The Twelfth Imam
The Twelfth Imam
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Article ID: 15
Article Date: 2023-08-23
Writer: Maryam Ahmadi and Nafiseh Iranpoor
This research aims to address the very important doubt concerning the possibility of the longevity of Imam Mahdi based on both rational and religious perspectives.
Many intra-religious critics(Explanation) and extra-religious critics have raised various questions regarding the nature and manner of the awaited savior's life due to the significance of the savior in religions and human nature. This article uses rational proof to demonstrate that the world encompasses an infinity of possibilities. Extended longevity, in light of human advancements against diseases and environmental control, is not logically impossible or even contradictory in a way that cannot be justified.
Historical examples of individuals with long lifespans further support this notion. From the perspective of the Quran:
- verses related to the story of the Companions of the Cave(referring to verses 8 to 26 of Surah Al-Kahf about the God-fearing youths who slept in a cave for 300 years),
- the Prophet Jonah (referring to verses 139 to 148 of Surah Al-Saffat regarding Jonah being swallowed by a whale and emerging from its belly in full health),
- the Prophet Uzair (referring to verse 259 of Surah Al-Baqarah aboutUzair's one-hundred-year sleep),
- and the Prophet Noah(referring to verse 14 of Surah Al-Ankabut about Noah's 950 years of preaching God's religion),
indicate the possibility of extended longevity. Regarding the hadiths, the discussion around divine power and will, which encompasses all creations, and the miraculous nature of Imam Mahdi’s life is more prominently highlighted.
One of the important aspects of the discourse on Mahdism is addressing the doubts raised regarding the personality and life of Imam Mahdi. Imam Mahdi has been of particular interest to various religions, especially among Muslims. Orientalists and adversaries of Islam and Shia have also spared no effort in investigating and examining different aspects of his life. Consequently, various intra-religious and extra-religious approaches toward the last divine heir, the savior, and the expected redeemer of humanity have developed throughout history. Over time, these approaches, whether friendly or intentional, have led to the emergence of questions and ambiguities about the nature and manner of existence of this unparalleled figure. Each doubt in this regard necessitates a thorough and scholarly exploration and response. The present research aims to investigate one of the questions raised about his longevity. The central question of this study is:
how can a person live in occultation for about fourteen hundred years while bearing the responsibility of leadership and guidance of the community? This question has arisen not only in the minds of non-Muslim thinkers but also among Orientalists and some Muslims.
To address this question, we have utilized two sources: reason and human knowledge to respond to the critiques of non-Muslims, alongside the Quran and traditions to answer the concerns of Muslim critics. The present research has been conducted using a library and analytical approach.
The first Shia scholar to seriously address the issue of the longevity of the Imam was Sheikh Saduq. In his book "Kamal al-din and tamām al-nimah," he elaborately discusses the longevity of the Imam within the context of the lives of long-lived individuals, responding to the inquiries of those opposing the longevity of Imam Mahdi. He mentions dozens of individuals who lived over 120 years and provides a brief account of each of their lives. He explores the issue of the Imam's longevity solely through historical experiences and individuals with long lifespans, without delving into other reasons. Other Shia scholars have followed this path, each offering their insights based on various circumstances surrounding this matter.
The term "rational evidence" refers to the arguments, inferences, and intellectual and philosophical efforts that humans make in pursuit of answers to the unknowns surrounding them. When the human intellect operates within the framework of inner revelation, and follows the rules of logic and sound reasoning, it inevitably arrives at the confirmation of truths that are presented in the reflection of divine revelation. Ayatollah Majlisi, one of the prominent Islamic scholars, stated: "Whatever the intellect decrees, the Sharia also endorses, and whatever the Sharia and religion dictate, the intellect accepts."
The issue of the impossibility of human longevity is a topic that has garnered much discussion, both from a scientific perspective and through consideration of realized instances.
The discussion of longevity is not a concept that can be deemed logically impossible.
Bernard Shaw remarked: "It is a fundamental scientific principle accepted by all biologists that there is no limit to human age, and even long life is an issue of boundlessness."
The extension of human lifespan does not necessitate a contradiction that would render it logically impossible. Besides the Almighty God, other beings can also possess sustained existence. However, the distinction that separates the eternity of the Almighty God from the eternity of other beings lies in the essence of each being; one essence is inherently rich and self-sufficient, while the other is inherently poor and dependent on causes outside of itself.
