The question pertains to the concept of the 'System of Beads' as mentioned in Islamic narrations, particularly in relation to the signs of the end times.
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1 Answer
Peace be upon you.
The term 'System of Beads' refers to a sequence of events that are interconnected, as described by Allama Majlisi in his work 'Bihar al-Anwar' based on the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt. It indicates that the emergence of the Sufyani, the Yamani, and the Khurasani will occur in the same year, month, and day, following one another like beads on a string, leading to a situation of conflict from all sides. Woe to those who oppose them.
Scholars have interpreted this phrase in various ways, with some suggesting that the preceding signs serve as indicators for the subsequent ones, while others point to the political interconnections among these events. Some also suggest a social linkage. Below are some insights from scholars on this matter:
First Commentary by Sayyid Ja'far Murtada (may Allah have mercy on him):
The meaning of the narration is that the preceding signs serve as evidence and a warning for the occurrence of the subsequent signs.
For instance, the uprising of the supporters of the Mahdi (peace be upon him) in Iran is a sign of the impending great battle between Muslims and Jews, as they corrupt and dominate in Palestine. It has been narrated from Imam al-Sadiq (peace be upon him) that he recited the verse: {When the first of the two promises comes, We will send against you servants of Ours, strong in might, and they will roam through the land, and it is a promise fulfilled.} When asked who they were, he replied three times: 'They are indeed the people of Qum.'
The entry of the supporters into Palestine is a near sign of the Sufyani's emergence from the Levant, as indicated in the narration: 'The Sufyani will pledge allegiance to the people of the Levant and will fight the people of the East, defeating them from Palestine.' The emergence of Imam al-Mahdi (peace be upon him) in Mecca is also a sign of the Sufyani's movement towards the Hijaz to suppress the Mahdist uprising. The Sufyani's entry into the Hijaz is a sign of the earth swallowing his army, an event that will not occur without a call from the heavens. This implies that there is no divine purpose for the signs of the era of appearance more important than awakening the nation from its slumber and directing it towards the near future to anticipate these successive signs, preparing itself spiritually, politically, and militarily to welcome its awaited leader and striving to earn his pleasure before his emergence.
Second Commentary by Sheikh Ali Korani (may Allah protect him):
It seems that the meaning of the three emerging figures being sequential like a system of beads, even though they emerge on the same day, indicates that their events are politically interconnected. Their movements may begin on the same day, but their actions and consolidation of power will follow in a manner similar to a string of beads.
Third Commentary:
This expression describes the signs of the appearance and their organization, indicating that they follow one another. This means that these signs are interconnected in such a way that none can be absent from the others. The relationship among them may be a fundamental connection or may be subject to a specific political system, a particular military movement, or a specific social circumstance.
As narrated by Muhammad ibn al-Samit from Abu Abdullah (peace be upon him), when asked about the signs preceding this matter, he replied: 'Yes.' When asked what they were, he said: 'The destruction of the Abbasids, the emergence of the Sufyani, the killing of the pure soul, the sinking in the wilderness, and the voice from the heavens.' I said: 'May I be sacrificed for you, I fear this matter may take a long time.' He replied: 'No, it is like a system of beads that follow one another.'
This indicates the interconnection and correlation among these signs.
All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the worlds, and peace and blessings be upon Muhammad and his pure family.
Source:
[1] Bihar al-Anwar, Vol. 52, p. 232
[2] Clarification of the Obvious from the Forms of Problems by Sayyid Ja'far Murtada al-Amili, Vol. 1, p. 20.
[3] The Era of Appearance - Sheikh Ali Korani al-Amili, p. 206.