How Every Prophet was Betrayed by Those Close to Him

One of the most painful experiences in human life is betrayal. And perhaps the most painful form of betrayal is not from strangers or open enemies, but from close ones, family, companions, and those who once claimed loyalty. In the divine history of prophets and reformers, this type of betrayal is not just common; it is a recurring theme. In fact, it is a divine pattern, a Sunnah of God in the way He tests His chosen ones.

We will explore this deep and painful pattern. From Prophet Joseph to Jesus, to the awaited Imam Al-Mahdi, and in our own time, to Imam Ahmed Al-Hassan and Aba Al-Sadiq, this divine test has appeared again and again. Through these stories, we learn not only about betrayal but also about faith, endurance, and divine wisdom.

The First Betrayal in Human History: Cain and Abel

Even at the very beginning of humanity, betrayal was present. Cain (Qabil)  and Abel (Habil), the sons of Prophet Adam, offered sacrifices to God. When God accepted Abel's sacrifice and not Cain’s, Cain became jealous and killed his brother. This was the first murder in human history, and it came from within the same family.

Now Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let’s go out to the field.” While they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him. Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is your brother Abel?” “I don’t know,” he replied. “Am I my brother’s keeper?” The Lord said, “What have you done? Listen! Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground." (Bible, Book of Genesis, Chapter 4, Verses 8-10)

This story reveals that the struggle between good and evil, between faith and ego, often begins within our closest circles. It is a test of the soul and a sign of God’s justice.

The Betrayal of Prophet Joseph

The story of Prophet Joseph, peace be upon him, is one of the most detailed and emotional stories in the Qur’an. Joseph was not betrayed by enemies or outsiders, he was betrayed by his own brothers. 

"When they said, 'Surely Joseph and his brother are more beloved to our father than we are, while we are a strong group. Indeed, our father is clearly mistaken.'" (Qur’an, Chapter 12 (Yusuf), Verse 8)

Out of jealousy and envy, they threw him into a well and told their father he was eaten by a wolf. 

"Kill Joseph or cast him out to some (distant) land so that your father's attention will be only yours. After that, you may become righteous people." (Qur’an, Chapter 12 (Yusuf), Verse 9)

This act of betrayal caused years of pain for Joseph, who was sold into slavery and later imprisoned. Yet, it was all part of God’s plan. 

"So when they took him away and agreed to put him into the bottom of the well, We inspired him: 'You will surely inform them [someday] about this affair of theirs while they do not perceive [your identity].'" (Qur’an, Chapter 12 (Yusuf), Verse 15)

Through patience and trust in God, Joseph rose to a high position in Egypt and was reunited with his family. This story shows us a clear lesson: betrayal by close ones is part of the journey of those chosen by God. But in the end, truth and righteousness always win.

Jesus and the Betrayal of Judas

In Christian and Islamic traditions, Jesus was betrayed by one of his closest disciples, Judas Iscariot.  Judas was one of the twelve disciples and responsible for the house of funds. He had witnessed all his miracles and learned directly from Jesus. Judas’s betrayal was one of the most painful events to occur.  For a small amount of silver, Judas handed Jesus over to those who wanted to kill him. 

While he was still speaking a crowd came up, and the man who was called Judas, one of the Twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him, but Jesus asked him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?” (Bible, Book of Luke, Chapter 22, Verses 47-48)

Even Jesus, who performed miracles and preached peace, was not safe from betrayal by someone close. This pattern is repeated again and again in the lives of God’s messengers.

The Betrayal at the Time of Hussain 

They wrote to him not in tens, nor in hundreds, but in their thousands. Letter upon letter arrived, pledging loyalty, swearing allegiance, and vowing to stand by his side should he rise. They called upon him as their leader, their hope, their Imam. They implored him to come to them, promising support, unity, and unwavering devotion. But when the hour of truth came when standing with him meant risking everything, their promises crumbled. Their ink-stained words dissolved in the dust of fear and self-preservation. One by one, they turned away. Some watched in silence. Others joined his enemies. This was not merely abandonment. It was betrayal of the deepest kind.