If it is said that a contingent being can also be eternal, it does not mean that its eternity is independent and without reliance on another. Rather, the dependence and needs of contingent beings upon their cause will always accompany them, and their eternity is dependent on an independent essence, namely the Almighty God. Philosophers like Mulla Sadra and Fakhr al-Razi have examined this issue from a rational perspective. Their reasoning can be summarized as follows: the effective will in the creatures is the will of the necessary being, and as long as this will continues, there is no logical impediment to the continuation of the intended purpose. Therefore, the longevity of humankind can be maintained as long as it is subject to the will of the necessary being.
Another rational argument comes from Ayatollah Javadi Amoli. He states: "Human beings have both body and soul. The body of a person is governed and controlled by their soul. If the soul is strong enough to completely dominate the body, it can influence its own physical container and maintain its existence as long as it wills, with divine permission."
The advancements in human science and the discovery of ways to overcome diseases, treat illnesses, and prevent problems indicate that human longevity is not a specific or predetermined number; rather, it is influenced by various personal and environmental factors. Professor Ettinger states: "In my opinion, with advancements in techniques and what we have begun, humanity in the twenty-first century will be able to live for thousands of years.
Humanity's scientific and research expeditions to other planets and the discovery of Einstein's laws of relativity concerning time have disrupted all human assumptions about human existence. The passage of time outside the Earth differs from the conditions on Earth.
The relativity of time, indicates that if something seems distant or impossible from the structured and limited perspective of human thought, it may still be possible to realize under broader conditions.
One factor contributing to human longevity is the enhancement of health-promoting genes and the elimination of disease-related genes. Recent advancements in gene therapy, which promise to conquer aging and cellular death, have made the prospect of a lifespan exceeding the usual limits attainable.
A well-known argument among theologians is that the best evidence for the possibility of an event occurring is the existence of similar instances. Historical experiences demonstrate that humans with notably long lifespans have existed. The innate desire of human beings for eternal life has also led some individuals to seek ways to attain everlasting life. Among these, the names of kings and powerful figures often stand out, as they have shown a keen interest in immortal life and have made significant efforts to achieve this goal.
Some of the noted individuals who are reported to have lived long lives include:
- Prophet Ibrahim: 200 years, with some sources stating 175 years.
- Safi son of Ria: 270 years.(Exp.)
- Umar ibn Jumah al-Dusi: 400 years.(Exp.)
- Luqman the Wise lived for 500 years, and according to some accounts, 4000 years(Exp.)
- Saalem, the son of Noah lived for 600 years(Exp.)
- Prophet Hud lived for 670 years,
- Adam lived for 930 years, and his wife Eve lived for 931 years.
- Nebuchadnezzar lived for 1507 years(Exp.)
- Prophet Noah lived for 2500 years.
The quest for immortality and reversing aging is a field of science that has attracted many of the world's wealthiest technology entrepreneurs. Among them are Larry Page, one of the co-founders of Google, who helped establish Calico, a research company focused on aging and related diseases, and Peter Thiel, founder of PayPal, who has invested in Unity Technologies.
The infinite nature of the universe in various aspects of creation indicates that limitations in the creation system hold no significance for the creatures. The system of mathematical numbers, the laws of general and special relativity, the vast unknown spaces of creation and other worlds, the infinite expanse of the realm of the dead and the living, and the countless sequences of creation all direct human understanding toward the infinity of the existence of the Almighty God and the scope of His creation.
The existence of various planets, solar systems, and galaxies—where humanity, through advanced devices, is continuously exploring and studying—further confirms this notion of infinity in space. Scientists now find it unlikely that the universe has an end; that is, a region where the existence of galaxies stops or a point that defines the end of space is not provable. Numbers such as π (pi) in mathematics, which have infinite subsets, and which scientists discover new aspects of every day, serve as examples of this concept.
With this in mind, the longevity of a perfect human being who bears the unique responsibility and mission of being a savior is neither unlikely nor impossible.
The term "transmitted evidence" refers to the pieces of evidence and documentation found in the Quran and the traditions of the Prophet of Islam and the Imams of the infallible lineage. The Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet of Islam are the two primary sources of legislation in Shia Islam. Many verses in the Quran discuss long lifespans.
For instance, the Quran states regarding Prophet Noah: "Indeed, We sent Noah to his people, and he remained among them for 950 years" (Surah Al-Ankabut, Verse 14).
In verses 143 and 144 of Surah As-Saffat, God speaks not only of a long life but of eternal life. These verses refer to Prophet Jonah: "And had he not been of those who glorified, he would have remained in the belly of the fish until the Day of Resurrection" .
The Quran also alludes to martyrs: "And do not think of those who have been killed in the way of Allah as dead; rather, they are alive, with their Lord, receiving provision" (Surah Al-Imran, Verse 169).
Humans are eternal beings, and even in death, they do not cease to exist; instead, they transition from this transient world to the eternal abode, where they receive sustenance from their Lord. Thus, discussing the possibility of extended human longevity within this definition of humanity is neither unlikely nor impossible.
The term "خالدون"="khalidun," meaning eternal life, is frequently used in the Quran. both for those who will remain in Hell forever: "allah is the guardian of those who believe. he brings them out from darkness into the light. as for those who disbelieve, their guides are idols, they bring them out from the light into darkness. they are the companions of the fire and shall live in it for ever." (Surah Al-Baqarah, 257).
And for those who will live forever in paradise: “And give good tidings to those who have believed and done righteous deeds that they will have gardens in which rivers flow. When they are provided with fruit from them, they will say, 'This is what we were provided with before,' and they will be given something resembling it. And they will have therein purified spouses, and they will abide therein eternally.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, Verse 25)
Regarding the story of Prophet Ezra or the Companions of the Cave, the Quran mentions that a long sleep (which is part of the concept of long life) occurred for them. The significant point in these verses is God's infinite power to bring about what He wills.
“Or like the one who passed by a township which had fallen into ruin. He said, 'How will Allah bring this to life after its death?' So Allah caused him to die for a hundred years, then resurrected him. He said, 'How long have you remained?' He said, 'I have remained a day or part of a day.' He said, 'Rather, you have remained for a hundred years. Look at your food and your drink; it has not changed over time. And look at your donkey. And We will make you a sign for the people. Look at the bones, how We raise them and then clothe them with flesh.' And when it became clear to him, he said, 'I know that Allah is over all things competent.'” (Surah Al-Baqarah, Verse 259).
About the Companions of the Cave, God says: "They remained in their cave three hundred years and added nine" (Surah Al-Kahf, Verse 25).(Exp.)
Regarding Jesus in the Quran: "And [for] their saying, 'Indeed, we have killed the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, the messenger of Allah.' And they did not kill him, nor did they crucify him; but [another] was made to resemble him to them. And indeed, those who differ over it are in doubt. They have no knowledge of it except the following of assumption. And they did not kill him, for certain" (Surah An-Nisa, Verse 157).
The late "Muhaddith Nuri" comments on this verse: The prevailing view among Shia and Sunni scholars is that Jesus remains alive in the heavens in the same manner he had on Earth. He was raised to heaven and did not experience death, nor will he, until he descends in the end times to pray behind Imam Mahdi.
There are narrations from the Imams of Shia regarding the long life of Imam Mahdi. Imam Sajjad states: "Some traditions of the past prophets are preserved in the awaited Mahdi: from Adam and Noah, the longevity; from Abraham, the hidden birth; and from Jesus, the occultation."
Imam Sadiq said: "God Almighty did not prolong the life of His righteous servant, Khidr, except to provide evidence for the longevity of the awaited Mahdi, thereby neutralizing the excuses of the enemies and cutting their argument."
The present research seeks to establish the possibility of the longevity of Imam Mahdi from the perspectives of reason and revelation. The longevity of a human being is neither logically impossible, nor has it been unprecedented, and there is no prohibition against it in the verses and traditions. From the standpoint of rational arguments regarding human advancements in various fields, as well as the affirmation of the absolute power and will of God, which encompasses all creations (including the infinite creation of other worlds, galaxies, numbers, time, and so on), it can be demonstrated that Imam Mahdi, who carries the significant mission of being the savior and reformer of humanity, is not only potentially capable of a long lifespan but may also necessitate it.
Additionally, there are numerous examples in the verses and traditions of Islam that indicate the possibility of human longevity and immortality if God wills it. Historical examples within the vast geographical range of human existence further provide evidence that such a phenomenon is achievable.
