Now let us try to gauge the enormity of Hazrat Wali-e-Asr’s (a.t.f.s) tasks. We will mention a few of them below:

1. Establishing justice and equality in the whole world:
Whenever there is mention of the auspicious reappearance of Hazrat Wali-e-Asr (a.t.f.s.), the following sentence comes to mind instantly:
‘He will fill the earth with justice and equality as it would have been filled with oppression and injustice.’
So one critical task that Imam (a.t.f.s.) shall perform on his reappearance is the establishment of justice and equality in the whole world.

2. Prevalence of Islam:
Allah declares in the Holy Quran
‘He it is Who sent His Apostle with the guidance and the true religion, that He may make it overcome the religions, all of them, though the polytheists may be averse.’
(Surah Saf, Verse 9)
Hazrat Wali-e-Asr (a.t.f.s.) will actualize this divine promise.

3. End of polytheism:
It is explicitly stated
‘…they shall serve Me, not associating aught with Me…‘
(Surah Noor, Verse 55)
‘…and to Him submits whoever is in the heavens and the earth, willingly or unwillingly…‘
(Surah Ale Imran, Verse 83)
Imam Jafar Sadiq (a.s.) has advanced an exegesis of this verse:
‘On the reappearance of Qaem (a.t.f.s.), from every corner of the earth one shall hear the voice *
(Beharul Anwaar, vol. 52, pg. 340, tradition 89)
From this it is clear that after the reappearance of Hazrat Wali-e-Asr (a.t.f.s.), the standard of Tauheed will fly high across the length and the breadth of the world. With this the final traces of polytheism and infidelity will vanish. Then on this earth that truly belongs only to Allah, only He will be worshipped and everyone will bow down in prostration as a measure of the Awe and Majesty that He commands.

4. Other objectives:
In numerous Quranic verses, traditions and supplications, several other objectives have been outlined. For brevity’s sake we are narrating certain excerpts from Dua-e-Nudba. This is one of the most important and authentic supplications. This supplication has been strongly recommended for recitation on Fridays.
1. Renewal of the religious obligations and recommended acts (Sunnah)
2. Well-being of the people and the Islamic Shariat
3. Safe keeping the limits of the Holy Quran
4. Safeguarding religion and the religious people
5. Putting an end to despots and suppressive regimes
6. Destruction of polytheism and evil
7. Annihilation of sinners
8. End of opposition to religion
9. Termination of liars, accusers and egoists
10. Respect and pride for the friends and putting to shame and disheartening the enemies
11. Inviting the people towards piety and devoutness
12. Uniting the scattered ones

5. In a salutation recommended by Hazrat Wali-e-Asr (a.t.f.s.), we learn of some other duties:
1. The destruction of every enemy of religion.
2. The end of the enemies of religion and their leaders
3. To act stringently with the transgressors
4. To bring down every standard representing the oppressors and tyrants
5. To grind to pieces all forces hostile to religion
6. To disrupt the armies that aim to cause damage to the true religion
7. To destroy those pulpits, which are employed solely to spew venom against Islam
8. To break the swords of the enemies of religion
9. To exterminate the idols
10. Convert strong forts into ruins
11. To close all the doors of mischief and corruption
12. To destroy the palaces of oppression
13. To bring out all the treasures from the earth
14. To establish supremacy over heights and pits
From the abovementioned points one can safely assume and understand that after the reappearance of the radiant light, the responsibilities of Hazrat Wali-e-Asr (a.t.f.s.) will not be limited to narrating the rules but also establishing in totality the perfect religion of Allah. He has to carry out a unique task that has not been performed by anyone till date. The task of all the divine messengers (a.s.) was only to convey the divine message and not its implementation.
‘…only the delivery of the message is (incumbent) on us‘
‘You are only a warner…‘
‘You are not a watcher over them‘
The duty of the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.) was to communicate the message to the nation. His responsibility was to warn the people of the dangers (of disobeying Allah). He (s.a.w.a.) did not exercise control or authority over the people (i.e. he could not compel them to obey divine commands)
O Apostle! Deliver…

