Princess Malika (Narjis Khatoon) of Christian Rome The Mother of the Muslim’s Savior the 12th Imam Mahdi (‘aj)1

Narjis Khatoon, (meaning a narcissus flower) the daughter of a great Roman Caesar, was chosen by Almighty God (by a special dream) to become the Mother of the 12th Imam, Imam Mahdi (‘aj). Narjis Khatoon, the beautiful princess, who was also the descendant of one of the disciples of Prophet Jesus (‘a), traveled to Samarra, Iraq, to become the wife of 11th Imam, Imam Hasan Al-Askari (‘a).

She was the descendant of the disciple Simon Peter, the vicegerent of Jesus (‘a). Narjis was a Roman princess and it was via a miracle, in by which she became married to Imam Hasan al-Askari (the eleventh Imam), and to subsequently become the mother of the last Imam (‘aj).

She was born in the Byzantine Empire and as she narrated, she turned to Islam because of a special dream. Then she was taken captive in a battle between Muslims and Byzantium and became a slave. Then Imam Ali al-Naqi (the tenth Imam) bought her and married her to his son Hasan al-Askari (‘a).

Narjis Khatoon, was a Roman princess. She was the purest offspring of the European nations and races. It was destined that Narjis Khatoon would travel to Baghdad, Iraq to become the wife of the purest of men, Imam Hasan Al-Askari (‘a) and become the mother of the 12th Imam, Imam Mahdi (‘aj).

Imam Mahdi (‘aj) is none other than the 12th and last Imam after Prophet Mohammed (S). He has many other titles, among them is also the Guided One (Al-Mahdi in Arabic). His name is Mohammed Al-Mahdi son of Imam Hasan Al-Askari (‘a). He was born in Samarra (Iraq) on Friday 15th of the month of Shabaan in 255 AH.

His father, Imam Hasan Al-Askari (‘a), was imprisoned most of his life by the Abbasid Caliphs to prevent him from having a son whom they feared will bring the justice and equity that was promised and remove tyranny and tyrants from the face of the earth. Imam Hasan Al-Askari (‘a) was poisoned in prison at the age of 28 in the year 260 AH by Al-Mu'tamid, the Abbasid Caliph.

The Awaited One, Imam Mahdi (‘aj) is the only son of his father, and he was 5 years old at the time of his father's martyrdom and his mother was Narjis Khatoon.

How Narjis Khatoon met Hasan Al-Askari (‘a) and with others in a dream? The story of how they met and joined is recorded in many history books as well as sparsely in the scriptures of Holy traditions of the Infallibles (‘a).

Narjis Khatoon narrates: One night, I slept sad and was feeling uncomfortable. I saw in the dream that lightened men came to the palace. Some were saying one of them was Jesus Christ (‘a) and the other one was the Holy Islamic Prophet Muhammad (S). The Islamic Prophet Muhammad (S) facing the Christ (‘a) said, “I ask you the hand of this granddaughter of yours for my grandson in marriage”.

Jesus Christ (‘a) was overjoyed and happy and accepted it (the proposal). I got up from the bed and did not tell anyone about this matter. Till such time that one-day, I fell ill and my father summoned the entire physician and made them present near my bed. But none of them could treat me. I requested my father to free those Muslims who were in prison. He agreed to my demand and freed them and I was cured. One night, I again saw lightened women. They were saying that she is Mary (mother of Jesus, ‘a) and Fatimahh Zahra (‘a) (the daughter of Prophet Muhammad). Fatimahh Zahra (‘a) came ahead and said to me, “If you are inclined to be the wife of my son you should become a Muslim.”

I embraced and accepted Islam at her hands in the dream. Then she took me along with her, to her son Hasan al-Askari (‘a).

His love captured my heart very strongly and thoroughly so I became restless both days and nights till one night, I saw Hasan al-Askari (‘a) in my dream. I asked him, “How can I become your wife?” He said, “very soon your father will send an army to fight the Muslims and you will be at the rear of that army. The Muslims will win the battle and you will be held prisoner and brought in to Baghdad for sale. The ship stops in the course of Euphrates and they bring you out for sale. When the customers come to purchase you, but wait, the one who will come to buy you, will come along with a letter from my father. He will buy you and bring you along with him.

