Examining the Narration About the Death of the King of Egypt

Dar al‑Hidayah | Followers of Ahmad al‑Basri cite the following narration, claiming that the “King of Egypt” refers to Muḥammad Ḥusnī Sayyid al‑Mubārak. They argue that his first name is “Muḥammad,” his middle name “Ḥusnī,” and by omitting his grandfather’s name “Sayyid,” he is known as “Muḥammad Ḥusnī Mubārak.” Since he has been removed from power, they conclude that the Mahdī must now be “knocking at your door,” identifying him as Ahmad al‑Basri.

The Narration — from Imam ʿAlī (peace be upon him)

“The ruler of Egypt is the sign of signs. His sign is that he holds authority. His heart is Ḥasan, his head is Muḥammad, and he changes the name of his grandfather. If he leaves power, know that the Mahdī will knock at your doors. Before he knocks, fly to him in the clouds (airplanes) or come to him crawling over snow.” (al‑Mufājaʾa, p. 412)

Source Issues

Ahmad al‑Basri’s official sites attribute this narration to Mādhā Qāla ʿAlī ʿan Ākhir al‑Zamān by Sayyid ʿAlī ʿĀshūr. However, the earliest source is al‑Mufājaʾa Bushrāk Yā Quds by Muḥammad ʿĪsā Dāwūd — neither of which are considered authentic hadith sources.

• Both authors are contemporary and did not live in Imam ʿAlī’s time.
• They provide no chain of transmission from reliable early sources.

About the Author of al‑Mufājaʾa

• Egyptian journalist and academic.
• Claims to have learned occult sciences from “friends of God.”
• Sunni, claiming descent from Imam al‑Ḥasan (peace be upon him).
• Asserts possession of part of the ʿIlm al‑Jafr of Imam ʿAlī.
• Attributes statements to Imam ʿAlī naming modern countries (USA, Israel, Nepal, Tibet, Koreas, Europe, Singapore) and events like Camp David — none of which appear in authentic Shia or Sunni sources.

Views Contrary to Shia Doctrine

• Considers the first two caliphs and Muʿāwiya among the “friends of God.”
• Claims the Mahdī was born in Medina and is from Imam al‑Ḥasan’s line.
• Praises King ʿAbd Allāh of Saudi Arabia.
• Calls Muʿammar al‑Qadhdhāfī a “preparer” for the Mahdī.

On His Claim to ʿIlm al‑Jafr

Shia hadith state that the Jafr is exclusive to the Imams and not accessible to others. What is taught today as ʿIlm al‑Jafr differs fundamentally from the knowledge held by the Imams. Attributing such material to them without proof is considered fabricating hadith.

Fabricated Nature of the Material

• Dāwūd often cites “manuscripts” supposedly only in his possession — a known tactic of false claimants.
• Many such manuscripts are unverifiable and filled with numerology and astrology.
• They have no proven link to early Islam.

Content Interpretation

Interestingly, Dāwūd’s own interpretation of “if he leaves” is not removal from power but that Mubārak would “rise” to prepare for the Mahdī — portraying him as a supporter.

➡️ This directly contradicts Ahmad al‑Basri’s use of the narration.