Implementation of rules is more difficult than mere invitation
The duty of Hazrat Wali-e-Asr (a.t.f.s.) is not restricted to conveying the divine message, but to get it implemented in its entirety across the length and the breadth of the world.
The messengers (a.s.) had encountered innumerable hardships and obstacles in conveying the divine message. They were made victims to the severest of tribulations. For instance, Hazrat Lut (a.s.) exclaimed out of sheer helplessness,
‘Ah! That I had power to stand up against you, or rather I shall have recourse to a strong support…‘
(Surah Hud, Verse 80)
When prophets (a.s.) and apostles (a.s.) faced such resistance at the ‘conveying’ stage, then how many trials and tribulations will Imam (a.t.f.s.) have to encounter at the ‘implementation’ stage.

Characteristics of Imam’s (a.t.f.s.) helpers and companions
In the light of what we have outlined earlier, we can begin to appreciate the characteristics of Imam’s (a.t.f.s.) helpers and companions. Indeed, they will be at a sublime level of excellent morals and character.
It is undeniable that Allah has bestowed a great favor on us by keeping us attached to the infallible personalities of Ahle Bait (a.s.). Traditions have been narrated by the heirs of the ‘Door of the City of Knowledge‘ (i.e. Hazrat Ali (a.s.)) regarding the characteristics of the companions of Imam-e-Asr (a.t.f.s.). If we find all these characteristics or even one of them in us, then we should thank Allah. And if Allah forbid, our existence is not adorned by these characteristics, then we should beseech Allah that He gives us the inclination to embellish ourselves with these characteristics.

General traits
In one tradition Imam Jafar Sadiq (a.s.) has mentioned the general traits of the companions of Imam Mahdi (a.s.):
• Their hearts are stronger than iron.
• They will be having complete faith in Allah. There is no place for doubts in their hearts.
• They shall be tougher than stones. They will uproot the mountain only by turning towards it.
• They will conquer every city they enter with their standard.
• They are like swift eagles, mounted on fast horses.
• They will touch the saddle of Imam’s (a.t.f.s.) mount to seek blessings.
• They will be encircling Imam (a.t.f.s.) to safeguard him from all calamities and misfortune.
• They will fulfill every desire of Imam (a.t.f.s.) with their heart and soul.
• They will not sleep in the nights.
• They will buzz like honeybees in their prayers.
• They will pass the night in worship and in the morning they will be seen mounted on horses, ready for helping Imam (a.t.f.s.).
• They will be devout worshippers by the night and like the lions in the day.
• They will be more submissive and obedient to Imam than a maidservant.
• They are like burning lamps and their hearts are like glowing beacons.
• They are fearful of Allah and testify to His Unity.
• They are hopeful of martyrdom in the Way of Allah.
• Their slogan will be “O Avenger of Husain!”
• When they march, their awe will precede them by a distance of one month’s journey.
• These are the ones who seek Allah’s Pleasure.
• Allah will help Imam (a.t.f.s.) through them.
(Behaarul Anwaar, vol. 52, pg. 307-08, tradition 82)

Number of companions
Imam Mohammad Taqi (a.s) declared,
‘Allah will gather his followers around him. Their number will be 313, the same as the companions of Badr. They will gather from different parts of the earth.’ And this is the exegesis of Allah’s Words, ‘…wherever you are, Allah will bring you all together; surely Allah has power over all things.’‘
(Surah Baqarah, Verse148)
(Behaarul Anwaar, vol. 52, pg. 283, tradition 10)
This is the number of companions after the aggregation of which, Imam (a.t.f.s.) will announce his reappearance from the Holy Kaaba.
All these individuals will be among the sincere ones and when this number swells up to ten thousand, then by Allah’s order, Imam (a.t.f.s.) will establish himself (as Allah’s Representative) and will kill the enemies of Allah.
(Ibid)

