What is the twelfth Imam?

Answer 1

This is the said comcept of the Ishnaa Ashari Shi'a sect. They consider Maulaana 'Ali (as) as their first Imaam and their 12th Imaam has disappeared and this sect harbour a belief that their 12th Imaam, Imaam Mehdi will appear again in this world and establish peace.

The Shi'a Isma'ili Musta'ali Faatemi sect consider Imaam Hasan (as) - the son of Maulaana 'Ali (as) as the first Faatemi Imaam. They don't consider Maulaana 'Ali (as) as the 1st Imaam but they consider him on the rank of Wasaayat - as the Wasi or vicegerent of Rasoolullaah (saws). This sect have the succession of 21 Imaam, their 21st Imaam went under seclusion and they have belief that the Imaam from the progeny of 21st Imaam will appear before the world and establish peace and harmony.

Answer 2

The role of the twelve Imam a.s (Imam Al Mahdi a.j) has many benifets;

The benefit which we get it from his existence as the benefit which we get it from Sun even if it is covered by clouds. All beings like trees, human beings, plants, lands need sun light. And if it is beyond clouds: If night is continuing for ever, can we say that life will continue in this world? The existence of Al-Imam Al-Mahdi (May Allah hastens his gracious appearance) gives brightness to this world and without him the world will be dark. Without him there is no light, stability, etc. Can we live without the existence of sun?

The existence of Al-Imam Al-Mahdi (May Allah hastens his gracious appearance) is a kind of mercy for us, he helps poor people, guide the lost people, and save the believers. Do you see how many sick man was recovered by the blessings of Al-Imam Al-Mahdi (May Allah hastens his gracious appearance)?

Answer 3

he is form children of prophet Muhammad PBUH and is not alive but in the Occultation and will come with Jesus PBUh to bring peace to humanity.

please read below books in related link.

people killed all other Imams and Mahdi comes when people of world want it and be ready for him.

There is a famous Hadith from prophet Muhammad (PBUH) that Mahdi at hide is like sun behind cloud, he is hidden from people but people receive his benefits. Shia Muslims say some faithful believers have connection with Mahdi and use his knowledge. Shia Muslims believe that it is proved at least 1000 persons have had connection and talk with Mahdi during his hide period but Any one having relation with Mahdi keep it and does not declare it in public until is alive.

believing or not beliving in Imamat (leadership of Islam Ummah after prophet appointed by Allah) has direct effect on today political leadership of Islamic Ummah.

if you beleive Caliph is only appointed by God then you ask so who is today Caliph?

Indeed he is Mahdi (sa) and all Muslims prepare themselves for his comming and he come and Islam gets all the world.

but do you know why he does not come?

the only reason is he does not have enough real soldiers to help him establish Islamic goverment in world. most of Muslims only claim.

he does not come until Muslims really want him to arrive and lead them.

when you do not believe in his Caliphate you will accept corrupted Dictators to decide and lead for Muslims.

Dictators like Mubarak, Ghazafi, Saudi King, Saleh,...

first one who entered Dictatorship to islam was Muaviyeh and then his son Yazid.

Answer 4

The name of the hidden 12th imam is imam Muhammad Mahdi

Answer 5

they believe he is alive now and is waiting for coming out of hide.

refer to below link: