10 OCT 2020 · In this chapter author has brought forward certain rituals and supplications which if performed with piety can lead to the honor of meeting with Imam e Zamana (a.t.f.s). This meeting can be while the person is asleep or awake. It is also posssible that he may or may not recognise Imam (a.s.). In fact traditions have also mentioned some rituals for meeting the other Imams(as) like Ameerul Momeneen(as) and the Holy Prophet (sawa) in dreams. However just performance of these actions without correct belief will not be useful. Imam Mohammed Baqir (a.s.) while explaining about persons who would do a lot of rituals but without perfect belief says : _"Such people are like that group of Bani Israel wherein whoever passed forty nights in worship and then prayed would get whatever he prayed for. But once when one of them did so his prayer remained unanswered. So, he came to H. Isa (a.s.) and complained about it and requested him to pray for him. H. Isa (a.s.) made ablution offered two rakats of prayers and prayed to Allah._ _Consequently, Allah revealed to him:_ _‘O Isa, that man approached Me, but from an incorrect way (path), which is other than the one I had shown.’ And that man was doubtful about (H. Isa’s) Prophethood. ‘So, I will not hear his request even if he goes on praying until his neck is dislocated and his fingers have dropped.’_ _Hearing this H Isa (a.s.) looked toward that person and asked, ‘Do you harbor any doubt about my Messengership?’ He replied, ‘Yes, O Spirit of Allah, it is so. Kindly pray to Allah for a change in my condition for the better.’ H Isa (a.s.) then prayed for him. Allah accepted his repentance and he too, like his family members, became a believer.”_ Author then quotes numerous traditions from various sources highlighting the importance of the number 40 in ritualistic actions. This was the twelfth and the last chapter of this book. Janab Muhadith Noori (ar) completed this book on 14th Zilqad 1302 A.H at Samarrah. _May the Almighty raise the status of this eminent author and give us the good fortune to likewise serve our Imam in whatever limited way we can._ *Inshallah very soon we will begin a new series of summarising another book written about our beloved Imam Mahdi (atfs)*

9 OCT 2020 · In this chapter the respected author mentions eight occasions associated with Imam Mahdi ( May Allah hasten his reappearance ). In the previous excerpt we have mentioned the first four. Inshallah today we will briefly cover the remaining occasions. *Fifth and Sixth: The time of Asr on Mondays and Thursdays* Sayyid Ali bin Taaoos(ar), says: It is narrated from Ahle Bayt (a.s.) that on Mondays and Thursdays the record of deeds of people are presented to Allah, may His majesty be exalted and to His Messenger (sawa) and the Holy Imams (a.s.). Hence we should strive to do more good deeds on these two days and avoid sins. *Seventh: Eve and day of the 15th of Shaban* This is the birthday of Imam Mahdi (a.s.) and the Almighty Allah bestowed this great blessing on His creatures on this noble occasion. Therefore, it is appropriate that this night should be accorded respect from the aspect of the Wilayat of Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s) *Eighth: Day of Navroz* The day of Navroz is the day when the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) took oath of allegiance for Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) in Ghadeer Khum. So they submitted to his Wilayat. Thus, glad tidings are for the one, who remained steadfast on it and unfortunate are those, who broke that pledge. And it is the day when the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.) sent Ali (a.s.) to the valley of Jinns; and he took the oath of submission from them. Also, it is the day when Imam Ali (a.s.) emerged victorious over the people of Naharawan and when he eliminated the one with the broken hand. It is the day when the Qaem from Ahle Bayt (a.s.) will reappear and the Almighty Allah will bestow him success and victory over Dajjaal. Thus, he will eliminate him in Kufa. _May we be granted the good fortune of witnessing the day when our beloved Imam reappears, gains victory over Dajjal and establishes justice and equity in this world._

