Imam Mahdi; The Last Imam

Imam Mahdi; The Last Imam

After the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.), the number of his successors and the leaders of this nation is Twelve. The first of them is ‘Ali Ibn Abi Ṭaalib (a.s.) and the last is Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.), who is still alive and in occultation on Allah's command.

1) The presence of false claimants proves the existence of the true claimant to this esteemed position. The counterfeit of only those currencies are available, which are actually in circulation. Hence, one can never find a 75 praise coin or a 25-rupee counterfeit note in the market.

2) An important peculiarity of the real Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) is that he will spread Islam to the nooks and corners of the world. The Islamic slogan 'There is no god but Allah and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah" will echo throughout the universe. All these bogus charlatans have departed from this world but failed in making Islam as the dominant religion of the universe. On the contrary, they became the cause of further dissension and disputes among the Muslims.

3) Yet another significant characteristic of the real Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) is that his Imamate and leadership will continue till the Day of Judgment. Immediately after his death, Resurrection will occur. These phony claimants have already left this world, causing confusion and chaos with all their deviations and no sign of Resurrection. Their demise without the occurrence of Resurrection is another proof of their falsity.

4) Yet another very important feature of Imam Mahdi's (a.t.f.s.) leadership, which has been highlighted in all books concerning him, is that he will fill the earth with justice, fairness and equity as it would be fraught with injustice, tyranny and oppression. These sham impostors neither reduced the oppression and tyranny of the world nor did they fill it with justice and fairness. The converse was the reality. They became the cause of intense augmentation and increase in tyranny and oppression. This is another evidence of their deception and fallacy.

5) Allah the Almighty has never appointed any fallible and sinning person as a Prophet or an Imam. Human intellect supports the idea that a person who is responsible for the guidance of the entire humanity and is the guarantor of their salvation has to be infallible (Ma'soom). While, we observe that among all these fake claimants, none were infallible. A brief look at their lives will reveal the filth and contamination in which they existed.

6) The true representatives of Allah always raised their voice against injustice and oppression. Consequently, the tyrants and their despotic reigns always opposed them and afflicted them with all kinds of tortures and troubles. On the other hand, these sham impostors assisted the oppressors in their mischievous designs and considered rebellion against the tyrants as prohibited.

Obviously, they had to support these oppressors for otherwise, from where would they receive support and assistance for their devious aims? This is precisely the reason that even today their head offices are based in imperialist and colonial capitals. For instance, while intense war rages on in Palestine, Bahaism continues to have its headquarters in Israel. Similarly, Qaadiyanism has its main centers in Britain and the United States. Obviously, children feel secure in the lap of their parents and are nourished in better there.1

For details, refer to books on Finality of Prophethood and on Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.). Moreover, reliable and authentic books have been penned in refutation of these self-idolizing impostors and their sham religions.

These few lines have been jotted down to caution all from being deceived by every false claimant and glib talker, and to preserve our religion and belief.

The Messenger of Allah, Hazrat Muhammad Mustafa (s.a.w.a.) is the last Prophet, his Shariat is the last Shariat and the Majestic Qur’an is a divine book. After him (s.a.w.a.), there is neither any prophet nor book nor religion. Even today, he (s.a.w.a.) is a Prophet and hence, every day we proclaim in our azaan and our prayers, ' I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.)'. Not that he 'was' the Messenger of Allah, but he 'is' the Messenger of Allah.

Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) is the twelfth and last of the chain of leadership and guidance. He is alive and in occultation on divine command. Further information concerning Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) will be provided for in the coming pages, Inshallah.

Blessings of Allah be on you, O Master of Age, help us!

The belief in the Imamate, awaiting, and reappearance of Hazrat Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) is a mirror, which reflects the peak and perfection of true Islam.

In it lies the cure of oppressed mankind and the remedy for tyrannized humanity.

In which one can observe justice, equity, brotherhood and fraternity, instead of injustice, oppression and tyranny.

In which one sees the manifestation of pure monotheism (Tawhid) and sincere worship instead of polytheism and unbelief.

In which man, free from all sorts of dangers, hazards and insecurities, is worshipping the One God.

It is the reappearance of the Imam who will raise the standard of a divine government.

Who will destroy and uproot the oppressors and raise the oppressed slaves to unprecedented glories.

