam Hasan al-Askari (a.s.), “O son of Allah’s Apostle! We wish to ask you a question of which we are sure you are aware.” Imam (a.s.) replied, “O ‘Uthman, be seated.”

All of a sudden the expression on Imam’s (a.s.) face changed and he went out of the room after ordering us to stay in our places and not follow him outside. We did as Imam (a.s.) commanded us. After some time, Imam (a.s.) called out ‘Uthman b. Sa’eed’s (r.a.) name and the latter rose.

Then Imam (a.s.) said, ‘Should I inform you about the reason why you all are here?’ All of us said, ‘O son of Allah’s Apostle! Please inform us.’ Imam (a.s.) revealed, ‘So that you may know who is the Imam after me.’ The members in the assembly replied, ‘Yes. We just saw a young child whose face was beautiful like a part of the moon and looked very similar to you.’

Imam (a.s.) informed, ‘After me, he is your Imam and my successor. Obey him and do not scatter in confusion about him else your religion will be destroyed. After this meeting you shall never see him again until his appointed time. That is why take whatever news you get from ‘Uthman b. Sa’eed (r.a.).

فَهُوَ خَلِيْفَةُ اِمَامِكُمْ وَالْاَمْرُ اِلَيْهِ

‘He is the deputy of your Imam and deputyship is for him alone.’ 9

‘Uthman B. Sa’eed (r.a.) – The Chief of the Deputies

Imam Hasan al-Askari (a.s.) wrote a lenghty letter to Ishaaq b. Ismail Nishapouri, stating, ‘Don’t leave the city until you meet ‘Uthman b. Sa’eed (r.a.). Convey to him my salaam. He is trustworthy, pious and reliable and is most proximate to us.

فكُلُّ مَايُحْمَلُ اِلَيْنَا مِنْ كُلِّ شَئٍى مِن النَّواحِى فَاِلَيْهِ يَصِيْرُ آخِرُ اَمْرِهِ لِيُوصِلَ ذٰلِكَ اِلَيْنَا

‘All the wealth that is collected from various places for us, is first accumulated with ‘Uthman b. Sa’eed (r.a.) so that it reaches us safely.’ 10

Imam’s (a.s.) letter emphasises an important point. All cities where the Shias used to inhabit had deputies. These deputies collected money by way of Khums, Zakaat, etc. from the Shias on behalf of Imam (a.s.). These deputies collectively transmitted all this money to Hazrat ‘Uthman b. Sa’eed (r.a.), who in turn finally submitted it to Imam (a.s.) himself.

The Religious and Political Scenario of the Time

If one casts even a cursory glance at the political and religious scenario at the time of Minor Occultation (غيبتِ صغري), he will appreciate the significance of the deputyship of Hazrat ‘Uthman b. Sa’eed (r.a.). The government had appointed spies in every nook and corner so as to keep a close watch on the Shias of Imam (a.t.f.s.), especially the trusted and reliable Shias who were known to be proximate to Imam (a.t.f.s.).

As if the government’s persecution was not enough, the differences between the Shias and outbreak of various sects only added to the confusion. Under such trying circumstances, deputyship was an impossible task. However, under Imam’s (a.t.f.s.) constant supervision and guidance, the Shias were rescued from the darkness of doubt and uncertainty and were steered towards the light of guidance and certainty. Being the special deputy of Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.), Hazrat ‘Uthman b. Sa’eed (r.a.) played a very important role in this regard.

The criticality of his role can never be fully comprehended and appreciated. On the one hand, he had to unite the Shias who had split into many sects. On the other hand, he had to contend with Ja’far ibn Ali Naqi the government’s candidate for the role of Shiite leadership. To challenge Ja’far was a monumental task. On the martyrdom of Imam Hasan al-Askari (a.s.), Ja’far usurped the mantle of Imam’s (a.s.) successorship, which gave him the right to lead the Shias after Imam (a.s.).

Shaikh Mufid (r.a.) writes in his book ‘Kitabul Irshad’: ‘After the martyrdom of Imam Hasan al-Askari (a.s.) when Ja’far b. Ali Naqi saw that their Imam (a.s.) did not have a successor, he usurped his (a.s.) property, imprisoned his (a.s.) maids and the women of the household and said evil things about his (a.s.) companions who were steadfast in their faith that Imam (a.s.) had a son and were waiting for his reappearance. He threatened them but they did not pay attention to him.

Finally, Ja’far approached the Caliph of the time and sought his assistance to claim the position of his brother (Imam Hasan al-Askari (a.s.)). He paid a huge amount to the government by way of bribe, but failed miserably in his evil plans.’11

Hazrat ‘Uthman b. Sa’eed (r.a.) had to face the uphill task of Ja’far’s claim of Imamat, his standing to lead the funeral prayers of Imam (a.s.) and creating doubts about the Imamat of Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.).

He provoked the government of the time to help him in his cause, he imprisoned the Ahlul Bayt (a.s.) and persecuted them and sought religious dues (khums, zakat) from the people. Under these grievous circumstances Hazrat ‘Uthman b. Sa’eed (r.a.) with the help of Imam az-Zaman (a.s.) humiliated Ja’far and protected the status and Imamat of Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.).

When the Shias heard of Ja’far’s claim and his usurping Imam’s (a.s.) property and seeking help from Bani Abbas, some of them consulted Hazrat ‘Uthman b. Sa’eed (r.a.) and requested for a ‘Tawqee’ from Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.) to clarify the matter and remove all suspicion and doubts once and for all. Our readers should find the following incident very interesting.

Ja’far b. Ali wrote a letter to a follower of Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.), “I am the Imam after my brother and I have the knowledge of the permissible and the prohibited and all other sciences with me.” When the companion received the letter, he became sorrowful. He took the letter to Ahmad b. Ishaaq, a close confidante of Imam Hasan al-Askari (a.s.).

Ahmad b. Ishaaq wrote a letter to Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.) enclosing Ja’far’s letter. He gave it to ‘Uthman b. Sa’eed (a.s.) to be forwarded to Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.). Imam (a.t.f.s.) gave a very strong-worded reply and refuted the Imamat of Ja’far. Following is the extract of Imam’s (a.t.f.s.) letter:

‘This defrauder (Ja’far) has falsified Allah and has claimed Imamat. We do not know on what basis he has made such a claim. If he claims knowledge in the Ahkam and Fiqh of Allah’s religion, then by Allah, he is not able to distinguish between the permissible and the prohibited. He cannot distinguish between the clear and ambiguous verses of the Holy Quran.

He is not even aware about the limits and timings of namaz. And if he is having certainty about his piety then by Allah he has forsaken namaz for forty days. His claim should be based on a miracle. Let him forward his miracle and if he has proof then he should explain it.’12

It was with the representation of Hazrat ‘Uthman b. Sa’eed (r.a.) that such letters could reach Imam (a.t.f.s.) and Ja’far failed in his nefarious plans. Once in a gathering Hazrat ‘Uthman b. Sa’eed (r.a.) said, ‘The caliph (Mu‘tamid al-Abbasi) thought that Imam Hasan al-Askari (a.s.) left this world without appointing his successor and gave his inheritance to such a person (Ja’far) who did not deserve it. The followers of Imam (a.s.) were patient on it and were vacillating in a state of confusion. Nobody dared to recognise him and help him or to convey something to him.’13

Hazrat ‘Uthman B. Sa’eed (r.a.) In Baghdad

After the martyrdom of Imam Hasan al-Askari (a.s.), the first representative of Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.) came to Baghdad from Samarrah on the order of Imam (a.s.). The reason being that the government vigilance and control in Samarrah was very strict and it had relatively ignored Baghdad. Samarrah was the capital of the Abbasi government.
Mu‘tamid was appointed as ruler on 12th Rajab, 256 A.H. Till the end of his rule, Samarrah remained the capital. In 279 A.H., the capital was shifted to Baghdad. Till that time Baghdad was the Shiite center.

The migration to Baghdad helped Hazrat ‘Uthman b. Sa’eed (r.a.) to keep in touch with the Shias residing in different places. In this way, his activities spread to different areas and were not restricted only to Baghdad. If he was in Samarrah or if Baghdad had been the capital of the Abbasides, then this would have been very difficult.14

His (r.a.) Mode of Operation

Hazrat ‘Uthman b. Sa’eed (r.a.) had appointed some agents in Baghdad who used to coordinate with the other agents of Iraq and other areas. People met these agents in Baghdad, who collected the wealth and accepted the letters and queries from the Shias and forwarded them to Hazrat ‘Uthman b. Sa’eed (r.a.) and he in turn forwarded the same to Imam (a.s.)

Hajiz bin b. Yazid al-Washsha, Ahmed b. Ishaaq Ashari, Muhammad b. Ahmad b. Ja’far Qattaan and Ahmad b. Ishaaq Qummi were initially the representatives of Imam Hasan al-Askari (a.s.) in Qum, Iran. After the martyrdom of Imam Hasan al-Askari (a.s.) they returned to Baghdad as helpers of Hazrat ‘Uthman b. Sa’eed (r.a.).

Muhammad b. Ahmad Qattaan had taken up the work of selling clothes so that nobody could cast any doubt on his real purpose. The other agents delivered the letters and wealth wrapped in a cloth to him and he forwarded it to Hazrat ‘Uthman b. Sa’eed (r.a.).

History is replete with such incidents wherein the special representatives employed such ingenious methods to protect Imam (a.t.f.s.) and his Shias. The wealth used to reach Imam (a.t.f.s.) without anybody learning about his (a.t.f.s.) actual abode.

His (r.a.) Demise

The duration of his deputyship and the exact date of his demise has not got wide coverage in books of history and traditions. But it is clear that the combined duration of his own deputyship and that of his son Hazrat Muhammad b. ‘Uthman (r.a.) was 45 years.

Janabe Bahrul ‘Uloom (r.a.) has recorded that Hazrat ‘Uthman b. Sa’eed (r.a.) expired in 264 A.H. or 265 A.H.

Ali Ghaffarzadeh in his book has narrated from historians and scholars that the death of Hazrat ‘Uthman b. Sa’eed (r.a.) took place before 267 A.H.15

His Grave

He is buried near western Baghdad inside Shaare Maidan in Masjid Zarab.16

Today there is market near his grave and one has to pass through several small lanes to reach the grave. Due to this, some visitors (Zaaireen) avoid going for his ziyarat. His ziyarat has a lot of merit and is similar to meeting him when one comes to meet Imam (a.t.f.s.), as he was Imam’s (a.t.f.s.) deputy.

Obituary

After the demise of Hazrat ‘Uthman b. Sa’eed (r.a.), Imam (a.t.f.s.) wrote a condolence letter to his son, Muhammad:

“Surely we are from Allah and we will return to Him. We submit ourselves to His command. Your father devoted his entire life to goodness and right till the end. He was praiseworthy. May Allah have mercy on him and include him with His friends and the Imams (a.s.). He continuously endeavoured and struggled in the affairs of his Imams (a.s.) till he met Allah, the High, and the Imams (a.s.). May Allah make his face contented and happy.’ 17

1. Ghaibat al-Shaikh at-Tusi, pg. 353

2. Ghaibat al-Shaikh at-Tusi (r.a.), pg. 354

3. Rozgar Rehai Az Kaamil al-Sulaiman, vol. 1, pg. 291

4. Ghaibat al-Shaikh at-Tusi (r.a.), pg. 354

5. Pazoohashi Piraamun-e-Zindagani Nuwwab-e-Khaas al-Imam-e-Zaman (a.s.) by Ali Ghaffarzadeh, pg. 106

6. Pazoohashi Piraamun, pg. 109-10

7. Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 51, pg. 344

8. Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 51, pg. 344

9. Bihar al-Anwar vol. 51, pg. 346

10. Bihar al-Anwar vol. 50, pg. 323

11. Kitabul Irshad, chap. 34

12. Pazoohashi Piraamun, pg. 128, narrating from Ehtejaaj al-Tabarsi, vol. 2, pg. 468

13. Usule Kafi, vol.2, pg. 121, Persian edition

14. Pazoohashi Piramun, Pg. 130

15. Pazoohashi Piramun, pg. 144

16. Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 51, pg. 347

17. Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 51, pg. 349

The Second Special Deputy Muhammad B. ‘Uthman B. Sa’eed Amri (r.a.)

