بسم الله الرحمن الرحیم
- We, the Twelver Shias, are the only group who believe that “Allah the Almighty even now has an Imam, a leader and His representative and proof on earth, through whom He protects His religion and grants refuge to the believers.”
- We believe that our Imam and master, besides enjoying the status of Imamat, commands yet another position called as Mahdaviyat. This status implies that he is the promised one, the Mahdi, about whom the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.) had prophesied that he will rise one day, God will fill the earth with justice and equity through him and grant salvation and honor to the righteous believers.
- We believe that our present Imam and the living proof of God who will rise and take the reins of the Universal Government in his hands is none other than Hujjat Ibn Al-Hasan Al-Askari (a.t.f.s.).
- Some of the peculiarities of the life of Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) are as follows:
a. Father: Imam Hassan Al-Askari (a.s.), the eleventh Imam of the Shias.
b. Mother: Narjis Khatoon, among the descendants of the Caesar of Rome on one side and from the offspring of Prophet Sham’oon (a.s.), Saint Peter (Simon Peter), the successor of Jesus (a.s.) on the other side. She arrived to the Muslim land in her desire for meeting and
joining the family of the Prophet (s.a.w.a.). She married Imam Hassan Al-Askari (a.s.) and through him bore a son who will conquer the East and the West and spread justice, security and divine worship on the entire planet.
c. Holy Name: His name is same as that of the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.). Some traditions have prohibited mentioning his name and instead, have recommended using his appellations (القاب)
d. Famous Appellations: Mahdi, Qaem, Hujjat, Baqiyatullah, Saheb-az-Zamaan, etc.
e. Place of Birth: He was born in the city of Saamarra, an ancient city of Iraq. Today this city is a revered place of visit (زيارة)for the Shias because his father’s residence, his own abode and the place of his worship during his childhood are located there. Moreover, the shrines
of Imam Mahdi’s (a.s.) father, Imam Hasan Al-Askari (a.s.) and grandfather, Imam Ali Naqi (a.s.) are also there along with the graves of his mother, Janab Narjis Khatoon and the honorable daughter of Imam Hadi (a.s.), Janab Hakima Khatoon.
f. Date of Birth: He was born in the wee hours of Friday, 15th Shabaan, 255 A.H. Miracles occurred at the time of his birth, some of which have been narrated for the Shias by Janab Hakima Khatoon, the aunt of Imam Hassan Al-Askari (a.s.) who was present as a midwife. From these miracles is a total absence of all signs of pregnancy, till just before birth, in the mother of Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.). For, the government of the time had maintained a strict vigil on the house of Imam Hassan Al-Askari (a.s.), so that the moment a son is born unto
him, they would kill him. The reason for the apprehension of the rulers was the prophecies of the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.) concerning this son.
g. Age: Today, Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) is more than 1100 (eleven hundred) years old. By the Power of Allah, he is still alive that he may appear at an appropriate time on the command of Allah and establish a Universal Government. In the lengthy era preceding his reappearance, like his ancestors, he is the source of preservation of Islam and the Shia school. Presently too, he is discharging all his religious responsibilities.
h. Appearance: He is similar to his ancestor, the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.). Apparently, on his right cheek, there is a mole, which attracts instant attention. Amongst the interesting characteristics of Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) is that the passage of years does not affect his
appearance by the Power of Allah (Who has power over all things) and he does not become old. Whoever sees him will deem him to be not more than forty years old. On account of this youth, he has the vigor and power to lead a universal movement. This is a similarity between him and the Prophet Jonah once he was returning to his people after being swallowed by a whale or giant fish.
i. Life in the Presence of Imam Hasan Al-Askari (a.s.): Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) passed the five initial years of his life along with his father Imam Hasan Al-Askari (a.s.). During this period, his father introduced him a number of times to his special Shias and informed them, “This
boy will be your Imam after me.” Occasionally, Imam Hasan AlAskari (a.s.) referred some questions of his Shias to him (a.t.f.s.) that they may become aware of his God-gifted knowledge and not entertain any doubt about his Imamat due to his minority. On the 8th of
Rabi Al-Awwal, 260 A.H., Imam Hasan Al-Askari (a.s.) attained martyrdom on account of being poisoned by the Abbaside emperor, although he was merely twenty-eight years old. Since then, his son took over the reins of Imamat of the nation and assumed responsibility
from the side of Allah for the protection of religion and support of Shias.