Whose advent will be a living portrait of perfection of religion, completion of bounties and satisfaction of the Lord.

1) The Creed of Imamate

The belief of Imamate is that important pillar of Islamic belief, without which the religious structure remains incomplete. The acceptance of all actions depends on the belief in Imamate. When the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) commenced his mission with Daawat al-Zul Asheerah, along with the call for Divine Monotheism, proclamation of his own messengership, he (s.a.w.a.) also announced the mastership and vilaayat of Ameerul Mu’mineen (a.s.).

He invited one and all for accepting this invitation. From then onwards, the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) kept informing and announcing the people about Imamate and Caliphate. Finally, on 18th Zilhajj, 10 A.H., in the vast plain of Ghadir al-Khumm, in front of a crowd of 1,24,000 pilgrims, he (s.a.w.a.) not only announced the successorship and Imamate of Ameerul Mu’mineen (a.s.) in clear terms, but, even ordered the people to pay allegiance to ‘Ali (a.s.). The Muslims duly obliged. Later, in the destruction of Harith Ibn No'man, people also saw the fate of him who denies ‘Ali's mastership.

Along with the announcement of the mastership of ‘Ali (a.s.), the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) also declared the Imamate and mastership of his eleven descendants. On various occasions, and in numerous ways, he made it clear that after him, till the Day of Judgment, the number of his successors and caliphs shall remain only twelve. The first of them will be ‘Ali (a.s.) and the last, Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.).

In a number of traditions, he has also mentioned the names, titles, agnomens, and characteristics of these twelve successors. Through his companion, Jaabir Ibn Abdullah Ansari, he sent salutations to the fifth among the Imams, Imam Muhammad al-Baqer (a.s.). All these are practical testimonies of the truthfulness of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.).

The series of Imamate and guidance continues today and will go on till the dawn of resurrection. The Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.) has underlined the significance of Imam al-Asr's (a.s.) recognition through the famous tradition,

"من مات ولم يعرف إمام زمانه مات ميتة جاهليّة"

"One who dies without recognizing the Imam of his time, dies the death of ignorance (i.e. unbelief)."2

As is evident, the unbelievers will not attain salvation. They will go to hell and shall abide in it forever. Anybody who desires to save himself from the perennial chastisement of hell and gain the everlasting bounties of paradise, then it is for him to gain the recognition of the Imam of his time. On the flip side, one who does not recognize the Imam of his time, his religion is not perfect, his bounties are not complete and Allah the Almighty is not satisfied with him.

Today, who is our Imam?

The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) has already mentioned that the chain of Imamate will continue after him till the Day of Judgment. Therefore, it is necessary that there should be somebody from that series who has been divinely ordained. Who is he? In the light of reliable and au the n tic traditions (narrated by Shias as well as Sunnis), the Imam of our time, is the son of Imam Hasan al-Askari (a.s.), Hazrat Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.).

2) The Importance in the Belief of Mahdawwiyah

If somebody believes and is certain about the Prophethood of all the previous Prophets and Messengers (peace be on them) but denies the Messengership of the last Prophet, Hazrat Muhammad Mustafa (s.a.w.a.), is an unbeliever and his salvation, impossible.

Similarly, if someone believes in the Imamate of all the infallible Imams (a.s.) but refuses to accept the Imamate of the last Imam, Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.), he is not a believer and his deliverance, unattainable. Renowned Sunni scholars like Shaikh al-Islam Hamveeni, in his book "Faraaedus Simtain" and Shaikh Sulayman Qundoozi in his famous work "Yanaabee' al-Mawaddah" have recorded that the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) said,

"من أنكر خروج المهدي فقد كفر"

"One who denies the reappearance of Mahdi, is an unbeliever."

Imam's Life at a Glance

Name: Muhammad

Title: Mahdi, Baqiyyatullah, Imam az-Zaman, Vali al-Asr, Qa’im, etc.

Agnomen: Abul Qasim, Aba Saaleh al-Mahdi

Father: The Eleventh Imam, Hasan al-Askari (a.s.)

Mother: Narjis Khatoon, also called as Sosan.

Birthday: 15th Sha'baan, 255 A.H.

