Titles of Imam Mahdi
Fill in the blank: Shia regard Imam Mahdi (a) as the Imam of the _________ age
PRESENT/CURRENT/MODERN
Where was Imam Mahdi born? (was in Zeinab's slideshow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
Samarrah, Iraq
What is the current age of Imam Mahdi?
around 1,190 years old
Why is Imam Mahdi often described as a symbol of hope?
Because his reappearance represents the ultimate victory of justice over oppression, similar answers accepted
Translate Imam Mahdi's title "Sahib al-Zaman"? (This was in Zeinab's slideshow!!!)
Master of the Age
At what age did Imam Ali attain Imamate (become Imam)? Extra 1 point if you can give the reason why.
at age 5, due to the martyrdom of his father Imam al-Hasan al-'Askari (a).
Which ruling dynasty was in power during Imam Mahdi’s birth and early life?
The Abbasid Caliphate
What are the names given to the Minor Occultation and the Major Occultation?
Ghaybat al-sughra, Ghaybat al-kubra
Translate Imam Mahdi's title, "Al-Mahdi" (This was in Zeinab's slideshow!!!)
The Guided One
Who is Imam Mahdi's mother?
Narjis Khatun/Janab al-Nargis Khatoon (as)
Why did rulers of the time closely monitor the family of Imam Hasan al-Askari?
Because of widespread prophecies that a promised Mahdi would arise from his lineage and challenge injustice
Which dua is commonly recited asking for Imam Mahdi’s protection and return?
Dua al-Faraj
Name another title for Imam Mahdi (a) that translates to the guardian of the age
Wali l-'Asr
Ghaybat al-sughra (minor occultation) refers to a time lasting from 874–941 CE where Imam Mahdi appointed representatives to represent him among the people. What event marked the beginning of this?
The death of the 11th Imam, Imam Hasan
How many deputies (representatives) did Imam Mahdi have during the Minor Occultation?
four
What does the famous title "Baqiyyatu Allah" mean? How is it significant?
meaning 'the One who has remained from Allah'
Why was the birth of Imam Mahdi hidden from people and kept a secret? Be specific for full points, think logically about the time period!
Shia Muslims believe Imam Mahdi is already born and in occultation, while Sunnis generally believe he will be born in the future. Imam Mahdi is believed to be placed into Occultation (Ghaybah) by Allah to protect him from persecution. Sunni Muslims do not believe in this, and believe he is separate from any line of Imams.
What is the significance of the number 313 in relation to Imam Mahdi?
It is believed to be the number of his initial devoted companions, similar to the Battle of Badr