How will they gather?
The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) prophesied,
‘When our Qaem (a.t.f.s.) will establish himself, Allah will gather the people of the East and West. These people will come together in one place in the same manner as the leaves gather in one place in autumn.’
(Al Sawaeq Al Mohreqa, pg. 163; Muntakhab Al Asar, pg. 477)
According to another tradition from the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) these people will gather in one place with the blinking of an eye.
(Ilzam An Nasib, pg. 200)
They will spend the night in their homes and by dawn-break, will reach Makkah Al Mukarramah.
(Behaarul Anwaar, vol. 52, pg. 286, tradition 21)

They will travel on clouds
Some of them will travel on the clouds by the day. Imam (a.t.f.s.) will recognize them by their names, by the names of their ancestors, by their lineage and by their style and mode. The narrator inquired who will be the most faithful? The prophet replied, ‘The one who will travel on the clouds by the day.’
(Ibid)

They will be extremely brave and pious
Imam Jafar Sadiq (a.s) relates,
‘I am seeing Qaem (a.t.f.s.) and his companions in Kufa. Their foreheads bear the distinct marks of prostration. They have the ferociousness of a lion by the day and are intense worshippers by the night. Their bodies will be stronger than steel. The strength of each one of them will be equal to forty men. They will only kill the hypocrites and the infidels.’
(Behaarul Anwaar, vol. 52, pg. 386, tradition 202)

Their names shall be inscribed on their swords
On each of their swords their names shall be inscribed along with their lineage.
(Behaarul Anwaar, vol. 53, pg. 329, tradition 155)
And these swords shall descend from the heavens
(Behaarul Anwaar, vol. 52, pg. 256, tradition 121)

Contracting of the earth
Imam Mohammad Baqir (a.s) informs,
‘From different parts of the land his (Imam (a.t.f.s.)) Shias will access him as the land will shrink for them. When they reach to him, they shall pay their allegiance to him.’
(Kitab al-Irshad, pg. 341, Muntakhab Al Asar, pg. 198)
From such traditions, it is apparent that the companions of Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) will come from different parts of the earth to him. Some will come while in the nights they were in their beds and in the morning they shall be with Imam (a.t.f.s.). Some will reach Imam (a.t.f.s.) with the batting of an eyelid, while some others shall travel with the help of the shrinking earth. It could be that all 313 companions shall reach with the batting of an eyelid and while others shall reach Imam (a.t.f.s.) through different ways. This difference can be possible due to the varied levels of their faith. Some of them will even walk on water. When they will reach the sea seashore, they will write something on their feet and then they will walk on it.
(Behaarul Anwaar, vol.52, pg. 327, tradition 43)

Extremely obedient, fragrant and fortunate
Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.), while narrating the characteristics of Hazrat Qaim (a.t.f.s.) to Ubayy bin Ka’b, said:
‘Allah shall gather the same number of people as the companions of Badr from different parts of the earth. Imam (a.t.f.s.) has a tablet in which the details of his companions have been written down like their number, names, cities, natures, titles and even their family tree. These will be at the highest level of faith. After that Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) narrated their greatness thus: ‘O Ubayy! Blessed are those who shall meet them, blessed is he who loves them and blessed is he who talks about them, as they shall save them from being destroyed. Allah shall open the doors of heaven for them on the basis of their acceptance of Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) and Imams (a.s.). Their example is like musk, which spreads but does not change and in the skies their example is like that of the moon whose brightness never diminishes.’
(Behaarul Anwaar, vol. 52, pg. 310-311, tradition 4)

Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) has compared the companions with musk as it has the best of fragrances. This fragrance can emanate from their bodies or from their immaculate ethics and morals. This implies that their firm actions and unshakable faith will enliven the surroundings with their fragrance.

Here the companions have been compared to the moon. Moon symbolizes light, but it does not independently emit this light, rather it subsists from the light of the sun. When the moon absorbs the light from the sun, it also becomes bright. Thus the companions have been compared with the moon due to their acceptance of Hazrat Wali-e-Asr (a.t.f.s.) and their brilliance is an extract from the character of Imam (a.t.f.s.). Another point to be noted here is that people of the earth consider them to be normal (like themselves) while the people of the heavens consider them to be like the beautiful moon.