Imam Hasan al-Askari (a.s.) declares:

اَلْعَمْرِىّ وَابْنُه ثِقَتَانِ فَمَا اَدَّيَا اِلَيْكَ فَعَنِّى يُوَدِّيَانِ...

‘Amri (‘Uthman b. Sa’eed (r.a.)) and his son (Muhammad b. ‘Uthman (r.a.)) are both reliable and trustworthy (in narration). Whatever they both convey to you they convey from us.’ 1

Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) reiterates,

لَمْ يَزَلْ ثِقَتُنَا فِى حَيَاةِ الْاَبِ- رضى الله عنه-

‘He is for us, trustworthy and reliable, from the time of his father (‘Uthman b. Sa’eed (r.a.))’ 2

Our salutations to that great personality, who is considered as trustworthy and reliable by two infallible Imams (a.s.).

We bear witness, O Muhammad b. ‘Uthman (r.a.) (during the period of Minor Occultation (غيبت صغري)) you were the door to reach Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.) and that you accomplished this responsibility in the most excellent manner, and that you were a trustworthy representative. And we bear witness that Allah chose you for this deputyship with His Light.

In the backdrop of this information, we shall now learn more about this esteemed personality.

Name, Title And Agnomen

His name is Muhammad and his father’s name is ‘Uthman and his grandfather’s name is Sa’eed. His grandfather was from Amr, hence Amri is added to his name and he is known as Muhammad b. ‘Uthman b. Sa’eed Amri. His agnomen (Kuniyyat) is Abu Ja’far and no other agnomen is found in the books other than this. His titles are Amri, Asadi, Kufi, Sammaan and al-Askari.

Opinions of Scholars

We have already gauged his importance in the beginning through the sayings of the guided Imams (a.s.). Hereunder are the opinions of some scholars:

Shaykh at-Tusi (r.a.) writes in his book of Rejaal, ‘’Muhammad b. ‘Uthman b. Sa’eed Amri (r.a.), his agnomen is Abu Ja’far and that of his father is Abu Amr. Both of them were the representatives of Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.) and had an esteemed position among the Imamite Shiites.”3

A similar narration is recorded by Allama al-Hilli (r.a.) in his book on Rejaal, Part 1, under the alphabet of meem, no 57.

Marhoom Maamqaani (r.a.) records in his book Tanqeehul Maqaal - ‘The great position and high status of this man (Muhammad b. ‘Uthman (r.a.)) is renowned and does not warrant any explanation and proof. While studying the conditions of the life of his father it becomes evident that he (Muhammad b. ‘Uthman (r.a.)) during the life of his father itself had received the testimonial of being the representative of Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.) after his father.’

Marhoom Maamqaani (r.a.) has narrated the above with references from Bihar al-Anwar of Allama Majlisi (r.a.) Ayatullah al-Uzma Sayyid Abul Qasim Al-Khu’i (r.a.) writes in his book Mojamul Rejaal

وَالرِّوَايَاتُ فِى جَلَالَتِه وَعَظَمَةِ مَقَامِه مُتَاظَفَرةٌ

‘The traditions that have been narrated regarding the majesty and greatness of his position are numerous.’

Some scholars of Rejaal have also called him as a compiler and author. Hence a famous saying is narrated as follows:

Ibn Nuh (Abul Abbas Ahmad b. Ali b. Nuh Sairafi) says: Abu Nasr Hebatullah, maternal grandson of Umm Kulthum, daughter of Abu Ja’far (Umm Kulthum was the daughter of Muhammad b. ‘Uthman and Abu Nasr Hebatullah was the maternal grandson of Umm Kulthum) says that Abu Ja’far Muhammad b. ‘Uthman has written books on Fiqh in which he has collected all the traditions from Imam Hasan al-Askari (a.s.), Imam az-Zaman (a.s.) and from his father ‘Uthman b. Sa’eed (r.a.) who in turn has narrated from Imam Ali an-Naqi (a.s.) and Imam Hasan al-Askari (a.s.). Among these books is one titled Al Ashrebah. Umm Kulthum daughter of Abu Ja’far (r.a.) narrates, ‘This book as per the will of Muhammad b. ‘Uthman (r.a.) had reached to the third deputy Husain b. Rauh (r.a.). Abu Nasr says, ‘I assume that after Husain b. Rauh (r.a.), it must have been passed on to the fourth deputy Abul Hasan Ali Ibn Muhammad Samari (r.a.).4

The late Ayatullah Uzma Aqae Al Khu’i (r.a.) in his book Mojamur Rejaal writes after this narration, ‘This narration proves two things,

i) Muhammad b. ‘Uthman (r.a.) is an author of books.

ii) He has narrated traditions from Imam Hasan al-Askari (a.s.) and Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.).

Refuge of Shias

When we look at the conditions of the life of Muhammad b. ‘Uthman (r.a.) and study the traditions and Imam’s (a.t.f.s.) letters (tawqeeaat) that have reached us through him, it is evident that his representatives across several cities were referring to him for matters related to jurisprudence, theology (kalaam) and society and he used to solve them. We narrate an incident in this regard:

Abul Hasan Ali b. Ahmad al-Dallal al-Qummi narrates: ‘Among the Shias there was a difference of opinion on whether Allah has delegated creation and distribution of sustenance to the Imams (a.s.).

One group argued that this is impossible because no one can create the bodies except Allah, while the other group believed that Allah has delegated the power of creation and distribution of sustenance to the Imams (a.s.) and therefore they can create and provide sustenance. This disparity intensified with every passing day.

Finally someone suggested: ‘Why don’t you refer the matter to Abu Ja’far Muhammad b. ‘Uthman Amri (r.a.) so that he clarifies the truth for you? He is the representative of Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.).’ Everybody agreed. The query was written and delivered to Muhammad b. ‘Uthman (r.a.). He referred the matter to Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.). In reply, he received a Tawqee wherein Imam (a.t.f.s.) had written:

‘Undoubtedly only Allah creates the bodies and distributes the sustenance. He neither has a body nor does He assume any form and there is none like Him. He is the All-Hearing and All-Knowing and the infallible Imams (a.s.) seek from Him and He Himself creates. They request Him and He accepts their request and to honour and elevate them He delegates to them the power to create and sustain’.

The period of Muhammad b. ‘Uthman’s (r.a.) deputyship was quite lengthy and as we have already mentioned that in this period, he served as a sanctuary for the Shias. He solved numerous issues related to jurisprudence, society and belief. During his deputyship all that has been received by him from Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.) in the form of Tawqeeaat is present in different books under different topics. However, there are some books dedicated to the Tawqeeaat and one can find them all in one place.

We have reproduced below a part of an important Tawqee received by Muhammad b. ‘Uthman (r.a.) from Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.) which was addressed to Ishaq b. Yaqub in reply to various questions put forth by him:

Ishaq b. Yaqub says that this Tawqee has been written by the blessed hand of my master Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.) and is as follows:

‘May Allah guide you and keep you steadfast upon the true beliefs. As for your concern that some of my relatives and paternal uncles and cousins have denied my existence, know that Allah does not recognise relations with anyone (when it comes to believing in us) and the one who denies us is not from us. The path that he is treading is the path of the son of Nuh (a.s.). And my paternal uncle Ja’far and his sons have chosen the path of the brothers of Yusuf (a.s.).’

Other Topics in this Tawqee Include

‘As for fuqaa’ (alcohol from barley) it is prohibited but there is no harm in drinking shalmaab (shalmaab is made from sheelam which resembles barley).’

‘And as for that wealth which you send us as gifts, we accept them in order that your sins are forgiven. Therefore there are those who wish to send us gifts while others don’t know that whatever Allah has given us is better than what you give.’

‘None knows the time of reappearance.’ In the same Tauqee’ Imam (a.t.f.s.) adds: ‘The time of my reappearance is linked to Allah’s wish. Whoever fixes a time for reappearance is a liar.’

Guidance

‘And when you come across any new issues then refer to the narrators of our traditions because they are our proofs upon you and I am the Proof of Allah.’

Thereafter, Imam (a.s.) has emphasised on numerous issues like the reliability of Muhammad Ibn ‘Uthman Amri (r.a.), a supplication for the hearts satisfaction and dispelling the doubts of Ali Ibn Mahziyaar Ahwaazi, the illegitimacy of wealth of singing women, enumeration of Muhammad Ibn Shazaan Ibn Naeem Neshapuri among the lovers of Ahlul Bayt (a.s.), cursing Abul Khattab Muhammad Ibn Abi Zainab and his followers, etc.

Improper Use of Sihm ul-Imam

On this topic Imam (a.t.f.s.) warns,

‘And as for those who keep our wealth with them, and if they consider some part of it permissible for themselves and they spend it, then it is as if they have taken fire into their bellies...’

Reason for Occultation

‘And as for the reason for occultation Allah, the Almighty, cautions in the Holy Quran:

يٰاَيُّهَا الَّذِيْنَ اٰمَنُوْا لاَ تَسْئَلُوْا عَنْ اَشْيَآءَ اِنْ تُبْدَلَكُمْ تَسُوٴْكُمْ

‘ O you who believe! Do not question about things which if declared to you, may trouble you. ’ 5

Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.) Will not pay Allegiance to Anyone

In the same Tawqee’ Imam (a.t.f.s.) informs:

‘My forefathers (a.s.) have lived their lives under the tyrannical reign of despots. However, I shall reappear at a time when there shall be no allegiance upon me...’

He further explains that people can benefit from his existence in occultation just as they benefit from the sun when it goes behind the clouds.

This Tawqee’ has been recorded by Shaikh Sadooq (r.a.) in his book Kamaaluddin vol. 2 p. 483, tradition 4 and by Allama al-Majlisi (r.a.) in Bihar al-Anwar vol 53 p. 180 tradition 10.

Similarly there are many such Tawqee’aat that have been conveyed by Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.) for his Shias through Muhammad b. ‘Uthman (r.a.). Some other personalities who have been sent Tauqee’aat by Imam (a.t.f.s.) as are follows:

Abul Hasan Muhammad b. Ja’far Asadi

He was the representative of Janab Muhammad b. ‘Uthman (r.a.) in the city of Rayy (near Tehran). He expired in Rabius Saani 312 A.H. It was about him that it was said in the Tauqee’, “Keep up prayer (Namaz) as you are the one who asked about the timing of Namaz during the rising and setting of the sun.

It is as the people say that the sun rises from between the two horns of Satan and also sets between his two horns. That is why there is nothing better than Namaz if one wants to rub Satan’s nose in dust. So keep up prayer and put Satan’s nose in dust (i.e. humiliate him).”6

End of Dispute Between Husband and Wife

Before mentioning this Tawqee’ it will be in order to first review its practical aspect. The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) and the infallible Imams (a.s.) are the fathers of the Islamic nation. In this regard we have outlined earlier that Allah, the Almighty, due to their honour and respect has blessed them with great powers.

They have been delegated the task of distributing sustenance to the creation. This implies that whatever they desire from Allah, He grants them. They are the ones through whom difficulties are relieved and calamities are repelled. In this Tauqee’, this particular point has been highlighted.

Abu Ghalib Ahmed b. Muhammad Zorari says: ‘There arose serious differences between me and my wife. This resulted in a lot of hostility between us and reconciliation was almost ruled out. Due to the nature of this problem, I was under a lot of stress. So I wrote a letter and gave it to Muhammad b. ‘Uthman (r.a.) to present it in the service of Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.). In this letter I had requested Imam (a.t.f.s.) to pray for me. It was quite some time since I had sent the letter and there was no reply.

One day when I met Abu Ja’far (Muhammad b. ‘Uthman (r.a.)) he told me, ‘The reply of your letter has come.’ I went to his house. He took out a register and flipped through its pages and finally took out a letter from it. He gave it to me. In it was written: And as for the query regarding the problem between the husband and wife, know that Allah has decreed peace and reconciliation between them.

