Is there any proof about the birth of Imam Mahdi(atfs)?*
Excerpt No – 8
Book – Ghaibat Al Tusi
Author – Shaikh e Tusi(ar)
Chapter – 2: Evidence of the birth of Imam Mahdi(atfs)
In this chapter Shaikh Tusi(ar) verifies the birth of Imam Mahdi(atfs) by rational reasoning as well as, by the traditional reports of individuals who have seen him after his birth.
1. The following Rational evidences are presented for his birth:
A. There exist an enormously large number of authentic Traditions about the Imamat of Imam Mahdi(atfs) throughout the history of Ahle Bayt(as). This itself does away with a need for someone to actually witness his birth to believe in his existence.
B. Since it is accepted that the number of Imams are 12, hence it obvious today that Imam Mahdi(atfs) is already born.
C. Likewise numerous traditions mention about the occultation of Imam Mahdi(atfs). It is thus evident that he is already born so as to be in occultation.
2. Those who have seen Imam Mahdi(atfs) in his childhood.
A. Lady Hakima(sa), daughter of Imam Muhammad Taqi(as) is a prominent narrator who witnessed the birth of Imam Mahdi(atfs). She has described the birth of Imam(atfs) in detail. Lady Hakima(sa) says that when Imam Mahdi(atfs) was born, he went into prostration and even recited the Holy Quran. Then he spoke to Imam Hasan Askari(as) while sending blessings on the Messenger of Allah(sawa) and Amirul Momineen(as) until he reached his father.
B. Furthermore, there were some trusted companions of Imam Hasan Askari(as) to whom the Imam(as) himself informed about the birth of Imam Mahdi(atfs), so that they could educate other Shias.
C. Also, there are reports that a few fortunate believers who came to visit Imam Hasan Askari(as) saw his son and witnessed the signs of Imamat. These people were informed about the birth and concealment of Imam Mahdi(atfs), and they diffused this information.
It is important to keep in mind that all this was being done in a secretive manner, in order to keep the Imam(atfs) safe from the enemies of Allah(swt).
The proofs mentioned in this chapter provide enough evidence on the birth of Imam Mahdi(atfs).
May Allah(swt) strengthen our reasoning in every matter that relates to Imam Mahdi(atfs).