Birthplace: In the house of Imam Askari (a.s.) in the Iraqi city of Saamarra
Commencement: 8th Rabi-al-Awwal, 260 A.H.of Imamat

Age: Still alive. Shall reappear on the command of Allah the Almighty

3) Occultation (Ghaibat)

One can find in reliable traditions narrated on the authority of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) that when Mahdi reappears, oppression and tyranny will be eradicated from the face of earth, and unjust and tyrannical rulers will be uprooted.

Therefore, every oppressive king, particularly the contemporaries of Imam Hasan al-Askari (a.s.), strove to prevent the birth of Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) and his advent in this world. Also, as the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.) had prophesied that the number of Imams will be twelve, and that Imam Hasan al-Askari (a.s.) will be the eleventh Imam, (and Mahdi the twelfth), they were sure that Mahdi will be born in his house only.

Consequently, tight security and strict surveillance was imposed. But just as Firaon had failed in his machinations to prevent the birth of Hazrat Moosa (a.s.), which ultimately did occur, in the same way, despite all their efforts, the oppressors could not stop the birth of Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.). As there was a great danger to the life of Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.), the news of his birth was not announced to all and sundry. Only those who could be relied upon were informed about this holy occurrence. After the martyrdom of Imam Hasan al-Askari (a.s.), when the Imamate and leadership of Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) began, the perils to his life increased.

His residence was raided umpteen times by the king's army. Hence, on divine command, Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.) went into occultation. On the one hand, conditions were threatening and danger loomed large. While on the other, the masses had their queries and posers for which contact with Imam (a.s.) was necessary. Considering this necessity, Imam (a.s.) appointed four special deputies, through whom contact with Imam (a.s.) could be possible. These four persons were called as Special Deputies (Nawwaab al-Arba' or Naaebeen al-Khaas).

The names of these Special Deputies were as follows (in chronological order):

1) Uthman Ibn Saeed Amri
2) Muhammad Ibn Uthman Ibn Saeed Amri
3) Husayn Ibn Rauh Nawbakhti
4) ‘Ali Ibn Muhammad Seymouri

The series of special deputyship started from 260 A.H. and terminated in the year 329 A.H. (i.e. 69 years). This period is called as Minor Occultation (Ghaibat al-Sughra). The year 329 A.H., with the death of the fourth deputy, ‘Ali Ibn Muhammad Seymouri, marked the end of minor occultation and the beginning of the Major Occultation (Ghaibat al-Kubra). Till Allah the Almighty does not permit Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.) to reappear, the major occultation will continue.

Today, we are living in the era of the major occultation in which, Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.) has not appointed any special deputy. But he has also not abandoned us. For our religious problems and questions, he has appointed jurists (mujtahideen), bearing all the necessary conditions, as his proof upon us and has ordered us to refer to them. As per his command, it is essential that our lives should be in conformity with the edicts of the living mujtahid.

4) Benefit of Imam az-Zaman's Existence in Occultation

Presently, our Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.) is in occultation. But it does not mean that he is living in an isolated place, far away from inhabitation.

Occultation means that people are not aware of his place of abode. Even when they see their Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.), they do not recognize him. Imam Sadeq (a.s.) says,

"يرونهُ و لا يعرفونه"

"They see him but do not recognize him."3

But Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.) sees the people and recognizes them too. He himself declares,

"None of your news is hidden from us. We are not negligent in your protection nor are we forgetful of your remembrance. Had it not been so, calamities would have descended upon you and enemies would have annihilated you."4

This proves that although Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.) is hidden from the eyes of the people, he is aware of their conditions. Now, we can benefit from his existence just as people draw advantage from the sun when it is concealed behind the clouds. We can relate all our difficulties to him. At every step, we can reach out to him through our cries for help.

Just let us give it a try, and feel his hand reach unto us, notwithstanding the veil of occultation. One can find thousands of such incidents in reliable books when people have called out to Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.) for help and he has come to their rescue.

5) Longevity

Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.) was born in 255 A.H. Today the age of Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.) exceeds 1150 years. This is just his present age and his reappearance is still pending. The years after reappearance have also been discounted.

Perhaps some minds might pose the query, 'Is it possible for a man to live so long?'

The answer is a definite yes. Man can certainly attain longevity for the following reasons:

1) Till date, no limit has been fixed for human age, that after such and such age, man cannot or should not live.
2) There have been people who have lived even more than the present age of Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.), like Hazrat Nuh (a.s.) who propagated for 950 years before the famous deluge and his total age exceeded 2500 years.
3) Hazrat Khizr (a.s.) and Hazrat Ilyas (a.s.) continue to live till date.
4) Shaitan preceded Hazrat Adam (a.s.) in existence and is still alive.