6 OCT 2020 · In this chapter the respected author mentions eight occasions associated with Imam Mahdi ( May Allah hasten his reappearance ). In this excerpt we will briefly cover four of these occasions. *1. Night of Grandeur ( Shab-e-Qadr)* It is the night showing respect, honor, greatness and majesty of Imam Asr (a.s.) due to the descent of the Angel Ruh and and other angels on His Eminence. As it has come in previous chapters that supplications must first be performed for the Imam of the time and then for ourselves. Hence it has been recommended to recite the supplication of _Allahumma Kulle Waliyekal.._ in these nights especially the 23rd night. *2. Day of Friday* The day of Friday has special significance with Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.). It was on the day of Friday that Imam was born and it is highly probable that the re-appearance will also take place on Friday. Moreover there are traditions where each day is associated with some or the other Masoom (a.s.). The day of Friday is associated with Imam-e-Zamana (a.t.f.s). There are many supplications to be performed on this day like a. Ziyarat of Imam b. Dua Nudba c. Reciting Salawat with Wa Ajjil Farajahum *3. Day of Aashura* It was on the Day of Aashura that Imam (a.s.) was bestowed with the title of _Qaem_ by Almighty Allah. In the book Kaameluz Ziyaaraat, the author has brought a tradition from Imam Jafer Sadiq (a.s.) which is as follows : After Husain’s martyrdom, angels arrived weeping and said: _O Lord! This chosen one of Yours is Husain, the chosen son of Your Messenger’s daughter. In response to these words of the angels, Allah Almighty raised the holy shadow of the Qaaem Aale Muhammad and said: I will take the revenge of Husain through this hand._ Hence on this day, after completing the usual rituals of Ziyarat and prayers,we should beseech the Almighty Allah to hasten the reappearance of Imam Qaaem (a.s.) so that he may avenge the blood of Imam Husain (a.s.) *4. Period when the Sun becomes yellow till sunset* Like the days, the hours in the day are also associated with each Imam. The twelfth hour of the day is associated with Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s). The author brings two supplications that can be recited in this hour. Interested readers can refer to the book. Insh'Allah in the next excerpt we will cover the other four occasions. *O Allah give us tawfeeq that we may remember our Imam at all times especially these times which are attributed to him.*

5 OCT 2020 · Of the eight duties mentioned by the author, Janab Muhaddis Noori (ar) in this chapter, today we discuss the last one. *Eighth duty: To seek help from Hazrat Mahdi (a.t.f.s).* When a person is surrounded by troubles he is supposed to beseech His Eminence to solve the problems and bestow him relief from the disasters and to show him a way out of these hardships. The Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.) said: _"When you are defeated and afflicted, you must beseech the Hujjat (a.s.), so that he may come to help you and he is the one, who listens to pleas and is the refuge for one, who requests him."_ Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s) himself has written in his epistle to Shaikh Mufeed (ar) that: _"We are perfectly cognizant of all your affairs and problems and nothing regarding you is hidden from us."_ In addition to orally requesting him the author also mentions about the written Ariza. He brings the exact text of how the Ariza is to be written. The important role of the special representatives of Imam (atfs) in conveying the problems of the Shias is also mentioned and highlighted. The Imam being concealed does not stop him from helping those who beseech him in distress. In his occultation people benefit from him as they benefit from the sun which has been concealed by the clouds. The author then presents 8 reasons why Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s) is compared to the sun. He finally concludes the chapter by the ziaraat which is to be recited while seeking the help of Hazrat Mahdi (a.t.f.s). *O our Master we beseech you to look as us with mercy and grant us your visage so that this look may provide coolness to our hearts which are aggrieved by your separation.*

3 OCT 2020 · We continue with our discussion about our duties towards our Imam(atfs). *Sixth duty: Standing up to accord respect when one hears the name of His Eminence.* Especially when the blessed name mentioned is Qaaem (a.s.). This is the practice followed by all the shia Imamiyah everywhere. *Seventh duty: Beseeching the Almighty Allah.* Among the duties during the darkness of the period of occultation is to implore and beseech Almighty Allah for the well being of faith and religion from satanic doubts and heresies. He then brings 7 supplications for the sake of safeguarding the faith during the occultation. Amongst them is Dua e Ghareeq which is as follows: *یَا اللَّهُ یَا رَحْمَانُ یَا رَحِیمُ یَا مُقَلِّبَ الْقُلُوبِ ثَبِّتْ قَلْبِی عَلَی دِینِکَ* _“O Allah! O Beneficent! O Merciful! O the One, who transforms the hearts! Make my heart steadfast upon your religion!”_ It is necessary that we recite this dua exactly as it has been mentioned in the tradition. When the narrator recited it with some additions Imam Sadiq(as) instructed him to recite as he had recited without making any addition. *May the Almighty grant us the good fortune of reciting these duas and protecting our faith during the turbulent times of occultation.*

