The name of Imam Mahdi

SAYYED DILDAAR HUSSAIN ZAIDI

We initiate the discussion with the doubts created by the Baha’is about the last Imam (as). We shall try and answer these and then move to the topic of the true Mahdi. Once we are able to prove the falsehood of the Baha’i Faith, the truth about the Mahdi will be evident.

This section is divided as follows:

- The Baha’i doubt about the name of Imam Mahdi

- Question #1, Tradition brought by the Baha’is

- Question #2, Tradition brought by the Baha’is

- Question #3, Tradition brought by the Baha’is

- The Shiah Viewpoint: The name of Imam Mahdi

- The name of Imam Mahdi is the same as that of the Holy Prophet

The First Doubt about The name of Imam Mahdi (as)

The Baha’is do not accept the name of Imam Mahdi (as) to be the same as the Holy Prophet (saw). Instead they claim that the name of the last Imam is Ali Mohammed. To substantiate this claim, the Baha’is quote the following tradition from Hoy Prophet (saw)

\"Anin Nabi Ismohu Isme\' Ali was Ana Tahto Rajalehi\"
\"His name will be Ali and I will be below his feet.\"
(Ref: Fawaedul Mukhleseen)

The Shiah Response

1. The book, from which the tradition has been quoted, Fawaedul Mukhleseen, is not a Shiah book at all.

2. It is doubtful whether such a book exists at all for neither is the name of the author mentioned, nor the page number nor the place from which the book was published. All these are necessary for establishing the veracity of one\'s claim.

3. Even if we do accept the tradition, the Baha’is have erred in their translation of the same from Arabic. The translation \"His name will be Ali\" is incorrect. The word \"Ali\" is preceded by the word \"Ism\" which means that the correct translation of the tradition is \"His name will be a lofty and elevated name.\" This is because the word \"Ism\" is a noun and \"Ali\" is the adjective used to describe it.

4. The translation of the words \"Ana Tahto\" is also faulty. Tahto is Arabic means below and not equal. It is impossible that the Holy Prophet (saw) would have made this mistake.

5. The above tradition if interpreted in the Baha’i way will mean that all people who bear the name of Ali Mohammed can stake claim to being the last Imam because this privilege was not that of Mirza Ali Mohammed only.

Coclusion:

1. The reference provided by the Baha’is in this regard is grossly incomplete and cannot be used to establish the leadership of Mirza Ali Mohammed as the last Imam.

2. Secondly they are also prone to errors in translating traditions from Arabic.

3. Thirdly, there is no tradition which exists as the one quoted by the Baha’is which simply opens the door for all \"Ali Mohammed\" to stake claim to the post of the last Imam.

Question #1: A tradition brought by the Baha’is:

The Baha’is in order to prove that the name of the last Imam is Ali Mohammed quote the following tradition from Hazrat Ali (as):

\"Howa Zul Ismayn Al Aa\'liyeen\"
He is the owner of two names (He will have two names)
(Ref: Kashful Ghumma)

The Shiah Response:

Allamah Majlish has brought this tradition from Kashful Ghumma in his book. However he ends the tradition at \"Zul Ismiyyah\" The words \"Al Aliyeen\" are an addition to the original tradition.
(Ref: Behar, volume 51, page 24 and 31)

The words \"Zul Ismiyyah\" mean one who will have two names. On this basis it does not imply that this tradition is for Ali Mohammed Bab.

The Holy Prophet (saw) has clarified that the name of Imam Mahdi (as) will be his own name. The name of the Holy Prophet (saw) was not Ali Mohammed.

Conclusion:

This tradition does not in any manner give any indication of the name of Imam Mahdi (as). The word Al Aa\'liyeen has been added by the Bahais because the name of the Bab was Ali Mohammed.

Question #2: A tradition brought by the Baha’is:

The Baha’is in order to establish the name of the last Imam as Ali quote this tradition from Nahjul Balagha -

\"I am the one behind whom Isa the son of Maryam will pray namaz.\"

The Shiah Response

1. There is no tradition or ‘statement to this effect in Nahjul Balagha.

2. The statement has not been narrated by either Allamah Majlisi in any of his books nor by Sayyed Razi (may Allah have mercy on them both).

3. Since this statement is not available in Nahjul Balagha, it is not surprising that Bahai missionaries have conveniently forgotten to quote the reference or the page number of the statement in Nahjul Balagha.

4. The speech from which this statement is taken was first reported by Mehmood Ali Deedar in Khutbae\' Bayan and after him by Shaykh Rajab Ali Barsi Sufi in his book Masharequl Anwar. This speech has many false narrations. In one such narration, Ali (as) is reported to have claimed that \"I am the creator of the heavens and the earth\", which is sheer nonsense! It is unimaginable that Hazrat Ali (as) would have made such a claim and that too at a time when the matter of Imamate was still sensitive and he was not even designated as the Khalifah of the Muslims.

5. Even if we do accept this tradition, it does not fit Ali Mohammed as the tradition has stated that the name of the last Imam is Ali and not Ali Mohammed.