Some Events in the life of Narjis Khatoon and the Mission of Bishr Al-Ansari Shaikh Tabarsi, one of the great scholars and traditionalists of the fifth century, in his book titled Al-Gaiba (Seclusion) reported Bishr Al-Ansari (a servant of 10th Imam, Imam Ali Al-Naqi AS) as saying that one day, Imam Ali Al-Naqi (‘a) called him and said:

“O' Bishr, you are from the Ansars (inhabitants of Madina who believed in and supported Prophet Muhammad (S) when He migrated from Makkah to Madina in the early years of Islam) who have always been our loyal and our trustworthy through generations, therefore I want to exalt you and chasten you with the honor of carrying out a furtive mission.”

Bishr Al-Ansari said that he became very anxious as Imam Ali Al-Naqi (‘a) wrote a letter in Roman language, closed it and affixed his seal on it.

Then he took out a yellow bundle containing 220 golden Dinars. Imam Ali Al-Naqi (‘a) handed me the gold bundle and the letter telling me to go to Baghdad and to be near the crossing of Euphrates there in the morning of so and so day. Imam Ali Al-Naqi (‘a) said:

“When you see the arrival of ships with many captive women brought in for sale as slave girls, stay put as various panders for the Abbasid and a number of young Arab buyers gather around. Watch from a distance, a slave trader, brings out a slave girl wearing silk and looks so and so. She will refuse to take the veil off her face, she will decline to show herself off or even let anyone touch her. She will cry out in Roman language to save her chastity from being attacked.”

Imam Ali Al-Naqi (‘a) added: “One buyer will admire her chastity and offers the salve trader 300 Dinars to buy her from him. She will say to him: I have no desire for you even if you wore King Solomon's clothes and owned a kingdom like his, so do not waste your money on me. The slave-trader will say to her: What’s the idea? You are to be sold anyhow. She would reply: Why the hurry? I will choose a buyer whom my heart likes and accepts his loyalty and honesty. Then you (Bishr) approach the slave-trader and tell him that you have a letter from a nobleman written in Roman language and inscription describing his generosity, loyalty, benevolence and noblesse. The Trader will say: “Show her this letter, and that if she tends to accept the vices of the writer, then you could buy her for him.”

Bishr Al-Ansari said that he followed all the instructions as given to him by his master, Imam Ali Al-Naqi (‘a) with regard to this slave girl. All the events that his master foretold materialized.

Bishr Al-Ansari added: When she read the letter, she started to cry and said to trader to sell me to the writer of this letter, swearing and threatening to kill herself if he did not. Bishr Al-Ansari started to bargain with the slave-trader on the price until he agreed to sell her at amount given to Bishr Al-Ansari by his master, Imam Ali Al-Naqi (‘a). Bishr Al-Ansari received the cheering and happy slave girl and accompanied her to the little room where they stayed in Baghdad. As she sat down, she took out the letter and started kissing it and swabbing with it her eyes.

Astounded, Bishr Al-Ansari asked: You are kissing a letter of someone you do not know? Narjis Khatoon replied promptly: “You are incapable and little-knowing the position of descendants of Prophet Mohammed (S). Listen to me carefully; I am Malika, daughter of Yashoa, the son of Caesar the King of the Romans. My mother is a descendant of Shimeon (Simon) the disciple of Jesus (‘a) the son of Mary. I shall reveal to you my incredible story.”

Narjis Khatoon said: “My grandfather the Caesar (Bardas) wanted to marry me off to his nephew when I was 13 years old. He summoned to his palace the descendants of the disciples of Jesus (‘a), three hundred of them were monks and priests, and a further seven hundred were high dignitaries. He also called four thousand men of his high-ranking officers, generals, knights, noblemen and tribal chiefs. A magnificent throne, adorned with jewels and gems, was erected in the palace and raised forty steps high.”

Narjis Khatoon added: “As my grandfather's nephew went up the throne, surrounded by huge crosses and the bishops stood up and opened their bibles, the palace started to shake, the crosses fell to the ground and the throne crashed down as its pillars shattered. His nephew was knocked down unconscious. The bishops turned pale and trembled. A senior bishop said to my grandfather: O' King, relieve us from attending this ceremony and witness these signs which augur an evil omen of the end of Christianity and the Royal religion.”

