.jpeg)
In Twelver Shia Islam, the 15th of Sha'ban is celebrated as the birthday of Imam Muhammad ibn al-Hasan al-Mahdi, the Twelfth Imam. According to the commonly followed Shia account, he was born in Samarra, Iraq, in 255 AH.
One of the most detailed accounts of his birth comes from Lady Hakima, the daughter of Imam Muhammad al-Jawad and the aunt of Imam Hasan al-Askari. In this narration, she describes the remarkable events of the night when Imam al-Mahdi was born.
Imam Hasan al-Askari Invites His Aunt
Lady Hakima recounts that Imam Hasan al-Askari once sent for her and said:
“My aunt, please join us for the evening meal tonight. It is the night of the middle of Sha'ban. Allah will soon bring forth His proof, who is His proof on earth, this blessed night.”
Curious, she asked, “Who is his mother?”
The Imam replied, “Narjis.”
Lady Hakima was surprised. She had seen Lady Narjis and noticed no signs of pregnancy.
“May I be sacrificed for you,” she said, “I can see no sign of pregnancy in her.”
Imam Hasan al-Askari answered:
“What I have told you will happen.”
Lady Hakima accepted his words and went to the house. When she arrived, she greeted Lady Narjis and sat down.
Lady Narjis approached her, removed her shoes, and greeted her respectfully.
“Welcome, my lady. How are you this evening?”
Lady Hakima replied, “Rather, you are the lady of me and my family.”
Lady Narjis was confused by these words. She did not believe she deserved such an honor.
Lady Hakima then explained:
“My daughter, Allah will grant you a son tonight who will be a master in this world and the Hereafter.”
Hearing this, Lady Narjis became shy and sat quietly.
A Night of Prayer and Waiting
After the evening prayer, Lady Hakima broke her fast and went to sleep.
In the middle of the night, she awoke to perform her night prayers. When she finished, she noticed that Lady Narjis was still asleep and showed no signs of approaching childbirth.
Lady Hakima continued her prayers and eventually went back to sleep.
Later, she awoke again. Lady Narjis had also awakened and was praying, yet there were still no signs of labor.
Doubt began to enter Lady Hakima's heart. She wondered how the promised birth could take place when nothing seemed to be happening.
At that moment, Imam Hasan al-Askari called to her from his room:
Hearing these words, Lady Hakima returned to her prayers. She began reciting Surah As-Sajdah and Surah Ya-Sin.
The Birth of Imam al-Mahdi
Suddenly, Lady Narjis awoke in a state of agitation and rose to her feet.
Lady Hakima hurried to her, invoking the name of Allah.
“Are you feeling something?” she asked.
“Yes, my aunt,” Lady Narjis replied.
“Do not be afraid,” Lady Hakima reassured her. “Stay calm and gather your strength. This is the good news I told you about.”
Shortly afterward, both women experienced a brief period of sleep or unconsciousness, according to the narration.
When Lady Hakima awoke, she witnessed a sight that filled her with wonder.
The newborn child had arrived. He was prostrating before Allah, with the seven parts of his body used in prostration touching the ground.
Lady Hakima lifted him into her arms and found him clean and pure from the traces of birth.
At that moment, Imam Hasan al-Askari called out:
“My aunt, bring my son to me!”
Lady Hakima carried the newborn to his father.
.jpeg)
Imam Hasan al-Askari Speaks to His Newborn Son
Imam Hasan al-Askari took his son and held him close to his chest. He placed his tongue in the child's mouth and gently passed his hand over the baby's eyes and ears.
Then he said:
According to the narration, the newborn spoke and declared:
أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ، وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا رَسُولُ اللَّهِ
Translation: “I bear witness that there is no god but Allah alone, without any partner, and I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.”
The child then sent blessings upon Imam Ali and the other Imams, continuing until he reached his father, Imam Hasan al-Askari. After that, he fell silent.
Lady Hakima had witnessed an extraordinary event: the newborn had spoken words of faith and acknowledged the Prophet Muhammad and the Imams.
The Newborn Greets His Mother
After hearing his son speak, Imam Hasan al-Askari turned to his aunt and gave her another instruction.
“My aunt, take him to his mother so that he may greet her. Then bring him back to me.”
Lady Hakima carried the child to Lady Narjis.
The newborn greeted his mother, and she returned his greeting.
Lady Hakima then carried him back to his father, as Imam Hasan al-Askari had requested.
Thus, the narration describes the birth of Imam Muhammad al-Mahdi through the eyes of Lady Hakima, who witnessed the events of that blessed night.
Where Is the Story of Imam al-Mahdi’s Birth Recorded?
This account is preserved in classical Shia literature, including:
- Book: Kamal al-Din wa Tamam al-Ni'ma
- Author: Shaykh al-Saduq
- Chapter: 42, “Reports Concerning the Birth of al-Qa'im”
- Related source: Bihar al-Anwar, volume 51, pages 2–4
Read the Arabic narration in "Kamal al-Din wa Tamam al-Ni'ma, Chapter 42"
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When was Imam al-Mahdi born?
According to the commonly followed Twelver Shia tradition, Imam Muhammad al-Mahdi was born on 15 Sha'ban 255 AH in Samarra, Iraq.
2. Who witnessed the birth of Imam al-Mahdi?
The narration discussed in this article is attributed to Lady Hakima, the paternal aunt of Imam Hasan al-Askari.
3. Who was the mother of Imam al-Mahdi?
In Shia tradition, his mother is known as Lady Narjis.
4. What did Imam al-Mahdi say after his birth?
According to the narration, the newborn declared his belief in the oneness of Allah and the prophethood of Muhammad, then sent blessings upon Imam Ali and the other Imams until he reached his father, Imam Hasan al-Askari.
5. Which book records the story of Imam al-Mahdi’s birth?
The account is recorded in Kamal al-Din wa Tamam al-Ni'ma by Shaykh al-Saduq. Related versions also appear in Bihar al-Anwar, volume 51.