In another tradition, Imam Mohammad Baqir (a.s.) informs,
‘When the Qaem shall reappear then Allah shall help him, in rows, through the people of the signs, devout worshippers and the descending angels. Jibraeel (a.s.) shall be in front of him, while Mikaaeel (a.s.) shall be on his right and Israfeel (a.s.) on his left. Awe shall precede them from all sides for as long as a month’s journey. Allah’s proximate angels shall accompany them on this expedition. The first to accompany them shall be the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) and after him shall be Hazrat Ali (as). He shall have a special sword by which he shall conquer Rome, China, Turkey, Sindh, Hind, Kabul and Hijr.’
‘Glad tidings is for those who accept him and is among his companions. Woe unto him who disobeys him and his orders and is counted amongst his enemies.’
(Behaarul Anwaar, vol. 52, pg. 229-248, tradition 99)
Indeed what can be better for the one who is amongst his companions and is enumerated along with the proximate angels who are Imam’s (a.t.f.s.) helpers!

All shall look alike and they shall all be young
Ameerul Momineen Ali Ibne Abi Talib (a.s.) declared,
‘The companions of Mahdi shall all be young and none shall be old except a small number equivalent to the kohl applied to the eyes or the salt sprinkled in the food.’
(Ghaibat-e-Nomani, pg. 170, Roozgaarhaai, vol. 1, pg. 415, tradition 480)
Here by young it could imply ‘intention’ because Allah in the Holy Quran has called Hazrat Ibrahim (as) on the occasion of destroying the idols as ‘Fata’ (youth)
‘They said: We heard a youth called Ibrahim speak of them.‘
(Surah Ambiya, Verse 60)
At that time, Hazrat Ibrahim’s (a.s.) age was around 40 years. By this we learn that the one who destroys the idols is considered to be ‘a youth’. When Imam-e-Zamana (a.t.f.s.) shall reappear, he shall destroy the idols and will have a youthful appearance.

Hazrat Ali (as) in another tradition narrates:
‘I am seeing them (companions of Imam-e-Asr (a.t.f.s.)) – they are similar in colour, height, face and clothes. They are united in their hearts and are anxiously trying to search for their lost property. They are troubled and disturbed because of it. At that moment, a person from the extreme wall of the Holy Kaaba will reappear. This person will be an exact replica of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) in his appearance, ethics, mannerisms, beauty and radiance. These people shall ask him ‘Are you Mahdi?’ He shall reply, ‘Yes I am Mahdi.’ Then they shall all pay allegiance to him.’
(Al-Malaahim wal Fitan, pg. 122,Roozgaarhaai, vol.1, pg. 416, tradition 482)
The reason for their having the same color and features is probably because their thinking shall be similar and their pain and sorrow will be shared. They would have absorbed the faith of Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) in such a fashion that they would be just like him in his ethics and morals.

Intellects shall attain perfection; Sight and hearing shall become sharp
One of the characteristics of the companions of Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) shall be that their intellects shall be at the highest level and their sense of justice and ethics shall be perfect.

Imam Baqir (a.s.) informs,
‘When our Qaem reappears, he will place his hand on the heads of the people by which their intellects will become complete and their ethics will scale the peak of perfection.’
(Behaarul Anwaar, vol. 52, pg. 329, tradition 7, 336-47, tradition 71)

Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) declares:
‘I have been raised for the perfection of ethics.’
Therefore, it is apparent that the purpose of the Holy Prophet’s (s.a.w.a.) Prophethood will become complete with the reappearance of Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.). It is significant that mention of the intellect becoming complete has preceded that of ethics reaching perfection. This is because for ethics to reach the highest level, perfection of the intellect is necessary, as a perfect intellect can never have evil ethics.
After the reappearance of Imam (a.t.f.s.) not only will the intellect become complete but the power of seeing and hearing shall also get more acute.

