Mikyal al-Makaarim

Mikyal al-Makarim (Arabic: Mikyal al-Makarim Fi Fawa'id al-Du'a Li'l Qai’m ) is a book written in Arabic by Sayyid Muhammad Taqi Musawi Isfahani, also known as Faqih Ahmadabadi. This work has been translated and reprinted multiple times.^[2]

Sayyid Muhammad Taqi Musawi Isfahani (1301–1348 AH), also known as Faqih Ahmadabadi, was a prominent Twelver Shia scholar and jurist from Isfahan, Iran. He studied under his father, Sayyid Abdul-Razzaq, as well as other scholars, receiving authorization for hadith narration and ijtihād. He is best known for Mikyal al-Makarim Fi Fawa'id al-Du'a Li'l Qai’m, and some of his poetry is dedicated to Imam al-Mahdi. He died in 1348 AH and was buried beside his father in Takht-e Foulad Cemetery, Isfahan.^[3][4]

The book is organized as a reference work, with several sections presenting its topics in alphabetical order.

• The book is divided into eight sections.

• The Obligation to Recognize Imam Mahdi

• The Imam of our time is Imam Mahdi.

• Some of the rights of Imam Mahdi over his followers include:

• The characteristics of the Imam that make supplication on his behalf obligatory for the people.

• The Benefits of Praying for the Reappearance of Imam Mahdi

• The times and circumstances during which supplication for him and for the hastening of his reappearance are emphasized.

• The Method of Praying for the Hastening of the Reappearance and a Selection of Transmitted Supplications

• Other matters that bring one closer to Imam Mahdi also bring him joy and are considered valuable in his sight.^[5]

In one section of the book, the author writes:

“The best acts during the period of his occultation are those that await his reappearance, involve praying for the hastening of his return, and focus on whatever brings about his satisfaction and closeness to him.”

Sayyid Muhammad Taqi Musavi Isfahani himself writes about the composition of the book:

“I resolved to write a separate book on this subject that would encompass its benefits and to compose it in an engaging style. However, the events of the time, the circumstances of the era, and successive hardships prevented me from doing so—until I saw someone in a dream who cannot be described by pen or speech: my master, the beloved of my broken heart, and the Imam whose appearance we await. I saw him in a dream, and with an inspiring expression, he said, ‘Write this book, and write it in Arabic, and name it Mikyal al-Makarim fi Fawaʾid al-Duʿaʾ li-l-Qaʾim.’ I awoke from sleep like one who is thirsty and set out to obey his command, but I was not granted success until last year (1330 AH), when I traveled to Mecca. When an outbreak of cholera occurred there, I made a covenant with God—Exalted and Glorified be He—that if He were to save me from this peril and ease my return to my homeland, I would begin writing this book. God then bestowed His favor upon me and returned me safely to my homeland. As His blessings and kindness have always encompassed me, I then proceeded to undertake its composition.”^[4]

The book Makiyal Al-Makaram is written in Arabic. It has been translated into English, often under the title Mikyal al-Makarim: The Benefits of Praying for the Qa'im. English translations are available through academic and religious publishers, including online platforms such as Al-Islam.org and Google Books.^[6]

• English Translation of Mikyal al-Makarim