KITABUL GHAYBAH
Esoteric
Sciences of Aale Muhammad (a.s.): The book ‘Al-Ghaybah’ is among the
most valuable legacies of our religion. The book is on the subject of
Imamate, which is our central and fundamental belief.
This invaluable book was practically
lost but for an old manuscript. Even there, the errors of the copier
had caused confusion in concepts. Around thirty years ago a pious
scholar undertook the task of editing this book and got it published.
A Brief Introduction of the Author It is necessary to present over here a short
introduction of the author:
Name of book: Kitab-ul-Ghaybah
Name of author: Muhammad bin Ibrahim bin Jafar
Kuniyat of author: Abu Abdillah
Title of author: Al-Kaatib – Al – Nomani
Common title: Ibn Abi Zainab
His name is included in the list of the
early traditionalists of the fourth century hijri. He was the student
of the ‘pillar of Islam’ – Shaikh Yaqub al-Kulayni (r.a.), (whose book
‘al-Kafi’ is among the four main books of the Shias) and he (al-Nomani)
learnt the subject of ‘hadees’ under his guidance. He got the honor of
noting down the traditions (ahadith) narrated by his teacher and hence
he became renowned by the title of ‘al -Kaatib’.
The book ‘Kitabul Ghaybah’ which is
commonly known as ‘Ghaybat-e-Nomani’ contains twenty six chapters. It
is published by ‘Maktab al-Sadiq’ of Tehran and it contains 332 pages.
Its date of publication is not mentioned but it was entirely edited in
the year 1397 A.H
Chapter One
This chapter contains 58 traditions and deals with the topic of
concealing the secrets of Ahlul Bait (a.s.) from the unworthy people.
For instance, the Motezalah who accept the distinction of Ameerul
Momeneen (a.s.) over all others but at the same time believe that an
inferior person can be chosen over a superior person.
…. Is He then Who guides to truth worthier to be followed, or he who
himself does not go aright unless he is guided What then is the matter
with you, how do you judge
(Surah Yunus (10): Verse 35)
Whether it is the Motazelah or the
Ashairah or other enemies of Ahlul Bait (a.s.) – all of them are blind
and biased. They are not able to distinguish truth from falsehood. Thus
it is necessary that we don’t narrate such traditions to these kinds of
people. Otherwise they will go to the extent of refuting and rebelling
against Allah, His messenger (s.a.w.a) and our holy Imams (a.s.). Imam
Sadiq (a.s.) says in one tradition,
“Some people consider me as their Imam, but I’m certainly not their
leader. May Allah curse them! Because the things that I conceal, they
reveal it among the people. I say “so and so” (without taking any
names) and they say “certainly Imam was referring to so and so person
(they take the name).” Then Imam (a.s.) says,
Certainly, I’m the Imam of the one who obeys me.
(Al Ghaybah; Chap. 1, H. No 8 )
Chapter Two
The second chapter is based on the Tafseer (exegesis) of verse 102 of Surah
Aal-e-Imran in which Allah says
And hold fast by the covenant of Allah all together and be not disunited.
(Surah Aal-e-Imraan (3): Verse 102)
A person came to Holy Prophet
(s.a.w.a.) and said ‘I have heard that Allah has told the people to
hold His rope (covenant) steadfastly. Then which is that rope
(covenant) with whom we have to attach ourselves And about which
breakup and separation have we been cautioned
Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) bowed down his
head for a while. He (s.a.w.a.) then raised it and while pointing
towards Ameerul Momeneen Ali (a.s.) said,He is the one who is the ‘rope
(covenant) of Allah.’ The one who adheres to him will remain safe in
this world and in the Hereafter too, he shall not be deviated.
(Ibid; Chap. 2, Trad. 1)
Chapter Three
The traditions concerning Imamate & Khilafat have been narrated in
this chapter. The appointment of the Imam and his successor are Allah’s
prerogative and privilege.
Once a group of around twenty people were present with Imam Sadiq (a.s.). He
(a.s.) said,
You may be under the impression that appointing an Imam is the
responsibility of our family and we can appoint anyone whom we desire.
By Allah! It is not as you think. This is a covenant from the side of
Allah that He revealed on Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a). In it is the name
written of every Imam in sequence.
