Misconception: Is the One Imprisoned in the Hadiths the Yamani?

Dar al‑Hidayah | Among the many misinterpretations by the followers of Ahmad al‑Basri to prove that the Yamani is the true Qa’im, one argument refers to a narration that speaks about the Imprisoned of the Qa’im as part of his prophetic legacy. In this article, we examine this claim and clarify its flaws.

The Narration Used by Ahmad al‑Basri’s Followers

Imam al‑Baqir (peace be upon him) said: “The one who will arise (Sahib al‑Amr) will carry the traditions of four prophets: the tradition of Moses, Jesus, Joseph, and Muhammad (peace be upon them all).” He was asked about each of them. The tradition of Moses: he will be fearful and in hiding. The tradition of Jesus: it will be said of him what was said about Jesus. The tradition of Joseph: imprisonment and occultation. The tradition of the Prophet: he will rise with the sword as the Prophet did and will fight for eight months until God is pleased. (al‑Ghaybah, al‑Nu‘mani, vol. 1, p. 164)

Their Argument

Nadhim ‘Uqayli, a prominent supporter of Ahmad al‑Basri, argues:

“There is no historical record that Imam al‑Mahdi was ever imprisoned. Therefore, the person referenced in this narration must be Ahmad al‑Basri.”

Refutation and Analysis

1. The Imprisonment Was Real — Historically and Circumstantially

Imam Hasan al‑‘Askari (peace be upon him), the father of Imam al‑Mahdi, lived under intense surveillance and virtual house arrest imposed by the Abbasid regime. Imam al‑Mahdi (peace be upon him) lived with his father under these harsh conditions until the age of five. His every move was monitored by the authorities. This life under restriction is akin to imprisonment, which is why narrations compare him to Prophet Joseph.

2. The Chain of Narration Is Weak (Da‘if)

The narration cited by Ahmad’s followers is reported through al‑Hasan ibn ‘Ali ibn Abi Hamzah, who is known as a liar and fabricator (kadhdhab). Thus, the hadith is weak (da‘if) by scholarly standards.

In contrast, Shaykh al‑Tusi has reported the same narration with a sound chain in which the phrase “imprisonment” (السجن) is absent:

“…The tradition of Joseph is: occultation (al‑ghaybah).” (al‑Ghaybah, al‑Tusi, vol. 1, p. 424)

✅ Conclusion: The authentic version of the narration does not mention “imprisonment.” Therefore, Ahmad al‑Basri’s inference is based on a weak and altered version.

3. Other Hadiths Explicitly Identify the Qa’im as Resembling Prophet Joseph

Several narrations state that Imam al‑Mahdi’s occultation resembles that of Prophet Joseph — particularly his concealment from both family and community.

4. A Clear Hadith Explaining the Resemblance to Joseph

Imam al‑Baqir (peace be upon him) told Muhammad ibn Muslim:

“The Qa’im from the family of Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family) resembles five prophets: Jonah, Joseph, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad. As for Joseph: he will be hidden from his close ones and his matter will be concealed from even his father, though the physical distance between them is short.” (Kamāl al‑Dīn wa Tamām al‑Ni‘mah, vol. 1, p. 327)

Final Conclusion

The claim that the Qa’im must be someone other than Imam al‑Mahdi because the narration speaks of “imprisonment” is based on a weak report and a misunderstanding of history. Reliable narrations confirm that:

• Imam al‑Mahdi (peace be upon him) is the one likened to Prophet Joseph.
• His life under surveillance and concealment fulfills this tradition.
• The version including “prison” is weak, while the sound version mentions only occultation.