Imam Mahdi and the Night of Qadr; A Divine Connection
Ramaḍān is a month filled with divine blessings, mercy, and spiritual enlightenment. It is a sacred time when hearts open more fully to God’s guidance, providing a unique opportunity for personal growth and the purification of the soul. One of the most profound aspects of this holy month is its deep connection to Imam Mahdi. Ramaḍān encourages self-discipline and the strengthening of one’s relationship with God. Just as fasting purifies both body and soul, true devotion to Imam Mahdi requires inner purification and a sincere commitment to his cause.
During this month, believers are reminded of their need for divine leadership and the living proof of God’s mercy on Earth—Imam al-Mahdi. Within this blessed month, God has appointed the Night of Qadr (the Night of Destiny/Power), the holiest night in the Islamic calendar. As stated in the Quran, its significance surpasses that of a thousand months.
لَیْلَةُ الْقَدْرِ خَیْرٌ مِنْ أَلْفِ شَهْرٍ
“The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months.” (Quran 97:3)
On this night, the Quran was revealed, angels descend, and destinies are decreed for the coming year. However, one of the most profound aspects of Laylat al-Qadr is its connection to Imam Mahdi, the promised savior of humanity. Understanding this relationship can deepen our appreciation of both the Night of Qadr and the crucial role of Imam Mahdi in divine governance.
The Night of Qadr; A Night of Divine Decree
The significance of Night Qadr is emphasized in both the Quran and Hadith. It is a night filled with immense blessings, during which the fate of every indiviDu’al for the upcoming year is determined.
تَنَزَّلُ الْمَلَائِكَةُ وَالرُّوحُ فِيهَا بِإِذْنِ رَبِّهِمْ مِنْ كُلِّ أَمْرٍ
“On that night, the angels and the Spirit descend, by the permission of their Lord, for every matter.” (Quran 97:4)
According to Islamic narrations, the divine decrees that descend on this night are presented to God’s representative on Earth. Throughout history, there has always been a divinely appointed leader who serves as the intermediary for receiving and guiding these decrees. In our time, that leader is none other than Imam Mahdi, the living proof of Allah’s guidance on Earth.
Imam Mahdi; The Divine Authority on Earth
Islamic teachings affirm that God never leaves the Earth without a divinely appointed guide, a fact emphasized in numerous Quranic verses and Hadith. Imam Mahdi, as the twelfth Imam and the awaited savior, is the divinely appointed leader of our time.
On the night of Qadr, when the angels descend with divine decrees, these decrees must be delivered to the Waliyy-e Amr (the divine authority of the time). Since the Imam of the Time is the channel between Allah and His creation, the angels present all matters to him.
Imam al-Ṣādiq states:
“On the Night of Qadr, all matters decreed by Allah for the year are presented to the Imam of the Time.” (Biḥār al-Anwār, vol. 94, p. 10)
This highlights the essential role of Imam Mahdi in executing Allah’s commands, ensuring justice, and guiding humanity according to divine wisdom.
Praying for Imam Mahdi on the Night of Qadr
The Night of Qadr offers an unparalleled opportunity to supplicate for the appearance of Imam Mahdi. His emergence will mark the establishment of absolute justice, the eradication of oppression, and the fulfillment of God’s promises.
One of the most recommended Du’as on this night is:
«مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ عِيسَى بِإِسْنَادِهِ عَنِ الصَّالِحِينَ ع قَالَ: كَرِّرْ فِي لَيْلَةِ ثَلَاثٍ وَ عِشْرِينَ مِنْ شَهْرِ رَمَضَانَ هَذَا الدُّعَاءَ سَاجِداً وَ قَائِماً وَ قَاعِداً وَ عَلَى كُلِّ حَالٍ وَ فِي الشَّهْرِ كُلِّهِ وَ كَيْفَ أَمْكَنَكَ وَ مَتَى حَضَرَكَ مِنْ دَهْرِكَ تَقُولُ بَعْدَ تَمْجِيدِهِ تَعَالَى وَ الصَّلَاةِ عَلَى نَبِيِّهِ ص اللَّهُمَّ كُنْ لِوَلِيِّكَ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ الْحَسَنِ الْمَهْدِيِّ فِي هَذِهِ السَّاعَةِ وَ فِي كُلِّ سَاعَةٍ وَلِيّاً وَ حَافِظاً وَ قَائِداً وَ نَاصِراً وَ دَلِيلًا وَ عَيْناً حَتَّى تُسْكِنَهُ أَرْضَكَ طَوْعاً وَ تُمَتِّعَهُ فِيهَا طَوِيلًا».
