Ten Reports for the Birth of Imam Mahdi (as) from Beharul Anwar

Allamah Majlisi (ar) has brought in chapter 1 of volume 51 of Beharul Anwar, the reports of the birth of Imam Mahdi (as) through various narrators. The reports of some of them are given below. These reports are an evidence for the birth of Imam Mahdi (as) in the house of Imam Hasan Askari (as). These reporters include companions of Imam Askari (as) as well as some of the slaves who were witnesses to his birth.

Moallah Ibne Mohammed narrates that he received a Tawqee from Imam Hasan Askari (as) on the occasion of the death of Zubayri. The Imam wrote, “Such is the end of those who seek to falsify the friends of Allah. He (Zubayri) desired to kill me with the intention of terminating my lineage. See how Allah demonstrated his power that the birth of the Hujjah has taken place” (Beharul Anwar volume 51, chapter 1, tradition 4 narrated from Kamaulddin)
Ahmed Ibne Qummi reports that he received a letter from Imam Hasan Askari (as) in which he wrote, “A son has been born to me. His birth has been kept hidden. I have only reported it to only my close companions.” (Beharul Anwar volume 51, chapter 1, tradition 21 narrated form Kamaluddin)
Ibrahim Ibne Mohammed reports from Naseem, the slave girl of Imam Hasan Askari (as). I presented myself before the Imam (as) just two days after the birth of Imam Mahdi (as). When I sneezed in his presence, he (Imam Mahdi (as)) said “Yarhamuk Allah” (May Allah have mercy upon you) (Beharul Anwar volume 51, chapter 1, tradition 24 narrated from al-Ghaybah of Shaykh Tusi)
Naseem and Maariyah, the slave girls of Imam Hasan Askari (as) unanimously reported that when Imam Mahdi (as) was born, he knelt on the ground and his hands were raised towards the heavens. Then he sneezed and said, “Alhamdo Lillahe Rabbil Aalameen” (All praises are for Allah, the Lord of the worlds) (Beharul Anwar volume 51, tradition 24 narrated from al-Ghaybah of Shaykh Tusi)
Abu Ghanim narrates that a son was born to Abu Mohammed Imam Hasan Askari (as) who he named M-H-M-D. On the third day, he presented his son to his close companions with the words, “This is your master after me and the leader for you all. This is the son who will be awaited. When the earth will be rife with injustice, he will reappear and fill the earth with justice.” (Beharul Anwar volume 51, chapter 1, tradition 11 narrated from Kamaluddin)

Imam Askari (as) has clearly indicated that he will fill the earth with justice – in his lifetime and not that people will await justice after his passing away. This is extremely relevant in our argument against the enemies of Imam Mahdi (as) who claim that the Imam has come and gone.

Taraif Abu Nasr narrates that I presented myself before Imam Mahdi (as). He sought some red sandalwood from me which I duly provided. He asked, “Do you recognise me?” I replied, “You are my master and the son of my master”… The narration continues and ends with the words of Imam Mahdi (as), “…I am the seal of the vicegerents” (Beharul Anwar volume 52, chapter 23, tradition 25 narrated from Kamaluddin)
At the end of a long tradition, Ibrahim, the companion of Imam Hasan Aksari (as) reports that Imam Hasan Askari (as) sent me four male sheep with the following letter, “In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Beneficent. These are from my son, Mahdi (as). Eat them and share them with our Shiahs as well.” (Beharul Anwar volume 51, chapter 1, tradition 37 narrated from Kashful Ghummah)
Ahmed Ibne Ishaq narrates that Imam Hasan Askari (as), his face was radiant like the full moon, brought forward a child whose age was about 3 years on his shoulders and said, “I would never have disclosed this to you but for my respect for you. This is my son, with the same name and the kuniyah (agnomen) as the Holy Prophet (sawa).” (Beharul Anwar volume 52, chapter 23, tradition 16)
Ahmad bin Hasan bin Ishaq Qummi said, “When Imam Mahdi (as) was born, a letter came from Imam Hasan Askari (as) to my grandfather, Ahmad Ibne Ishaq. It was written in the handwriting in which his letters would come to my grandfather, “The Infant is born. This must remain a secret with you and hidden from all people, for we have not revealed it but to the closest of his relations and the fondest of his devotees. We desired to inform you, so may Allah make you happy through him as He has made us. And peace be on you.” (Beharul Anwar volume 51, chapter 1, tradition 21 narrated through Kamaluddin)
Abu Jafar Mohammed Ibne Usman Amri said, “When Imam Mahdi (as) was born, Imam Hasan Askari (as) sent for Abu Amr (first special deputy of Imam Mahdi (as) and father of Abu Jafar Amri) and he came. The Imam said to him, ‘Buy ten thousand pounds of bread and ten thousand pounds of meat and distribute them according to the status of people.’ He told him to distribute it to Bani Hashim and offer his Aqeeqah of a certain number of sheep.” (Beharul Anwar volume 51, chapter 1, tradition 9 narrated through Kamaluddin)

The above traditions should suffice to establish the birth of Imam Mahdi (as). They conclusively prove that a son was born to Imam Mahdi (as), he was introduced to his close companions and the occasion was celebrated, albeit secretly, amongst the Bani Hashim of the period.

For more details on the birth of Hazrat Imam Mahdi (as), readers can refer to the following articles –