Al Khalaf

It is mentioned in Hidaayah5 and Manaaqib-e-Qadeemah that it is one of the titles of the Holy Imam (a.s.). The Imam is called by this name many times in the sayings of the Holy Imams
(a.s.). In Taareekh Ibne Khashshaab,6 it is mentioned that the Imam is having the Kuniyyat of Abul Qasim; and that he is having two names: Khalaf and Muhammad. He will appear in the last period of time. A cloud would be shading him from the sun and he will tour on this cloud. He will travel to every place and it will be announced in an eloquent voice: This is the promised Mahdi for whom we were waiting. It is narrated from Imam Ali Reza (a.s.) that he said: Khalaf Saaleh is the son of Abu Muhammad Hasan bin Ali (a.s.) and he is the Master of the Time and he is the Mahdi.1 Also, it is narrated from Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s.) that he said: Khalaf Saaleh is from my descendants; he is the Mahdi; his name is Muhammad; his agnomen is Abul Qasim. He will appear in the last period of time.2 Khalaf implies successor of that Imam and all the prophets and successors. He is the owner of all their knowledges and
qualities and special excellences, which each of them inherits from the other. All those qualities will finally gather in him. In the famous traditions of the tablet of Jabir, he saw with Lady Fatima Zahra (s.a.) that it was mentioned after the name of Imam Hasan Askari (a.s.): Thereafter, I will complete this (chain of Imamate) with his son, the Khalaf, who is the mercy for the worlds. He will possess the perfection of Moosa, the brightness of Isa and the patience of Ayyub.3