Summary Article:Intellectual Protection from False Claims about the Representation of Imam Al-Mahdi (P.B.U.H)
Written by: Sheikh Jasim Al-Wa’ely
Translated by: Mujtaba Al-Helu
One of the fundamental Islamic beliefs is the necessary presence of Imam Al-Mahdi (P.B.U.H) in the Umma. This belief also confirms the fact that one day, he will fill the earth with equality and justice. However, since his Major Occultation, there has been debates concerning the possibility of meeting him.
Because many could not reach to a decisive conclusion about the above issue, they were led astray after coming across claims of meeting Imam Al-Mahdi (P.B.U.H). Thus, this paper strives to propose a definite conclusion regarding this issue.
This study investigates the narration line of the tradition, narrated from Imam Al-Mahdi (P.B.U.H) through his fourth and last special Ambassador, stating that “whosoever claims meeting me before the debut of Al-Sufiany and the Celestial Cry, he is indeed a forger liar”. This study looks into the possibility of meeting the Imam during the Major Occultation, depending on this tradition.
This paper, moreover, studies the intended meaning of the above tradition, investigating its various probable intentions.
The paper, also, looks into the validity of claims of meeting the Imam by highly credible individuals, who are almost impossible to give false claims.
Finally, the research clarifies the expected responsibility of the faithful believers towards such claims, and also proposing certain objective features in differentiating between false and true claims.