Abu Ghalib Zorari says, “Earlier my wife always behaved harshly with me. But after this event there were no problems and differences. In fact sometimes I intentionally did certain things just to irritate her but she did not react.”7

Note

In all problems and difficulties we should approach the door of Ahlul Bayt (a.s.). In this era, that door of access is Imam az-Zaman (a.s.). He is Allah’s Gate (Babullah) and hence we send salutation upon him in the Ziyarat:

اَلسَّلامُ عَلَيْكَ يَا بَابَ اللهِ

Peace be upon you O Allah’s Door

Muhammad b. ‘Uthman (r.a.) and False Claimants

Due to the restrictive and sensitive conditions prevalent in their times, Imam Ali Naqi (a.s.) and Imam Hasan al-Askari (a.s.) attended public gatherings sparingly and cautiously. Therefore, they had appointed special representatives so that they could maintain contact with the general people through them.

Another rationale behind the practice of representation was to acquaint the Shias with this method and prepare the ground for the minor occultation (غيبت صغري) when this practice was to gain prominence. Finally the people were accustomed to this method and after the onset of Minor Occultation (غيبت صغري); they regularly sent their letters to Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.) through the special deputies and got their replies in the same way.

During this period some selfish and opportunistic people tried to take advantage of this and claimed to be the deputy of Sahib ul-‘Amr (Master Of the Affair), Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.). We mention below the names of those imposters who advanced such claims during the deputyship of Muhammad b. ‘Uthman (r.a.):

1. Abu Muhammad Hasan Shariee.

2. Muhammad b. Naseer Numairy.

3. Ahmad b. Halal Abartaee.

4. Abu Tahir Muhammad b. Ali b. Bilal.

5. Abu Bakr Muhammad b. Ahmed b. ‘Uthman popular as Abu Bakr Baghdadi. He was the nephew of Muhammad b. ‘Uthman (r.a.)

6. Ishaq b. Ahmed.
7. Baaqataani
8. Husain b. Mansoor al-Hallaj.

It is noteworthy that all of them rivaled Muhammad b. ‘Uthman (r.a.) and refuted his deputyship. Their beliefs were distorted and their faith was weak. They were declared as fanatical and wretched during the period of Imam Hadi (a.s.) and Imam Hasan al-Askari (a.s.) itself.

By this we can easily gauge the extent of their jealousy towards Muhammad b. ‘Uthman (r.a.) and the problems they posed in his working. But Muhammad b. ‘Uthman (r.a.) dealt with them all with the help of Imam (a.t.f.s.) and fulfilled all his duties.

Why Did People trust Muhammad b. ‘Uthman (r.a.)?

During Muhammad b. ‘Uthman’s (r.a.) period, the false claimants wanted to deceive the people and desired to usurp the religious dues (Khums, Zakaat) from them. They nearly injured Muhammad b. ‘Uthman (r.a.). It was a difficult trial for the people in that era to recognise the true deputy of Imam (a.t.f.s.). Under such circumstances to win the confidence of the people and overcome the enemies was a gigantic task.

The people reposed their confidence in Muhammad b. ‘Uthman (r.a.) due to various reasons. The most important among them were those Tawqeeaat, which were sent by Imam (a.t.f.s.) to him. Not only did they contain the replies to various social and religious problems, but also information about some hidden affairs which acted as a compelling argument for the people to accept his deputyship. There are many incidents wherein news of hidden affairs was given by Muhammad b. ‘Uthman (r.a.). We narrate one such incident hereunder:

News of the Unseen

Ja’far b. Muhammad Matteel narrates that Abu Ja’far Muhammad b. ‘Uthman Samman (r.a.), who was famous as Amr, called me and gave me some pieces of cloth and a purse containing some dinars.

He told me that it is necessary that I immediately go to Wasit (a place between Kufa and Basra) and hand over this property to the first person I meet proceeding towards Shatta. I felt aggrieved at the thought that a (honourable) person like me has been chosen for this petty assignment.

Anyway, I mounted my horse and proceeded towards Wasit. I asked the first person I met about the conditions of Hasan b. Muhammad Quttat Saidalaani who was the representative in Wasit. He replied, ‘I am Hasan b. Muhammad, who are you?’ I replied, ‘I am Ja’far b. Muhammad b. Matteel.’ He recognised me and we exchanged salutations. I told him that Abu Ja’far Muhammad b. ‘Uthman (r.a.) has conveyed salutations to you and sent these pieces of cloth and purse for you.

He said, ‘All Praise is for Allah! Since Muhammad b. Abdullah Aameri has died, I am on my way to arrange for his shroud (kafan). When we opened the purse there was money in it for the burial expenses. I took part in the burial and returned home.”8

If Imam az-Zaman (a.s.) had not informed Muhammad b. ‘Uthman (r.a.) about such incidents, he would not have had knowledge about them.

When we read the life sketches of the deputies, we find many such episodes wherein Imam (a.t.f.s.) has informed them about future events of which none else had the faintest inkling.

For details, readers may refer to the book of Kamaaluddin of Shaikh Sadooq (r.a.) and Bihar al-Anwar of Allamah Majlisi (r.a.).

Traditions Narrated by Muhammad B. ‘Uthman (r.a.)

The Tauqee’aat addressed by Imam (a.t.f.s.) to Muhammad b. ‘Uthman (r.a.) are still found among the people in the form of traditions. However, we have taken this opportunity to narrate some traditions in this regard.

The reason being that some scholars of Rejaal have not included him among the narrators of traditions from Imams (a.s.) and some of our scholars have also objected to the fact that he was not considered as a narrator of traditions. Without delving too much on this dispute, we shall proceed to narrate some traditions narrated by him:

1) Muhammad b. Hammam says, “I heard from Muhammad b. ‘Uthman Amri, ‘I have received a Tauqee’ from the pure personality (Imam (a.t.f.s.)) in a script (handwriting) which I recognise i.e. in the writing of Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.) and it was written in that:

مَنْ سَمّٰانِى فِىْ مَجْمَعٍِ مِنَ النَّاسِ بِاِسْمِى فَعَلَيْهِ لَعْنَةُ اللهِ

‘May Allah curse the one who calls me by my name in any assembly or gathering.’

Abu Ali Muhammad b. Hammam says that I wrote a letter to Imam (a.t.f.s.) enquiring about the time of his reappearance. He (a.t.f.s.) informed,

كَذِبَ الوَقََّاتُوْنَ

‘Those who fix the time of my reappearance are liars.’ 9

Note

Imam (a.t.f.s.) himself has explained the rationale behind the prohibition of uttering his (a.t.f.s.) name in public:

اِمَّا السُّكُوْتَ وَالجَنَّةَ، وَاِمَّا الْكَلَامَ وَالنَّارَ، فَاِنَّهُمْ اِنْ وَقَفُوْا عَلَى الْاِسْمِ اَذَاعُوهُ وَاِنْ وَقَفُوْا عَلَى الْمَكانِ دَلُّوْ عَلَيْهِ-

‘...or one should refrain from taking the name so that he may become deserving of heaven or he should talk (about him) so that he is put in hell because those who are aware of his name will spread it and if they become aware of his residence, then they will inform the people.’ 10

The author of Wasa’il ush-Shia (Shaikh Hurr al-Ameli (r.a.)) has mentioned in vol. 16, p. 240, chap. 33, tradition 21,460 that the reason for prohibition of taking the name was due to dissimulation (taqayyah) and fear of enemies.

2) Abdullah b. Ja’far Himyari says that I told Muhammad b. ‘Uthman (r.a.), ‘I wish to ask you the same question that Hazrat Ibrahim (a.s.) asked Allah and said:

وَاِذْ قَالَ اِبْرَاهِيْمُ رَبِّ اَرِنِىْ كَيْفَ تُحْيِى الْمَوْتَى قَالَ اَوَلَمْ تُوٴْمِنْ قَالَ : بَلٰى وَلٰكِنْ لِيَطْمَئِنَّ قَلْبِىْ.

And when Ibrahim said: My Lord! Show me how You give life to the dead. He said, ‘What! And do you not believe?’ He replied, ‘Yes (I believe), but (I ask) that my heart may be at ease .’ 11

‘Please inform me whether you have seen Sahib ul-‘Amr (Master of the Affair)? Muhammad b. ‘Uthman (r.a.) replied, ‘Yes and his neck is like this and he pointed towards his own neck with his hand.’ 12

3) Abdullah b. Ja’far Himyari narrates that I heard from Muhammad b. ‘Uthman (r.a.)

وَاللهِ اِنَّ صَاحِبَ هٰذَا الاَمرِ لَيَحْضُرُ الْمُوسِمَ كُلَّ سَنَةٍ فَيَرَى النَّاسَ وَيَعْرِفُهُمْ وَيَرَوْنَهُ وَلَا يَعْرِفُوْنَهُ.

‘I swear by Allah that Sahib ul-’Amr (a.t.f.s.) visits Mecca every year (at the time of Hajj). He sees the people and recognises them and the people also see him but do not recognise him.’

Muhammad b. ‘Uthman (r.a.) witnessed Imam (a.t.f.s.) in Masjidul Haram near the Ka’ba praying:

اَللَّهُمَّ اَنْجِزْلى مَا وَعَدْتَنِى

‘O Allah! Fulfill the promise that You have made unto me.’ 13

He also narrates the following tradition: I saw Imam (a.t.f.s.) near Babul Mustajaar clutching the cloth of Kaaba, beseeching Allah

اَللّٰهُمَّ انتَقِمْ لِى مِنْ اَعْدَائى [اَوْ اَعْدَائِكَ]

‘O my Lord, let me take revenge from my enemies (or Your enemies).’ 14

Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.) is awaiting Allah’s permission for his reappearance and is vehemently praying for it. We too should always pray for his reappearance, especially at those sanctified places where supplications are accepted like at the time of Hajj at Al Mustajaar.

Dua as-Samaat

The famous Dua as-Samaat has been communicated to the Shias through Muhammad b. ‘Uthman (r.a.) This supplication is recorded in Mafaateehul Jinaan. It is also called as Dua al-Shabboor and is recommended to be recited in the late evening (Asr) of Friday.

Shaikh Abbas Qummi (r.a.) has reported this supplication from old, authentic and reliable sources. This supplication has also been narrated from Imam Muhammad Baqir (a.s.) and Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s.). Allama Majlisi (r.a.) has narrated this supplication in Bihar al-Anwar along with its interpretation.

Caliphs of Bani Abbas

Following is the list of Bani Abbas caliphs who ruled during the deputyship of Muhammad b. ‘Uthman (r.a.):

1. Mu‘tamid Billah (256 A.H. - 279 A.H.)
2. Mu‘tazid Billah (279 A.H. - 289 A.H.)
3. Muktafi Billah (289 A.H. - 295 A.H.)
4. Muqtadir Billah (295 A.H. - 320 A.H.)

Duration of Representation

It is famous among the scholars of Rejaal that the period of Muhammad b. ‘Uthman’s (r.a.) representation lasted for approximately 50 years, although this seems improbable. The reason being that Muhammad b. ‘Uthman (r.a.) died in 305 A.H., 45 years after the martyrdom of Imam Hasan al-Askari (a.s.).

The period of the minor occultation begins after the demise of Imam Hasan Askair (a.s.) i.e. 260 A.H. After Imam Hasan al-Askari’s (a.s.) martyrdom, ‘Uthman b. Sa’eed (r.a.) assumed deputyship for 5 years, until his expiry. Therefore the actual period of Muhammad b. ‘Uthman’s (r.a.) deputyship works out to forty (40) years.

Death

As per the available records, Muhammad b. ‘Uthman (r.a.) died in Jamadiul Ulaa 305 A.H. Some writers have also mentioned it in 304 A.H. Abu Ghalib Zorari, who was the representative of Husain b. Rauh (r.a.) in Kufa and was also very close to Muhammad b. ‘Uthman (r.a.) has recorded his death in 305 A.H. The scholars of research have given precedence to this narration.

