Answer: In Islamic theology, there are some affirmative or positive attributes of God, known as “Sifat al-Thubutiyya” (صفات الثبوتية). These are attributes that affirm certain qualities of God, describing what God is, as opposed to negative attributes known as “Sifat al-Salbiyya” (صفات السلبية), which describe what God is not. The Sifat al-Thubutiyya are essential for understanding the nature of God in Islamic theology and are considered inherent and eternal aspects of His essence.

Here is the list of Sifat al-Thubutiyya:

1. Al-Hayat (الحياة) – Life: God is living and His life is eternal, without beginning or end.
2. Al-Ilm (العلم) – Knowledge: God is all-knowing. His knowledge encompasses everything, past, present, and future.
3. Al-Qudra (القدرة) – Power: God is all-powerful and has the power to do anything that is within the realm of possibility.
4. Al-Irada (الإرادة) – Will: God has will and volition. He wills whatever happens in the universe and nothing happens without His will.
5. Al-Sam‘ (السمع) – Hearing: God hears all sounds, whether loud or soft, hidden or apparent without having ears.
6. Al-Basar (البصر) – Seeing: God sees all things, regardless of whether they are visible or hidden without having eyes.
7. Al-Kalam (الكلام) – Speech: God has the attribute of speech. This is understood in various ways among different Islamic theological schools, but it generally affirms that God communicates His will and guidance.
8. Al-Khalq (الخلق) – Creation: God is the creator of everything that exists. He brings things into existence from nothing.
9. Al-Rizq (الرزق) – Sustenance: God provides sustenance and provision to all His creation.

Answer: Muslims can balance their religious beliefs with modern life by understanding that Islam provides principles and values that are timeless and adaptable. It's essential to prioritize core Islamic teachings such as prayer, honesty, compassion, and justice while engaging positively with modernity in areas like technology, education, and social interactions.

Answer: Participation in non-Islamic celebrations and festivals largely depends on their religious context and practices. Generally, Muslims are encouraged to maintain their distinct religious identity while respectfully participating in societal events that align with Islamic values, avoiding activities conflicting with Islamic teachings.

Answer: Islam emphasizes respect, tolerance, and dialogue in interactions with people of different faiths or beliefs. Muslims are encouraged to build bridges of understanding, promote mutual respect, and engage in constructive conversations while upholding their own beliefs and values with humility and kindness.

Answer: The Imam of the time, Imam Mahdi (peace be upon him), is in a state of occultation as part of Allah's divine wisdom and plan. This state serves several purposes, including:

1. Protection from Persecution:
   The previous Imams faced relentless persecution, oppression, and even martyrdom at the hands of tyrannical rulers. The occultation safeguards the 12th Imam from similar threats, preserving him for his ultimate mission of establishing justice and truth.
2. A Test of Faith for Believers:
   The occultation tests the faith and patience of the believers, challenging them to remain steadfast, adhere to Islamic principles, and rely on the guidance of qualified religious scholars during the Imam’s absence.
3. Preparation for His Reappearance:
   The occultation allows for the gradual development of a global environment that will be receptive to the Imam’s leadership. When he reappears, he will unite humanity under justice and divine guidance, fulfilling his role as the ultimate saviour.
4. Continued Guidance Through Representatives:
   Although the Imam is not physically present, he has provided clear instructions for the Shia community to follow the guidance of trustworthy scholars and jurists (Mujtahids). This system ensures that the community is not left without direction during the period of occultation.
5. Divine Wisdom Beyond Human Understanding:
   The full reasons behind the Imam’s occultation may be beyond human comprehension. As believers, trust in Allah's wisdom is fundamental, and the occultation is part of His plan for the ultimate betterment of humanity.

In conclusion, the Imam’s occultation is not an absence of guidance but a period of preparation, testing, and preservation. It ensures that the Imam will emerge at the divinely appointed time to fulfil his mission of establishing universal justice and peace.

Answer: According to the famous hadith known as “Thaqalain” the Qur’an and Ahlul bayt both are the perfect source of guidance after the departure of the holy Prophet. However, there are some differences between them. The Qur'an is a tangible text available to all Muslims in every era and in every place. Its accessibility ensures that Allah's guidance is preserved in written form for humanity.

• An Imam, being a living individual, is naturally bound by time and space, and even if present physically, would not be accessible to everyone, everywhere, at all times. This was true even during the lives of previous Imams, who appointed trusted representatives to reach their followers.
• From the time of the 6th Imam, Imam Ja'far al-Sadiq (peace be upon him), a system of Wakils (authorized agents) was established to manage the affairs of the Shia community and to disseminate religious teachings.
• This system was further developed by Imam Musa al-Kadhim (peace be upon him) and continued during the time of subsequent Imams. It ensured that the community remained connected to the Imams' guidance, even if they could not interact with them directly.
• During the occultation of the 12th Imam, this system evolved into reliance on qualified religious scholars (Mujtahids or Maraji'), as explicitly instructed by the Imam himself.

Answer: While the Imam is not physically accessible, his guidance continues in unique ways. He intervenes when necessary, particularly on matters that have no clear precedent or solution in prior Islamic teachings.

The Imam’s guidance is often directed through scholars and spiritually perfected individuals who dedicate themselves to understanding and implementing Islam. He does not intervene in matters where answers are already available through previous Imams or established religious teachings.

While the 12th Imam is in a state of occultation, the system of guidance established by previous Imams ensures that the Muslim community is not left without direction. The Qur'an remains the eternal word of Allah, accessible to all, and the Imam’s presence continues through his representatives and scholars. His guidance, though unseen, is active and ensures that the community remains connected to divine wisdom. Trust in this divine plan strengthens faith and prepares the community for the Imam’s eventual reappearance.

Answer: When: The occultation began in 329 AH (941 CE), marking the end of the Ghaibat-e-Sughra (Minor Occultation) and the beginning of the Ghaibat-e-Kubra (Major Occultation), which continues to this day.

• Where: The Imam was last seen in Samarra (present-day Iraq). After that, he entered the state of occultation, and his exact location has remained unknown.
  • Why is his location unknown? The purpose of occultation is to protect the Imam from harm. Revealing his location would contradict the very essence of this divine concealment.

Why: The reasons for the Imam’s occultation are rooted in divine wisdom. While the full understanding will only become clear after his reappearance, several reasons have been provided by Islamic teachings:

a. To Ensure His Safety

• The 12th Imam’s life was in constant danger due to oppressive rulers who sought to eliminate him. Occultation protects him, ensuring he survives to fulfil his mission of establishing global justice and peace.

b. Freedom from Allegiance

• During his occultation, the Imam is not bound by allegiance to any ruler or authority. This ensures his complete independence when he reappears to lead humanity.

c. A Test of Faith

• The occultation is a means of testing the faith and patience of believers. Imam Ja'far al-Sadiq (peace be upon him) explained:
  “During the occultation, doubts will arise, and many will stray. Only those with steadfast faith and strong conviction will remain firm.”
  This is comparable to the test faced by Prophet Nuh (Noah, peace be upon him), when the delay in the flood caused many to lose faith.

d. A Divine Mystery

• Imam Ja'far al-Sadiq (peace be upon him) further explained:
  “The reason for his occultation is the same as the reasons for the concealment of Allah’s representatives before him. The true wisdom will only be known after his reappearance, just as Prophet Musa (Moses, peace be upon him) only understood the actions of Khidr after their separation.”
  (Ihtijaj, Vol. II, p. 140)

Answer: The Imam’s occultation does not mean he is invisible or inaccessible in a supernatural sense. He lives on Earth, interacts with people, and performs his duties, but his identity remains hidden by Allah’s will.

Imam Ja'far al-Sadiq (peace be upon him) drew a parallel with the story of Prophet Yusuf (Joseph, peace be upon him):

“Yusuf’s brothers transacted with him, spoke to him, and saw him, yet they did not recognize him until he revealed himself. Similarly, the Imam may be among people, visiting markets and walking on the earth, but they will not recognize him until Allah permits it.” (Bihar al-Anwar, Vol. 13)

Answer: The extended lifespan of Imam Mahdi (peace be upon him) is entirely within Allah's power and is supported by examples from the Qur'an of individuals who lived extraordinarily long lives. Here are key points that affirm this possibility:

1. Examples of Longevity in the Qur’an:

A. Prophet Nuh: The Qur'an explicitly mentions that Prophet Nuh preached to his people for 950 years:
"And We certainly sent Noah to his people, and he remained among them a thousand years minus fifty years; then the flood seized them while they were wrongdoers." (Surah Al-Ankabut, 29:14)

According to Islamic narrations, he lived even longer, as he survived the flood and continued guiding his followers. His total lifespan is said to have exceeded 2,500 years.

B. Prophet Yunus: The Qur'an states that Prophet Yunus was swallowed by a fish, but Allah preserved his life:
"And indeed, Jonah was among the messengers. When he ran away to the laden ship... And had he not been of those who exalt Allah, he would have remained inside its belly until the Day they are resurrected." (Surah As-Saffat, 37:139-144)

This verse demonstrates that Allah has the power to sustain life indefinitely, even in extraordinary circumstances.

2. Allah’s Unlimited Power

The Qur'an repeatedly reminds us of Allah's omnipotence:
"Indeed, Allah is over all things competent." (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:20)

• If Allah can create life, sustain it, and resurrect it, preserving the life of Imam Mahdi for centuries is well within His divine capabilities.

3. Precedents in Islamic Teachings

• Islamic traditions speak of other individuals with exceptional lifespans, such as:
  • Al-Khidr (Peace Be Upon Him): Believed to still be alive, serving as a guide and fulfilling specific roles in Allah's plan.
  • Prophet Isa (Jesus, Peace Be Upon Him): Raised to the heavens alive and preserved until his return before the Day of Judgment.

4. Imam Mahdi’s Role and Longevity

• Imam Mahdi’s extended life is essential for his divinely ordained mission to establish justice and equity in the world. His lifespan allows him to emerge at the appointed time, prepared to fulfil his role as the leader of humanity.

5. Logical Perspective

• Longevity is not unprecedented even in human experience. Scientific advancements today hint at possibilities of extending human life significantly. If humans can contemplate such advancements, how much greater is the capability of the Creator, who is beyond all limitations?

Conclusion

The long life of Imam Mahdi (peace be upon him) is not only possible but consistent with Qur'anic examples and Islamic teachings. Allah, in His infinite wisdom and power, has preserved the Imam to fulfil his vital mission. As believers, our faith in Allah’s omnipotence reassures us that such matters, even if extraordinary, are entirely within His divine capability.