['Aalim Network QR] Rejection of Imam Mahdi (A) by Scholars

[Abbas Jaffer <abbas@dircon.co.uk>]

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|       In the Name of Allah, the Compassionate, the All-Merciful       |\
|  Greeting of Allah be upon Muhammad and the pure members of his House |\
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Salamun Alaykum,

The following question was kindly answered by Shaykh Hasnain Kassamali.

Regards

Abbas Jaffer
Acting Moderator - 'Aalim Network


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Question

When Imam Mahdi [a.s] appears, even though there are clear signs that
have been associated with his personality and the circumstances for his
identification, would the scholars of the time (both Shia and/or Sunni)
refute him and turn against him? If they did what would be the duty of the
followers of those maraji?

Answer

I am not aware of any hadith which says that the maraji` will be amongst
these scholars. Yes, there are reports that some scholars will turn against
the Imam (af). It undoubtedly sounds incredible. But history is replete with
events where scholars have been reposible for the commisions of great
crimes. Yazid b. Mu`awiyah (may the mercy of God be away from his ruh),
`Umar bin Sa`ad and their henchemen are said to have received fatwas from
the `ulama (scholars) of the time to carry out the massacre of Imam Husayn
(a), his family and companions in Karbala. The Holy Prophet (s) had warned
the ummah regarding the potential which scholars have in creating mischief.
In one hadith he said, "Idha fasadal `aalim, fasadal `aalam", i.e. If a
scholar gets corrupt, the world gets corrupt.

Under the circumstances it is the duty of an individual to disregard the
rebellion of the scholars and follow on what s/he thinks is the most
appropriate course to take. Moreover, there is no taqlid in usul (beliefs).
Following an Imam is from the beliefs.

Let me end this answer by invoking God in the words of Imam Abul Qasim
Muhammad al-Mahdi (af): O All... bestow our scholars with abstinece and
sincere advice.

God knows the best.

Hasnain Kassamali
Humble servant of the AhlulBayt (a)