When we refer to books of history, biography and accounts of prominent figures, we find a great deal of disagreement regarding the name of the blessed mother of Imam al-Zaman (may Allah hasten his reappearance). For example, in the books of prominent figures and history, we come across the following names for her: Narjis, Susan, Rayhana, Saqil, Malika, Khumt, Hakima, and Maryam.
Our opponents use this discrepancy in names as a basis to cast doubt on the very existence of Imam Mahdi (may Allah hasten his reappearance), raising questions about the entire matter. For instance, one individual has dedicated an entire chapter in his book to this topic, entitling it “Contradictions in the Life of the Awaited Mahdi of the Shia.” In it, he writes:
“Now the question is: Who is the mother of Imam Mahdi? Was she a slave girl named Narjis, or was her name Saqil, or was her name Malika, or was her name Khat, or was her name Hakima, or was her name Rayhana, or was her name Susan, or was she a free woman named Maryam?”
Another critic, commenting on this discrepancy, writes:
“When there is so much اختلاف (disagreement/variance) about the mother of a personage, how can that personage himself be well-known?”
Look at this response and how weak and flimsy is the unnecessary elaboration. By observing this discrepancy, it is possible to escape from many contradictory and conflicting statements that are famous about this personage.
Footnotes:
(1) Questions that Led Shia Youth to the Truth, pg. 28
(2) When Will Your Light Dawn, O The Awaited One? pg. 34 1