Narjis Khatoon said: “My grandfather was annoyed and severely disturbed by this. He angrily commanded that the crosses be lifted and the pillars fixed. He ordered to continue the ceremony and called upon the brother of his nephew to marry me instead, so that the good fortunes of the latter nephew would stave off the jinx of his brother. Once again, a tremor hit the palace causing great fear among the guests who ran away leaving the palace. My grandfather was saddened by this and returned to his sleeping chamber.”

She then said: After fourteen nights, I saw another vision where I saw Fatimah (‘a) daughter of Prophet Muhammad (S) and Mary mother of Jesus (‘a) along with a number of maids of honor came to visit me. Mary said to me: “This is Fatimah your husband's mother.” I embraced her and cried and complained that Imam Hasan Al-Askari (‘a) did not come to see me. She said that her son would not visit me as long as I was of a different religion. I would have to embrace Islam to see him. She said: “If you were inclined to satisfy God and satisfy Jesus (‘a) and Mary and wanted Imam Hasan Al-Askari (‘a) to visit you, then you would have to say “Laa ilaha illa Allah, Muhammad-ar-Rasul Allah” (I bear witness that there is no god but God, and that Muhammad is His messenger). I was willing heart and soul to accept Islam, and spoke those words. Fatimah, daughter of Prophet Muhammad (S) embraced me and said: “Now expect the visit of Imam Hasan Al-Askari (‘a), I will send him to you.”

I woke up very happy and eager for meeting my beloved. On the following night, I saw as if he came to see me and I was saying O’ beloved, you have forsaken me, while I was suffering in your love. He said that my belief was the reason for his delay, but from now on he would visit me every night until Almighty God will join us together.

Bishr Al-Ansari asked: "Then how did you become a prisoner?" Narjis Khatoon said: "Imam Hasan Al-Askari (‘a) told me one night that my grandfather will send out a big army to fight the Muslims on day so and so, and then he would join that army later on. When that happens, I am to follow them taking so and so route disguised as a maid with some of my maids. As I did what I was told, I found myself and the maids surrounded by the vanguard of the Muslim army. We were taken captives. Nobody knew that I was a Roman princess and I never told anyone. Even the old man, in whose bounty I became captive, the one you have bought me from, asked me my name. I said it was Narjis. He said that it is a maid's name. The rest of the story you witnessed in the slave market."

Bishr Al-Ansari said: When I returned with her to Samarra. She met my master Imam Ali Al-Naqi (‘a), who asked her: "How God showed you the dignity of Islam and the honor of Muhammad and his progeny (‘a)?" She said: "What can I say about what you know better than I do."

Imam Ali Al-Naqi (‘a) said: “I want to honor you. What shall you choose, ten thousand dinars or the news of good tidings of an everlasting honor?” She replied: “The good news of a son from me.” Imam Ali Al-Naqi (‘a) said: “Glad tidings for you, for you shall beget a child who will rule over the East and the West and will fill the earth with justice and equity as it is filled

with injustice and tyranny.” Narjis Khatoon asked: “By whom (I shall have this son)?” Imam Ali Al-Naqi (‘a) replied in Roman language: “By the one for whom Prophet Muhammad (S) had betrothed you on the night of so and so, the month of so and so, and the year of so and so....”

Imam Ali Al-Naqi (‘a) described in detail the visions that she had. He added: “By the one to whom Jesus (‘a) and his disciple gave you in marriage.” She said: “Your son Imam Hasan Al-Askari (‘a).” Imam Ali Al-Naqi (‘a) said: "Do you know him?" She replied: “There was not a night, he has not visited me since the time I embraced Islam at the hands of Fatimah (‘a) the daughter of Prophet Muhammad (S)."

The Birth Of A Son To Her, The 12th Imam Muhammad Ibn Hasan (‘Aj)

The Sun of the existence of the twelfth Imam (‘aj) cast its reflection and enlightened and brightened the hearts of his followers with its light.

The Abbasid caliphs and government functionaries had heard that the Imams are ‘twelve’ and that the last and final of them is the son of eleventh Imam Hasan Al-Askari (‘a) whose occultation will prolong, and he is the one who will form the world government.