j. Present Mode of Life Till his Reappearance: He is unrecognizable in this era. That is, when the people see him, they are unable to recognize him. This is another similarity between him and past prophets. In the story of prophet Joseph, Quran narrates that his brothers didn’t recognize him while he did recognize them. (Yusuf[12:58]). Terminologically, this mode of life is called as ‘Occultation’ (غيبة)His occultation can be divided into two. The first era is known as the minor occultation (غيبة صغری) which was shorter than the second period. The minor occultation commenced from the year 260 A.H. and continued till 329 A.H. In this occultation, only the special Shias of Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) could see him and were in contact with him. The four special deputies (نواب اربعه) were the four sincere Shias who were the medium between the ordinary Shias and their Imam-e-Zamaan (a.t.f.s.). They carried the letters and messages of the Shias to Imam (a.t.f.s.) and vice versa on a regular basis. The names of these four special deputies are as follows:
- Uthmaan Ibn Saeed Amri
- Muhammad Ibn Uthmaan Ibn Saeed Amri
- Hussain Ibn Rawh Nawbakhti
- Ali Ibn Muhammad Saimoori
On the death of the fourth and the last special deputy, the major occultation commenced. (غيبة کبری).The major occultation will continue till the reappearance of Imam-e-Zamaan (a.t.f.s.). In this period, except his special servants, nobody is in direct contact with Imam (a.t.f.s.) and the general Shias, when they see him, do not recognize him. In the major occultation, no particular person has been appointed or exists as a medium between Imam and the people.
During this period, as recourse to the holy presence of Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.), the Shias are responsible to refer to the religious scholars, pious jurists and narrators of traditions that they may learn their religion from these holy personalities. Among the duties of Imam
Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) (in the major occultation) is to support the pious jurists and his servants, and to guide them directly or indirectly, in times of difficulties of knowledge and deviation in belief. In occultation, the majority of the people are neither aware of the value of Imam nor do they fulfil his rights upon them nor are they waiting for that day when the only proof of Allah takes the control of the Universal Government in his hands.
We believe that if Imam-e-Zamaan (a.t.f.s.) reappears in these conditions and introduces himself, he will not receive any support from the people against the oppressive governments and bloodthirsty rulers, and like his forefathers, he will be martyred. But as he is the last survivor from the successors of the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.), it is essential that he lives to fulfil Allah’s promise of empowering the righteous Shias, filling the earth with justice and equity and to cleanse it of all oppression and tyranny. Therefore, he has been ordered by Allah the Almighty, to live without being recognized till his reappearance and yet fulfil all the obligations of his nation.
k. Time of his Reappearance: The time of his reappearance is not specified, and its knowledge lies only with Allah. Actually, the time of his reappearance will be determined only when Allah orders him to reappear. None knows, perhaps, that time is near and hence the Shias are told to always wait for that moment. From the proofs of the non-determination of the time of reappearance is the word of caution to the Shias that the prolongation of the occultation must not make them despair of Allah’s mercy and hope. Another evidence is the order for excessive supplications for reappearance because as per the teachings of the Prophet (s.a.w.a.) and the Imams (a.s.), the prayers of the believers in this respect are highly effective. Besides, Allah loves that the people supplicate to Him for early reappearance and divine salvation, and seek help from Him for the same. It is worth
mentioning that the concept of expecting the savior day and night, has been mentioned in the Bible and previous divine texts too (e.g. Luke 12:35-40 1; Luke 21:25-27 2).
l. Place of Reappearance: Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) will reappear from Mecca near Ka’bah, the holy house of Allah. At the time of reappearance, he will lean on the Ka’bah and introduce himself to the people. At that moment, everybody will hear his voice. Three hundred
and thirteen chosen companions, from different nooks and corners of the world, will quickly descend on Mecca and pay allegiance to him. These individuals will be his standard bearers and representatives. Thereafter, other groups of his followers will arrive in Mecca and soon, Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) movement against the oppressors and tyrants will begin.
m. Victory: The victory of Imam-e-Zamaan (a.t.f.s.), from one side, is proved by the fact that untold and hidden realities will be manifested through him for the seekers of truth. Thus, it will be known for one and all that he is the proof of Allah and His representative, who is
worthy of leading the human society. From the other side, he has been ordered not to give any further respite to the enemies of truth, the deniers, the unbelievers and the oppressors. Hence, the crusade against them will begin with immediate effect. Allah the Almighty
will help the Awaited Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) through angels and awe, which He will instill in the hearts of the enemies. Consequently, in a very short span of time, the entire earth will be under the control of the Promised Savior (a.t.f.s.) and his brave and pious companions.
