Early life
Imam Hasan al-Askari
How do we receive indirect guidance from Imam Mahdi
Through our ulama/maraji
What does Ghaybah mean
Concealment, occultation, hidden
When was Imam Mahdi born
15th Shaban (255 AH)
What is the difference between the two periods of ghaybah (how long did each last, why did they start/end)
Ghaybat as-sughra (minor occultation) - when Imam Mahdi was 5 years old --> around 75 years
Ghaybat as-Kubra (major occulation) - started when his 4th na'ib passed away --> present
What is another title of Imam Mahdi
al-Qa'im - "He who will rise" or "The Riser"
Al-Hujjah - "The Proof"
Al-Muntazar - "The Awaited One"
Give me 2 examples of other religions who believe in a messiah
Christianity - Jesus' second coming
Judaism - believe a messiah will come from hte line of Kind David
Buddhism, Hinduism
Why is Imam Mahdi in ghaybah
1. For his safety
2. A time of test/preparation for the people
What does 'Mahdi' mean
'The Guided'
What is one sign of Imam Mahdi's reappearance
- Loud cry in the sky
- Earth sinking in the land of Bayda (Sufyani's army will be swallowed)
- Murder of a pure soul (Nafs Zakkiyah)
- Rise of Sufyani
- Rise of Yamani (white flag)
How does the metaphor of the sun behind the clouds relate to Imam Mahdi
On a cloudy day, even though the sun is behind the clouds and we cannot see it, we still receive light and heat from it. In the same way, when the Imam is in ghaybah, we receive guidance from him indirectly through our ulama and maraji‛.
What does Na'ib mean
Representative
Which Prophet is believed to return and support Imam Mahdi (AS)?
Prophet Isa
What were the names of 2 of Imam Mahdi's 4 representatives
Uthman ibn Sa‘id (260 – 262 AH)
Muhammad ibn Uthman (262 – 305 AH)
Husayn ibn Rawh (305 – 326 AH)
Ali ibn Muhammad al-Samuri (326 – 329 AH)
What is the plural of na'ib