An inquiry into the Challenging Reports About Imam Mahdi (a) in the Book of Sulaym b. Qays al-Hilali

The book of Sulaym b. Qays al-Hihali (d. 76 AH) is one of the most ancient extant books of the early Islam. This book is mostly about the incidents after the death of the prophet of Islam (PBUH&P) and the oppressions on his household. Despite the importance of the subjects concerning Imam Mahdi (a) and the existence of controversial reports in this book about him, these reports have not been studied yet. Because of the contradictions in such reports, the inquiry to define the promised Mahdi in this book is subjected to a serious challenge. This essay shows that the book of Sulaym has no negative viewpoint but about Bani Umayyah and none of the Imams of misguidance is among Bani Abbas! According to this book, the promised Mahdi will overthrow the government of Bani Umayyah and give it back to its true owners, i.e. the household of the prophet. It seems that the author of the book -or some parts of it- lived in the late period of Bani Umayyah and therefore, sought the Imams of misguidance among them and the first three caliphs as well. He also hoped that Mahdi will overthrow the government of Bani Umayyah. Imperfections in the book of Sulaym prevent us from the absolute acceptance of the content of it, including its narrations about Imam Mahdi (a); and even it is problematic to allege all the content to Sulaym b. Qays or Aban b. Abi Ayyash.