Imam Jafar Sadiq (a.s.) says:
‘When our Qaem (a.t.f.s.) reappears, Allah will make the seeing and hearing of the people so powerful that nothing shall be concealed between them and their Imam (a.t.f.s.). Imam shall address the people directly and the people shall see and hear Imam from their places.’
(Behaarul Anwaar, vol. 52, pg. 336, tradition 72)

Instructors of Quran, Carriers of Quran.
Imam Ali (a.s) reveals,
‘I see my Shias in Masjid-e-Kufa and they are teaching the Holy Quran in different tents and teaching it just the way it was revealed.’
(Behaarul Anwaar, vol. 52, pg. 364, tradition 140-141)
In this tradition, Imam Ali (a.s) has enumerated the companions of Imam-e-Asr (a.t.f.s) as his own Shias. This not only serves to highlight the esteemed position of Imam-e-Asr (a.t.f.s.) but also underscores the status of his companions in the eyes of the Imams (a.s.).
Nowadays the instructor of the Quran does not command any respect nor is his work considered meritorious. Compare this to the one who imparts worldly knowledge and is placed on a pedestal.

It is apparent that people fail to gauge the importance of a teacher by the topic or the book instructed by him. When no worldly book is more esteemed than the Holy Quran and no concept higher than the concepts advocated by the Holy Quran, then the most revered and esteemed one should be the teacher of the Holy Quran.

In another tradition Imam Ali (a.s.) predicts,
‘At that time people will be made sharp just as iron (arrow) makes the bow sharp. By reciting the Holy Quran their eyes will become bright and by the exegesis (tafseer) their ears will become alive. They will be drinking day and night from the cup of wisdom.’
Around them would be such people (servants of Allah) who will keep their sayings alive. They will help them, be their advisors, take charge of the responsibilities of their nations and they will help them in fulfilling the works allotted to them by Allah.
If we want to be included among the companions of Imam-e-Asr (a.t.f.s), then we have to be attached to the Holy Quran.

United Hearts
Imam Ali (a.s) while narrating the characteristics of the companions of Imam-e-Asr (a.t.f.s.) asserts, ‘These are the people who do not remind Allah, boasting of their patience in His Cause. They do not exaggerate their endeavors and sacrifices in Allah’s Way. Whenever there is a problem or an unfortunate event occurs and all doors of hope are closed, they gladden their eyes with the radiance of their swords and on the command of their Imam (a.t.f.s.), gain proximity to their Lord. All of them are like lions coming out of their dens. If they want to uproot a mountain from its place they can do so. These are those people who have truly and sincerely acknowledged Allah’s Unity (Tauheed). In the nights they wail due to mortal fear of Allah, just like a mother wails on seeing the corpse of her young son. In the nights they pray and during the day they fast. They are united in ethics and character and their hearts are filled with love, affection and concern for each other.’
(Ilzaamun Nasib, pg 199, Roozgaarhaai, vol. 1, pg. 144, tradition 477)

Imam-e-Asr (a.t.f.s) wrote in one of his signed letters (tawqee) to Shaikh Mufeed (r.a.), ‘May Allah bestow our Shias with the ability to obey, for if they had sincerely adhered to their covenant with united hearts, then there wouldn’t have been any delay in our blessed reappearance.’

In the light of this tawqee, it is apparent that the Shias fulfill the criteria of obedience and worship, but fare miserably on the factor of unity. Mosques are bursting with people engrossed in various states of worship, but their hearts are hostile towards each other. The condition for meeting Imam-e-Asr (a.t.f.s) and his subsequent reappearance is not only worship, but also to fulfill all other prerequisites in a comprehensive manner. It must be as if their bodies are different, but their hearts and heartbeats are one. Please pay attention to the following traditions.