Muhammad b. ‘Uthman had himself informed about his death two months in advance. Abul Hasan Ali b. Ahmed al-Dallal Qummi narrates, ‘One day I was with Muhammad b. ‘Uthman (r.a.) and saw a slate in front of him, on which he was making some sketches and writing the verses of the Holy Quran. And in the margins of that tablet, he was writing the names of the Holy Imams (a.s.). I asked him about it. He replied, ‘This is for my grave and I will be kept on this” or according to another report, he said, “This will be my pillow”.

Then he revealed, ‘Everyday I enter my grave, pray one part of the Quran and then I come out.’ In another tradition, it is narrated that after this Abul Hasan Ali b. Ahmed says that Muhammad b. ‘Uthman (r.a.) caught my hand and took me near his grave. After looking at it he said, ‘On such and such date of such and such month of such and such year, I will die and be laid in this grave and this tablet will be with me.’ I remembered his words and waited for that time. Just after a few days he became sick and finally expired on the same day, month and year which he had prophesied to me and was buried in the same grave which he had shown.’15

A similar tradition has also been narrated by Muhammad b. Ali b. Aswadi Qummi. For details, please refer Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 51, p. 351; Kamaaluddin, vol. 2, p. 502, tradition 29.

Visitation of His Grave

Those whose hearts have been sealed will not recognise Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.), much less his deputies. In order to break open the seal of the hearts, one should go to the grave of Muhammad b. ‘Uthman (r.a.) and see that even today this grave is informing us of his representation and deputyship. His grave is situated in East Baghdad in a very clean, posh and populated area in a mosque, famous as Khallani. Till date Shias visit his shrine and recite his Ziarat:

اَشَهَدُ اَنَّكَ بَابُ الْمَوْلٰى …جِئتُكَ عَارِفًا بِالْحَقّ الَّذِىْ اَنْتَ عَلَيْهِ وَاَنَّكَ مٰا خُنْتَ فِى التّٰاديَةِ وَالسِّفَارةِ- اَلسَّلَامُ عَلَيْكَ مِنْ بَابٍ مٰا اَوْسَعَهُ …

‘I bear witness that you are the door of mercy of my Master .... I have come to you after recognising your right on which you remained firmly established and I know that you have not breached the trust reposed in your deputyship or in conveying the news. Peace be upon you O the most expansive door of mercy! 16

1. Tarikhe Minor Occultation (غيبت صغري) by Syed Muhammad al-Sadr p. 403

2. Tarikhe Minor Occultation (غيبت صغري) by Syed Muhammad Sadr p. 403

3. Rejaal at-Tusi, No. 101 p. 509

4. Al Ghaibat of Shaikhe at-at-Tusi p. 363

5. Surah al-Maidah 5: 102

6. Kamaaluddin vol. 2 p. 520, tradition 49

7. Pazohashi Payramune Zindagaaniye Nawwaabe Khaase Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.) p. 176

8. Kamaaluddin p. 504, chap of Tauqee’aat, Bihar al-Anwar vol. 51 p. 336

9. Kamaaluddin vol. 2 p. 486 tradition no 3, Bihar al-Anwar vol. 51 p.33

10. Bihar al-Anwar vol. 51 p. 351

11. Surah Baqarah : 260

12. Kamaaluddin, Chapter 1 - Those who have witnessed Qaem (a.t.f.s.) tradition 3

13. Ibid. tradition 9

14. Bihar al-Anwar vol. 2, p. 30

15. Tarikhe Siyaasie Ghaibate Imam al-Dawaazdahum, p.170

16. Mafatihul Jinaan translated by Allama Jawadi (r.a.), p. 897

The Third Special Deputy: Husain B. Rauh Nawbakhti (r.a.)

Name : Husain
Agnomen : Abul Qasim
Father’s Name : Rauh
Grandfather’s Name : Abu Ja’far
Family : Nawbakht

He was known by his name - Husain b. Rauh al-Nawbakhti (r.a.). His exact date of birth has not been recorded in books of history.

Genealogy

Historians have recorded that after Abu Suhail Ismail b. Ali, Husain b. Rauh b. Abi Bahr was the most famous personality in the Nawbakhti family. The cause and reason of his fame and recognition was attributed to his religious position. He is counted amongst the four special deputies of Imam Qa’im (a.s.).1

Shaikh at-Tusi (r.a.) in his book Rejaal has not made any mention of Husain b. Rauh (r.a.). Early Islamic scholars seem to have taken a cue from Shaikh and have not shed light on the life of Husain b Rauh (r.a.). Scholars of the present era have only mentioned his name. However, in his book Al Ghaibat, Shaikh at-Tusi (r.a.) has narrated many traditions regarding him, highlighting the various aspects of his life.

Ibn Shahr al-Aashob (r.a.) has included Husain b Rauh (r.a.) amongst the close companions of Imam Hasan al-Askari (a.s.)2

1. Pazhoshee al-Peeramoon, Zindagaani - e - Nawaab - e - Khaas - e - Imam - e - Zamana (a.t.f.s.), pg 233

2. Zindagaani al-Nuwaab al-Khaas al-Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.), pg. 234 sourced from Manaqeb, pg. 423

Husain b. Rauh (r.a.) During the Period of the 2nd Special Deputy

According to popular narrations, he was amongst the companions of Imam Hasan al-Askari (a.s.) and was considered amongst the close companions and supporters of the 2nd special deputy Janabe Muhammad b. ‘Uthman (r.a.). Husain b. Rauh (r.a.) enjoyed the unequivocal confidence of the second deputy so much so that the latter divided the chiefs of the Imamia sects into various levels and grades and appointed Husain b Rauh (r.a.) at the highest and the foremost group. He was the first amongst the chiefs who was permitted to directly meet him (2nd deputy).

Note

A critical aspect of the lives of the deputies of Imam (a.t.f.s.) is underscored in the above discussion. They were special Shias who performed their administrative duties in an extraordinary manner. Although they were in close contact with Imam (a.t.f.s.) and knew his residence, they ensured that it remained a secret from the prying eyes of others around them.

This trait is even commendable when we consider that the period of short occultation was not a period of 1 or 2 years, but a long era spanning more than 7 decades. Over this prolonged duration, to keep constant touch and contact with Imam (a.s.) and at the same time to regularly communicate the problems of the people to Imam (a.s.) and seek a solution from him (a.t.f.s.) underlines their capabilities.

They had to deal with constant requests and pressures from the people for being allowed to meet Imam (a.t.f.s.) and they had to all along be careful never to disclose Imam’s (a.t.f.s.) location to the people.

The readers will appreciate the fact that if we try to conceal something, while the people are aware that we are trying to hide something from them, and we are also aware that people are trying to discover the hidden thing, then it is indeed a difficult task to conceal that hidden object from the inquisitive eyes of the people. It may be possible to divert their attention and delay the matter for a few days, but certainly not for a year or years or decades. These points will help us appreciate how well Imam (a.t.f.s.) must have trained the deputies.

Muhammad b. ‘Uthman (a.r.) had made Husain b. Rauh (r.a.) a link between himself and the agents around Baghdad. During this period, Husain b Rauh (r.a.) came to establish an influential presence in the court of the Bani Abbas rulers by virtue of a pre-determined plan. Consequently he even succeeded in solving some problems prevailing in the government. Readers are requested to read the following incident carefully:

1. Shaikh Sadooq (a.r.) has narrated from Abu Muhammad Hasan b. Hasan b. Yahya Alawi that Abul Hasan Ali b. Ahmed b. Ali Aqiqi in the year 298 A.H. came to meet Ali b. Esa b. Jarrah who was the vizier at that time, so that he could advise him regarding his government and to advance his needs to him.

The vizier replied, ‘You have many relatives in this city and if all of them start asking their needs and if we decide to entertain all of them, then it will become a huge task and we will never be able to resolve this matter.’ Aqiqi replied, ‘Therefore I am asking my need from the One through whom difficulties are solved.’

Ali b. Esa queried, ‘Who is he?’ He replied, ‘Allah, the Almighty.’ With this he went out of the room angrily. Aqiqi used to say, ‘I came out angrily and was saying, ‘Allah, the Lord of the Universe, gives patience on every destruction and solves every difficulty.’ Uttering this statement I left from there.

Then a messenger from Husain b. Rauh (r.a.) came to me with a message from him. I complained to him about the vizier and he in turn narrated my complaint about the vizier to Husain b. Rauh (r.a.). That messenger returned and gave me 100 dirhams. I counted all of them and weighed them. He also gave me a handkerchief and some quantity of Hunoot (camphor) and a few shrouds and declared, ‘Your master has conveyed salutations to you and said that whenever any difficulty or sorrow befalls you then at that time wipe this handkerchief over your face.

This is your master’s handkerchief. Take this money, camphor and shroud along with you and know that tonight your wishes will be fulfilled’ He also said, ‘When you reach Egypt, Muhammad b. Ismail will die 10 days before you and then after 10 days, even you will leave this world. This shroud and camphor are for you.’

I took it from the messenger and he left. At that moment, all of a sudden, I saw myself at the doorsteps of my house. At that moment a voice called out. I asked my servant ‘Is everything alright? Go and see, who is there.’ He went to see and replied, ‘Everything is fine. The vizier’s paternal cousin Hamid b. Muhammad Kaatib’s servant has come.’

He brought him to me. The servant said to me, ‘The vizier and my master Hamid have called you.’ I mounted my horse and went ahead till I reached the lane of ‘Vazzaneen’ and saw that Hamid was sitting and waiting for me. When he saw me, he advanced towards me and shook hands with me and both of us headed for the vizier’s house. The vizier said to me, ‘O old man! Allah has fulfilled your wish.’ Then he apologised to me (for his past behaviour) and gave me some official papers bearing his seal. I took them and came out.1

Reminder

From the above incident we can gauge the degree of influence that Husain b. Rauh (r.a.) exerted in the court. We can also conclude that Husain b. Rauh (r.a.) was the beneficiary of Imam’s (a.t.f.s.) special care and attention, while he had not yet become a special deputy as this incident occurred in 298 AH - 7 years before Muhammad b. ‘Uthman’s (r.a.) demise, after which Husain b. Rauh (r.a.) assumed special deputyship.

Selection of Husain b. Rauh (r.a.)

More than 3 years before his own death, Muhammad b. ‘Uthman had started directing some of the Shias who were bringing Khums and other monies for Imam (a.t.f.s.) to Husain b. Rauh (r.a.). In this manner he was preparing the ground for the appointment of Husain b. Rauh (r.a.) to the position of special deputyship.

If someone raised any doubt or objection to this practice, Muhammad b. ‘Uthman (r.a.) would affirm that this was on the order of Imam (a.t.f.s.) himself. In this regard, there are several traditions, of which, we narrate just one:

Muhammad b Ali Aswad narrates, ‘When some financial donations (waqf) used to be brought to me, I would surrender the same to Muhammad b. ‘Uthman (r.a.) and he used to accept it from me.
Once, during the last days of his life, I took some monies and went to him, but Muhammad b. ‘Uthman ordered me to hand over the wealth to Husain b. Rauh (r.a.).

I went to Husain b. Rauh (r.a.) and handed the money to him and asked him for a receipt. Husain b. Rauh (r.a.) complained about this to Muhammad b. ‘Uthman, so Muhammad b. ‘Uthman ordered me not to demand a receipt from Husain b. Rauh (r.a.) in future. He stressed, “Whatever wealth you deposit with Abul Qasim Husain b. Rauh (r.a.), it is as if you have deposited the same with me.” After this incident, I never sought a receipt for any amount deposited with Husain b. Rauh (r.a.).

A similar incident has been narrated by Abu Abdillah Ja’far b. Muhammad Madai famous as ‘Ibn Qazooda’. Shaikh at-Tusi (r.a.) has narrated it in his book ‘Al Ghaibah’, pg 367.

Muhammad b. ‘Uthman (r.a.) took particular care in appointing Husain b. Rauh (r.a.) as his successor. He endorsed his successorship while he was alone with him, at times in the assemblies of sincere Shias and at other times in front of his representatives.