The tyrant rulers were greatly and extremely alarmed and scared and wanted to stop it. But they were not aware that Pharaoh with his might and power and with all that barbaric massacre of the children and newly born babies could not stop the God's will to materialize. He was looking for and searching for Musa (Moses) (‘a) from house to house but was bringing up; his wanted one in his own lap. Motamid, the Abbasid caliph, who was the Pharaoh of his age, was extremely vigilant and watchful about the Imam's house. When eleventh Imam (‘a) was poisoned and taken from the prison to his house, in a feeble condition, he sent five of the courtiers along with him so that they may be vigilant and alert and inform him about any occurrence or incident taking shape at his house.

Then he sent a group of mid wives to the house of eleventh Imam (‘a) so that they keep an eye upon the wife of Imam (‘a).

Samarah immersed into disturbance and lamentations upon the martyrdom of eleventh Imam (‘a). All the people by closing their places of work moved towards Imam's (‘a) house. They carried the corpse upon their hands for the burial ceremonies in a much grand, splendid and magnificent way.

The Abbasid caliph got much harassed and bewildered at such movement of the masses. He was trying hard to cover up his crime and manifest the martyrdom of Imam (‘a) as a natural death. Motamid sent his brother to attend the burial rituals and take evidence, and make people a witness that nobody had killed the Imam (‘a). On the other side, he took up the work of distributing the wealth of Imam (‘a) so as to show that Imam (‘a) has left over no son who could offer the funeral prayer and is the heir to his property.

But in spite of the entire efforts God's behest took place and the son of Imam (‘a) was five years old when his father was martyred. He achieved the station of Imamate in that age, just as the Christ (‘a) was appointed Prophet while he was an infant in the cradle.

He (‘aj), in the same age, when they laid the corpse of his father, and his uncle who was not a good man wanted to lead the funeral prayers, pushed his uncle aside and led the prayer assembly himself.

After the prayers he disappeared from the sights. From the very age of Imam Hasan Al-Askari (‘a), the followers of Ahl ul-Bayt had seen him in his father's house and had heard the recommendations he did about his son. After the martyrdom of his father, they kept in contact with him for a long time.

Circumstances Of Imam's (‘AJ) Birth

Hakima, the aunt of Imam (‘a) says, “I had gone to the house of my nephew, on Thursday in the mid of Shabaan's month. When I wanted to say good-bye and ask for permission to leave. Imam (‘a) said, “Oh auntie, do stay tonight with us because our son will come to the world.” I was much overjoyed and happy and went to Narjis (mother of Imam Az-Zaman ‘aj) but I did not find any clue and sign of pregnancy in her.

Astonished and surprised as I was, I said to myself, I do not see any sign of childbirth. At this moment Imam Hasan Al-Askari (‘a) came to me and said, "Oh aunty don't be sad Narjis is like the mother of Musa (‘a) and the baby is like Musa (‘a), who was born secretly and without any signs and symbols. Go to Narjis she will (bear) bring her child to the world at the morning (Azan time [dawn time]). I became glad and stayed with Narjis and the way Imam (‘a) had said the signs of pregnancy appeared before sunrise.

A sphere of light came into existence in between her and me so that I could not see Narjis any longer. I got scared and came out of the room and contacted Imam (‘a) and told him about the matter.

He smiled and said, "Turn back, after a few moments so you will see him."

I returned to the room and saw that newly born baby was prostrating whereas he had raised his finger towards the sky, calling remembering his God with graciousness, grandeur and oneness and praising Him.2

Muslim’s Belief In The Return Of Imam Mahdi (‘AJ) Accompanied By Prophet Jesus (‘A)

Among the sure signs of the reappearance of His Eminence, the Master of the Age (‘aj) is the coming down on earth of His Eminence, Jesus Christ (‘a) and his paying allegiance to and praying behind in congregation Prayers led by His Eminence, Imam Mahdi (‘aj).

After the description of the scourge of Dajjal (anti-Christ), Imam Ali (‘a) said, “When it would be Friday and the people would be ready for Prayers, Isa bin Maryam (Jesus, son of Mary) shall descend to the earth wearing two pieces of bright garments. As if oil is dripping from his hair, he shall have an elegant face and he shall resemble Prophet Ibrahim (‘a) greatly. Then His Eminence, Imam Mahdi (‘aj) would glance at him and say, ‘O Son of the Chaste lady (Maryam)! You lead the Prayer.’

