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[Hadji]

I am familiar with most of these hadeeths, but I just wanted to point out there even though the number "twelve" is found in the first hadeeth it doesn't mean that they imply that the Imams are the same Imams as seen by the Shi'ites.


For example, the hadeeth doesn't mention any of the things that you've made clear in the Shi'ite definition of an Imam from the first page of the thread:

1. An Imam or Khalifah is necessary at all times as it is demanded by the Lutf (Grace) of Allah(swt)
2. The Imam must be appointed only by Allah(swt).


3. The Imam must be Ma'sum or infallible.


4. The Imam must be Afhal or superior (in terms of knowledge piety etc)

Yet, I do agree that Al-Mahdi will come, that he is from Quraish, and that his name is Mohammed.

These conditions we believe are fulfilled by the man M.O.H.A.M.M.A.D ibn al-Hasan al-Mahdi al-Hujjah who we say is in "Ghaibah" or occultation similar to the occultation of the Prophet Khidr and Yusuf (as).

A few quick question about Mohammed ibn Al-Hasan Al-Mahdi Al-Hujjah... If he is indeed the final Imam according to the Shi'ites. Then what is he doing right now that makes him so "necessary at all times?"

1. An Imam or Khalifah is <b>necessary at all times</b> as it is demanded by the Lutf (Grace) of Allah(swt)

You mentioned that he is in occultation. How can he be necessary if he is hidden from everyone?

Every nation must have a<b> guide or a warner</b> living amongst them so the people cannot complain to Allah that they did not have a leader to guide them.

How will he be able to guide and warn? Will the people that have been around at the time of the occultation of Al-Mahdi and died before he reveals himself complain to Allah (swt) about not having a leader to <b>guide</b> them?