The reason for adopting such an approach was because there were no clear narrations from the holy Imams (a.s.) about the reliability and the trustworthiness of Husain b. Rauh (r.a.). Neither the representatives of Baghdad nor the special and common Shias expected the deputyship of Imam (a.t.f.s.) to fall on the relatively unknown and unfamiliar shoulders of Husain b. Rauh (r.a.). Hence Muhammad b. ‘Uthman (r.a.) took advantage of every opportunity to impress upon the Shias the deputyship of Husain b. Rauh (r.a.).

Ja’far b. Muhammad b. Qoolwyah relates: ‘Our teachers used to say that we had no doubt that after the demise of Muhammad b. ‘Uthman (r.a.), none other than Ja’far b. Ahmad b. Muttayal or his father would succeed him. This was because he possessed characteristics similar to Muhammad b. ‘Uthman (r.a.). Also, we were aware that he stayed frequently in his house. In addition to that, in his last days, Muhammad b. ‘Uthman (r.a.) ate food, which was prepared in the house of Ja’far b. Muttayal and his father or personally visited their house for food.’

There was no doubt whatsoever in the minds of the special Shias that in the case of any eventuality, Ja’far b. Muttayal would succeed Muhammad b. ‘Uthman (r.a.). However, when Muhammad b. ‘Uthman (r.a.) appointed Abul Qasim Husain b. Rauh (r.a.) as his successor, everyone submitted to him and accepted him and their conduct towards him was like their conduct towards Muhammad b. ‘Uthman (r.a.). Ja’far b. Muttayal worked in a similar manner (with Husain b. Rauh (r.a.)) as he had worked during the deputyship of Muhammad b. ‘Uthman (r.a.).

‘This is a characteristic of Imam’s (a.t.f.s.) chosen servants, whose actions do not alter with the change in personality.’

Ja’far b. Muhammad b. Qoolwayh Qummi says:

‘Then whoever speaks evil of Husain b. Rauh (r.a.) has in fact maligned Muhammad b. ‘Uthman (r.a.). Whoever maligns Muhammad b. ‘Uthman (r.a.), in reality he has spoken ill about Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.) and has criticized him (a.t.f.s.). 2

The abovementioned chronicles underline the fact that some of Muhammad b. ‘Uthman’s (r.a.) deputies were closer to him than Husain b. Rauh (r.a.). Muhammad b. ‘Uthman (r.a.) spent more time meeting these deputies than he did in meeting Husain b. Rauh (r.a.). This led the Shias to believe that one of these proximate deputies would eventually succeed Muhammad b. ‘Uthman (r.a.). Also, it is clear from the previous quotes, that although Muhammad b. ‘Uthman (r.a.) was subtly appointing Husain b. Rauh (r.a.) as his successor, this fact was not well-known among the general Shia populace.

Abu Ali Muhammad b. Hamala says that before his demise, Muhammad b. ‘Uthman (r.a.) gathered the leaders and chiefs of the Shias and announced, ‘After my demise, Husain b. Rauh al-Nawbakhti (r.a.) will be my successor. I have been ordered to appoint him in my place. Therefore, turn towards him and have faith in him regarding your works.’3

First Tawqee (A Signed Letter) to Husain b. Rauh (r.a.)

Abul Abbas b. Nuh states that Muhammad b. Nafees wrote a letter from Ahwaz. I read the very first tawqee concerning Husain b. Rauh (r.a.) from Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.). In it was written:

‘We know (Husain b. Rauh), may Allah confer all His Goodness and Pleasure on him and bestow His Bounties on him. We are aware of his letter, which is the cause of our reliance and certainty (upon him). We deem him meritorious, which makes him happy. May Allah increase His Favours and Goodness on him.’ 4

This tawqee reached Husain b. Rauh (r.a.) on Sunday, 6th of Shawwal, 305 A.H.

The rationale behind the appointment of Husain b. Rauh (r.a.) as deputy of Imam Zaman (a.t.f.s.) can be enumerated as follows:

1. He was appointed as the deputy largely due to his faith, intelligence, patience, generosity and sincerity. These qualities were to prove very useful in that political environment so as to stifle jealousy and enmity. There were numerous jurisprudents and theologians in that period and the people had their eyes fixed on them.

2. He was the wisest among Shias and Sunnis. Also, he had placated the enemies and also pleased his friends. In the last tawqee received by Shaikh at-Tusi (r.a.) through Husain b. Rauh (r.a.), Imam (a.t.f.s.) asserted,

وَكَانَ اَبُوْ الْقَاسِمِ رحمة اللهِ عليه مِنْ اَعْقَلِ النَّاسِ عِنْدَ الْمُخَالِف وَ الْمَوَافِقِ وَ يَسْتَعْمِلُ الْتقَيَّةَ-

‘Abul Qasim (r.a.) is the wisest of the people, for foes and friends and his practises dissimulation (Taqaiyyah).’ 5

There are numerous incidents of his Taqaiyyah. Shaikh at-Tusi (r.a.) in his book ‘Al Ghaibah’ narrates from Abu Nasr Hebatullah b. Muhammad that in the house of Abu Yasaar, the vizier of Muqtadirbillah Abbasi, in the presence of Husain b. Rauh (r.a.), there were five Ahle Sunnah scholars discussing the most superior Muslim after the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.).

One of them said: The superior one after Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) was Abu Bakr, then Umar, then Ali (a.s.). The other claimed this superiority for Ali (a.s.). Husain b. Rauh (r.a.) solved the problem in a manner placating the Sunnis and also safeguarding the Shias in the process. The people present in that gathering became the adherents of Husain b. Rauh (r.a.).

3. Another reason for Husain b. Rauh’s (r.a.) selection was the possibility of people accusing Muhammad b. ‘Uthman (r.a.) of appointing his close relatives according to his own whims and Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.) not being involved in the decision. (We have mentioned earlier that Husain b. Rauh (r.a.) was very close to Muhammad b. ‘Uthman (r.a.) but apparently it seemed that Muhammad b. ‘Uthman (r.a.) was closer to other people)6

Commencement of his Deputyship

After the demise of Muhammad b. ‘Uthman (r.a.), as per his will, a gathering was organised at Daarul Niyaabah in Baghdad where along with the leaders of Shias, Abul Qasim Husain b. Rauh Nawbhakti (r.a.) was present. This incident has been narrated by Sayyid b. Taoos (r.a.) in his book ‘Mohajud Daawaat’. After the expiry of Shaikh Abu Ja’far Muhammad b. ‘Uthman b. Sa’eed Amri (r.a.), Shaikh Abul Qasim Husain b. Rauh b. Abi Bahr (r.a.) went to the house of Muhammad b. ‘Uthman (r.a.). A servant named Zuka of Muhammad b. ‘Uthman (r.a.) handed over him the following:

1. Some documents that were wrapped together and a scroll.

2. A staff.

3. A painted wooden trunk.

He took them and said to the inheritors of Muhammad b. ‘Uthman (r.a.), ‘In this scroll are narrated the sayings of Holy Imams (a.s.).’ He opened it and showed them the same. It contained supplications and Qunoot of the Infallible (a.s.).

The inheritors left it and said, ‘Certainly the trunk contains gold and jewelry.’ Husain b. Rauh (r.a.) asked them whether they would like to sell the trunk to him. Husain b. Rauh (r.a.) signaled Abul Hasan i.e. Ibn Shabeeb al-Kooshari to give them 10 dirhams in exchange for the wooden trunk. They were not satisfied with it. Husain b. Rauh (r.a.) increased it till it reached 100 dirhams.

Yet, they were not satisfied with the amount. Husain b. Rauh (r.a.) warned them that if they do not close the deal at that rate they would regret later. On his insistence, they finalised the deal at 100 dirhams.

Husain b. Rauh (r.a.) put aside the staff and scroll and picked up the trunk. When the matter of the trunk was resolved he explained: This staff belongs to Abu Muhammad Imam Hasan al-Askari (a.s.). He had given it to Shaikh ‘Uthman b. Sa’eed (r.a.) as his will at the time of his death. The staff is still present and regarding the trunk, it contains the rings of the Holy Imams (a.s.). The rings have special characteristics and then he showed it to the people.’7

It is clear from the aforementioned incident that the period of Husain b. Rauh’s (r.a.) deputyship was more prominent among the common Shias than the period of the first and the second deputies. Due to this, many Shias directly contacted Husain b. Rauh (r.a.) instead of his deputies in their areas. In his period of deputyship, he witnessed lesser opposition compared to the previous deputies.

Deniers of Deputyship

In the year 307 A.H., Muhammad b. Fazl Mosuli denied the deputyship of Husain b. Rauh (r.a.). However, with the guidance of Hasan b. Ali Wajnaa and after witnessing some of the affairs of Husain b. Rauh (r.a.), he repented.

It is necessary to point out over here that some people have written that Hasan b. Wajnaa rejected the deputyship of Husain b. Rauh (r.a.). Some have written his name as Hasan b. Ali Wajnaa and some have recorded it as Husain.

In this regard, Ayatullah al-Uzma al-Khu’i (r.a.) in his book ‘Mojam-o-Rejaalel-Hadees’ vol. 5, pg. 130 has recorded his name as Abu Muhammad Hasan b. Muhammad Wajnaa Nasibi. He has narrated traditions from Imam Hasan al-Askari (a.s.) and he had met Imam az-Zaman (a.s.).

Shaikh at-Tusi (r.a.) has included him as the supporter of Husain b. Rauh (r.a.). Hasan Wajnaa was deputy of Husain b. Rauh (r.a.) in the area of Nasibeen. He was also writing letters for the people of Egypt. Similarly, Qasim b. Alaa and his two friends Abu Hamid Imran b. Mufleen, Abu Ali Hajdar in Azerbaijan and Muhammad b. Ja’far Asadi were deputies till 312 A.H. in the city of Rayy (Teheran). Muhammad b. Hasan Sairafi was in Balkh. They all were the media between the people and Husain b. Rauh (r.a.).8

Political Aspect (295 - 320 A.H.)

In Muqtadir Abbas’s reign, Husain b. Rauh was highly respected by the ministers (Viziers). But he was subsequently arrested in the reign of Muqtadir. Muqtadir donned the mantle of Caliphate at a very young age.

Till the time the post of Vizier was in the family of Furat, Husain b. Rauh (r.a.) had a say in the government’s decision-making. But this changed when Hamid b. Abbas, an evil person who thought nothing of abusing people when he was angry, became the Vizier. He harassed the family of Furat and the Shias were imprisoned. At that time Husain b. Rauh (r.a.) had to face increased difficulties under very hostile conditions.

The hostility persisted for approximately five years i.e. from Jamaadiul Aakhar 306 A.H. till Rabiul Aakhar, 311 A.H. During this period, Husain b. Rauh (r.a.) lived a secluded life and his activities were largely clandestine. After the difficult era of Hamid b. Abbas, the conditions of the Shias improved. Husain b. Rauh (r.a.) recommenced his activities openly. In the year 314 A.H., the government arrested him. The historians have cited the following reasons for his arrest:

1. Husain b. Rauh (r.a.) was blamed of promoting links with the Qaraameta. He had written a letter to Abu Tahir Qarameta and invited him to Baghdad so as to lay siege to it. Abu Tahir had attacked pilgrims (Hajis) of Baghdad and imprisoned them. Among the Hajis were the relatives of Caliph Muqtadir.

2. Husain b. Rauh (r.a.) was accused of accepting money from the people. Some have written that the government had demanded wealth from him, which he refused to pay.

Husain b. Rauh (r.a.) was once again imprisoned in Zilhajj 312 A.H. till Mohaaram 317 A.H. After being released from prison, he got engrossed in his activities. The conditions improved for him because people from the family of Nawbakht viz. Abu Yaqub Ishaq b. Ismail (killed in 322 A.H.), Abu Ali Nawbakhti (244 - 324 A.H.) and Abu Abdullah Husain b. Ali Nawabakhti (d. 326 A.H.) were appointed at senior positions in the government.

His Knowledge

Indeed what can be said about the knowledge of the one who had unrestricted access to the Proof of Allah (i.e. Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.)) and his bestowals, attention, care and respect!