2 OCT 2020 · We continue with our discussion about our duties towards our Imam(atfs). *Third: Praying for the protection of Imam Asr (a.s.)* Narrating from Sayed Ali ibne Taoos(ar), the author explains that our praying for him is an expression of our love for him and not that he needs protection. Also praying for him opens up the doors for acceptance of our prayers for ourselves. He then mentions 7 supplications especially related to Hazrat Mahdi (atfs) at various times and their benefits. *Fourth: Giving of Sadaqah on behalf of Imam Asr (atfs)* The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) said, _“The faith of a slave is not complete till he does not consider me above himself, consider my family above his family, my honor over his honor, myself over his own self."_ Thus in all actions we should prefer the Ahle Bait (as) over our own selves. Since sadaqah is a means of safety for ourselves and we prefer our Imam to ourselves, we give sadaqah on his behalf as a result of this preference. *Fifth: Performing Hajj and sending someone for Hajj on behalf of Imam Asr (atfs)* The author has mentioned that this practice is common among the Shia and has even brought an incident which indicates that Imam (as) approves of this. *May the Almighty hasten his reappearance and help us in fulfilling our duties towards him.*

1 OCT 2020 · This chapter mentions 8 duties towards the Imam of the Age (atfs). Last week we mentioned the first duty which is to be aggrieved due to occultation. *Second duty: Waiting for reappearance.* Imam Sadiq (as) has said: _"Whoever of you dies while believing in this matter and waiting (for the expected Imam) is like one, who will be in the camp of the Qaaem (a.s.)"_ In another instance he has explained the manner of awaiting as follows: _"Whoever likes to be one of al-Qaaem’s companions has to wait while being pious and ethical."_ Every believer thus will get an opportunity to serve him whenever he reappears. It is reported from Imam Sadiq (as) that he said: _"When the Qaaem rises up, someone will come and announce in the grave of every believer: Your Imam has risen, if you want to join, you may do so."_ Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) has said that: _"The best worship act of a believer is to await for the reappearance of truth"_ *May the Almighty Allah give us the good fortune of awaiting our Imam while being pious and ethical. May his reappearance occur during our lifetime. In case it is delayed may we get an opportunity to return from our graves and serve him.*

30 SEP 2020 · This chapter mentions 8 duties towards the Imam of the Age (atfs).We shall briefly mention them in our excerpts. *First duty: Being aggrieved for the Imam during occultation and in his separation* The author mentions 3 reasons for this grief: *1.* The following Prophetic tradition is narrated both by Shaikh Saduq(ar) and Shaikh Tusi(ar): _A servant has not believed till I am not more dearer to him than his own self and my family is not more dearer to him than his own family and my progeny is not more beloved to him than his own progeny._ A believer should therefore be sorrowful on the loneliness of Hazrat Mahdi (atfs) in the occultation. *2.* Imam Mohammed Baqir(as) says: _There is no Eid for the Muslims; neither Eiduz Zuha nor Eidul Fitr, but that the Almighty Allah freshens the grief of Aale Muhammad (a.s.)._ _The narrator asked: Why?_ _He replied: It is so because they see their rights in the hands of others._ Thus seeing the rights of the Ahlebait (as) usurped is a source of grief for the believers. *3.* Mentioning about the era before reappearance, Imam Husain (as) says: _The matter that you are expecting will not occur until a time comes that you disavow each other, spit at the face of each other, declare unbelief against each other and curse each other._ These internal disputes during occultation results in extreme sorrow both for Imam(as) as well as his sincere followers. We should therefore avoid anything which would cause grief to our Imam. *May the Almighty help us in strengthening the bond of brotherhood amongst the believers and fill our hearts with grief on the calamities which befall on the Holy Ahlul Bait (as).*