Imam Hussein stood on the plains of Karbala with only a handful of true companions, facing an army born of broken pledges. And yet, though deserted by thousands, he remained unshaken upholding truth, dignity, and sacrifice until the very end. Such was the betrayal he faced. Such was the greatness he embodied.

It is attributed to Imam al-Sadiq: “If I had to truly distinguish my Shia, I would find them nothing other than pretenders. If I had to put them to the test, I would only find them to be apostates. If I were to scrutinise them, I would be left with only one in a thousand. Were I to sift them thoroughly, I would be left with only the handful that is truly mine. They have been sitting on cushions all along, saying: ‘We are the Shia of ‘Ali.’” (Bihar Al-Anwar, Al-Allamah Al-Majlisi)

The People of the Book Turn Against the Qa’im

Imam Al-Sadiq said: “When our Qa’im rises, he will face more hardship from the people than the Messenger of Allah did.” (Al-Kafi, Al-Shaikh Al-Kulayni, Vol. 8, p. 310)

Why would this be the case? Because the Prophet Muhammad came to people who worshipped idols. They had no scripture or divine law. But when the Qa’im rises, he will come to people who already claim to be religious, who interpret the Qur’an in their own way, and who believe they are already on the right path. These people will argue with the Qa’im using their own understanding of religion. They will protest his new rulings, challenge his authority, and resist his justice. This is what Imam al-Baqir meant when he said:

“The Qa’im will rise with a matter that is new, a book that is new, and a judgment that is new. It will be very difficult for the Arabs.” (Al-Kafi, Al-Shaikh Al-Kulayni, Vol. 1, Hadith 377)

Indeed, this is exactly what is unfolding at this very moment as these words are being read. Once again, the pattern of history repeats itself. The so-called scholars, those who do not act upon true knowledge, are rising in opposition to the Qa’im, just as their predecessors opposed the prophets and messengers who came before him. Blinded by their arrogance and imprisoned by their worldly authority, they issue so-called religious decrees fatwas devoid of divine light against this sacred call and against the blessed servant of God, Aba Al-Sadiq.

They cloak their rejection in the language of religion, yet their hearts are far from God. Instead of recognizing the signs of truth, they cling to the institutions and positions that benefit them, fearing the loss of power more than they fear the Almighty. Just as the scholars of old turned people away from the messengers with slander and lies, these scholars now turn people away from the successor of the Family of Muhammad, whose call is one of justice, monotheism, and divine wisdom.

Let the world bear witness: this denial is not new. It is the ancient war between truth and falsehood, knowledge and ignorance, divine authority and worldly ambition. And just as God granted victory to His messengers and purified the ranks of the believers, so too will He establish His Qa’im, and expose those who spoke against him without knowledge or guidance.

Betrayal of Imam Ahmed Al-Hassan and Aba Al-Sadiq

In our present time, many believe that Imam Ahmed Al-Hassan is the prophesied Yamani, the guide and representative of Imam Al-Mahdi. Alongside him is Aba Al-Sadiq, who carries his mission and explains the deeper meanings of divine knowledge. But just like the prophets before them, they too have faced betrayal from close ones.

One of the most heartbreaking examples is the betrayal of Imam Ahmed Al-Hassan by one of his own brothers. This was not a political enemy or a stranger, it was his blood brother, someone who knew him closely. Yet, he turned against him. Whether because of pride, jealousy, or the pressure of worldly desires, this act echoed the same pattern seen in the story of Joseph, Jesus and many others.

"Imam Ahmed Al Hassan said, 'Fever always comes from the feet.' (Fever always comes from the feet) is an Iraqi idiom that means that one is always struck from the close ones before the strangers." (The Goal of the Wise, Aba Al-Sadiq, Door 30. p. 389)

This betrayal is not just a family matter. It is a divine sign. It proves that even in our time, the same tests are happening. The same trials are being repeated. And those who are truly from God will be tested the most, often by those closest to them.

The Test of Followers: Few Will Remain

Another painful test is not just betrayal by family but abandonment by followers.