Muhammad b. Ibrahim b. Ishaq Talaqi asked the questions of Ali b. Esa Qasri to Husain b. Rauh (r.a.) that whether Imam Husain (a.s.) was Wali (appointee) of Allah? And whether his killer was enemy of Allah? Husain b. Rauh (r.a.) replied in the affirmative.

Then he was asked whether Allah allows His enemy to overpower His appointee? After receiving the replies, Muhammad b. Ibrahim fell in doubt as he could not digest this subtle point. The next day when he went in the presence of Husain b. Rauh (r.a.), before he could utter anything, Husain b. Rauh (r.a.) exclaimed: ‘O Muhammad b. Ibrahim! It would have been better had I fallen from the sky and became a morsel for birds than advance my views concerning Allah’s Religion. Whatever I had replied, its source was the Proof of Allah (i.e. Imam (a.t.f.s.)) and I myself heard this from him.’9

Husain b. Rauh’s (r.a.) discussion with Muhammad b. Ibrahim on Allah’s Enemy and His Wali can be summarised in a simple manner. Allah does not converse with the people openly like we do.

Rather, He converses through the Prophets (a.s.), who are mortals. He bestows miracles upon them, which are beyond all others in their respective nations. Despite evident miracles, few people from their nations testified to their claims, while others rejected them outright. So, sometimes Prophets (a.s.) overpower the enemies and sometimes they were vanquished and confronted with calamities.

If Allah made the Prophets (a.s.) defeat all their adversaries in all matters, then the people would have taken them as Allahs and patience, calamities and examination would have no meaning and purpose.

Hence, Allah has conferred characteristics on these mortals that they should be patient at all times be it in comfort or difficulties. In times of ease and triumph (over the enemy) they should thank Allah. They should be humble in all situations and abstain from rebellion and disobedience. In this way, people may understand that Allah is the Creator and in all affairs, He has some purpose and wisdom.10

For more details on Husain b. Rauh’s (r.a.) knowledge, the following books of traditions may be referred to:

1. Al Ghaibah of Shaikh at-Tusi (a.r.) - pg. 390 tradition 356, pg. 378, tradition 346 and pg 373, tradition 345

2. Kamaluddin of Shaikh Saduq (a.r.) - Vol. 2, pg. 519, tradition 48

3. Bihar al-Anwar of Allama Majlisi (a.r.) - Vol. 53, pg. 192, tradition 20

The aforementioned volumes of Kamaluddin and Behaarul Anwar have been translated into Urdu.

Miracles and Manifestations

There are many incidents that highlight the abovementioned traits of which we are narrating only two:

1. Husain b. Ali Babawayah (r.a.) (brother of Shaikh Saduq (r.a.)) narrates:

Some people from the city of Qum (in 311 A.H.), prepared to go for Hajj, when the Qaraamatah attacked the Hajis. My father (Ali b. Babawayah (r.a.)) wrote a letter to Shaikh Abul Qasim Husain b. Rauh Nawbakhti (r.a.) to present it to Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.) and seek permission for Hajj that year. Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.) ordered him not to go for Hajj. My father wrote another letter saying that the Hajj was obligatory and whether it is permissible to stay away from it? Imam (a.t.f.s.) replied: ‘If you cannot avoid it, then travel with the last caravan.’

As my father left for Hajj with the last caravan, he was saved while the people with the earlier caravan were killed.11

2. When Ahmed b. Ishaq Qummi requested for permission to go for Hajj, Husain b. Rauh (r.a.) granted him permission and gave him a cloth. When Ahmed b. Ishaq saw the cloth, he exclaimed, “This is the news of my death.” On his return from Hajj, he expired at a place called Halwaan.12

His Demise

He was appointed as a deputy in the year 305 A.H. and departed from this transitory world in the year 326 A.H. He served as a direct deputy of Imam (a.t.f.s.) for 21 years. If we add another 2-3 years, during which he served as a deputy during the deputyship of Muhammad b. ‘Uthman (r.a.), it adds upto 23 years.

His grave is situated in Baghdad in Nawbakhtia, near the door of the house of Ali b. Ahmad Nawbhakti. He expired on Wednesday, 18 Shabaan, 326 A.H. His grave is still there. However, the place is now known as Suq Al-Attaareen.

Visitors should not forsake the visitation of this great deputy of Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.) when they visit Kazimain for Ziarat. Nowadays, the caravan of visitors do not visit his grave due to the stringent traffic system of Baghdad. However, his Ziarat can be done on Fridays, which is a holiday in Baghdad.

1. Kamaluddin; chapter of Tawqee’aat; pg. 32

2. Zindagaani al-Nawwab al-Khaas, pg. 243

3. Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 51, pg. 355

4. Al Ghaibah of Shaikh at-Tusi (r.a.), pg. 372, tradition 344

5. Al Ghaibah, pg. 384

6. Zindagaani al-Nuwwab al-Khaas, pg. 252

7. Zindagaani Nuwwab al-Khaas, pg. 252-254

8. Tarikh al-Siyaasi al-Ghaibat al-Imam al-Devazdahum, pg. 196-198

9. Isbaatul Hudaat, vol. 1, pg. 117, tradition 168

10. Zindagaani al-Nuwwab al-Khaas, pg. 265

11. Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 51, pg. 293, tradition 1

12. Bihar al-Anwar, vol.51, pg. 306, tradition 21

The Fourth Special Deputy: Ali Ibn Muhammad Samari (r.a.)

Name : Ali

Agnomen (Kuniyyat): Abul Hasan

Father : Muhammad

The fourth deputy of Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.) Abul Hasan Ali Ibn Muhammad (r.a.) attained this special position after Husain Ibn Rauh Naubakhti (r.a.). Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.) himself ordered Abul Qasim Ibn Rauh Naubakhti (r.a.) to appoint him to this post.

The Samaris were among those Shia families that were highly respected for their services to Islam in general and the Shiite cause in particular. Hence, his appointment as the fourth deputy was undisputed. Many individuals from this family like Hasan, the son of Ismail Ibn Saleh and Muhammad, the son of Ali Ibn Ziyad were owners of large estates. They had gifted the income from their estates to the eleventh Imam Imam Hasan al-Askari (a.s.).1

Apart from this, some members of Samari family were amongst the supporters of Imam Reza (a.s.). In this way, some of the companions of other Imams (a.s.) also belonged to this family. For example, Ali Ibn Muhammad Ibn Ziyad served as a representative of Imam Ali Naqi (a.s.) and Imam Hasan Al-al-Askari (a.s.).

He also wrote a book ‘Al-Awsiyaa’ in which he clarified doubts on the Imamate of the twelfth Imam (a.s.). The respected Sayyid Ibn Taawoos (r.a.) has made a mention of this book on page number 427 of his highly acclaimed work, ‘Mohaj al-Da’waat’ (p. 428 of the new edition with Persian translation).

Sayyid Ibn Taawoos (r.a.) has brought two incidents from the book ‘Al-Awsiyaa’ that describe the end of the Abbaside Caliphs Mo’tasim and Motazid, the murderers of Imam Hasan al-Askari (a.s.).
In the same manner, we find that Ali Ibn Ziyad wrote a letter to Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.) seeking a shroud from him (a.f.t.s.). Imam (a.s.) replied,

‘You will require this only at the age of 80 (i.e. in 270 AH).’
Ali Ibn Ziyad passed away in the year 270 AH and a few days prior to his demise, Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.) fulfilled his request.2

These few incidents are sufficient to exemplify the importance, nobility and dignity of the members of Samari family. Their illustrious position does not come as a surprise given that over the years, they were active supporters and helpers of the cause of the holy Imams (a.s.).

The Title of the Fourth Deputy

There exists a difference of opinion in the title of the fourth deputy from the aspects of pronunciation and writing. The respected Ali Ghaffarzaadeh, while providing references from learned scholars, has concluded his research on this topic as follows. He says, “His title was سَمَرِى (Samari) or سَيْمُرى (Saimori) or سَمُرِى (Samori).”

In this regard, he records that in Al-Ghaibah of Shaikh at-Tusi (r.a.), Kamaaluddin of Shaikh Sadooq (r.a.), Al-Kharaaej of Qutbuddin al-Raawandi (r.a.) and other authentic books, the title has come with سَمَرِى. There is little doubt in the fact that in books of traditions and narrators, references to سَيْمُرِىْ or سَيْمَرِىْ are few and far between.

Some of the fourth deputy’s contemporaries while recording the events of his life have written his title as سَمُرى, while some have recorded it as سَمَرى. The title سَمَرى is more acceptable and appears more likely vis-vis other titles. This is because between Basraa and Waasit, there is a place called سَمَر and Aqa Buzurg al-Tehrani (r.a.) has recorded the name with سَمَرِى.3
In short, the title of the fourth deputy was سَمَرِىْ.

The Period of the Fourth Deputy

The period of Ali Ibn Muhammad Samari (r.a.) is remembered as one in which the oppressions and tyrannies of the ruling Abbaside government were at its peak. Consequently, like his predecessors, socially he was not very active and had deliberately limited his interaction with his representatives.

However, despite these constraints, he maintained contact with the Shias. In fact, he continued to enjoy the same respect and position amongst the Shias as the preceding three special deputies. It was for this reason that the Shias continued to send their religious financial taxes to him through his representatives.

The details of his date of birth and life history are few and far in books of history. Nonetheless, the relatively short span of his appointment as special deputy of Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.) has been reported with regular frequency in books.

Ali Ibn Muhammad, A Companion of Imam Hasan al-Askari (A.S.)

The venerated Shaikh at-Tusi (a.r.) in his book ‘Al-Rejaal’ (p. 432) has regarded Ali Ibn Muhammad Samari (r.a.) amongst the companions of Imam Hasan al-Askari (a.s.).
Apparently, Imam Hasan Al-al-Askari (a.s.) also corresponded with him through letters. For example, Ali Ibn Muhammad says that on one occasion, Imam Hasan Al-al-Askari (a.s.) wrote to him,

‘A dispute will soon arise which will trouble you such that you will lose your hands and feet. Remain alert of this corruption and safeguard yourself from it.’

After three days, Bani Hashim were involved in an incident due to which they were engulfed with hardships and sufferings. I wrote to Imam Hasan Al-al-Askari (a.s.) enquiring whether this was the same incident which he had referred to in his letter. He replied,

‘No, there is yet another incident. You protect yourself completely from it.’

After a few days, we were informed of the murder of the Abbside caliph Mo’taz. 4

This letter shows that he was in contact with Imam Hasan Al-al-Askari (a.s.).

News of The Unseen: Ali Ibn Muhammad Samari (r.a.)

Like his predecessors, many incidents of nobility are reported about Ali Ibn Muhammad Samari (r.a.). These incidents served a dual purpose. Firstly, they established the strong relationship between him and Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.) and secondly, the Shias who witnessed these noble actions never harboured any doubt about his designation as the special deputy of Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.).

Shaikh at-Tusi (r.a.) based on reports from his teachers, narrates an incident from Husain Ibn Ali Ibn Babwayh Qummi (r.a.) - brother of Shaikh Sadooq (r.a.). He reports, ‘Some members of Qum which included Imran Saffaar, Alawiyyah Saffaar and Husain Ibn Ahmad Ibn Idrees (may Allah have mercy upon them) reported to me that in the year in which my father Ali Ibn Husain Ibn Musa Ibn Babwayh (the father of Shaikh Sadooq- r.a.) passed away, they were present in Baghdad.

They report that Ali Ibn Muhammad Samari (r.a.) asked each one of us about the health of Ali Ibn Babwayh and we replied to him that we have received a letter from him that he is fine. Till the time of his death, he kept enquiring about Ali Ibn Babwayh and we kept replying that he was well. One day, he (Ali Ibn ‘Muhammad Samari) asked us the same question and we replied that we had not received the reply to our letter from him. To this, he said, ‘May Allah grant you patience on his demise!’

