The Truth About the Heavenly Call (Al-Saiha)

Dar al-Hidaya : Among the definite and unmistakable signs of the reappearance of Imam Mahdi (AJ) is the Heavenly Call—known in Arabic as Al-Nidā’ (النداء) or Al-Ṣaiḥa (الصيحة). This extraordinary event has been authentically narrated in Shia sources and holds profound eschatological significance.

 What Is the Heavenly Call?

The Heavenly Call refers to a divine voice from the sky, heard by everyone on Earth, that proclaims the truth of Imam Mahdi’s (AJ) mission and validates the leadership of Amir al-Mu’minin (AS) and his followers.

It is not symbolic or allegorical—it is a literal, audible event confirmed in authentic narrations.

 Narration A: From Abdullah bin Sinan, Reporting Imam Sadiq (AS)

📘 Source: Al-Ghaybah by Nu’mani, p. 268

Abdullah bin Sinan narrates:

“I was with Abu Abdullah (Imam Sadiq AS) when a man from Hamdan said:
‘The people mock us and say: You Shia claim that a voice will come from the sky announcing the name of your master.’

Imam Sadiq (AS), though reclining, became visibly angered and sat up.

He said:
**‘Do not narrate this from me; narrate it from my father instead, and there is no blame in that. I testify that I heard my father say:
By Allah, this is mentioned in the Book of Allah:

“If We will, We can send down upon them a sign from the sky, so their necks would remain humbled before it.” (Surah Ash-Shu‘ara: 4)**

On that day, no one on Earth will fail to submit to this sign.

The voice will call:

‘Indeed, the truth is with Ali ibn Abi Talib and his followers.’”

 Narration B: From Abu Hamza Thumali, Reporting Imam Baqir (AS)

📘 Source: Al-Ghaybah by Sheikh Tusi, p. 455

Abu Hamza Thumali asked Imam Baqir (AS) about this event. The Imam said:

“A caller will cry out from the sky at the beginning of the day:
‘Indeed, the truth is with Ali and his followers!’

Then, at the end of the same day, Iblis (may Allah curse him) will raise a false call:
‘Indeed, the truth is with Sufyani and his followers!’

Those who are seekers of falsehood will follow the second call and be deceived by it.”

 Key Features of the Heavenly Call

1. Explicit Mention of Imam Ali (AS) and Imam Mahdi (AJ):
   The call will clearly affirm that truth lies with Ali ibn Abi Talib (AS) and his true successors, ending all doubt for the sincere.

2. Global Audibility:
   The voice will be heard by everyone on Earth, regardless of language, nationality, or location.

3. Spiritual Divide:
   The first call from Allah will guide the truthful, while the second deceptive call by Iblis will expose the hearts of those who follow desires and misguidance.

4. Firm Scriptural Basis:
   The narrations directly link this event to Surah Ash-Shu‘ara, verse 4, supporting its authenticity and importance within Qur’anic prophecy.

 What’s Next?

In the next discussion, we’ll explore the identity of the angelic caller, including the narrations that name Jibra’il (Gabriel) as the one who makes this divine announcement.

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