IntroductionHow was this long lifegranted to al-Mahdi?The Miracle and theLong LifeWhy all this desireto Prolong his Life?How was thePreparation of theExpected LeaderAchievedHow can we believein the Existence ofal-Mahdi?Why has the Leadernot Appeared yet?Can An IndividualAssume this Role?How will the Changeon the Appointed DayOccur?PREFACETHE GOOD NEWSTHE BIRTHTHE MINOROCCULTATIONTHE MAJOR OCCULTATIONTHE SHI'ITES DURING THE IMAM'SOCCULTATION