We noted the day, month and time of his statement. After about seventeen or eighteen days, we received the news of the death of Ali Ibn Muhammad Babwayh and it was at exactly the same day and time when Abul Hasan Samari (r.a.) had paid condolence to us.5

Shaikh Sadooq (r.a.) heard this incident about his father 10 years after his demise through reports from Abul Hasan Saleh Ibn Shu’aib Taleqani. Taleqani reported this incident from Ahmed Ibn Ibrahim Mukhallad who heard Ali Ibn Muhammad Samari (r.a.) say,

رَحِمَ اللهُ عَلِىَّ بْنَ الْحُسَيْنِ بنِ مُوسىٰ بنِ بَابوَيه القمى

‘May Allah have mercy upon Ali Ibn Husain Ibn Musa Ibn Babwayh Qummi.’ 6

The Last Tawqee’

The last Tauqee’ that was issued during the Minor Occultation (Minor Occultation (غيبتِ صغري)) bore tremendous historical import. Not only did this letter declare the conclusion of the era of special deputies and herald the onset of Major Occultation (Ghaibat al-Kubra), but it also carried with it a profound and deep rooted message.

This letter was issued by Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.) six days before the demise of the fourth deputy and can be found with minor variations in the books of traditions. Prior to his death, Janab Ali bin Muhammad Samari (r.a.) was asked about his successor. In reply to this question, he placed the following letter before the people:

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْمِ

يَا عَلِىَّ بْنَ مُحَمَّدٍ السَّمرىّ، اَعْظَمَ اللهُ اَجْرَ اِخْوَانِكَ فِيْكَ فَاِنَّكَ مَيِّتٌ مَا بَيْنَكَ وَ بَيْنَ سِتَّةِ اَيَّامٍ، فَاجْمَعْ اَمْرَكَ وَلاَ تُوصِ اِلىٰ اَحَدٍ فَيَقُوْمَ مَقَامَكَ بَعْدَ وَفَاتِكَ فَقَدْ وَقَعَتِ الْغَيْبَةُ التَّامَّةُ فَلاَ ظُهُوْرَ اِلاَّ بَعْدَ اِذْنِ اللهِ تَعَالىٰ ذِكْرُهُ وَ ذَالِكَ بَعْدَ طُوْلِ الْاَمَدِ وَ قَسْوَةِ الْقُلُوْبِ وَامْتِلاَءِ الْاَرْضِ جَوْراً وَ سَيَأتِى شِيْعَتِىْ مَنْ يَدَّعِى الْمُشَاهَدَةَ اَلاَ فَمَنِ ادَّعىَ الْمُشَاهَدَةَ قَبْلَ خُرُوْجِ السُّفْيَانِىّ وَ الصَّيْحَةِ فَهُوَ كَذَّابٌ مُفْتَرٌ وَ لاَ حَوْلَ وَ لاَ قُوَّةَ اِلاَّ بِاللهِ الْعَلِىِّ الْعَظِيْمِ-

‘O Ali Ibn Muhammad Samari! May Allah increase the reward of your brothers concerning you (i.e. your demise)! Death will come to you within the next six days. So you complete your works and do not nominate any person after you. The sequence of special deputies will come to an end and the Major Occultation ( غيبت كبرى ) will commence with your demise.

Now the reappearance will occur only with the permission of Allah, after a prolonged period and after the hearts of people are hardened. And such a period will emerge on my Shias when people will claim that they have seen me. Whoever makes such a claim before the advent of Sufyani and the heavenly voice, is a liar, an impostor. There is no strength and power save that of Allah, the High, the Great.”

As stated above, when the people enquired from Ali Ibn Muhammad Samari (r.a.) about his successor, he advanced this letter unto them. Shaikh Tabarsi (r.a.) narrates that some of these people noted down the contents of the letter and left. They returned on the sixth day and found Ali Ibn Muhammad Samari in a state of illness, grappling with death pangs. They enquired once again,

مَنْ وَصِيُّكَ مِنْ بَعْدِكَ؟

‘Who is your successor?’ He replied,

لِلَّهِ اَمْرٌ هُوَ بَالِغُه

‘To Allah belongs the affair (of succession), He will fulfill it.’

These were the last words of his life.

One can refer to the following books for this Tawqee’:

Al Ghaybah by Shaikh at-Tusi (r.a.), p. 593; Kamaaluddin vol. 2, p. 615; Al Ehtejaaj, vol. 2, p. 874; Bihar al-Anwar vol. 51, p. 63, vol. 25, p. 151 and vol. 35, p. 813; E’laamul Waraa’ p. 714; Yaumul Khalaas (Persian tr.) vol. 1, p. 403; Ayanush Shiah (Persian tr.) p. 55; Muntakhabul Asar (Old Edn.) p. 993; Yanaabiul Mawaddah (Urdu) p. 517.

Analysis of The Tawqee’

A meaningful investigation of the above Tauqee’ indicates that Imam (a.t.f.s.) has drawn the attention of Ali Ibn Muhammad Samari (r.a.) towards various important aspects. Apart from this, this Tauqee’ is also a conclusive proof of the existence of the Imam (a.t.f.s.) for those who deny it and ridicule the Shias for it.

Some of these aspects are noted here:

1. The prophecy made by Imam (a.t.f.s.) about the demise of Ali Ibn Muhammad Samari (r.a.) within six days. The accuracy of the prophecy proved that the Tauqee’ was issued from none other than Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.).

2. Imam (a.t.f.s.) ordered Ali Ibn Muhammad Samari (r.a.) not to appoint any person as his successor. With this decree, Imam (a.t.f.s.) sealed the only door for all to meet him directly. The decree was a pointer to the fact that in the future (during the Major Occultation), none would be able to meet Imam (a.t.f.s.) as and when he pleased. It also implies that there would be no ‘designated’ special deputy during the Major Occultation, thus falsifying any claimant to that position.

3. The Tawqee’ marked the commencement of the Major Occultation.

4. Imam (a.t.f.s.) will not reappear but with the permission of Allah.

5. It made it abundantly clear that any person who claimed to meet or to be able to meet Imam (a.t.f.s.) at will would be a liar, an impostor.

An Objection

There is a seeming contradiction in the Tawqee’. On one hand we see that if a person claims to meet Imam az-Zaman (a.s.), he is a liar. However, on the other hand, there are numerous incidents and events reported in books where not only scholars, but also ordinary people have met Imam (a.t.f.s.) and have reported such meetings.

Reply

Allamah Majlisi (r.a.) has replied to the above objection at two places in his book, Bihar al-Anwar. His reply is beneficial even to the scholars after him. We clarify his position on the above issue as follows:

1. As reported by illustrious scholars, one reason could be that the one who claims to have met Imam (a.t.f.s.) would use this claim to place himself as a special deputy and cheat the people. Since there are several incidents of people having met Imam (a.t.f.s.), it is clear that the scholars believe that the Tawqee’ does not reject the possibility of meeting and seeing Imam (a.t.f.s.), it only rejects the appointment of a special deputy after Ali Ibn Muhammad Samari (r.a.).

2. It is also possible that the one who contends to be able to see Imam (a.t.f.s.) is a liar and an impostor if he maintains that he can get a meeting with Imam (a.t.f.s.) at will. Anyone who makes such a preposterous claim in the Major Occultation is a pretender and deserves to be snubbed.

So, meeting Imam (a.t.f.s.) is not rejected outright in the Tawqee’. It is just that in the Major Occultation, meeting Imam (a.t.f.s.) voluntarily is not possible. Rather Imam (a.t.f.s.) will meet whosoever he wants and hence, the choice of the meeting lies with Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.) and not with the people.

The Conclusion of the Chain of Special Deputies

Ayatullah Baqar Al-Sadr (r.a.), writes, “The transformation of the Minor Occultation into the Major Occultation signifies that the objectives and aims of the Minor Occultation had been adequately fulfilled.

This elaborate programme protected the Shias from the difficulties arising from the occultation of Imam (a.t.f.s.) and gradually, they made a mental shift from the special deputies and accustomed themselves to referring their religious matters to the scholars.

Thus the responsibility to represent the Imam (a.t.f.s.) in the Major Occultation fell upon the just, religious jurisprudents and it became obligatory for the people to follow their rulings in worldly as well as religious matters.”

This viewpoint is endorsed by the famous tradition of Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.) which is regularly quoted,

اَمَّا الْحَوَادِثُ الْوَاقِعَةُ فَارْجِعُوْا فِيْهَا اِلٰى رُوَاةِ حَدِيْثِنَا فاِنَّهُمْ حُجَّتِىْ عَلَيْكُمْ وَ اَنا حُجَّةُ اللهِ

‘If any fresh incident occurs (in matters of religious issues), then refer them to the narrators of our traditions. For surely, they are my proofs upon you and I am Allah’s Proof.’ 7

This tradition is attributed to a Tawqee’ issued to the second special deputy Muhammad Ibn ‘Uthman Al Amri (r.a.) and many traditionalists have quoted it as such. However, the author of ‘Yaumul Khalaas’, Kaamel Sulaymani has credited this tradition to the last days of the Minor Occultation and has attributed it to the fourth deputy Ali Ibn Muhammad Samari (r.a.).8

Note

It is possible that the tradition may have been reported twice and there is nothing wrong with that. We can understand clearly that the unmistakable message in the tradition is towards the solution of issues and dilemmas that would arise during the Major Occultation.

The Conclusion of the Chain of Special Deputies

The fourth special deputy passed away on 15th Shabaan, 329 AH. His demise was accurately prophesied by Imam (a.t.f.s.) in his Tauqee’ wherein he informed him of his death within six days.
The period of his deputyship lasted for approximately 3 years from 326 AH to 329 AH. His age coincided with the reign of two Abbaside caliphs - Al-Raazi Billah and Muttaqi.

His Grave

Shaikh Abbas Qummi (r.a.) writes in vol. 6, p. 234 of his renowned book ‘Safinatul Behaar’, ‘The illustrious Shaikh Ali Ibn Muhammad Samari (r.a.) was the successor to Husain Ibn Rauh (r.a.) and shouldered the responsibilities of deputyship for a period of 3 years. He passed away in the year 329 A.H., marking the onset of the Major Occultation. His grave is in Baghdad near the tomb of Shaikh Kulaini (r.a.).’
Shaikh at-Tusi (r.a.) records that his grave is in Baghdad at the Khalatji Road off the Abu Etaab river. Nowadays this area is more popular as Sooqul Kutub which is on the eastern bank of the river Dajlah.
For centuries, lovers of Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.) have been visiting his grave and reciting salutations:

اَلسَّلاَم عَلَيكَ ياَ عَلىَّ بْنَ مُحَمَّدٍ اَشْهَدُ اَنَّكَ بَابُ الْمَوْلىٰ اَدَّيْتَ عَنْهُ وَ اَدَّيْتَ اِلَيْهِ

‘Peace be upon you, O Ali Ibn Muhammad. I bear witness that you are the door to our Master (Imam (a.t.f.s.)). Certainly you fulfilled the trust presented to you by Imam (a.t.f.s.) and returned the trust to him (a.t.f.s.).’

1. Pazoohash al-Peiramoon al-Zindegaani al-Nuwwaab al-Khaas al-Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.), p. 304

2. Kamaaluddin, vol. 2, pp. 501-2

3. Pazoohash al-Peiramoon al-Zindagaani al-Nuwwaab al-Khaas al-Imam al- Zamana (a.t.f.s.), p. 305

4. Kashf al-Ghummah, vol. 3, p. 207, Pazoohash al-Peiramoon al-Zindagaani al-Nuwwaab al-Khaas al-Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.), p. 304

5. Behaar al-Anwaar, vol. 51, p. 163, tradition 8, from Al-Ghaibah of Shaikh at-at-Tusi (r.a.)

6. Kamaaluddin, vol. 2, p. 305, tradition 23

7. Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 53, p. 180 narrating from al-Ehtejaaj

8. Yaumul Khalaas (Persian tr.) vol.1, p. 303

The Protectors of Wilayat

Criticizing the scholars has always been a pastime among the masses. Whenever there is a discussion related to them, everybody has something to say against them. Each one has a few ‘interesting’ anecdotes to narrate.

In fact, some people feel that it is their inherent right to criticize them and consider this as a scholarly act. Perhaps they ignore the fact that in this world (with the exception of the infallible Prophets (a.s.) and the Imams (a.s.)) there are several groups of people - good as well as bad.