Imam Ali (a.s.) predicts:
‘Allah will make their hearts proximate to each other, they shall not get saddened by anyone’s departure nor will they become happy with anyone’s advent. Their number would be that of the companions of Badr (i.e. 313). They will be without any parallel in the past or the present. People of the past were unable to attain this stature and likewise the people of the future will never accomplish their excellence. These companions would be like that of King Taloot (of Bani Israel) (i.e. 313 in number) who had successfully crossed the river. Allah had examined the companions of Taloot by ordering them not to drink water from the river, which would come their way. However, owing to excessive thirst most of them drank from the river except for some (i.e. 313) who followed the orders of their leader and these companions were successful in the examination.’
With this tradition we learn that the companions of Imam-e-Asr (a.t.f.s) will follow the orders of their Imam and will be extremely close to each other.

Imam Jafar Sadiq (a.s) foretells in one tradition,
“When Imam-e-Asr (a.t.f.s) reappears, he will stand between Hajar-e-Aswad and Maqam-e-Ibrahim and announce – ‘O my chiefs, O my leaders, O my chosen people, O those whom Allah has sent before me for my help and as a storehouse for me. Come to me in obedience’ This call of Imam will be heard across the East and West to the extent that people will come out from their prayer rooms and bedrooms. Everyone will hear this voice and soon people will rush to reach Imam (a.t.f.s).“
Today with the help of electronic media, it is not difficult to hear a sound anywhere. Everywhere sounds and pictures are transferred through satellites and waves. So if the sinners of the world can transfer the sound across the world without any effort, is there anything beyond the ability of Imam-e-Asr (a.t.f.s)?

Some other social characteristics
In the Sahifa of Hazrat Idris (a.s.) it has been recorded: ‘When Satan sought divine amnesty till the Day of Judgment, Allah extended him a reprieve till the Appointed Hour (Waqt-e-Ma’loom). Allah declared, ‘It is My Decree that on that day, I shall purify the earth from ignorance, polytheism and sins. Till that time I have appointed such servants who have been tested with faith and their hearts have been purified of the sins and their hearts are now filled with humility, faith, piety, truthfulness, patience, abstinence and with renunciation and precautious piety. I have appointed them to invite the sun and the moon and made them as My Caliphs on the earth and bestowed them with My favorite religion. They will worship Me and will never associate anyone with Me. They will pray on time, pay the poor rate on time and will always enjoin good and forbid evil.‘
‘Allah will create love and affection between them and they will never oppress each other. They will be kind to the young and the old and will respect them. They will remain steadfast on the religion and will always give their judgment based on it. These are My vicegerents, for them I have raised Prophet Mohammad Mustafa (s.a.w.a.) as a Messenger and Hazrat Ali (a.s) as a trustee and made them helpers (of Prophet (s.a.w.a.) and Imam (a.s.))‘
‘These are those people who I have chosen for My Prophet Mohammad Mustafa (s.a.w.a.) and for My trustee – Imam Ali (a.s.). I have concealed them in My Hidden Knowledge and all this is bound to happen. On that day I shall destroy your warriors and armies. Go, I have given you respite till the Appointed Hour.‘
(Saadus Saood by Syed b. Tawoos (r.a.), pg 34, Behaarul Anwaar, vol. 52, pg. 284, 585 tradition 194)
In this tradition around 30 characteristics of the companions of Imam-e-Asr (a.t.f.s) have been narrated and each characteristic is noteworthy.

Severe Examination
As it has been narrated in the beginning, everyone wishes to be among the helpers of Imam-e-Asr (a.t.f.s.). Imam Sadiq (a.s.) narrates in a tradition – ‘If I get the era of Imam-e-Asr (a.t.f.s.) then I would most certainly expend my life in his service.’ Even Imam Ali (a.s) has accounted them as his Shias.
(Behaarul Anwaar, vol. 52, pg. 131, tradition 32)

So is it possible for just about anyone to reach that position? Certainly not! To attain this position one has to undergo severe examination. Imam Sadiq (a.s.) informs, ‘The number of Arabs with the Qaem (a.t.f.s.) would be less.‘ Imam (a.s.) was asked, ‘According to the characteristics you have narrated, their numbers appears to be large?’ To this question Imam (a.s) replied, ‘Surely people shall be repeatedly sieved and examined. Again and again they shall be sieved and due to this sieving many people shall exit from religion.’
(Behaarul Anwaar, vol. 52, pg. 348)

It is evident that for such a colossal revolution, it is not going to be an easy task to arrange for the requisite individuals. There will be major filtering so that only individuals with the desired traits remain.