6. Also the literal translation of the tradition is that \"I am the one behind whom Isa will recite namaz\" and not that \"My namesake is the one behind whom Isa will recite namaz\" indicating that it is Hazrat Ali (as), as per this tradition, behind whom Isa will recite namaz.

Conclusion:

1. Baha’is have a long standing history of producing false traditions and false references. Their objective is only to confuse the masses and create doubts in the minds of Shiahs.

2. In their efforts to achieve their objective they do not spare either the Holy Prophet (saw) or the Holy Imams (as) and attribute false traditions to them.

3. By mis-translating tradition and misinterpreting them to suit their purpose, the Bahais aim to misguide the people. However they have not come across the tradition of the Holy Prophet (saw) who said, \"I am the city of knowledge and Ali is its gate.\" The Shiahs are yet attached to the gate of the city of knowledge. Even today there are Shiah scholars who understand Arabic as their own tongue and are able to produce references not only from Shiah books, but also from the books of others to emphasize their point that the Mahdi of Bahais has passed away from this world and is now unable to help anyone including the Bahais. The Mahdi of Shiahs is alive till today and as per the words of Ameerul Mo\'meneen Ali Ibne Abi Talib (as), the Imam, whether apparent or in occultation continues to fulfill his responsibilities. He is the one who guides the Shiahs and creates differences amongst his enemies.

Question #3: A tradition brought by the Baha’is:

The Baha’is in order to establish the name of the last Imam as Ali quote the following tradition from Hazrat Ali (as)

\"I will be on one side of his name and on the other side will be Mohammed - i.e., Ali Mohammed\"
(Ref: Mashrequl Anwar)

The Shiah Response:

1. Allamah Majlisi (may Allah be pleased with him) states that the books \"Masharequl Anwar\" and \"Alfeen\" are written by Hafez Rajab Ali Barsi. Allamah Majlisi states that \"I do not rely upon those traditions which are reported only through him in his books as his books contain such items which are falsely narrated.

2. Shaykh Hurre Amili has reported in his book Wasaelush Shiah that, \"The books of Hafez Rajab Ali Barsi contain items which are beyond the limits and on many occasions it is seen that he is prone to exaggeration.\"

3. From the above it is evident that the tradition quoted by the Bahais has been reported on the authority of a single person and that the narrator of this tradition is not only an unreliable person but is also prone to exaggeration.

4. Even if we do accept this tradition, it does not state clearly that the name of the Mahdi will be Ali Mohammed.

5. As per the tradition, on one side of the name will be Ali and on the other side of the name will be Mohammed. Then where is the name that will appear in the centre? This tradition will hold water only if the name of the person was Ali Baqir Mohammed or Mohammed Baqir Ali, or any other name in place of Mohammed.

6. Also, as per the logic of the Bahais and using this tradition, it can be inferred that the name of the person could be Mohammed Ali as well.

Conclusion:

The Baha’is are unable to understand even the most simple of matters. They present matters to create discord amongst the Shiahs and desire that people should accept whatever nonsense they say.

The Shiah Viewpoint: The name of Imam Mahdi (as)

For the sake of our readers, we present some genuine traditions about the name of Imam Mahdi (as). Bahai readers are requested to check the references, translations and the chain of narrators and satisfy themselves of the authenticity of these traditions. In addition if these are found correct, the Bahais should revert back to Islam. Surely the repentance of this world is better than repentance in the grave.

1. Imam Hasan Askari (as) says, \"The name of the last Imam is Mohammed and he will be the Qaem after me.\"
(Ref: Behar, volume 51, page 2)

2. Imam Hasan Askari (as) had only one son whom he named M-H-M-D.
(Ref: Behar, volume 51, page 4)

3. Imam Hasan Askari (as) had only one son whom he names Mohammed.
(Ref: Behar, volume 51, page 4)

4. On the grave of his mother, it was written, \"This is grave of the mother of Mohammed\"
(Ref: Behar, volume 51, page 4)

5. His agnomen is Abul Qasim and he will have 2 names - Khalaf and Mohammed. He will reappear during the last days of this world.
(Ref: Behar, volume 51, page 24)

6. Khalafus Saleh from my children is Mahdi and his name is Mohammed and his agnomen is Abul Qasim.
(Ref: Behar, volume 51, page 24)

7. He will have two names - one hidden and one apparent, Mohammed.
(Ref: Behar, volume 51, page 24)

8. The sorrowful one, his name is M-H-M-D and he is the son of Hasan (askari (as)).
(Ref: Behar, volume 51, page 110)

9. Very soon you will be pregnant with a child whose name will be M-H-M-D. After me he will be the Qaem.
(Ref: Behar, volume 51, page 2)

10. The awaited Imam is M-H-M-D and he is the son of Imam Hasan (as)
(Ref: Behar, volume 51, page 143)

11. Jabir says that I saw the name Mohammed written thrice in Lauhe\' Fatemah - referring to Imam Mohammed Baqir (as), Imam Mohammed Taqi (as) and Imam Mohammed Mahdi (as)
(Ref: Behar, volume 36, page 201)