There are traders, workers, laborers, doctors, lawyers, teachers, students, etc, and each of these has categories of good and bad individuals. In a market we find the original as well as the imitation. The solution to this problem is not criticism but to define a yardstick so as to differentiate the original from the imposter. At this point in time, we may not be able to purge all the evils from society.

Therefore, in order to safeguard ourselves from deception, it is necessary that we act with foresight and devise a benchmark to distinguish good from evil. With a reliable yardstick, we can easily sidestep the perils.

When we glance at Islamic history, we find scholars emanating radiance, who held nothing back in their endeavors to serve the infallible Imams (a.s.). If it weren’t for the illustrious defenders of the mastership (ولايت), most people would have deviated from the true religion.

Imam Ali Naqi (a.s.) says regarding such scholars:

‘If in the occultation of our Qa’im (a.t.f.s.), such scholars would not have been there who would invite the people towards their Imam and guided them towards him; if they would have not protected Allah’s Religion with the help of irrefutable divine proofs and rescued the weak followers of Allah’s religion from Satanic plots, released them from the traps of the mischief mongers and those antagonistic to the Ahlul Bayt (a.s.) (ناصبى), then surely all the people would have become apostates (مرتدّ) i.e. they would have deviated from the religion. But these are the people who protect the weak Shias just as a captain protects his ship. These people enjoy the greatest position in front of Allah.1

After the martyrdom of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.), nay, right from the time when the people were sure that Allah had chosen the Ahlul Bayt (a.s.) to succeed the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) for guidance and that there is no say for anyone else in it, people started devising different ways to deviate the Muslims from the right path.

During the lifetime of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.), their clandestine plans remained restricted to their hearts and were not reflected in their tongues and actions. But immediately after his (s.a.w.a.) martyrdom, their schemes unfolded and were manifested. This fact is evident if we ponder over the incident of Saqifah. The entire episode was not a twist of fate but was staged to hide the plots behind them.

During the life of the infallible guides (a.s.), doubts were raised and in every era scholars were present who countered such doubts and guided the seekers of truth to the right path. Among the notable defenders of the Mastership of Ahlul Bayt (a.s.) were Salman (r.a.), Abu Zar (r.a.), Ammar al-Yaasir (r.a.), Meesam al-Tammar (r.a.), Rushaid al-Hujri (r.a.), Hujr b. Adi (r.a.), Zuraarah (r.a.), Mu’min al-Taaq (r.a.), Hisham b. Hakam (r.a.), Fazl b. Shaazan (r.a.), to name a few.

In the year 260 AH., Imam Hasan al-Askari (a.s.) was martyred and the minor occultation of Imam al-Asr (a.s.) commenced. Due to the conduct of the people towards Imams (a.s.), the sun of Imamat disappeared behind the clouds of occultation.

At that time, different types of people grabbed the opportunity and reared their ugly heads to fill the void left by Imam’s (a.t.f.s.) concealment. They thought that as Imam (a.t.f.s.) was in occultation, their paths were clear and the Shias were defenseless, as the source of divine knowledge had been severed.

However, they erred in their belief that the occultation of Imam (a.t.f.s.) marked the end of Imam’s (a.t.f.s.) contact with the Shias. Certainly the relation continued, only the mode of leadership and guidance changed. The difference in leadership and guidance is for those who believe in limits and restrictions. However, there is no difference for the one who has control over the era and for whom the whole universe is like a coin on the palm. In reality, the source of divine knowledge and recognition is continuing, it depends on the acquirer and how he benefits from it.

In the epoch of occultation, the world was never bereft of pure, ethical and sincere scholars, nor will it be deprived of such personalities in the future. Ameerul Momineen Ali b. Abi Talib (a.s.) in one of his sermons said:

‘Lord, I know that knowledge will not be erased, its sources will not discontinue altogether and You will not leave Your earth without Your Proof. The Proof who lives among the people being well known but disobeyed or he is afraid and hidden. You will never keep the earth void of Your Proof otherwise Your Signs will be invalidated and Your Friends would be misled after You have granted them guidance.’

(from here the discussion of scholars commences)

‘Where are they and how many are they? They are very few in number but are of great position before Allah, the Majestic. They follow the Holy Imams (a.s.). (They follow) the guiding leaders (Imams (a.s.)), establish in themselves the discipline of the Imams (a.s.) and practice their way of life. In such conditions, knowledge will lead them to the true faith and their souls then accept the call of the leaders of knowledge. The traditions of the Imams (a.s.) that are difficult for others, are easy for them to understand.

(Traditions concerning the virtues, mastership and obedience of Ahlul Bayt (a.s.) and especially the traditions about Wilayat al-Takweeni as well as Tashreei of Ahlul Bayt (a.s.), which their opponents deny, are easily accepted by the scholars.)

These scholars acknowledge that following and obeying the Holy Imams (a.s.) is obligatory like following and obeying Allah. They are friends of Allah. They are in dissimulation (تقيّه) because of the fear of enemies. Their pure souls have reached a lofty position i.e. physically they are among the people but spiritually they are away from them. The scholars are hidden and silent in the oppressive government and are awaiting the divine kingdom. Allah will soon establish truth with His Words and banish falsehood.

Glad tidings to them for their patience and forbearance in the period of occultation. I desire to see them in the era of reappearance. May Allah soon bring us together with them in Paradise along with their pious parents, spouses and children.2

Please reflect on this tradition considering the era when there was attack on religious beliefs from all sides and restrictions were imposed on revealing one’s creed. Government restrictions were the order of the day. Facilities were few.

To search just one tradition; enormous traveling had to be undertaken. Electricity was an unthinkable concept then. To hunt books and manuscripts entailed immense struggle and perseverance. Also, the books of the bygone era were unlike the present books, which are far neater, more comprehensive and in very good print condition. The layout of old books was such that it was difficult to distinguish between paragraphs.

Moreover, the pages of the books were also not numbered so searching for references and studying them was a frightful task. Keeping in mind the difficulties of the past, we are spellbound when we see the researches of the scholars, their replies to opponents and the references collected.

When we see the number of books written, our intellects fail to comprehend as to when these scholars were studying, when they found the time to rest and when they got down to writing. Also, these scholars were not confined to simply studying and writing in one isolated corner of the house. Rather, they were socially active and were in the forefront in solving the difficulties of the people.

The only conclusion that comes to our mind is that all success (taufiqaat) is from Allah and the special attention of the Imams (a.s.). Due to this even Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) desired to see these scholars. It is narrated about Shaikh Mufid (r.a.)

ما كان ينام من الليل اِلاَّ هجة ثم يقوم يُصَلّى او يطالع او يدرس او يتلو القرآن

‘He slept in the night for a short period. Then he got up and prayed or he studied or took his class or taught the Quran.’3

Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s.) said:

‘Our Shia scholars are facing the attacks of Satan. They are replying to objections of Satan and his followers. They are protecting the weak Shias from the attacks of Satan. They have immobilized the enemies (ناصبى) from overpowering the Shias.’

‘Indeed, whosoever from our Shias reaches this position; he is superior to the soldiers who are fighting the Romans and Turks by a million grades. This is because the scholars are protecting the religion of our friends whereas the soldiers are protecting the physical boundaries.’4

The above tradition illustrates the position and worth of the scholars who are protecting the religion of the Shias and imparting religious teachings. They are protecting the weak friends of Ahlul Bayt (a.s.) from the objections and doubts of enemies.

The appearance of the Satan’s attacks and his followers has changed over a period of time, but their aim is same i.e. to keep Shias away from religion. Keeping away from religion not only implies that a person becomes irreligious but it also means that even after possessing a religious background, he does not fulfill his religious duties and responsibilities nor does he have a sense of accountability towards it. The aim is to make the Shias soulless whereby even after watching the degradation and destruction in the society, he does not feel his religious responsibility to take up the cause.

Whatever religious fervour that we observe in the society is the result of the endeavours of the scholars. A lot more still needs to be done. We have to still traverse a long distance.

The Imam of the time is the medium and mercy between Allah and His creation. The bounties that we are receiving from Allah are through the medium of Imam (a.t.f.s.). This reality is well-highlighted in Ziaarat al-Jaameah in the following verses:

بِكُمْ فَتَحَ اللهُ وَ بِكُمْ يَخْتِمُ وَ بِكُمْ يُنَزِّلُ الْغَيْثَ وَ بِكُمْ يُمْسِكُ السَّمَآءَ اَنْ تَقَعَ عَلَى الْاَرْضِ اِلاَّ بِاِذْنِه وَ بِكُمْ يُنَفِّسُ الْهَمَّ-

“Allah has initiated creation through you and through you, He will end it. Through you, He sends down rain and because of you, the sky does not fall on the earth. And because of you sorrow is relieved.”

Besides this Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s) has pointed towards his special attention in his Tauqee’ (a signed letter) to Shaikh al-Mufid (r.a.):

اِنَّا غَيْرُ مُهْمِلِيْنَ لِمُرَاعَاتِكُمْ وَ لاَ نَاسِيْنَ لِذِكْرِكُمْ وَ لَوْلاَ ذٰلِكَ لَنَزَلَتْ بِكُمُ اللَّاوَاءُ وَ اصْطَلَمَتْكُمُ الْاَعْدَاءُ

“Surely we are not negligent of your protection nor are we forgetful of your remembrance. If it was so, calamities would have surrounded you and enemies would have crushed you.”5

It is due to the grace of Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.) that today Shias are protected from most of the calamities. However, whatever little calamities and difficulties we encounter have some divine wisdom behind it. One of the main reasons for these calamities is that due to them we are awake, alert and active. But for the calamities, we would have become negligent.

The scholars have been blessed with the special attention of Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.). On some occasions these blessings are apparent. Such apparent blessings have been recorded in books. However, many of these bounties are ignored and neglected. This is because Imam (a.t.f.s.) is not a worldly leader who chases publicity and wants to be in the limelight.

In this regard, numerous books have been written wherein the meetings of Imam (a.t.f.s.) with the scholars have been recorded. It is very clear that propagation of Shiaism, protection and safeguarding of mastership of Imam al-Asr (a.t.f.s.) is only possible because of his special attention.

However, a complete book has not yet been written on this topic. If someone takes up this topic and compiles the authentic incidents of Imam’s (a.t.f.s.) favors, it will be a great effort in the way of Islam. Its reward will be manifold. It will become a path through which the attention of people will be drawn towards Imam (a.t.f.s.) and pave the way for them to take Imam (a.t.f.s.) as a medium.

We conclude with an incident, which exemplifies the blessings of Imam (a.t.f.s.) on the Shias. When the son of Ayatullah Sayyid Abul Hasan Isfahaani (r.a.) was martyred, he decided to stay away from the leadership of the society. At that time Imam (a.t.f.s.) sent a message to him through Hujjatul Islam wal Muslimeen al Haaj Shaikh Muhammad Kufi Shustari (who had performed 40 Hajj):

قُلْ لَهُ اَرْخِصْ نَفْسَكَ وَاجْعَلْ مَجْلِسَكَ فِىْ الدَّهْلِيْزِ وَاقْضِ حَوَائِجَ النَّاسِ نَحْنُ نَنْصُرُكَ

“Say to him, ‘Make yourself available (to the common people). And conduct your gatherings in the drawing room (of your house). And fulfill the needs of the people. We will help you.”6

The last sentence of this Tawqee’ (توقيع) ‘We will help you’ needs to be highlighted. If someone fulfills or takes one step in fulfilling the needs of the Shias, either material or spiritual, Imam (a.t.f.s.) will definitely help him.

May Allah give us Taufeeq to do such work which becomes the cause of Imam al-Asr’s (a.t.f.s.) help and support for us!

1. Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 2, p. 6, tradition 12

2. Al-Kaafi, Kitabul Hujjah

3. Tahzeebul Ahkaam, Preface, pp. 32 & 33

4. Al-Ehtejaaj of Shaikh Tabarsi (r.a.), pg. 8

5. Al-Ehtejaaj, vol. 2, pg. 323

6. Inaayat al-Hazrat Mahdi be Ulama wa Maraaje’ Taqleed, p. 110

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