Muhammad ibn 'Īsā has narrated through the chain of his narrators that the Imams have said, “You should repeat this prayer during the twenty-third night of the month of Ramaḍān, while in prostration, standing, sitting and in all conditions and during the whole month and however you can, and whenever you remember in your lifetime. After you praise Allah, and after sending Ṣalawāt upon the Prophet, you should say, “O’ Allah! Be for Your deputy, al-Ḥujjah bin al-Ḥasan (al-Mahdi), May Your blessings be upon him and his forefathers, Now and at all times, a master and protector and guide and helper and proof and guard, until he resides peacefully on Your earth, and let him enjoy (his rule on the Earth) for a long time.” (Al-Kāfī, vol. 4, P. 162, Hadith. 4)
Additionally, Du’a al-Iftitāḥ, a supplication recited during the nights of Ramadan, beautifully expresses the yearning for Imam Mahdi’s just governance:
«...اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّا نَرْغَبُ إِلَيْكَ فِي دَوْلَةٍ كَرِيمَةٍ، تُعِزُّ بِهَا الْإِسْلَامَ وَ أَهْلَهُ، وَ تُذِلُّ بِهَا النِّفَاقَ وَ أَهْلَهُ، وَ تَجْعَلُنَا فِيهَا مِنَ الدُّعَاةِ إِلَى طَاعَتِكَ، وَ الْقَادَةِ إِلَى سَبِيلِكَ وَ تَرْزُقُنَا بِهَا كَرَامَةَ ٱلدُّنْيَا و َٱلآخِرَةِ ...»
“O Allah, we ardently desire that You confer upon us a respectful government, through which You may give might to Islam and its followers, humiliate hypocrisy and its people, and include us among those who invite people to the obedience to You and lead them to Your approved path. Give us the good of this world and the world to come.”
These supplications remind us that while we seek divine mercy for ourselves, we must also seek the ultimate mercy for humanity—the return of Imam Mahdi, who will establish God’s justice on Earth.
How to Strengthen Our Connection to Imam Mahdi on Night of Qadr
While the Night of Qadr is a night for seeking forgiveness and blessings, it is also a time to renew our allegiance to Imam Mahdi. Here are some ways to strengthen our bond with him on this holy night:
1. Sincere Supplication for His Appearance
As believers, we should pray not only for personal needs but also for the global transformation that will come with the appearance of Imam Mahdi. His presence will bring true peace and justice.
2. Seeking Forgiveness and Spiritual Readiness
The Night of Qadr is a night of repentance. To be true supporters of Imam Mahdi, we must purify our hearts, abandon sins, and align ourselves with God’s path.
3. Reciting the Ziyarat of Imam Mahdi
One of the recommended acts on this night is reciting some supplications such as Du’ā al-Ftitāḥ, Du’ā al-faraj, Du’ā for the health of Imam Mahdi, and Ziyārat Ᾱl-e-Yasīn, that strengthen our connection with the Imam.
4. Performing Good Deeds with His Intention
One of the best ways to prepare for the Imam’s arrival is to embody the values of justice, compassion, and sincerity in our daily lives. Every good deed performed with the intention of serving his mission brings us closer to him.
Conclusion; A Night of Hope and Divine Mercy
The Night of Qadr is not only a night of divine blessings and decrees but also a night to reaffirm our connection with Imam Mahdi. As the divine authority on Earth, he receives the decrees of this night and prepares for the day when he will establish God’s justice on Earth.
Thus, the Night of Qadr is an ideal time to reflect on our role in his mission, strengthen our faith, and pray for his swift reappearance. By doing so, we align ourselves with God’s plan for humanity and prepare our hearts for the coming of the awaited savior.
