عيسى بن محمد بن علي

“If the fifth one of the descendants of the seventh one is missed then you are to keep fast to your religion and let nothing turn you aside from it because the executor (al-Qa’im) of this task (reviving the religion) must disappear until many of those, who have believed in him, will apostate. It will be a test, by which Allah will try His people. If your fathers and grandfathers had found a religion better than this, they would have followed it.” I said: “O my master, who is the fifth of the seventh’s descendants?” He said: “O my son, your minds are smaller than to perceive this matter and your patience is weaker than to bear it. If you live until then, you will know who he is.”

“When the fifth descendant of the seventh (Imam) will disappear from the public sight at that time for the sake of Allah, for the sake of Allah protect your religion so no one can strip off of it. My son, it is necessary that the in charge of this task (Leadership with Divine Authority) must disappear from the public sight. Even those who believe in it would turn away from their belief. It will certainly be a trial from Allah, the Most Majestic, the Most gracious, to test His creature. Had your fathers and ancestors know any other religion more correct than this they would certainly have followed it.” I then asked, “My master, who is the fifth from the descendants of the seven?” He said, “My son, you intelligence falls shorter to reach it and your understanding remain narrower to accommodate it but if you would live you will soon comprehend its being.”