Imam Muhammad al-Mahdi

The session began on time at Dr. Fahimi’s house. Dr. Fahimi welcomed the group and without wasting much time formulated his question with a brief introduction outlining the problem as he saw it. Dr. Fahimi: The personality of the Mahdi in the Shi’i traditions is prominent and clear. However, in the Sunni traditions it is mentioned briefly and that also with much ambiguity. For example, the story of his occultation…

It was almost a month later when Dr. Jalali informed everyone about the next meeting on Friday evening at his residence. The group had come together to resume the discussion. After a brief introduction and some refreshments the session was formally opened by Mr. Hoshyar, who informed the gathering about the letter he had received from Dr. Nafisi. He asked Dr. Jalali to read it aloud. Dr. Jalali agreed and…

The group met at Dr. Jalali’s house. The session began on time. Everyone was anxious to hear Dr. Jalali’s questions. Dr. Jalali: What was the purpose of the Short Occultation? If the twelfth Imam was going to be in occultation, why did he not do so immediately following the death of Imam Hasan ‘Askari? Why did he not become completely cut off from his followers? Mr. Hoshyar: You must realize…

The session began on time. Everyone was anxiously waiting to begin the discussion. Dr. Fahimi formulated his question thus. Dr. Fahimi: Let us assume that Imam Hasan ‘Askari did have a son. But how can one believe that a five year old lad is appointed to the position of wilayat and Imamate? How is it possible that he is given the charge of protecting and effecting the laws of God…

On Friday evening the group met at Engineer Madani’s house. The session formally began with the question raised by Dr. Jalali. Dr. Jalali: I have heard that Imam Hasan ‘Askari had no son at all! Mr. Hoshyar: There are several methods to prove that Imam Hasan ‘Askari did have a son: In numerous traditions reported on the authority of the Prophet (peace be upon him and his progeny) and the…