The Late Ayatollah AI Uzma Agha Mirza Muhammad Mahdi Isfahani (r.
a) (1303-1365) was one of the well-known scholars of the last
decades. He was a spiritual leader as well as a jurist. He was a great spiritual and moral influence for years upon the Hauz-e-Ilmia of Mashhad. ‘Represent great schools of thoughts are a result of his teachings. This was because all his life he stood like a firm barrier against narrow-mindedness and deviations. He considered the Holy Quran and the traditions of Ahlul Bayt (as.) to be the only source of true Islam.
Most of the present Shia scholars and religious leaders had been his students. They have always followed his teachings.
All the celebrations and functions that we see on the occasion of the birth of the present Imam, Imam-e-Zamana (a.s.) are due to the patronage of this great scholar. It was he who had provided a spark and it resulted in the great illuminations of this joyous occasion.
When this great teacher was himself a student all kinds of schools of thoughts had penetrated the academic world. For example the philosophical school, the Gnostics and others. This scenario confused him to a great extent. Being a revolutionary thinker he could not decide upon the direction that he should take for spiritual advancement. At last he prayed to Hazrat Vali Asr (a.s.) and sought his help to find a way for him.
Hazrat (a.s.) also honoured him by his presence when he was in,
Wadi-us-Salaam, Najaf sitting near the graves of Prophet Hud (a.s.) and Prophet Saleh (a.s.). Hazrat (a.s.) met him and guided him too……………. When he called Imam (a.s.) for help with his eyes filled with tears he was rewarded with the visit from Imams (a.s.). He not only had the honour of seeing the Imam (a.s.) with his own eyes but he was also cured of the disease of indecision.
When he awoke and looked at Hazrat (a.s.) he saw a green band on the chest of Imam (a.s.). It was 20 centimeters wide and 40 centimeters long. Inscribed upon it in luminous white were the following words.
“Seeking Knowledge from sources other than Ahlul Bayt (a.s.) is equivalent to denying us. And certainly I am established at present by Allah. And I am the Hujjat, the son of Hasan (al- Askari) (a.s.)”
The word ‘Hujjat Ibnul Hasan’ was inscribed like a signature. After
this the Imam (a.s.) disappeared from his sight. The timely message of Hazrat (a.s.) served like an ointment for his burnt heart. The correct path become manifest to him. After this event of having been honoured by the clear guidance of Imam (a.s.), the respected scholar never referred to him by any other title except the title of “Master Of All Sciences.”
The profound lesson of Imams (a.s.) became the torch of guidance for his way.
The message was clear. Imam meant to say that “whatever
knowledge you desire, obtain it from us.” Whether it is the knowledge of Allah, the knowledge of your own self, the knowledge of this world, or the Hereafter, follow me and my instructions. After this the Late Ayatollah came to Iran. In Iran he began to teach religious students through a method purely based on the Quran and the traditions of Ahlul Bayt. His sole endeavour was to keep alive the knowledge and recognition of Ahlul Bayt (a.s.) The writings of the knowledgeable Ayatullah are still treasured by some of his students…
(Quoted from Deen-e-Fitrat Vol. 1)
Reference : Glimpses of Imam Mahdi (atfs)