The Mahdi Times November 2011 | Page 35

The Sealing Prophecy, A Must Read! By: Aliwaley 'Sayyed Ahmad Al-Hassan, the promised Yamani and the messenger and successor of Imam Al-Mahdi has clarified this matter in the most perfect manner from the Holy Qur'an and the purified Sunnah. He has not refused any narration from either paths (i.e. the narrations which say the prophecy is and the narrations which say that it continues after Muhammad ). Sayyed Ahmad Al-Hassan has clarified the meaning of prophecy, and distinguished between the prophecy which has been by Muhammad, and the prophecy which continued after him. He also clarified the meaning of the prophecy (Arabic with a fat-ha on the taa, meaning) and the meaning of the seal of prophecy (Arabic with a kasra on the taa, meaning). "The Sealing Prophecy" is yet another enlightening book by Imam Ahmed al Hassan (as), translated from Arabic to English by some of his (as) Ansar. The book gives fulfilling answers according to the many questions that may have arisen in the minds of many Ansar. The book describes the real meaning of 'Prophecy being sealed by the Prophet' and talks about how seal (middle) of Prophets and seal (last) of Prophets differ from each other.  As well as highlighting the concept of Prophecy, Prophecy of the Prophets is a constant theme within this book. The Imam (as) explains that there are many narrations which say that whoever claims Prophecy after Muhammad (pbuh) is a lying imposter, and other narrations which insist that Prophecy continues after Muhammad (pbuh):            Therefore, you will find that this book has clarified by the clearest proofs that prophecy has been by the messenger Muhammad and there is no prophet after him, but that is in a different context than saying that it continues after him.'          This book also describes the religious definition of the word Nabi (i.e. Prophets and how it is related to the Prophecy). There are numerous verses provided as evidence to whatever information is given by the Imam (as). The Imam (as) gives an even clearer picture when he explains how prophecy continues after Muhammad (pbuh) even though he is the last prophet. He tells us that "it is either by a vision while asleep or by a revelation while awake".         When relating prophecy with visions and dreams, we are informed of the past incidents that have happened with many Prophets. (i.e. Hazrat Yusuf, Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) and Hazrat Abraham (pbuh)). The inspiration of Allah (swt) to them began with the visions and that is when they were sent to the people. The Imam (as) shows us the importance of visions through the examples of Prophet Muhammad (sawas) and how he would care to listen to the visions of his companions after Fajr.   We are told that anyone who is a sincere devotee of Allah (swt) can attain Prophecy as the inspiration of Allah (swt) is still there in an obvious and clear reality through ‘true visions’.  The book also talks about Prophecy in times of Al Qa'im Imam Mahdi (as). The Imam (as) says that the companions and supporters of Imam Mahdi (as) can reach to the point of Prophecy if they have certain attributes mentioned in the book. The book ends with the Imam (as) warning us against the soldiers of Iblis (la) and how in the battle of The Holy Emergence each one of them will be present.         This book cancels out many confusions occurring in the minds of many people. It has the evidences and proofs to everything that has been mentioned as well as explained. It gives a clear picture on how matters are to be handled and resolved and answers many of our confusions. It is an advisory, it is instructive, as well as an explanatory piece that should be read by all Ansar.