# The Life of Imam Mahdi (AJ): From Birth to Reappearance  


## Introduction  

Imam Mahdi (AJ) is the 12th and final Imam of Shia Islam, the promised savior who will reappear to establish global justice. Born in 255 AH (869 CE) in Samarra, Iraq, he currently lives in Major Occultation (Ghaybah al-Kubra). This article explores his birth, life, occultation, signs of reappearance, and future global government in simple terms.  


---


## Birth & Family  

- Birth: 15th Sha'ban, 255 AH in Samarra, Iraq  

- Father: Imam Hasan al-Askari (AS) (11th Shia Imam)  

- Mother: Lady Narjis (a descendant of Roman royalty)  

- Name: Muhammad (same as the Prophet)  

- Titles:  

  - Al-Mahdi (The Guided One)  

  - Al-Muntadhar (The Awaited One)  

  - Al-Qa'im (The One Who Will Rise)  

  - Hujjatullah (Proof of God on Earth)  


### Hidden Birth  

Due to Abbasid threats, his birth was kept secret, and only a few trusted Shia followers knew. Imam Hasan al-Askari (AS) occasionally showed him to close companions to confirm his existence.  


---


## Childhood & Minor Occultation (260–329 AH)  

Imam Mahdi (AJ) was raised under his father’s guidance until age 5. After Imam Hasan al-Askari’s (AS) martyrdom in 260 AH, he entered Minor Occultation (Ghaybah al-Sughra), lasting 69 years.  


### The Four Deputies (Sufara)  

During this time, he communicated with Shias through four special representatives:  

1. Uthman ibn Sa’id al-Amri  

2. Muhammad ibn Uthman al-Amri  

3. Husayn ibn Ruh al-Nawbakhti  

4. Ali ibn Muhammad al-Samuri (last deputy)  


After the 4th deputy’s death in 329 AH, the Major Occultation began.  


---


## Major Occultation (329 AH–Present)  

In this era, Imam Mahdi (AJ) does not appear publicly, but Shias maintain a spiritual connection through:  

- Prayers (Dua)  

- Tawassul (Seeking his intercession)  

- Awaiting his return (Intizar al-Faraj)  


### Why the Occultation?  

- Protection from enemies  

- Test of faith for believers  

- Preparation of the world for his return  


---


## Signs Before Reappearance  

According to hadiths, some major signs include:  

- Rise of Sufyani (a tyrant in Syria)  

- Heavenly Call (a voice all will hear)  

- Killing of an innocent soul in Mecca  

- Unusual solar & lunar eclipses  


### Our Duties During Occultation  

1. Await his return with hope  

2. Pray for his early reappearance (e.g., Dua "Allahumma kun li-waliyyik...")  

3. Self-improvement (to be worthy of supporting him)  

4. Introduce Imam Mahdi (AJ) to others  


---


## The Global Government of Imam Mahdi (AJ)  

After his return, he will:  

- Establish full justice (equal distribution of wealth)  

- Unite the world under Islam  

- Reveal hidden knowledge (scientific & spiritual advancements)  

- Eliminate oppression (tyrants will be defeated)  


---


## Miracles & Special Blessings  

- Longevity: He has lived for centuries.  

- Visitations: Some pious believers have met him during occultation.  

- Answered prayers: Those who sincerely call upon him receive help.  


---


## Conclusion  

Imam Mahdi (AJ) is humanity’s hope. Though hidden, he watches over us. Every Shia must prepare for his return through active waiting (self-reform + prayer).  


✧ Ziyarat Al-Yaseen (Special Prayer for Imam Mahdi) ✧  

*"Peace be upon you, O Proof of Allah on His Earth..."*