Question:Some people think that if the Imam (PBUH) is absent so that no one from the creation will reach him or benefit from him. In this case, what is the difference between his presence and his absence? If his absence is because he fears the oppressors in that, he does not fulfill our needs. He will appear when this fear goes away. Then, why should not his fear from them be a reason for Allah Almighty to end him, and once they give up and submit, Allah will find him for them?

Answer:In the name of Allah, be informed, my son, that Shiites are benefited from the blessings of his existence, where Allah takes away various plights because of the Imam's (may Allah hasten his reappearance) blessed existence just like the blessings of the existence of his grandfather, the great prophet (PBUH&HF). This is indicated in the verse "Allah wouldn't punish them so long you are among them". We do not say that no sincere person can see him; rather, whoever sees him is not allowed to mention that, and the vision that is forbidden is the special representation like the four representatives. Allah knows best.

Question:Some people questionably say that Shiites claim that one of Imamate's condition is puberty and maturity, but the awaited Imam has attained Imamate while he was only five. How do Shiites say this?

Answer:In the name of Allah, as it is attained by the prophet Jesus son of Mary (PBUH) while he was only some hours old, because it is a gift from Almighty Allah and to be crowned by Him, Imamate is also attained in the same way because both positions are crowned by Almighty Allah. Allah is the Guide and Knowing.

Question:Doubtfully, enemies say that the Shiites claim that if their Mahdi appears, he will rule by the rule of the family of David. He does not ask for evidence. So, where is the Sharia of Muhammad (PBUH&HF) that abrogate the previous laws, which stipulate the obligation to show evidence when litigating?

Answer:In the name of Allah, it has been proven by the narrations of the Imams (PBUT) that the judge rules by his knowledge except in some cases, and if the Imam (may Allah hasten his reappearance) rules, then he is more knowledgeable of the law of his grandfather (PBUH) than anyone else. Allah is the Guide.

Question:What is the meaning of Ali's (PBUH) saying "I am a slave of Muhammad's (PBUH&HF)"?

Answer:In the name of Allah, it means that it is obligatory for him to obey the Messenger of Allah (PBUH&HF). Allah knows best.

Question:What is your opinion regarding that a scholar says Ali Ibn Abu Talib controlling Paradise and Hell?

Answer:In the Name of Allah. If what is meant by "controlling" is "distributing on Paradise and Hell", then the holy religion has stated that. Furthermore, he intercedes and makes others intercede and he is the holder of Al-Hamd flag on the Judgment Day. Allah knows best.

Question:Is it permissible to address Imam Al-Mahdi (may Allah hasten his reappearance) with “Ameerul Mumineen” [Commander of the Faithful]?

Answer:In the name of Allah, it is not permissible. This title is not attributed to anyone other than Imam Ali (PBUH), no one before or after him. Allah is the all Guide and Knowing.

Question:Some say that Shiite report from Imam Jafer Al-Sadiq (PBUH) said “Only the disbeliever calls this man by his name” (Al-Anwar Al-Numaniya, 2/53). They also report that Imam Muhammad Al-Askari (PBUH) said to Imam Al-Mahdi’s mother “you have a male, his name is Muhammad and he will be the Imam after me …”(Al-Anwar Al-Numaniya, 2/52). Is this a contradiction? Once you say the one who call Al-Mahdi by his bare name is regarded a disbeliever. However, Imam Al-Askari named him Muhammad?

Answer:In the name of Allah, this is not contradiction at all. The narration that you have referred to prevents mentioning his bare honored name after his birth and after his disappearance. The one who contemplates in the narration can understand this. Allah is the all Guide.

Question:What is the ruling of describing the Infallible Imam with the glorifying phrase “may his mighty glorified”?

Answer:In the name of Allah, it is not permissible, for it is conventional in Islam that it is only Allah Who can be described in this description. Allah is the all Guide and Knowing.

Question:I have heard that the Infallible Imams’ (PBUT) bodies are not created from the sperm as it is impure. Allah created them from the light of greatness. Could you honor us with detailing about this issue?

Answer:In the name of Allah, be advised, my son, that the Infallible Imams’ (PBUH) sperms are not impure, a reason why the prophet, Imam Ali, Lady Zahra and the other Infallible Imams (PBUT) can enter the mosque without the washing of Al-Janbat. They used to do such washing in order to be closer to achieving Allah’s orders. On the other hand, if we assume that their bodies are created from the divine light, how come that they were martyred; their bodies will not be affected by Al-Shimr’s sword. Definitely, their bodies are pure where nothing affects their status. Should any of them have any of the soiled impurities on the body or clothing, they would remove the impurity just to comply to Allah’s orders. What do you mean by the light and body? It seems that you do not know the difference between the two. If you say the body is light – my Allah forbid – Allah would also have a body because as He says in the holy verse “Allah is the light of the heavens and earth”. We have reiterated it is not proved that the Infallibles’ nutrition while in the mother’s womb is blood. Only Allah and the Infallibles know how the Infallibles were born out of their mothers’ wombs. However, their bodies are pure. Allah is the all Guide and Knowing.

Question:Some say that Imam Ali (PBUH) is higher than the prophets. Is it correct that Imam Ali (PBUH) is higher than the prophets?

Answer:In the name of Allah, Ali Ibin Abu Talib (PBUH) is the best creature after the Great Prophet Muhammad Ibin Abdullah (PBUH&HF). The following Quranic verse is the best justification for that: “And [recall, O People of the Scripture], when Allah took the covenant of the prophets, [saying], "Whatever I give you of the Scripture and wisdom and then there comes to you a messenger confirming what is with you, you [must] believe in him and support him." [Allah] said, "Have you acknowledged and taken upon that My commitment?" They said, "We have acknowledged it." He said, "Then bear witness, and I am with you among the witnesses." And whoever turned away after that - they were the defiantly disobedient.” The verse ordered all the previous prophets to believe in and support the prophet (PBUH&HF). According to this verse, the prophet (PBUH&HF) has become a master who should be obeyed by all the prophets. The one who should be obeyed is better that those who are ordered to obey him. Allah also says “do obey Allah, the messenger and those who are in authority among you”. It is known to the scholars of religion, especially, the Shiite ones, that the phrase people in authority implicates Imam Ali ibin Abu Talib (PBUH), as the prophet said on the day of Ghadeer “whoever I am his master, Ali is his master”. Accordingly, the Commander of the Faithful becomes a master who should be obeyed by all those who used to obey the Messenger (PBUH&HF). We have iterated that the one who should be obeyed is better than those who are ordered to obey him. Allah is the all Guide.