14 Aug The Inclusion of Women Among the Companions of Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.)
Traditions Mentioning Women Among the Companions
Specific traditions also mention women among the companions of Hazrat Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.). Janab Jabir Jo’fi has narrated a detailed tradition from Hazrat Imam Mohammad Baqir (a.s.) about Hazrat Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.), stating:
“And he will come, accompanied by three hundred and some people, including fifty women. They will gather in Makkah without any prior promise, just as leaves are gathered under a tree by the wind in autumn. They will be alongside each other. This is the meaning of the verse in which Allah the Almighty says: ‘Wherever you are, Allah will bring you all together; Surely Allah has power over all things.’ A person from the progeny of Ahle Bait (a.s.) will call out that this is the place whose inhabitants are cruel, then they will travel from Makkah, three hundred and some people will accompany him, between Maqaam-e-Ibrahim and Hajar-e-Aswad, they will pledge allegiance on his blessed hand, and he will have the covenant of the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.) with him. His flag, his weapon and his minister will be with him.” (Tafseer al-Ayyaashi, vol. 1, pg. 65 under the verse 148 of Surah Baqarah (2))
This tradition clearly states that Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) will be accompanied by fifty women. In other traditions, the number of initial companions of Hazrat Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) is mentioned as 313. These will be the selected and chosen ones who will accompany him at the time of reappearance, possessing exalted characteristics and excellent morals. Gradually, the number of companions will increase.
The Inclusion of Women Among the 313 Companions
A question arises: Are the fifty women mentioned in the traditions included among the 313 companions, or are they in addition to them? One interpretation is that when Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) reappears, there will be 313 men and fifty women, making a total of 363 special companions. This suggests that the characteristics and attributes of these fifty women would be distinct.
Alternatively, these fifty women may be included among the 313 companions, meaning there will be 263 men and fifty women. In this case, the women would be equal to men in faith, actions, and other attributes, and hold a very high rank. The word used in the tradition is “Rajol” (pl. Rejaal), which typically means “man” but can also mean “brave” or “courageous.” In the Holy Quran, “Rajol” is used to refer to foot soldiers:
“But if you are in danger, then (say your prayers) on foot or on horseback…” (Surah Baqarah (2), verse 239)
Thus, the mention of 313 men in the tradition may not solely mean men but could also mean brave and courageous individuals, including women. The traditions also mention that during the reappearance, both men and women will play significant roles.
Women’s Role in the Reappearance of Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.)
Hazrat Imam Jafar Sadiq (a.s.) said:
“There will be thirteen women with Qaim (a.t.f.s.).”
When asked about their role, he (a.s.) said:
“They will treat the wounded and take care of the sick as it was during the time of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.).” (Isbaatul Huda, vol. 5, pg. 203)
In another tradition, the same thirteen women are mentioned. Imam Jafar Sadiq (a.s.) also listed the names of nine women who will return to life (Raj’at) to serve Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.):
– Al-Qinwa, daughter of Rushaid Hujri
– Umm-e-Ayman
– Habaabatul Waalebiyyah
– Sumaiyyah, mother of Ammar ibn Yasir
– Zubaidah, wife of Haroon (when Haroon realized that she was a Shia, he divorced her)
– Umm-e-Khalid al-Ahmasiyah
– Umm-e-Saeed al-Hanafiyah
– Subanah al-Maashetah
– Umm-e-Khaalid al-Juhaniyah
These traditions affirm that women will play crucial roles during the reappearance of Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.). While some of these women have departed from this world, others from future generations will join them. The traditions emphasize the importance of women’s faith, actions, character, and morals in their inclusion among the companions of Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.).
In conclusion, the inclusion of women among the companions of Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) underscores their significant role in Islamic teachings and the reappearance. Women will accompany Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) and contribute to the establishment of his universal government, reflecting the equal responsibility and honor bestowed upon them by Islam.