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.

Answer:  The term “Ahl al-Kisa” or "Panjtan" refers to a revered group of five holy figures in Islam, particularly in Shia Islam. The word "Ahl al-Kisa" (أهل الكساء), means "People of the Cloak" or "People of the Mantle." This term originates from the Hadith of the Cloak (Hadith al-Kisa), where Prophet Muhammad gathered these five under his cloak and prayed, signifying their purity and special status. "Panjtan" is derived from Persian, meaning "The Five Pure Ones." The Panjtan consist of:

1. Prophet Muhammad: The final prophet in Islam, regarded as the "Seal of the Prophets."

2. Fatimah Zahra: The daughter of Prophet Muhammad and his first wife Khadijah.

3. Imam Ali: The cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad, husband of Fatimah, the direct Successor of the holy Prophet and the first divine Imam.

4. Imam Hassan: The elder son of Ali and Fatimah, and the second divine Imam.

5. Imam Hussain: The younger son of Ali and Fatimah, and the third divine Imam.

These holy personalities are considered paragons of spiritual and moral purity. They are seen as the embodiments of virtue and righteousness. They are regarded as intercessors between Allah and humanity. They play a crucial role in the spiritual life of believers, who often seek their intercession in prayers. They are known to be the models of exemplary behaviour and character. Their lives and actions are studied and emulated by Muslims seeking to live pious and ethical lives.

They are considered infallibles (Ma'sum) and are central to the concept of Imamate, the belief in a line of spiritual and temporal leaders descended from them.

For many Muslims, Shia and Sunni, the love and reverence for the Panjtan can be a unifying factor. They are respected across various Islamic traditions, although the degree of emphasis and specific theological interpretations may vary.

The Panjtan hold a special place in the hearts of millions of Muslims, influencing religious practices, literature, art, and culture throughout the Islamic world.

Answer: The message of Islam to non-Muslims is one of monotheism, unity, and mutual understanding. This is beautifully encapsulated in the following verse of the Qur’an:

"Say, O People of the Book, come to a common word between us and you: that we shall worship none but Allah, and that we shall associate no partner with Him, and that none of us shall take others as lords besides Allah. But if they turn away, then say, 'Bear witness that we are Muslims [submitting to Him].'" (Surah Aal-e-Imran, 3:64)

Key Points of the Message:

1. Worship of One God (Monotheism):
Islam invites all people, including followers of previous scriptures (People of the Book), to worship Allah alone, rejecting idolatry and polytheism.

2. No Association of Partners with Allah:
Islam emphasizes that Allah has no partners, no equals, and no children. He is the sole Creator and Sustainer of the universe.

3. Equality Before God:
The verse rejects the concept of human beings taking others as "lords" besides Allah. It calls for the acknowledgment of Allah’s sovereignty over all creation.

4. Mutual Respect and Dialogue:
The verse encourages finding common ground and fostering peaceful coexistence through shared values, such as belief in one Creator.

Broader Implications of Islam’s Message:

• Universal Guidance:
  Islam’s teachings are not confined to a specific group or ethnicity; its message is for all of humanity. The Qur’an repeatedly calls for people to reflect, understand, and embrace the truth.
• Justice and Compassion:
  Islam calls for treating others with fairness, kindness, and compassion, regardless of their faith or background.
• Invitation to Reflection:
  The Qur’an invites non-Muslims to ponder its message, the natural world, and the signs of Allah’s existence, encouraging an open-hearted approach to understanding Islam.

Conclusion: Islam’s message to non-Muslims is one of unity, monotheism, and peaceful coexistence. It invites all people to worship Allah alone and to live a life of sincerity and submission to Him, while fostering mutual respect and understanding among diverse communities.

Answer: Islam and the Ahmadiyya movement differ fundamentally in several key beliefs, particularly concerning prophet hood, the role of Imam Mahdi, and other theological matters. Below is a summary of the main differences:

1. Belief in the Finality of Prophet hood:

• Muslims (Mainstream Islam): Muslims unanimously believe that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him &his progeny) is the Last and Final Prophet (Khatam an-Nabiyyin), as explicitly stated in the Qur'an:
  "Muhammad is not the father of any of your men, but he is the Messenger of Allah and the Seal of the Prophets." (Surah Al-Ahzab, 33:40)
  After him, no prophet—major or minor—will come. This belief is central to Islamic faith.
• Ahmadiyyas (Qadianis): Ahmadiyyas believe that Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian (1835–1908) was a prophet. They claim he was a subordinate prophet who came to revive the teachings of Islam, which contradicts the mainstream Islamic belief in the finality of Prophet Muhammad’s prophet hood.

2. Belief in Imam Mahdi and Prophet Isa (Jesus):

• Muslims (Mainstream Islam): Muslims believe that Imam Mahdi (peace be upon him) will appear before the Day of Judgment to establish a universal government based on justice on Earth. Additionally, Prophet Isa (Jesus, peace be upon him) will descend from the heavens to assist Imam Mahdi and follow his leadership, affirming the message of Islam.
• Ahmadiyyas (Qadianis): Ahmadiyyas believe that Mirza Ghulam Ahmad was both Imam Mahdi and Prophet Isa in one person. They reject the traditional Islamic belief that Prophet Isa will physically return and instead argue that the return of Jesus was symbolic, fulfilled through Mirza Ghulam Ahmad.

3. Beliefs About Angels and Satan:

• Muslims (Mainstream Islam): Muslims hold traditional beliefs about angels and Satan, as described in the Qur'an and Hadith. Angels are created from light and serve Allah’s commands, while Satan (Iblis) is a rebellious jinn who tempts humans to sin.
• Ahmadiyyas (Qadianis): The Ahmadiyya understanding of angels and Satan often deviates from mainstream Islamic teachings. Their interpretations are more symbolic, which diverges from the literal understanding held by Muslims.

4. Other Theological Differences:

There are additional differences in practices and beliefs, including interpretations of certain Qur’anic verses, the role of jihad, and aspects of Islamic law. However, these are secondary compared to the fundamental disagreements on prophethood and the roles of Imam Mahdi and Prophet Isa.

Conclusion: The primary difference between Islam and Ahmadiyya lies in the belief in the finality of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). While mainstream Muslims uphold the belief that he is the last prophet, the Ahmadiyya movement claims the prophethood of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, which places them outside the fold of mainstream Islam according to Islamic scholars. This divergence forms the foundation of the theological differences between the two.

Answer: Muhammadanism is a term historically used in the West to refer to the religion of Islam. However, this term is inaccurate, misleading, and rejected by Muslims. Here’s why:

1. Islam: The Religion of Allah:

• Definition of Islam: Islam means "submission to the will of Allah" and is the universal religion that all prophets, from Prophet Adam to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon them all), brought to humanity. It emphasizes monotheism (the oneness of Allah), divine justice, mercy, and accountability on the Day of Judgment. 
   
• Continuity of Message: All prophets conveyed the same core message of Islam, though their Shari'ah (laws) varied based on the needs and maturity of their communities. For example:
  • Prophet Musa (Moses, peace be upon him) brought the Torah.
  • Prophet Isa (Jesus, peace be upon him) brought the Injil (Gospel).
  • Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) brought the Qur'an, which is the final and complete guidance for humanity.

2. The term "Muhammadanism" is Misleading:

• Islam is Not Named After Muhammad (peace be upon him& his progeny): 
  Unlike Christianity (named after Christ) or Buddhism (named after Buddha), Islam is not named after any individual. It is the religion of Allah, not of Muhammad (peace be upon him). Muslims worship Allah alone, not Muhammad. Prophet Muhammad is revered as the final messenger and the perfect example of how to live according to Allah’s commands, but he is not an object of worship. 
   
• Misconception of Founder: 
  The term "Muhammadanism" falsely implies that Prophet Muhammad founded a new religion, distinct from the faith of previous prophets. In reality, he was the last in the chain of prophets who all preached Islam. 
   
• Rejection of the Term: 
  Muslims reject the term "Muhammadanism" because it distorts the essence of Islam, reducing it to a personality cult rather than the eternal and universal submission to Allah.

3. Islam: A Universal Religion:

• Islam encompasses the teachings of all prophets and is not confined to any specific time, place, or people.
• The Qur'an emphasizes the unity of the message of all prophets: 
  "Say, We believe in Allah and in what was revealed to us and what was revealed to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and the descendants, and in what was given to Moses and Jesus and in what was given to the prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and we are Muslims [in submission] to Him." (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:136)
   

Conclusion: The term "Muhammadanism" is not synonymous with Islam and is a misrepresentation of the religion. Islam is the timeless and universal submission to Allah, brought by all prophets and culminating with Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). By emphasizing "Islam and NOT Muhammadanism," we uphold the truth that Islam is the religion of Allah, not tied to any single prophet but encompassing the guidance given to all of humanity.

Answer: Sufism, or Tasawwuf, refers to the mystical and spiritual dimension that focuses on achieving closeness to God through inner purification, devotion, and love. It emphasizes introspection, self-discipline, and a direct connection with the Divine. While it is often associated with Islam, its origins and compatibility with Islamic teachings have been subjects of debate.

1. Origins of Sufism: Some argue that Sufism is rooted in the teachings of the Qur’an and the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him & his progeny). Others suggest that Sufism has borrowed elements from other traditions, such as:

• Christianity: Focus on love, asceticism, and renunciation of worldly desires.
• Hinduism: Concepts like meditation, detachment from material life, and the pursuit of unity with the Divine.
• Kharijite and Hasan Basri Connection: Some claim that early Sufis were influenced by the austere practices of the Kharijites or by Hasan Basri. While he is not widely regarded as a student of Imam Ali (peace be upon him).

2. Compatibility with Islam:

The central question is whether Sufism aligns with Islamic teachings. There are differing views: Proponents argue that Sufism embodies the essence of Islam by focusing on spiritual refinement, love for Allah, and sincere worship. They cite Qur’anic verses and Prophetic traditions encouraging inner purification, humility, and remembrance of Allah. Many scholars, such as Imam Al-Ghazali, integrated Sufi principles into mainstream Islamic thought.

Criticism of Sufism: Critics claim that some Sufi practices, such as venerating saints, seeking intercession, and engaging in rituals not prescribed in the Qur’an or Sunnah, deviate from pure Islamic monotheism (Tawhid). Additionally, elements influenced by other religions raise concerns about the authenticity of certain Sufi traditions. Therefore, they believe that it is not 100 per cent right path.

Answer: A Muslim’s lifestyle is based on the Creator’s will and His rules while a non-Muslim’s lifestyle is based on his/her own desires and passions.