Mahdaviyat and Historians

Adopted from the book: "Mahdaviyat in Hadith"

1- Qazi Ahmed Ibn Khallakaan writes : "Abul Qasim Mohammad bin Hasan Askari ..... who according to the creed of Imamiyat is twelfth Imam, and is known by the name of Al-Hujjah." And Ibne Arzaq in his history (Mayafareqin) has also recorded the date of birth of Hazrat Mahdi (a.s.). (Wafayatul-Aajen-vol.3 page, 316.)

2- Abu Mohammad Abdullah bin Mohammad bin Al-Khashaab indites in his book of history; Mawalidul Aaimma wafyatuhum.' "He is the bearer of two names, 'Al-Khalaf and Mohammad' and he will reappear in the last days of era. A part of the cloud will always shadow him on his head. Wherever he may go this cloud will also accompany him while shadowing over-head. And a very eloquent voice will be heard from grand heavens ..... that, this is Mahdi". (Al-Majalisus saniyyah vol. 5 page, 586.)

3- Historian Abdul Malik Usaami Makki while writing about H. Mahdi (a.s.) states that "Mohammad Mahdi (a.s.) son of Hasan Askari (a.s.) son of Ali Taqi (a.s.) son of.....son of Ali bin Abi Talib (May Allah be pleased with all of them). His birth took place of Friday on 15th Shabaan, 255 A.H. And this is most accurate year of birth. His mother's name was Susan or 'Narjis'. His epithet is Abul Qasim and his agnomen are Al-Hujjah, Al-Khalafe - Saleh Al-Qaem - Al-Muntazar, Sahebuz-zaman and 'Mahdi' And among these 'Mahdi' is the most famous title". He writes further while explaining the matter in detail regarding his personality. ....broad and sturdy shoulders, with handsome and pleasing face, beautiful hairs and broad forehead. His father expired when he was only five year old." (Samatun-Nujum-il-awaali- vol.4 page, 138).

4- Shaikh Akbar Mohyiddin Ibn Arabi in his 'Futuhaat' writes about the uprising of Mahdi (a.s.) that "He will not reappear unless the world is filled with injustice and oppression to such an extent that a single day is left in the tenure of this world. He will be from the offspring of the Prophet(s) and progeny of Fatema (s.a.) His forefather is Imam Hussain (a.s.) and his father is Imam Hasan Askari (a.s.) ".

From all the proofs mentioned above it is proved that the Belief in Mahdaviyat' is one of the branches of the tree of Islamic creed. Last Prophet Hazrat Mohammad Mustafa (s.a.w.) has explained quite many traditions in this regard, from which it is proved that Hazrat Mahdi (a.s.) is from the progeny of Fatema, son of Imam Hasan Askari (a.s.) and twelfth Imam, finally Prophet(s) has also mentioned about his two occultations. And Keeping the importance of belief in view, it is also explained that denying the belief is tantamount to accept infidelity. (Kufr.) Especially those traditions of Prophet(s) which expound the concept of occultations and longevity is for the attention of those scholars whose ideology is influenced and affected by materialism and hence they have rejected this belief outrightly.