Imam Zain al-Abedeen (a.s.) says,

"In our Qa’im, is the tradition and sign of Hazrat Nuh (a.s.) and that is his longevity."5

6) Awaiting

In the major occultation, an important duty is to await the reappearance of Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.). Imam Sadeq (a.s.) relates from the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.),

"أفضل أعمال أمتي انتظار الفرج"

"The best act of my nation is to await the reappearance."6

Awaiting is an inner condition that we experience vis-à-vis our beloved. Our restlessness for the meeting with the beloved is directly proportionate with the presence of love in our hearts for him. If you are waiting for a guest, you will prepare yourself for his arrival by cleaning up the house and providing the necessities of his comfort. You will inform the people about his arrival and will exhort them to join you in welcoming him. More than the house, you will prepare your heart for his comfort, leisure and ease.

If such preparedness and restlessness is found in us, then we are truly waiting for the guest. But if I am simply sleeping lazily, without feeling the need for any preparation and readiness, then such an awaiting is nothing more than lip service.

Those who are waiting for Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.) are restless for his reappearance. They are preparing for his arrival by improving themselves and inviting others to change for the better. They are themselves learning religious laws and injunctions while making others also aware of their religious obligations. They are restless due to the delay in the reappearance. The occultation of their beloved Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.) has snatched sleep from their eyes.

Imam Zainul Aabedeen (a.s.) has described the characteristics and importance of the one who awaits the reappearance thus,

"O Abu Khalid (Kabuli)! In the period of his occultation, those who believe in his Imamate, await his reappearance are the best people of all times. Allah the Almighty has endowed them with intellect, understanding and cognition to such an extent that occultation (of Imam) for them is as good as his presence.

They are equal (in status) to those who are fighting alongside the Prophet of Allah (s.a.w.a.) with their swords. Certainly, these are the real believers and our true Shias and they call towards the path of Allah, openly and secretly."7

7) Duties and Responsibilities

It is clear now as to how important it is to wait for the reappearance of Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.) and how great is the status and position of those who await. Also, it is a reality that as the level increases, responsibilities and duties increase too. Although there are a number of responsibilities of a believer during the major occultation, we shall mention a few important ones hereunder, keeping brevity into consideration.

a) Recognition of Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.)

By recognition, historical knowledge and information is not what is implied. Rather, it means to be aware of those levels, perfection and authority that has been granted to Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.) by Allah the Almighty. If we believe in these, then we will be sure that he is definitely keeping a watch on all our actions, every single one of them. He rules on each and every particle of this world. The entire universe is subject to his command. Only then will we refrain from sins and seek refuge and help from him for all our difficulties.

b) Improvement in deeds

We cannot see Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.) with our sinful eyes but he, definitely, is observing us. If somebody really believes that he is constantly being watched by Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.), he will keep away from quite a few sins. Good deeds are the only way to gain proximity and nearness to Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.). And who does not desire to be nearer to his Imam (a.s.)? He (a.t.f.s.) himself has admonished us,

"Then each one of you should act in such a way that your deeds bring you closer to our love, and refrain from all those actions that will bring you nearer to our wrath and anger."8

c) Reformation of the Society

To rectify and improve our society, i.e. our children, brothers, sisters, relatives, friends, acquaintances, etc. is also our responsibility. For, it is essential that the ground be prepared for the reappearance. Imam Hasan al-Askari (a.s.) says,

"An orphan is he who loses his father. But greater than him is he who has become distanced from his Imam and does not have access to him. He is n o t aw are of his responsibilities and obligations. Among our Shias, one who is knowledgeable of our traditions and knowledge, should teach this Shia who is ignorant and unaware, and guide him. It is as if he has sheltered and nourished an orphan. Yes, the one who guides him and teaches him our religious laws, will be with us in the highest grades of paradise."9

d) Supplication (Doa)

Supplication is a weapon of the believer through which he repels calamities and encounters difficulties. He attains his desires with its help. The reappearance of Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.) and his being safe from all evils and calamities is the heartfelt desire of every believer. One of the rights that he (a.s.) enjoys upon us is that we should pray for him, first and foremost, in our supplications and invocations.