(Ibid; Chap. 3, Trad. 1)
Chapter Four
This chapter includes those traditions that mention that Imams (a.s.)
shall be only twelve and they are appointed by Allah. Hazrat Jibrael
(a.s.) came in the presence of Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a) and said,
Allah (s.w.t.) has ordered you to get
your daughter Fatima (s.a.) married to Ali (a.s.). Thus Holy Prophet
(s.a.w.a) did as he was instructed by Allah.
(Ibid; Chap. 4, Trad. 1)
Chapter Five
This chapter contains the traditions which discuss about those people
who have falsely claimed the exalted rank of Imamate and also about
those people who have forsaken the rightly appointed Imams (a.s.) and
have chosen to follow the false claimants.
Imam Sadiq (a.s.) says,
There are three groups of people with whom Allah will not speak on the
day of Judgment nor shall He purify them. And He has destined a severe
chastisement for them. The first group is of those people who falsely
claim the divine status of Imamate for themselves. The second group is
of those people who reject the divinely appointed Imam. The third group
is of those people who consider the first two groups as correct and
believe that Islam is benefited by them.
(Ibid; Chap. 5, Trad. 3)
Chapter Six
In this chapter, the author has collected those traditions of Holy
Prophet (s.a.w.a) that mention his successors and which the famous
scholars have collected in their books. The narrators of all these
traditions are the revered & respected companions of Holy Prophet
(s.a.w.a).
For instance, Mashrooq narrates, ‘We
were once with Ibne Masood when a person came to him and asked, “Has
your Prophet informed you about his successors’ Ibne Masood replied
‘Yes. But you are the first person to ask me such a question while you
are youngest among the people. I heard the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a) say:
The successors after me shall be equal to the Nuqaba (chiefs) of Hazrat Moosa
(a.s.).
(Ibid; Chap. 6, Trad. 1)
Similarly, he (s.a.w.a.) said in another tradition
They will be twelve, equal to the Nuqaba of Bani Israel.
(Ibid, Chap. 6, Trad. 3)
In a similar manner, the author has bought traditions narrated by Anas
bin Malik, Jabir bin Samorah Savaee, Abu Huzefa, Samorah bin Jundab and
Abdullah bin Umar.
Chapter Seven
This chapter enumerates the traditions which state that anyone who
passes the night without recognizing the Imam of his time and if he
departs from the world in that condition, his death will be of
‘jaaheliyah’ (the period before the advent of Islam). Similarly if a
person accepts the divine religion of Islam without acknowledging the
Imam, then Allah will not accept his (good) deeds.
Imam Baqir (a.s.) says,
The one who follows the religion of Allah by His worship and puts
himself in difficulties for His sake, but he does not follow an Imam
appointed by Allah, then his efforts will not be accepted and he will
be deviated and in turmoil.
(Ibid, Chap. 7, Trad. 1)
Numerous traditions on this topic have
been mentioned in the earlier special issues of al – Muntazar and also
in the ‘Correspondence Course Lessons’ that are printed by Association
of Imam Mahdi (a.s.). Esteemed readers can refer to them for more
details.
Chapter Eight
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‘The earth can never remain devoid of a divine representative’ Traditions on
this topic are mentioned in this chapter.
Chapter Nine
Those traditions that say that ‘If only two people remain in this
world, then one of them will be the Proof of Allah’ are mentioned in
this chapter.
Chapter Ten
This chapter is devoted to the occultation of twelfth Imam – Imam
al-Muntazar (a.s.). It contains the tradition of Ameerul Momineen
(a.s.) which cautions us about the things that are the cause of
deviation during the occultation of Imam Zamana (a.s.). This chapter is
very vast and has quite a few sections. It starts from page 140 and
ends at page 194 – a total of 54 pages devoted to this topic. It deals
with a range of topics related to occultation. The researcher, Ali
Akber Ghaffari has adorned this chapter by including the views of
contemporary scholars. Over here we will suffice ourselves by
mentioning only one tradition.
Furaat bin Ahnaf narrates from Imam
Sadiq (a.s.) who narrates from his ancestors (a.s.) that During the
reign of Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.), the water of the Euphrates had
risen to dangerous levels. Ali (a.s.) along with his two sons – Imam
Hasan (a.s.) & Imam Husain (a.s.) mounted their horses and reached
a place by the name of Taifah-e-Saqif. When the people saw them they
were relieved and knew that Ali (a.s.) would rescue them from the
swelling river. Hazrat Ali (a.s.) addressed them and said, ‘I and both
my sons shall be martyred. Certainly, during the last times, Allah will
raise a person from my progeny who shall avenge our blood. He shall
remain in occultation so that the misguided and irresponsible people
should not be able to identify him. In fact the ignorant and fools of
those times will sayAllah is not in need of the progeny of Muhammad.