Imam Al-Sadiq said: “When our Qa’im rises… so few of his supporters will remain that he will not find even 313 loyal ones right away.” (Bihar Al-Anwar, Al-Allamah Al-Majlisi, Vol. 52, p. 223)

Many will initially support the Qa’im, thinking his rise will bring quick success or worldly rewards. But when they see that the mission is hard, that the enemies are strong, and that sacrifices are needed, they will walk away.

Even today, many who once claimed to follow the call of Imam Ahmed Al-Hassan and Aba Al-Sadiq have left. Some turned against them, others became silent, and a few openly fought the very cause they once supported.

"I also met those other individuals and some of them indeed surprised me with their betrayals and actions that I did not expect." (The Goal of the Wise, Aba Al-Sadiq, Door 30, p. 384)

"One of the greatest betrayals to strike this religion was when one of the twelve apostatized." (The Goal of the Wise, Aba Al-Sadiq, Door 37, p. 507)

Rejection, Accusation, and Denial

Another form of betrayal is false accusation.

Imam Al-Baqir said: “When the Qa’im rises, people will say: ‘This is not from the progeny of Fatimah.’” (Kitab Al-Ghayba, Al-Numani, p. 190)

This is a clear sign that people will deny the identity of the Mahdi even when he is right in front of them. They will question his lineage, his knowledge, and his authority. Instead of embracing him, they will attack him.

This is what we see today with those who deny Imam Ahmed Al-Hassan and Aba Al-Sadiq, even though their mission is full of undeniable proofs, signs, knowledge, and wisdom. People claim that they cannot be from the Ahlul-Bayt, or that their teachings are strange. But the truth is, every prophet and reformer came with something new, and the people always resisted it.

A Sunnah of Divine Testing

Imam Ali warned: “Take a lesson from what Allah did to Iblis — He nullified his long deeds and strenuous efforts. Iblis had worshipped Allah for six thousand years... and all of it was invalidated because of arrogance for just one moment. So who, after Iblis, can feel secure from Allah while committing a sin similar to his? Never. Allah, the Glorified, would never admit into Paradise a human being for an act by which He expelled an angel. Indeed, His judgment is one and the same for the inhabitants of the Heavens and the Earth.”

This is a powerful reminder. Iblis worshipped God for thousands of years but his pride destroyed everything. Similarly, anyone who lets arrogance or jealousy control them can fall, even if they once served the truth.

The betrayal of Imam Ahmed Al-Hassan and Aba Al-Sadiq is not a sign of their weakness, it is a sign of their authenticity. It is proof that they walk the same path as the prophets. And just like the prophets, they respond with patience, wisdom, and mercy.

Global Opposition and the Final Stand

The mission of the Mahdi is not just spiritual. It involves real-world change, justice, and the breaking of corrupt systems. This means there will be real resistance. Worldly powers will rise against him. Religious leaders, political rulers, and cultural forces will oppose him. But the mission will not stop.

Imam Ali said: “When the Qa’im rises, he will break every covenant, put to trial every nation, and judge among them by the judgment of David and Muhammad.” (Bihar Al-Anwar, Al-Allamah Al-Majlisi, Vol. 52, p. 339)

The Mahdi will not follow the traditions of scholars or the rules of society. He will bring divine law, divine wisdom, and divine justice, even if the world hates it.

Betrayal as a Mark of Truth

The path of truth is never easy. It is full of hardship, loneliness, and betrayal. But it is also full of light, guidance, and victory. From the betrayal of Prophet Joseph to the rejection of Imam Al-Mahdi, and from the desertion of Jesus to the trials of Imam Ahmed Al-Hassan and Aba Al-Sadiq, the pattern is clear. Betrayal by close ones is not a failure. It is a divine sign. It separates the sincere from the hypocrites. It purifies the ranks and strengthens the mission.

For those who follow the true Qa’im Aba Al-Sadiq, the lesson is this: stay steadfast. Do not let doubt, fear or pressure break your faith. Remember that those closest to the truth are often the ones tested the most. And in the end, just like Joseph, just like Muhammad, and just like every righteous servant of God, who has walked the Earth, the light of truth will forever shine, and the betrayers of the truth, will be forever forgotten.