Naturally, we always pray for that thing first which enjoys utmost significance in our eyes. Nobody is greater than Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.) nor is anything more important than his reappearance. It is necessary that after every Salat (prayer), our first supplication be in favor of Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.).

We must begin and end our day with the prayers for the reappearance of our beloved Imam (a.s.). Although there are a number of invocations for Imam-e-Zamana (a.t.f.s.) like Doa al-Nudbah, which should be recited on Fridays, etc. we shall suffice here with only two important supplications for him.

(a) In every Salat (prayer), especially in obligatory prayers, we should recite the following invocation in the Qunoot. This is also called as Doa al-Salaamati.

اَللّـهُمَّ كُنْ لِوَلِيِّكَ الْحُجَّةِ بْنِ الْحَسَنِ صَلَواتُكَ عَلَيْهِ وَعَلى آبائِه في هذِهِ السَّاعَةِ وَفي كُلِّ ساعَة وَلِيّاً وَحافِظاً وَقائِداً وَناصِراً وَدَليلاً وَعَيْنا حَتّى تُسْكِنَهُ اَرْضَكَ طَوْعاً وَتُمَتِّعَهُ فيها طَويلاً

(b) After Salat (prayer) al-Subh (morning prayers), we must recite the brief Doa al-Ahd. It is a salutation, a covenant and a supplication, all put together.

اللّهُمَّ بَلِّغْ مَولايَ صاحِبَ الزَّمانِ صَلواتُ الله عَلَيْهِ عَنْ جَمِيعِ المُؤْمِنِينَ وَالمُؤْمِناتِ فِي مَشارِقِ الاَرْضِ وَمَغارِبِها وَبَرِّها وَبَحْرِها وَسَهْلِها وَجَبَلِها، حَيِّهِمْ وَمَيِّتِهِمْ وَعَنْ وَالِدَيَّ وَوُلْدِي وَعَنِّي مِنَ الصَّلَواتِ وَالتَّحِياتِ زِنَةَ عَرْشِ الله وَمِدادَ كَلِماتِهِ وَمُنْتَهى رِضاهُ وَعَدَدَ ما أحْصاهُ كِتابُهُ وَأَحاطَ بِهِ عِلْمُهُ، اللّهُمَّ إِنِّي أُجَدِّدُ لَهُ فِي هذا اليَوْمِ وَفِي كُلِّ يَوْمٍ عَهْداً وَعَقْداً وَبَيْعَةً فِي رَقَبَتِي، اللّهُمَّ كَما شَرَّفْتَنِي بِهذا التَّشْرِيفِ وَفَضَّلْتَنِي بِهِذِهِ الفَضِيلَةِ وَخَصَصْتَنِي بِهِذِهِ النِّعْمَةِ فَصَلِّ عَلى مَوْلايَ وَسَيِّدِي صاحِبِ الزَّمانِ، وَاجْعَلْنِي مِنْ أَنْصارِهِ وَأَشْياعِهِ وَالذَّابِّينَ عَنْهُ وَاجْعَلْنِي مِنَ المُسْتَشْهَدِينَ بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ طائِعاً غَيْرَ مُكْرَهٍ فِي الصَفِّ الَّذِي نَعَتَّ أَهْلَهُ فِي كِتابِكَ، فَقُلْتَ: صَفّا كَأَنَّهُمْ بُنْيانٌ مَرْصوصٌ عَلى طاعَتِكَ وَطاعَةِ رَسُولِكَ وَآلِهِ عَلَيْهِمُ السَّلامُ ؛ اللّهُمَّ هذِهِ بَيْعَةٌ لَهُ فِي عُنُقِي إِلى يَوْمِ القِيامَةِ

e) Sadaqah

When a person knows and likes somebody from the depth of his heart, he wishes him well and desires his safety from all evils and calamities. He prays for his wellbeing and health. He gives sadaqah for his safety and protection.

Praying or giving sadaqah does not mean that the concerned person is afflicted with calamities. Rather, it is an expression of our love for him. The more we love him, the more will be our invocations and sadaqah in his favor.

