Miracle of Imam Mahdi (as) Saves Shia of Bahrain!

Allamah Majlisi (ra) narrates that he heard from reliable scholars about an incident during the British rule in Bahrain. Despite the Shia majority, the British appointed a Sunni Muslim as governor. Among his ministers was a staunch enemy of the Shia community.

One day, this minister presented a pomegranate to the governor, upon which were inscribed the names of Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and Imam Ali (a.s.), alongside the phrase:

“La Ilaaha Illa Allah, Mohammed Rasool Allah, Abu Bakr wa Omar wa Othman wa Ali Kholefa’a Allah.”

The minister claimed this was a divine sign proving Sunni beliefs to be true. He urged the governor to force the Shia to convert, execute them, or tax them as non-Muslims. Pleased with this so-called miracle, the governor summoned Shia scholars and presented them with these three choices.

Astonished by the fruit, the scholars requested three days to respond. The governor granted their request, and they left, troubled over how to counter the deception. After much deliberation, they decided to seek assistance from Imam Mahdi (a.s.). Three pious scholars were chosen, each sent into the wilderness to pray for divine guidance.

On the first two nights, the first two scholars prayed fervently, but no answer came. On the third night, however, the last scholar saw a noble and majestic figure approach at dawn. When asked about his distress, the scholar replied that if the man was truly the Imam, he would already know the problem. The Holy Imam (a.s.) assured him he was aware of their plight and instructed him on what to do.

The next morning, the scholar was to accompany the governor to the minister’s residence and insist on visiting the top terrace. There, they would find two molds used to imprint the inscriptions onto the fruit as it grew. The Imam (a.s.) also instructed that the minister himself be made to break open the pomegranate to expose the truth.

The following day, events unfolded as the Holy Imam (a.s.) had foretold. When confronted, the minister turned pale and tried to make excuses, but under pressure, he led them to the terrace, where the molds were discovered exactly as described. At last, he was forced to break open the fruit. As soon as he did, a cloud of black dust burst forth, staining his face and beard in disgrace.

Exposed for his treachery, the minister was executed, while the Shia scholars were honored and departed with dignity.

Bihaar ul Anwaar, Volume 52, Chapter 29