Compendium of Imam al - Mahdi's Discourses The illuminating discourses of Imam al - Mahdi , both before and inthe time of his imamate are well indicative of his sublime status . The discourses issued by Imam al - Mahdi at the time he was born , the Quranic verses he recited soon after his graceful birth , his discourses before and throughout his imamate , and those he shall issue after his reappearance all indicate his lofty status . They prove that he is the very promised and just dignitary of all divine religions . He is the token of Allah on the earth . His discourses before attaining the status of imamate indicate that he is the true successor to the 11 th Infallible Imamal - Hasan al - Askari : He is the 12 th Infallible Imam . The discourses of Imam al - Mahdi in the period of his both Minorand Major Occultation prove that the light and grace of his guidancereach the public in the time of his Occultation . It illuminates the worldlike a sun behind a cloud ; His guidance benefits all enquirers . ) 3 (