The Mahdi Times October 2011 | Page 13

THE RANK OF THE IMAM (AS) BY: HUSSAINTHESHORTCOMER Gods Chosen One This question from the blessed book "Mutashabihat" (similitude meanings) is dedicated to all the Prophets and Messengers (pbut) and to Ahlulbayt (pbut). But particularly for the blessed month in which Prophet Abraham (pbuh) and Prophet Jesus (pbuh) and Imam Ali Al-Ritha (pbuh) are born in as well as the martyrdom of Imam Al-Taqi (pbuh). All four of which have gained the Imam/leader rank (which not all Prophets and Messengers have attained, as explained in the question); and accordingly guided and called mankind to the worship of God AlMighty and Monotheism (there is no deity but God). The religion of Abraham (pbuh) which only a fool would be averse to, followed by his two righteous sons Prophets Isaac and Ishmael (pbut). And the religion of Jesus (pbuh), who came to guide mankind with the Blessed Bible. And our righteous Imams Al-Ritha (pbuh) and Al-Taqi (pbuh) and the Ahlulbayt (pbut) who speak and act like our great Master Muhammad (pbuhap), as they are truly the successors after him. Question 128: What is the meaning of Abraham’s (pbuh) saying: {And from my offspring?} in the AlMighty’s saying: {And recall the time his Lord Trialled Abraham with certain words then he fulfilled them. He said: verily I am going to make thee a leader (Imam) unto mankind. Ibrahim said: and also of my progeny? Allah said: My promise is not within the reach of wrongdoers.}[Surat AlBaqara {2: 124}]? And is it correct that Abraham (pbuh) said this because he was bearing his offspring’s concerns, as some of the scholars say? Answer: In the name of Allah, the most Merciful, the intensely Merciful And Praise is to Allah the Lord of the Worlds, and Allah sends His blessings upon Muhammad and the family of Muhammad the Imams and Mahdis. When Abraham (pbuh) carried the axe - and he was young – then smashed the idols, and Nimrod and the misguided scholars delivered him to the fire, Allah the Glorified and Al-Mighty rewarded him (pbuh) without him requesting, by making the subsequent Prophets that come after him from his offspring. Then Abraham (pbuh) went ahead with his Divine supplication, so when Allah the Glorified the Al-Mighty trialled him with the words and Abraham (pbuh) succeeded in the trial and the afflictions (then) the AlMighty addressed him and said to him: