Question:In the past few years, a person who is called Ahmed Ismael Al-Swealmy appeared in Basra. He claims turbulent claims: He is the fifth descendent of Imam Mahdi (AJ), he is Imam Mahdi’s (AJ) entrusted messenger, he is the Yamani and his approach to religion is the most guiding one, the people must follow him, he is Qa’im Al Muhammad (the reviver of religion) and he is the one who will spread justice on the earth after oppression and tyranny have prevailed on the earth. He has also many other claims. His followers emerged in some Iraqi provinces and some Islamic and European countries, but they are few individuals. He proves his claims as follows: - The narration of the “will” which is mentioned in the book of Al-Ghaiba (The disappearance) by Al-Shaikh Al-Tusi. - He asks people to take Istikhara to induce them to follow him. If it is good, then he uses this as a proof that his claims are true. - He uses dreams as proofs saying that they are revelations. Anyone who sees him in dreams will be a proof used by Yamani to be followed. - He also uses the science of letters and numbers as a proof that he is the messenger as indicated in Al-Dakhan Chapter which is mathematically calculated. - He refutes the letter of Al-Samri (may Allah be pleased with him) saying that it is not authentic and refuses the continuation of the Imam’s (AJ) representation. What is your opinion regarding the following: First: Does the narration of the “will”, in its authentication and indication, suffice to prove his claim of being infallible and Imam, and he descends from the Imam (AJ)? Does Imam Mahdi (AJ) have offspring whom we should follow before his appearance? If it is proved that he (AJ) has offspring, do they have power over us that we should follow? Second: What kind of evidence does Istikhara present in jurisprudence branches and principles of theology? Third: What kind of evidence do dreams present in religious and theological issues? It is concluded from some narrations that dreams are true like (whoever sees me in dreams has seen me) and these dreams are part of the prophethood. Fourth: Is the science of letters and numbers a proof? Does it give authentic and mathematic results which do not change? And is it possible to know this science and how it works? Fifth: What is the possibility that the letter of Al-Samri (may Allah be pleased with him) is true? The letter is the one which states “whoever claims seeing the Imam before the appearance of Al-Sufiany and the Cry is a liar”. Is that letter dependable for rejecting the representation of the Imam (AJ) in the time of the major disappearance?

Answer: A/ First: In the name of Allah, this narration is not well authenticated. Even if we suppose it is authentic, it does not prove the claims of this liar who slanders on the Imam (AJ) and deceives the naive Shia people. Allah is the all-Guide. A/ Second: In the name of Allah, in such a case, Istikhara is not useful and not considered a proof because theology and its branches cannot depend on Istikhara. This was decided in the Principles. Allah is the all-Guide. A/ Third: In the name of Allah, Dreams are not taken into consideration in anything in theology or principles. As far as the saying of the Prophet (PBUH&HF) is concerned, if it is authentic (which is doubtful), it only proves the dream of the person who has seen the prophet (PBUH&HF) in his life and has known his figure and facial expressions. Only then is it possible to prove such a claim. Allah is the all-Guide. A/ Fourth: It cannot depend on that to prove any belief or verdict as decided in the Principles. A/ Fifth: In the name of Allah, this letter has been proved authentic and has been mentioned by his companions. Therefore, whoever claims representation, like this liar, is a slanderer on Imam Mahdi (AJ). One must be away from him (the slanderer) and he should be exposed so as not to be followed by the naive people. Allah is the all-Guide.

Question:Some of our past and modern religious authorities (Maraja’) say it is permissible to adopt past religions or sects. Is that true?

Answer:It is not permissible for any human to adopt any religion other than the one brought by Muhammad Ibn Abdullah (PBUH&HF). The other heavenly religions have been abrogated and forged and they did not remain as what Allah (SWT) first brought them. Allah is the all-Guide.