n. Government: His government will engulf the East and the West. People, in his government, will be engrossed and busy in Allah’s worship, righteousness, goodness and betterment. Imam Mahdi, the Spring of Humanity (a.t.f.s.) will stroke the hand of divine endowment on the heads of the people, resulting in the blossoming of their intellects and the fruition of their thoughts. Contentment and needlessness will replace malice and hatred in the hearts. Everyone will get his right and due to the prevailing justice, none will oppress others. Due to the blessings of the government of Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.), the doors of bounties of the heavens and the earth will be opened for the people, thereby dispelling all kinds of poverty, sickness, famine and insecurity. In those times, the earth will witness
its greatest and most brilliant era.
o. Period between his Government and Resurrection: This interlude is known as (رجعة) ‘the return. Not only those who will live in the era of the Awaited Savior (a.t.f.s.) reappearance will cherish the sweet moments of justice and victory. Rather, the sincere and righteous believers, who have borne tyranny in the bygone centuries and never received their due respect and security, will be brought to life once again with the Imam of their time (like Imam Husain (a.s.)) and will inherit the government of Hazrat Mahdi (a.t.f.s.).
During this period, they will observe that the earth is in the hands of the pious and God-fearing and will witness the realization of the divine promise. Along with the oppressed Shias, the unbelievers, tyrants, sinners and enemies of believers shall also be made to return and taste destruction and disgrace in front of the very eyes of the believers. The period of return in which only some of the believers will be resurrected is that very period, which has been mentioned in the Holy Quran in the following words,
وَيَوْمَ نَحْشُرُ مِن كُلِّ أُمَّةٍۢ فَوْجًا
“The day when We shall raise from every nation a group.”3
We do not have much information about the detailed characteristics and features of Raja’t. We only know that the government of the weak (مستضعفين i.e. those righteous believers who have passed their lives in being oppressed and were rendered weak in the earth) will continue till the day of Judgement and the rule of Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) will mark the commencement of this era.
- We believe that Awaited Imam (a.t.f.s.) bears some special characteristics and perfections that set him apart from others. We are proud that we are the followers of such a distinguished and chosen personality. Some of his special characteristics and perfect
attributes are as follows:
a. Ancestry: Hazrat Hujjat (a.t.f.s.) is the son of the most eminent and chosen personalities of the universe. Each one of his forefathers were unique individuals of their times. Particularly, it should be borne in mind that he is the descendant of the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.) and resembles him the most in ethics and appearance. Whenever anybody sees him, it is as if he has seen the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.). His skin, flesh and blood are the skin, flesh and blood of the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.). His creation, characteristics and morals are identical as that of his great ancestor, Hazrat Muhammad (a.s.).
Certainly, it is the earnest desire of every Muslim to witness theappearance and traits of their beloved Prophet (s.a.w.a.) in the visage and characteristics of his chosen son.
b. Knowledge and Wisdom: Since Allah has appointed him as the leader and master of all people, it is imperative that he should be informed of all the sciences and knowledge required by the people. A few dimensions of the knowledge of Imam-e-Zamaan (a.t.f.s.) are as follows:
i. He is the only person who is aware of the finer aspects of the mode of descent(شأن نزول),exegesis (تفسير) , interpretation (تأویل)and esoteric meanings (بطون)of all the verses of the Holy Quran. There is no concept in the great book of Allah, which is ambiguous and unclear for him.
ii. None is informed of the traditions of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) like him. All the finer, comprehensive and multi-faceted aspects of the Prophetic Sunnah covering all its elegance and grace are available with him and with those who are his students and of his noble ancestors.
iii. From the minutest points concerning beliefs and ethics till the ultramicroscopic religious law, everything is bright and clear for him.
iv. Every year, during the nights of power (lailat al-qadr), angels descend upon him and bring for him the destinies of the coming year, the future occurrences and divine laws concerning all phenomenon of the advancing calendar.4
v. Amongst the interesting aspects of Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) knowledge is that he enjoys complete command over all the languages of the world and can converse in any of
them. The reason being that Allah the Almighty has appointed him as a ruler over the entire humanity. He is the refuge, witness and hope of each and every one. How is it possible that somebody is the leader, guide and refuge of a people, but does not understand their language and cannot reply to their queries? Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.), like all the Imams before him, has the ability to converse in various languages and a number of interesting anecdotes are narrated from him in this regard.
vi. Every week (especially the evenings of every Monday and Thursday), the deeds of the people are presented before Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) and he gains encompassing knowledge about these. He looks at the deeds of the Shias in particular. When he sees their good deeds, he rejoices but on glancing at their vices and misdeeds, he becomes sorrowful and seeks forgiveness for them.
c. Power: Allah has conferred extraordinary and special powers on Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) as a proof of his Imamat.