(Ibid; Chap. 10, Trad. 1)
In the fifth section of this chapter, traditions from other Imams
(a.s.) concerning Imam-e-Zamaana (a.t.f.s.) have been collected. Here,
we shall mention a tradition that clearly indicates the type of people
who shall have certainty during the occultation of Imam-e-Zamaana
(a.t.f.s.). Imam Sadiq (a.s.) says,When the Qaem shall rise, people
will deny him because he will come before them as a youth. Only those
people from whom Allah has taken a pledge in ‘Alam-e-Zar’ shall remain
firm and steadfast.
(Ibid; Chap. 10, Sec. 5, Trad. 43)
Chapter Eleven
It contains those traditions in which the followers and lovers of Ahlul
Bait (a.s.) have been exhorted to patiently await the reappearance of
Imam-e-Zamaana (a.t.f.s.). The narrator asked Imam Baqir (a.s.) about
the verse of Quran
“…be patient and excel in patience and remain steadfast…”
Imam (a.s.) replied,
Be patient in fulfilling your duties towards Allah. Be patient and
tolerant against the enemies and be attentive to your Imam (a.s.) (i.e.
be in contact with your Imam by means of awaiting.
Chapter Twelve
Here, those traditions have been compiled that mention about the
divisions and differences among the Shias and their trials and
tribulations during occultation. For instance, Imam Sadiq (a.s.) says.
His reappearance shall not occur until some of you spit on each other’s
face while some of you curse each other. Till the extent that some of
you will call the others as liars.
Chapter Thirteen
The characteristics & traits of Imam-e-Zamaana (a.t.f.s.) in the
light of Quranic verses and traditions of the Holy Imams (a.s.) have
been mentioned in this chapter. The attributes of Janabe Narjis Khatoon
(s.a.) too have been mentioned. The manner and approach of
Imam-e-Zamaana (a.t.f.s.), his judgments, signs through which he can be
recognized, his clothes, attributes of his companions and soldiers and
other similar details have been discussed in this chapter.
Chapter Fourteen
This chapter deals with the signs that will appear immediately before
the reappearance of Imam-e-Zamaana (a.t.f.s.). One point that needs to
be kept in mind over here is that we are awaiting the reappearance of
Imam-e-Zamaana (a.t.f.s.) and not the signs preceding it. Also we
should always remember that just as the day of resurrection (Qiyamat)
is a definite occurrence, likewise the reappearance of Imam-e-Zamaana
(a.t.f.s.) too is a certainty and no change (Bad’a) can take place in
this matter because it is a Divine Promise and Allah does not break His
promises.
Chapter Fifteen
In this chapter, the calamities and the tribulations before the reappearance of
Imam-e-Zamaana (a.t.f.s.) have been explained.
Mufazzal ibn Umar says that ‘We were in
the presence of Imam Sadiq (a.s.) when a discussion arose about
Imam-e-Zamaana (a.t.f.s.). I said ‘I hope his reappearance takes place
easily.’ Imam (a.s.) replied,
This affair (of reappearance) will not actualize till (due the severe
calamities) you do not separate the frozen blood from the sweat.
The difficulties before reappearance
shall be so harsh that the blood of an individual shall freeze, his
flesh will be separated from his bones and he will be completely
engulfed in troubles and difficulties.
Chapter Sixteen
This chapter comprises of traditions that prohibit the fixing of a time
for the reappearance of Imam (a.s.). Muhammad ibn Muslim narrates that
Imam Sadiq (a.s.) said
Don’t hesitate in refuting the one who fixes a time for the
reappearance (of Imam Zamana (a.s.)). For, we have not fixed the time
of reappearance of the Qaem (a.s.) from our side.
(Ibid, Chap. 16, Trad. 3)
Chapter Seventeen
The problems that shall arise due to the deeds of ignorant and
uninformed people after the reappearance of Imam-e-Zamaana (a.t.f.s.)
have been enumerated in this chapter.
Imam Sadiq (a.s.) says,
When our Qaem shall appear, he will have to deal with ignorant and
immature people. The troubles caused by them will be more severe than
those caused by the infidel Arabs to Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a).
The narrator asked Imam (a.s.) ‘How is
this possible’ Imam (a.s.) repliedCertainly, Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a)
came at a time when the people were worshipping idols made of stone and
wood. But when our Qaem shall appear, the people will be believing in
the Book (of Allah) but they will interpret it exactly opposite to what
it says and will argue with him (a.s.) through the Book.