12. There are three Mohammeds and four Alis in the Imams.
(Ref: Behar, volume 36, page 202)

13. The last Imam is Mohammed and he will appear at the end of time.
(Ref: Behar, volume 36, page 202)

14. Mohammed, the son of Imam Hasan (as) is the Qaem and Mahdi.
(Ref: Behar, volume 36, page 213)

15. When the death of Imam Hasan Askari (as) came near, he willed his possessions to his son Mohammed.
(Ref: Behar, volume 36, page 260)

16. After me there will be 12 Imams from my Ahle Bayt. The first of them will be Ali and the middle of these will be Mohammed and the last of them will also be Mohammed who will be the Mahdi of this community.
(Ref: Behar, volume 36, page 312)

The name of Hazrat Mahdi (as) is the same as that of the Holy Prophet (saw)

Now we shall focus our efforts on those traditions that say clearly and without any ambiguity that the name of the last Imam will be the same as the name of the Holy Prophet of Islam (saw).

1. He will be from us and his name will be like my name.
(Ref: Behar, volume 51, page 29)

2. He bears the same name and agnomen as that of the Holy Prophet (saw)
(Ref: Behar, volume 51, page 32)

3. His name is the same as that of the Holy Prophet (saw) and his father\'s name is that same as that of an Imam (as)
(Ref: Behar, volume 51, page 38)

4. His name will be my name and his father\'s name will be that of one of my sons and he will be from the progeny of my daughter.
(Ref: Behar, volume 51, page 38)

5. Mahdi is from my sons. His name will be my name and his agnomen will be my agnomen.
(Ref: Behar, volume 51, page 71)

6. The Qaem is from my sons. His name will be my name.
(Ref: Behar, volume 51, page 73)

7. May my parents be sacrificed upon the one whose name is my name and who resembles me.
(Ref: Behar, volume 51, page 152)

8. And from his progeny will appear the one who has the same name as that of the Holy Prophet (saw)
(Ref: Behar, volume 51, page 39)

9. May my life be sacrificed upon the one who has the same name as that of the Holy Prophet (saw)
(Ref: Behar, volume 51, page 136)

10. May my parents be sacrificed upon the one who bears the same name as my forefather!
(Ref: Behar, volume 51, page 152)

11. He bears the same name and agnomen as that of the Holy Prophet (saw)
(Ref: Behar, volume 51, page 157)

12. Then the one who has my name and agnomen will be the proof of Allah upon this earth.
(Ref: Behar, volume 36, page 249)

Dear readers, please note that these are few of the numerous traditions which have been reported about the name of the Mahdi. Now compare these with the few and disputed traditions which are brought forth by the Baha’is on this topic. If they cannot argue with us on just the name of the Mahdi, how can they discuss with us on his other characteristics?

Given that it is conclusively proved that the name of the last Imam is Mohammed, it is possible that some Baha’is may say that this \"Mohammed\" is Ali Mohammed Shirazi - The Bab. Despite having proved it contrary to this belief, it is important to note that there is another condition for the 12th Imam - that his agnomen would be the same as that of the Holy Prophet of Islam (saw) - Abul Qasim. Now we know that the Bab had Irani origins for whom, culturally the concept of agnomen did not exist. Hence this is another proof for negating the concept that the Bab was the hidden Imam.

In fact, my next article will further prove that Mirza Ali Mohammed Bab himself acknowledges Imam Mahdi - not just in presence of people, but also in a dua to Allah (swt). In Sahifae\' Adaliyah, Mirza Ali Mohammed Bab himself gives witness that Mohammed Ibne Hasan is the twelfth successor to the Holy Prophet (saw) and that he is the true Mahdi. Now this should not leave any Baha’i in doubt as to who the true Mahdi is. When Mirza Ali Mohammed Bab himself acknowledges this then where is the question of making him the Mahdi?

In addition, there are several traditions which clearly state the family tree of Imam Mahdi (as). Here are few of them:
1. He will have the same name and agnomen as that of the Holy Prophet (saw)
2. He will be from the children of Janabe Fatemah Zahra (sa)
3. He will be the ninth son of Imam Hussain (as)

Our conclusion :

The above traditions which are as clear as the sun give us the impressions that just as a father to fulfill the pleas of his child brings him a fake 100 dollar note, which the child does play with for some time, but then eventually tears it and throws it away. In the same manner, the Baha’is for some days projected Mirza Ali Mohammed Bab as the Mahdi despite the fact that even his name does not match the name of the Mahdi which is available in traditions. Now the Baha’is have caused even his books to disappear! What else can be the reason that the original Bayan in Arabic is unavailable? Could it be that the original Bayan was so full of elementary errors and mistakes that it became a cause of embarrassment for the Baha’is? Or was it that the original Bayan contained some statements which the Baha’is wanted to conceal from the masses?

Source: www.bahaiawareness.com