Jesus Christ (‘a) would reply, ‘Leading the Prayers is your right.’ Then Imam Mahdi (‘a) would step forward and lead the congregation prayer and Christ would pray behind him. Then he would pay allegiance to him. When His Eminence, Jesus (‘a) comes out he would see Dajjal (anti-Christ) taunting; he (Dajjal) would melt like lead.”

Saeed bin Jubair has narrated from Ibn Abbas that the Messenger of God (S) said, “My Caliphs and successors are twelve persons, first of whom is my brother and the last my great grandson.” He was asked, “O God’s Messenger! Who is your brother” He replied, “Ali bin Abi Talib (‘a)” He was asked, “Who is your great grandson” He replied, “Mahdi, who shall fill the earth with justice and equity like it would be fraught with injustice and oppression. By the One in Whose hands is my life! Even if a day remains for the earth, the Almighty God will prolong this day till my son, Mahdi reappears and Isa bin Maryam (Jesus, son of Mary) descends to the earth and recites prayer behind His Eminence. The earth shall be illuminated from the east to the west.”

Abu Amama Bahili has related that the Messenger of God (S) recited a sermon for us and spoke about the Dajjal and his mischief. Then he said, “And the Imam of the people is a righteous and worthy person, who would be His Eminence, the Mahdi. It would be told to His Eminence to lead the Morning Prayer and when he recites the Takbir (Allah o Akbar) and begins the prayer, Jesus, son of Mary (‘a) shall descend and when Imam Mahdi (‘aj) sees him, he shall recognize him. He would slowly move behind till Jesus, son of Mary (‘a) becomes ahead of him. However, Jesus (‘a) would put his hand on his shoulder and say, you lead the prayer, as the establishment of prayer is yours. Then Jesus (‘a) shall recite his prayers behind His Eminence.”

Muhiyyuddin Arabi says, “Know that His Eminence, Mahdi – May God, the High, hasten his reappearance – when he reappears, all Muslims shall be in a prosperous condition and people of God shall accept his invitation.

They shall help him and be his deputies as they would be responsible for important functions of his government. Jesus, son of Mary (‘a) shall descend to the white minaret on the east of Damascus while an angel shall be on his right and another on his left and he shall meet His Eminence, Imam Mahdi (‘a).”

Numerous narrations prove the descent of His Eminence, Jesus Christ (‘a) from the heavens and also mention that Jesus (‘a) shall pay the oath of fealty at the hands of His Eminence, Imam Mahdi (‘aj) and assist him in spreading the truth and justice.3

Muslims’ Eagerly Waiting For The Return Of Their Savior Imam Mahdi (‘AJ) Similarly To Christians Who Are Waiting For The Return Of Prophet Jesus (‘A)

From what we read of the glad tidings in the Qur'an and the traditions of the Holy Prophet (S) and the infallible Imams, the Imam of the Age (Imam Az-Zaman) has special responsibilities, which other Imams did not have. Imam Az-Zaman (‘aj) will establish Universal Government. He will fill the earth with righteousness and justice. He will exploit the earth's treasures and natural resources. He will improve and develop the land, and in this way people's awareness and understanding will improve.

Therefore, don’t the followers of His Eminence have a very particular duty? Shouldn’t they endeavor to obtain the competence and merit of being His Eminence's special companions when he reappears by Divine Command?

Therefore, let us see what our duties are and how we should observe them. Undoubtedly, our first duty is to become acquainted with him.

Recognizing Imam Az-Zaman is so important and essential that in the Holy Prophet (S)'s traditions we read:

"He who dies without recognizing the Imam of his time is like one who had died during the jahiliyyah (the pagan era before the advent of Islam)."

To die during the jahiliyyah means a death devoid of faith. And it is obvious that one who dies without recognizing the Imam of his age is counted in the group of the faithless.

In another tradition, Imam Muhammad Al-Baqir (‘a) is quoted as having said on the same subject:

"One who dies without having (accepted) the Imam, it is as if he died in the jahiliyyah, and people are not exempted from recognizing their Imam."

Therefore, we must endeavor to recognize His Eminence (Imam Az-Zaman) for the sake of Islam and our faith, and so that we may be reckoned among those who have gained salvation and among the faithful.