29 SEP 2020 · It is very apparent that Imam e Zamana (a.t.f.s) answers the pleas of those who seek him in difficult times. The author quotes an incident from Behaar ul Anwaar that a person named Abdul Wafa Shirazi was made captive Ibne Ilyas in Kerman. He sought safety from Allah through the medium of Imam Zainul Abedeen(as). He then got the honour of meeting the Holy Prophet (SAWA) in his dream who directed him to mediate through the Ahlulbayt (a.s) as follows, 1.Mediate through Holy Prophet (SAWA) himself, Janabe Zahra (SA), Imam Hasan (a.s) and Imam Husain (a.s) for the hereafter, 2.Through Imam Ali (a.s.) for revenge against oppressors in this world, 3.Through Imam Ali ibn Husain (a.s) is for saving from the clutches of rulers, kings and rebellious satans, 4.Through Imam Muhammad bin Ali (a.s.) and Imam Ja’far bin Muhammad (a.s.), also for the Hereafter, 5.Through Imam Moosa bin Ja’far (a.s.) for health and wellbeing, 6.Through Imam Ali bin Moosa (a.s.), for safety in journeys by the sea or land, 7.Through Imam Muhammad bin Ali (a.s.), for sustenance , 8.Through Imam Ali bin Muhammad (a.s.), for the recommended acts and doing good to the believing brothers, 9.Through Imam Hasan Askari (a.s.), also for hereafter 10.In case of extreme dangers one should pray fervently to Hazrat Hujjat (a.t.f.s.), and refuge should be sought from him as he comes to help the one, who calls him and he is a refuge for those who seek his refuge. On receiving these directions from the Holy Prophet(SAWA), he immediately sought refuge from Hazrat Mahdi(a.t.f.s.). He then says; _“Suddenly I saw a person come down from the sky mounted on a horse holding an iron (or bright) weapon. I pleaded: Master, protect me from one, who is torturing me. He said: I prayed to Allah that I may be allowed to defend you and Allah, the Mighty and Sublime accepted my prayer. In the morning, Ibne Ilyas summoned me and removed the chains. He gave me a robe and asked: “Through whose mediation did you pray?” Abdul Wafa Shirazi replied: “I sought the refuge of one, who is the refuge-giver for the oppressed.”_ Author then quotes a dua known as second Dua e Tawassul from Behaar which can be used to seek mediation of Holy Imams (a.s) at the times of tribulations. He the mentions that Ghaus is a special title of Imam e Zamana (a.t.f.s.) and it means giver of refuge. A tradition from Imam Sadiq (a.s.) says that whenever we are lost, we should say *“O Aba Saleh! Guide us to the right path”.* Many incidences mention that people have called out Imam (a.s.) using this name and have been guided, when they were lost in wilderness. Author then concludes this chapter by bringing a discussion about the assistants of Hazrat Mahdi(atfs) through whom Hazrat Mahdi(atfs) helps those in distress. *We pray to the Almighty to grant us the good fortune of being amongst those who remain steadfast on His Imamate.*

28 SEP 2020 · Before Imam Mahdi (a.s) began the major occultation, he sent an epistle to his last special deputy Janab Ali Ibne Muhammad Saymoori (a.r.) in which the following was written: _"The full occultation has begun and there shall be no appearance, but after Divine permission, and that shall be after a long time, after the hardening of the hearts, and the earth’s repletion with inequity. Individuals who will claim they have seen me will come to my Shia. Behold, whoever claims seeing me before the rise of Sufyani and the call (from the sky), is a liar and a slanderer."_ In this chapter the learned author has reconciled that this does not contradict with the incidents of meeting him recorded in the previous chapter. He quotes Allamah Majlisi (a.r.) as follows: _The (denial of meeting) implies refutation of one, who claims of having met the Imam in the capacity of his deputyship and in conveying the reports of the Imam to his Shia as the special deputies of the Imam were able to do during the Minor occultation._ Thus the person who meets Imam in occultation should not claim the status of a special deputy. He even narrates a tradition from Imam Jafar Sadiq(as) in which it is indicated that Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s) would always be having the company of 30 confidants. In another tradition from Imam Jafar Sadiq (as) it is further elucidated as follows: _Al-Qaaem disappears twice; one is a short disappearance and the other is long. In the first disappearance some of his close Shia knows his location and in the other one no one knows his location, except the guardians of his religion._ *May the Almighty hasten his reappearance and enumerate us amongst those having the honour of meeting his Holy personality.*