Today, who is more deserving to be loved and be attached with than the holy persona of Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.)? Can a believer’s heart love anybody else more than him? To pray for Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.) and to give sadaqah for his safety is an expression of our love for him. In the ta’qeebaat of the obligatory prayers, it has been emphasized to recite Ayat al-Kursi for the safety and security of Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.).

f) Seeking of Desires

Allah the Almighty has appointed the infallible Imams (a.s.) as the media and doors for approaching Him. Presently, Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.) is that door through whom Allah is approached. The Holy Qur’an says,

وَلِلَّهِ الْأَسْمَاءُ الْحُسْنَىٰ فَادْعُوهُ بِهَا ۖ وَذَرُوا الَّذِينَ يُلْحِدُونَ فِي أَسْمَائِهِ ۚ سَيُجْزَوْنَ مَا كَانُوا يَعْمَلُونَ

And Allah's are the best names, therefore call on Him thereby, and leave alone those who violate the sanctity of His names; they shall be recompensed for what they did.( Surah al-A'raaf, 7 :180)

In the interpretation of this verse, traditions say that good names in the verse implies the infallible Imams (a.s.) and that we should call Allah through them.10

Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.) is the Door of Allah and His Name. If we plead to Allah through this all-important medium, our supplications will be accepted. Besides, it is the sincere desire of every father or every elder that the youngsters of the family approach him for their needs and that he fulfils them. Particularly, when he is in a position of power and authority. The elders feel great joy in fulfilling the needs of the youngsters.

Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.) is our father, elder and the master of all bounties. Today, it is an important duty for us that we present our difficulties to him for their solution.

Unfortunately, we speak of our problems to everybody but to that Imam who is able to provide its remedies within no time.

The Holy Prophet (a.s.) says,

"Whenever you get entangled in some difficulty, then seek refuge in the presence of Hazrat Hujjat (a.t.f.s.) and invoke him. He will save you and grant you salvation. He answers the needy. He is the refuge of anybody who seeks refuge in him."11

8) Meeting

Today, we are living in the times of the major occultation but it does not imply that all the doors leading to Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.) have been shunted. Direct visitation is possible only on account of his grace. Nobody can arrange a meeting with him unilaterally (without Imam's consent). T here have been some extremely fortunate people who had the honor and grace of a direct meeting with their master, Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.).

Consequently, their problems were solved. Reliable books have mentioned the incidents of these fortunate ones. This was regarding apparent, physical visitation. As far a s heart to he art rendezvous is concerned, the possibility always exists for everybody. The heart is aware of the path to the sought one. For heartily contact, words are not required. Rather, its beats translate into the most effective of words. A broken heart narrates a thousand incidents in a few seconds. In Doa al-Nudbah, we cry,

بِنَفْسِي أَنْتَ مِنْ مُغَيَّبٍ لَمْ يَخْلُ مِنّا بِنَفْسِي أَنْتَ مِنْ نازِحٍ مانَزَحَ عَنّا

"May our lives be sacrificed on him who is distanced from the eyes but the hearts are not devoid of him. He is physically far from us but his remembrance and memories are not distant from our gatherings."

9) Time of Reappearance

There is no doubt that one day certainly Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.) will reappear from the Holy Ka'bah. A heavenly voice will announce his advent to one and all. There will not be any place on earth where the voice of this announcement will not reach. Of course, none knows that when this reappearance will actually occur. Its knowledge is only and only with Allah and none else. The holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) says,

"The reappearance of Mahdi will be like resurrection which will be very heavy for the heavens as well as for the earth. It will be sudden, unexpected."12

We cannot fix the time of reappearance but can advance it with our incessant and unceasing invocations and supplications. Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.) exhorts,

"Pray more for the reappearance for in it lies your salvation."13

10) The Companions of Imam az-Zaman (a.s.)

We all desire earnestly and fervently to be included among the companions of Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.). Every believer aspires to help the Imam of his time. There is no status or fortune higher than this for him.

More than nearly fourteen hundred years after his friends achieved martyrdom in Karbala while defending the Imam of their time, Imam Husayn (a.s.), Prophets, Messengers, successors, angels, martyrs, witnesses, the truthful ones, and even the Almighty Allah Himself, continue to send incessant blessings and salutations on them.

The door of helping and assisting the Imam of the time is not closed. We too can be among the helpers and supporters of the Imam of our time. Traditions have talked about the characteristics of Imam az-Zaman's (a.t.f.s.) helpers.