• We should not think of him as a weak, old man saying prayers all day! As indicated in some traditions, if he so wants, he can uproot the strongest of trees simply by placing his hand on them.
• Besides the extraordinary physical prowess that he possesses, he also has the power of the Prophets (a.s.) to produce miracles because the heavenly heritage of the Prophets (a.s.), like the staff of Moses (a.s.), the flag of Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.), the ring of Solomon (a.s.), etc. are with him.
• Similarly, Allah the Almighty has ordered the powerful angels to be in his service at all times, just as He had earlier deputed them to serve His Messengers (a.s.).
d. Benevolence and Kindness: The benevolence and kindness of Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) has been likened to that of a mother to her son.
i. Like his forefathers, he is a well wisher of all humanity including his enemies.
ii. Often he feels and empathizes the difficulties of this world or the hereafter for his friends. He seeks forgiveness from Allah for their sins, supplicates sincerely for the fulfillment of their needs and takes practical steps for easing the affair of their lives. This method was that of all the Imams.
iii. From the benevolence and kindness of Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) is that the negligence and inattentiveness of the people towards him does not make him disregard them. On the
contrary, he remembers most of his Shias. More often than not, calamities that are about to afflict the Shias are done away with due to his efforts, while they are completely unaware about it.
iv. Yet another sign of his love and affection towards his friends is that he prays to Allah for them. The value of the deeds alone of his lovers is not enough to gain Paradise for them and hence, the reward of his worship and the difficulties that he bore in the way of Allah were transferred to the scroll of deeds of his Shias.
e. Good Looks and Elegance: In good looks and elegance, Imam-e-Zamaan (a.t.f.s.) has been compared to Prophet Joseph (a.s.). Those who have seen him during occultation have spoken volumes about his charm and attractiveness.
f. Generosity and Nobility: Of the characteristics of Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) is his extraordinary nobility. He not only fulfils the desire of his friends, but even when his enemies seek help
from him, they receive his response because he is a noble from the family of nobles. It is narrated that one of the enemies of Hazrat Ali (a.s.), the ancestor of Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.), had said, “Ali is so noble and generous that if in the midst of a battle, his enemy would ask him for his sword, he will not turn down his request.” Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) is the son of this very noble man. Those who have sought the assistance of Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) during occultation are aware of his noble approach. Traditions too have depicted that after his reappearance, Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) will display unparalleled generosity towards the needy and render them happy and needless.
g. Patience: The patience of the Promised Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) is likened to that of Prophet Jacob (a.s.). Ignorant friends, learned enemies, scholars who do not practice what they preach and uninformed worshippers, have all made life bitter and dark for
him and his sincere Shias. For years, the Awaited Imam (a.t.f.s.) has maintained a stiff silence in the face of all these pressures and tortures because divine wisdom, prudence and
covenant has prescribed quietness for him and has not permitted him to rise and protest against them. On the other hand, it has been more than a thousand years since Allah has promised salvation and help for him and he always prays to Allah to grant
this help to him. But still, Allah has not willed for his reappearance. We believe that one-day the prayers of Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) will definitely be accepted because he is that
servant of Allah whose prayers are accepted. Thus, we know that a servant whose prayers are accepted, Allah does accept his prayers after years and during this period, orders him to bear patience and will surely reward him for the same.
h. Worship and Supplications: Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) is a perfect worshipper, an infallible servant and a warrior in the way of Allah. Notwithstanding the fact that he is infallible from the side of Allah and Paradise is guaranteed for him, he is the most humble of all creatures before Allah and worships Him the most. He is the weeping lamp of dark nights, who fasts for lengthy days, exerts to fulfil the needs of Allah’s creatures and
stands for Salat in front of his Lord. Allah has created the creatures for His worship. If “all the creatures” of Allah turn away from His worship even for a split second, everybody will be destroyed. Since the general worship of the people is replete with defects and shortcomings, had the worship of Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) not been there, the earth would have been destroyed along with its inhabitants. Yes, it is because of his life, worship and supplications that Allah grants sustenance to others and subsists the skies and the earth. Those who have seen Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) during occultation have narrated that he is mostly engrossed in obligatory and recommended Salat, invoking Allah, remembering Him
and the recitation of Quran. Moreover, most of these witnesses have met Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) in places of worship and holy shrines like Masjid Al-Haraam, the desert of Arafaat, Madina, the holy sites of Iraq, the shrine of Imam Reza (a.s.), Masjid Al-Kufa and Masjid Al-Sehlah.