Another duty of the followers of Prophet Muhammad (S) and his household during the major occultation, which the Holy Imam have alluded to, is the question of being ready for the Savior Hence, the first step for salvation is to recognize the Imam of the age; and the second step is to be prepared for the establishment of just Government by His Eminence.

One who is waiting (muntazir) and preparing himself for the appearance of the Imam must have the characteristics and merits of the companions of Imam al-Mahdi (‘aj), and should sacrifice in his way. For this reason, Imam as- Sadiq (‘a) said:

“One who waits for our commands is like a person who sacrifices his own blood in the way of God.”

Yes, he who is really ready for the Imam Al-Asr (the Imam of the Period) becomes like a martyr in the way of God.

In another tradition, the same Imam Sadiq (‘a) told some of his followers about the person who is really waiting for the Imam Az-Zaman, saying: "One who dies while expecting the Government of al-Qa'im is like one who is in the presence of al-Qa'im (Imam al-Mahdi (‘aj)."

After a pause, he added:

"But he is like one who has been struck with a sword while accompanying him."

Then he insisted further by adding:

"Nay, by God! He is like one who has been martyred in the presence of the Messenger of God."

Are we reckoned among those who are expecting His Eminence? Are we at least waiting for the Divine Promise of the Authority of God (Waliyy Ullah) in the same manner as we wait for the return of our loved ones from a journey?

In another tradition, Imam as-Sadiq (‘a) narrated the virtues of the companions of Imam al-Mahdi (‘aj) saying:

"If one takes pleasure in being among the companions of al-Qa'im, then he must wait for him and must act with good behavior and modestly. If he dies before the appearance of al-Qa'im, then he will be rewarded like one who has followed him. Then act diligently, and await, that this effort and awaiting will give you delight, O' you who have found salvation."

So, one who is awaiting and has not ceased from good and worthy deeds should earnestly endeavor to be in an excellent and worthy position in such a way that God may shower His blessings on him.

So, we should pray to God that He may include us among those who are waiting for the Imam of the age, and that our acts and conduct may also symbolize the truth of our claim.

Firstly, we should acquaint ourselves with His Eminence, the Imam, and then we should guide others, his opponents and enemies.

We should gain the virtues of the companions of Imam al-Mahdi (‘aj), and should always be in the expectation of his appearance.

As the followers of Prophet Muhammad (S) and his household, we must have a devout link with His Eminence (‘aj) during the occultation.

Their hearts and souls should be filled with love and affection for him.

Their thoughts should be devoted to his service and their desire should be to meet him.

Their prayers should be to ask for the blessing of God to be showered on His Eminence, and their supplication should be for salvation.

Their existence should be one welded and fused unit, and their life should blaze with love for him4

• 1. Here I would like to mention that many of the A’imma (‘a) married women who belonged to different races and several of their wives were also from Africa. These women are mentioned in the history for their great knowledge and piety and these great women became the mothers of some of our A’imma (‘a).
  These examples that the A’imma (‘a) set forth destroy the racist ideology that a person should not marry outside of their own ethnicity. When researching history we also find that there is a different narration than the one quoted in the text, which states that Narjis was of African descent.
  This Hadith is from Sheikh Sadooq in Kamal ud-Deen Vol.1 Ch. 32, page 329 Hadith 12 and al-Numani in Kitab al-Ghaybah page 228 Hadith 8 and page 163 Hadith 3 “I heard Abu Ja’far Muhammad al-Baqir (‘a) say ‘Verily the master of this affair (al-Qa’im) in him is resemblance of Yusuf (‘a) he is the son of a black bondwoman, and Allah will reform his affair in one night.”
• 2. Kamaaluddin wa Tamaamun Ni'ma (Volume 2) chapter 41 by Shaikh Al Saduq. Online at: https://www.al-islam.org/kamaaluddin-wa-tamaamun-nima-vol-2-shaykh-saduq...
• 3. The Life Of Imam Al-Mahdi By: Allama Baqir Sharif al-Qarashi. Online at: https://www.al-islam.org/life-imam-al-mahdi-baqir-shareef-al-qurashi
• 4. An Inquiry Concerning al-Mahdi Muhammad Baqir al-Sadr