If these attributes and traits are found in us, then a million thanks to the Almighty, and we should pray for their betterment and improvement by the day (both quantitatively as well as qualitatively). But if these characteristics are not found in us, or if some are found and others are not, then we should supplicate to Allah the Mighty and the Wise that he adorns us with these attributes, for the sake of Imam-e-Zamana (a.t.f.s.). Some of these characteristics and attributes are as follows:

• They are devout and highly religious individuals.

• Their hearts are overflowing with the love of their Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.).

• They are nice and decent.

• They are concealed like mines of treasures in the earth.

• In their certitude, they are stronger than steel; if they pass by mountain, they will render it into pieces.

• They fight only for divine pleasure; any opponent who stands against them, bites the dust.

• They are not cowed down by criticism and censure.14

11) Advent and Government

When Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.) arrives, the world will be a completely different place. Every particle will rejoice at his advent. Hazrat Eesa (a.s.) will descend from the fourth heaven and perform Salat (prayer) behind him. Self-sacrificing, pious, devout, religious and sincere believers will gather around Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.).

They will form circles around him, with him sitting right in the middle, like a moon encircled with stars. He will reappear from Mecca and make Kufa his capital. The entire world will be under the rule of true Islam and the standard of Tawhid will be hoisted in the universe. Polytheism, disbelief, hypocrisy and their like will be uprooted from the face of the earth. Justice, equity, brotherhood and fraternity will be the order of the day.

Traditions have painted the picture of his reappearance beautifully. We shall mention a few special characteristics of his reappearance hereunder:

a) Justice and Equity

Numerous traditions contain the following sentence,

"يملأ الأرض قسطاً وعدلاً كما ملئت جوراً وظلماً"

"He will fill the earth with justice and equity as it would be fraught with injustice and oppression."

Today, whatever oppression or injustice we are witnessing in any form whatsoever, will be totally annihilated. Justice, and sheer justice, will prevail. The deeply felt prayer of humanity will be actualized with the reappearance. The efforts of the Prophets (a.s.) and the Messengers (a.s.) will yield fruits with the establishment of justice.

b) Honor For Religion

Religion will be honored in the government of Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.). It will be implemented with all its minute details. The Holy Qur’an will dominate the universe. All those religious injunctions that have been forgotten or distorted will regain their original practical form and every one will act on them. In the salwaat of Friday, we find,

"O Allah! Enliven through him those laws of Your religion that have been destroyed. Grant a fresh lease of life to those sciences of Qur’an that have been forgotten. Manifest through him those laws that have been distorted. Till Your Religion appears in its original and pure form at his hands."15

c) Unity and Harmony

One of the most serious maladies of our society is mutual discord and disharmony. Capabilities are destroyed. Assets are rendered useless. Respect and honor is ground to dust. Houses are divided and families are torn to shreds. All because of a single ailment - disunity and factionalism. But after the reappearance, all this will change. Factions will unite on one platform. In Doa al-Nudbah, we read,

"أيْنَ جامِعُ الْكَلِمَةِ عَلَى التَّقْوى"

"Where is the one who will gather the people on piety and devotion?"

d) Freshness and Greenness

Traditions have prophesied that when Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.) reappears, the earth will throw up all its treasures. It will be green and vibrant. There won't remain any piece of land that will be dry and barren. The earth will gain new life and there will be vitality and vigor everywhere. Grains and fruits will be in immeasurable abundance. In one ziyarat, we salute Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.) with the following sentence,

"السلام عليك يا ربيع الأنام  ونضرة الأيام"

"Peace be on you, O spring of creation and brightness of days."

e) Perfection of Intellect

Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.) will not only enliven the earth and extricate its hidden treasures but he will infuse new life into hearts, restore capabilities and perfect intellects. Traditions have prophesied,

"When Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.) reappears, he will gently stroke the heads of the people by which their intellects will become complete and perfect."16

Ameerul Mu’mineen ‘Ali Ibn Abi Taalib (a.s.), in the first sermon of Nahjul Balagha, while explaining the aim of sending the Prophets and Messengers (a.s.), states,

"...that they may extricate the hidden treasures of the intellects..."

Therefore, the advent of Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s.) will mark the realization of the aim of sending of divine emissaries. Moreover, he will also avenge the blood of Imam Husayn (a.s.). All those who killed him, oppressed him or were satisfied at these oppressions will be the targets of his sword.

Source:https://www.al-islam.org/recognition-imam-al-asr-significance-and-obligations/imam-mahdi-atfs-last-imam