The special characteristics and perfections of the Awaited Imam (a.t.f.s.) are plenty, which have been indicated in various ziyaarats. If you want to develop more contact with Him and intend to be better informed of the mode of his life and his praiseworthy attributes, you can chalk out the following programs for yourself:
a. Recite the various ziyaarats like Ziyaarat-e-Jaame’ah and Ziyaarat-e-Aal-e-Yaasin concerning Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) and concentrate on their meanings on a regular basis.
b. Read the biographies and life-accounts of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.), Hazrat-e-Zahra (s.a.) and the infallible Imams (a.s.) because Imam-e-Zamaan (a.t.f.s.) is the inheritor of the special
attributes and perfections of his ancestors.
- We believe that everybody has some duties concerning Imam-e-Zamaan (a.t.f.s.) and they are obliged to implement the same.
These responsibilities form the gist of the worship that Allah desires from His servants. The Shias take pride that they are far ahead than other groups and sects in the implementation of these duties and responsibilities. (Although, such obedience may be found lacking in few Shias but it can be said with a great deal of certainty that the general Shias are much advanced than others in this field and every Shia must feel honored by it.) Some of the
duties of the people in relation with their Imam Mahdi and the proof of Allah (a.t.f.s.) are as follows:
a. Recognition of the Promised Mahdi (a.t.f.s.): It is obligatory upon one and all to recognize the Imam of their time, which includes information about his name, special characteristics, attributes and rank of Imamat. Every Shia must know exactly that who is the Imam appointed by the Almighty. He must know that his Imam is infallible and protected from all kinds of mistakes and errors. Whatever the Imam says and does is true and correct. He must know that his Imam possesses divine knowledge and power and is the most superior and knowledgeable person of his time from all aspects. His obedience is obligatory on one and all.
b. Following Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) and his unconditional obedience: It is obligatory on the people that they regard their Imam as their role model. They must consider him as the one with authority and power and hence, they should obey all his commands. They must act only in accordance with his satisfaction and must strive to refrain from what he has prohibited.
c. Being a well wisher of Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) and preferring him to ourselves: It is essential on every Muslim that he be the well wisher of his Imam. Whenever he sees his Imam in some difficulty, he must immediately take steps to dispel it even if he has to encounter serious pains and obstacles in this way. In other words, Muslims should give preference to the desire of their master over their own desire, and his comfort to their own comfort. For,
he enjoys a very high position and elevated status before Allah the Almighty. It is due to his blessings that the bounties reach unto them. Therefore, Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) enjoys considerable rights over all Muslims.
d. Sincere love towards Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.): It is a must for the followers of Imam-e-Zamaan (a.t.f.s.) that they fulfil
the right of his love and devotion. Among the conditions for devotion towards Imam-e-Zamaan (a.t.f.s.) is that firstly, one must love his friends and lovers and in reverence of the love of their master, they must overlook their shortcomings. Secondly, they must not take the enemies and deniers of Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) as their friends and also express their disgust towards his opponents and those who side with them.
e. Making our Imam happy and refraining from saddening him: Among the ways to make the Promised Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) happy is to worship Allah, follow the traditions of the
Prophet (s.a.w.a.) and obey the commands of the infallible Imams (a.s.). For surely, Allah has invited us to this mode of life in the Holy Quran and has considered it to be the only path of salvation and fortune. As this approach helps us fulfil the rights of Allah and His Messenger (s.a.w.a.) and also leads to our salvation as well as divine proximity, it
makes our Imam extremely happy. Another way to make Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) happy is to offer presents to him. When we intend to gift somebody a thing, we select only that thing
which holds some value in the eyes of the recipient. It is necessary for every Shia to know what his Imam likes so that he is successful in making his kind master happy. As a general principle, it should be known that the rewards of the hereafter are held in much greater esteem by the infallible Imams (a.s.) than the worldly presents. Therefore, every Shia can attempt to perform good and recommended deeds and dedicate its rewards to the master of his time.