Then Imam (a.s.) said
Know that his justice will enter every house just as (the heat of) summer and
(the chill of) winter enters every dwelling.
(Ibid, Chap. 17, Trad. 3)
Note: It is easier to destroy the
physical idols made of wood and stone than to destroy the views and
opinions of an individual. They are ‘mental idols’ with whom every
person is strongly attached. Then those who interpret Quranic verses
according to their whims and fancies must be cautious. When Imam (a.s.)
shall appear, he will wage a war against such people.
Chapter Eighteen
This chapter speaks about the ’standard’ (flag) of the Holy Prophet
(s.a.w.a) that shall be carried by Imam-e-Zamaana (a.t.f.s.). It is the
same ’standard’ which Hazrat Ali (a.s.) had carried in the battle of
Siffin and said This is the flag that no one will raise after me except
the Qaem
(Ibid, Chap. 18 Trad. 1)
Chapter Twenty
This chapter deals with the characteristics of the companions of
Imam-e-Zamaana (a.t.f.s.). Traditions in this regard have been
published in the earlier issues of al-Muntazar. Esteemed readers can
refer to those issues. The companions of Imam (a.s.) will be those who
are in the forefront of doing virtuous and righteous acts. Majority of
the companions will be young. Very few shall be old – like salt in food
or kohl (surma) in the eyes.
(Ibid, Chap. 20, Trad. 6)
Chapter Twenty One
The conditions of the Shias before and after reappearance have been mentioned
in this chapter.
Imam Sadiq (a.s.) says.
When our Qaem shall appear, those who would consider themselves as the
beneficiary of his reappearance (i.e. Shias) shall rebel against him.
On the other hand, those were worshipping the sun and the moon shall
join his (a.s.) army and benefit from his reappearance.
(Ibid; Chap. 21, Trad. 1)
Note: This tradition clearly explains that we should not rest on the
laurels of being a Shia and lover of Imam-e-Zamaana (a.t.f.s.). Rather
we should intensely guard this precious bounty and regularly recite
‘Dua-e-Ghareeq’ so that at the time of difficulty we do not forsake the
love and mastership of Ahlul Bait (a.s.). We should not be surprised to
learn that sun & moon worshippers will join the army of
Imam-e-Zamaana (a.t.f.s.). History is a witness that people have
changed their sides and have come out of darkness (of falsehood) into
light (of truth). The example of Janabe Hurr (a.s.) is one such case
Chapter Twenty Two
This chapter deals with those traditions that state that Imam-e-Zamaana
(a.t.f.s.) shall give a fresh invitation to the people.
Imam Sadiq (a.s.) says,
‘When the Qaem shall appear, he will give a fresh invitation (to the
people). Just as Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a) had invited the people (to
Islam)’
On hearing this Janabe Abu Baseer stood
up from his place, kissed the forehead of Imam (a.s.) and said ‘I
testify that you are my Imam in this world and in the hereafter. I love
your friends and bear enmity with your enemies. I bear witness that you
are the ‘wali’ (master) from the side of Allah’ On hearing this Imam
(a.s.) said:
May Allah have mercy upon you.
Chapter Twenty Three
This section deals with traditions that speak about the young age at
which Imam-e-Zamaana (a.t.f.s.) attained the lofty rank of Imamate.
Chapter Twenty Four
This chapter is of special importance. It contains traditions in which
Imam Sadiq (a.s.) has categorically stated that after him, his eldest
son Janabe Ismail will not be the Imam. Rather, Imam Moosa Kazim (a.s.)
will be his successor and the next Imam. Thus this chapter contains
traditions that reject the Imamate of Janabe Ismail.
Chapter Twenty Five
This chapter talks about those traditions that say that the one who
recognizes the Imam will never be harmed (in matters of faith) even if
the deliverance be delayed.
Chapter Twenty Six
This is the last chapter and deals with the tenure of Imam Zamana’s
(a.t.f.s.) Imamate. According to the tradition of Imam Sadiq (a.s.),
the period of Imamate of Imam-e-Zamaana (a.t.f.s.) is around 19 years
and a few months
O Allah! Hasten the reappearance of Imam-e-Zamaana (a.t.f.s.) and grant
tranquility to heart of Janabe Zahra (s.a.).
Ref:Manazelul Akherah
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