He was described as having strong forearms and a moderate build, indicating strength and robustness. 'Uthman was known for his gluttony, to the point that he would eat a whole roasted lamb by himself. As for al-Hajj Muhammad, he was known for his patience in fasting, to the extent that during most of his journeys and raids, he would abstain from food for several days, subsisting only on leaves of the sidr tree and other bitter and sour leaves. He was also peculiar in his manners and customs. Many of these characteristics will be mentioned later.

The correspondence between the Mahdi and Sheikh al-Tahir al-Jadhab. The correspondence between the Mahdi and Sheikh al-Tahir al-Jadhab had been ongoing since the Mahdi declared his mission. It is said that the first letter addressed to Sheikh al-Tahir, along with all other sheikhs, was from the Mahdi, dated Sha'ban of the year 1299 AH. There is much correspondence, but we have chosen this excerpt to include here, taken from the first part of the book "Al-Nushurat," which reads as follows: In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to God, the Generous Lord, and blessings be upon our master Muhammad and his family, with peace. From the Mahdi, who is in need of God, Muhammad al-Mahdi bin 'Abd Allah. Peace be upon all the brethren, the beloved ones, and the sheikhs of religion. It is not hidden from you, dear ones, that a believer has no concern except for what pleases God, which is faith and following the Sunnah and the Book. If he dedicates his efforts to this path, God will take care of him and protect him in both worlds. But if he turns to his own desires and dedicates his efforts to them, God will leave him to himself, and he will gain nothing of his desires except through begging and supplication. O believers, who are expected to assist...