Yet another way to make our Imam happy is to make his friends glad. Imam Sadeq (a.s.) informs us,
لا يرى أحدكم إذا أدخل على مؤمن سرورا أنه عليه أدخله فقط بل والله علينا ، بل والله ً
على رسول الله ( صلى الله عليه وآله )
“None of you should think that if he has made a believer happy, he has made only him happy. By Allah, he has also made us happy. Not only that, by Allah, he has made the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.) happy.”5
In order to avoid saddening his Imam (a.t.f.s.), it is the duty of every Shia to keep away from all kinds of sins. He should know that whatever he does, in public as well as in private, is recorded by the deputed angels. This register of deeds is presented before the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.) and beloved Imame Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) every week. When he (a.t.f.s.) sees the good deeds of his Shias, he becomes glad and joyous. But, when he looks at their evils and
vices, he is saddened and becomes sorrowful. Particularly when he observes that the Shias are not treating each other properly, do not overlook the faults of each other for the sake of Allah, His Messenger (s.a.w.a.) and the Holy Imams (a.s.), and do not maintain their unity in front of others.
f. Awaiting the government of the Awaited Imam (a.t.f.s.) and preparing to support him: Might, power, sovereignty and rule throughout the universe are reserved for Allah and the chosen Imam. After the demise of the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.), due to the hypocrites’ lust for power and the silence or support of those of weak faith to the hypocrites, ideally the reins of power, commands and prohibitions did not fall into the hands of the worthy Imams (a.s.). Therefore, not only were the people deprived of the blessings and justice of the Imams’ (a.s.) rule, these holy personalities, who were the origin of creation and the pivot of all creatures, were subjected to all kinds of tortures and punishments.
They (a.s.) always advised their Shias not to be contented with the present conditions and await the day when Allah the Almighty provides salvation for them through the progeny of the Prophet (a.s.), permits them to wage a war against those who usurped their
rights and grants victory to them. On the basis of this request, it is obligatory upon every Shia to wait day and night for the rule of their Imam (a.t.f.s.). They must make a firm decision that on his reappearance and commencement of his movement, they will sacrifice their wealth, their lives and all their possessions. Yes, every Shia must be sad and sorrowful at the present state of the world and eagerly and hopefully look forward to its bright future.
For, he sees that the people have not accorded respect and reverence to the Imam (a.s.) as he deserves. They have not accepted his mastership and leadership over themselves. They have not handed over the reins of power and governance in his hands. On the contrary, they have perpetrated crimes that have forced Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) to stay in a state of watchfulness, fear and insecurity. So we pray day and night with a purified heart:
اللهم عجل لمولانا الفرج
O Allah, hasten the reappearance of our master.
1 Luke 12:35-40: 35 “Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, 36 like
servants waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he
comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him. 37 It will be good for
those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. Truly I tell you, he
will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table and will come and wait on
them. 38 It will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready, even if he
comes in the middle of the night or toward daybreak. 39But understand this: If the owner
of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his
house be broken into. 40 You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an
hour when you do not expect him.”
2 Luke 21:25-27: 25 “There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations
will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. 26 People will faint
from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be
shaken. 27 At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and
great glory.”
3 It is narrated in many authenticated sources (such as Basaer) that Imam Sadiq asked a companion about
what Sunnis say about this verse? He said: They say it is about the day of Judgment. Imam said: “That’s
not true! That verse is about ar-Raj’ah. Does God resurrect in the day of judgment only a group of people
and leave others? Truly the verse about the day of judgement is al-Kahf 18:47:
وَحَشَرْنَٰهُمْ فَلَمْ نُغَادِرْ مِنْهُمْ أَحَدًا Theْday We shall set the mountains moving and you will see the earth in full view, We shall muster them, and We will not leave out anyone of them.
4It should be known that these angels do not bring any fresh revelation that might abrogate the verses of
the Holy Quran. For, revelation of Quran has come to an end with the demise of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.)
and consequently, there can neither be any increase nor decrease in its verses. Thus, what the angels bring
are the exegesis and interpretation of the Holy Quran and the applications of the divine laws concerning
each and every part of the incidents of the coming year.
5 Kaafi, vol. 2, p. 189, Tr. No. 6.