Paying allegiance to Imam-e-Asr (a.t.f.s)
Imam Ali (a.s.) has narrated the criteria for allegiance. The companions will testify in front of Imam-e-Asr (a.t.f.s) to abide by the below mentioned provisions:
1. They shall never rob
2. They shall never indulge in evil actions
3. They shall never abuse any Muslim
4. They shall never kill anyone unjustly
5. They shall never humiliate anyone
6. They shall never attack anyone’s house
7. They shall never hit anyone unjustly.
8. They shall never hoard gold, silver, wheat and jowar
9. They shall never consume the right of an orphan
10. They shall never bear witness without absolute surety
11. They shall never destroy a mosque
12. They shall never drink wine
13. They shall never wear silk clothes
14. They shall never obstruct anyone’s path
15. They shall never spread terror on the streets
16. They shall never indulge in homosexuality
17. They shall never hoard food grains and wheat
18. They shall be content with little.
19. They shall be partial towards purity.
20. They would stay away from uncleanness.
21. They will enjoin good
22. They shall forbid evil
23. They shall never wear thick clothes
24. Clay and mud will be their headrest
25. They will struggle in Allah’s Way as one ought to struggle.

Then Imam-e-Asr (a.t.f.s) will pledge the following:
1. He (a.t.f.s.) will travel with them.
2. Will wear the same clothes as them.
3. Will employ the same mode of transportation as them.
4. Will work as per their desire.
5. Will be happy and content with little.
6. With Allah’s Help, they will fill the earth with justice and tranquility just as it would have been filled with injustice and tyranny.
7. Will worship Allah in a manner that He should be worshipped.
(Ilzaamun Nasib, pg 201, Roozgaarhaai, vol. 1, pg. 465, tradition 564, Muntakhabul Asar, pg 469)

Imam (a.t.f.s.) will take allegiance from his companions on these criteria (mentioned earlier) and once the companions fulfill the criteria, then Imam (a.t.f.s.) will remain with them and spend his life alongside them. This highlights the intense love and affection of Imam (a.t.f.s.) for his companions.

‘May my father, my mother, my family, myself and my wealth be sacrificed upon you, O my Master, O Saahebuz Zamaan!‘

Source.

من كلمات الإمام المهدي عجل الله تعالى فرجه الشريف

I am a remainder from Adam, a relic of Noah, a choice from Abraham and an elite of Mohammad (PBUT). (Bihar al-Anwar Ch.52, P.238)

أنا بقيّةٌ من آدمَ ، وذخيرةٌ من نوحٍ ، ومصطفىً من إبراهيمَ ، وصَفوةٌ من محمدٍ (صلى الله عليهم أجمعين) (بحار الأنوار ج52 ص238)

Indeed, right is with us and in us, and nobody else say that but a liar and an impostor. (Bihar al-Anwar Ch.53, P.191)

إنّ الحقَّ معنا وفينا، لا يقولُ ذلك سوانا إلاّ كذّابٌ مُفتَرٍ (بحار الأنوار ج53 ص191)

Truly, the Exalted Allah is the one who created all forms and apportioned the provision; because He is not a form nor is He embodied in a form; nothing can be compared with him; and he is the All-hearing All-knowing. (Al-Ghayba, by Shaykh al-Tusi P. 178)

إنّ الله تعالى هو الذي خلق الأجسام ، وقسَّم الأرزاق، لأنّه ليس بجسمٍ ولا حَالٍّ في جسمٍ ليسَ كمثلِه شيءٌ وهو السّميعُ العليم (الغيبة للشيخ الطوسي ص178)

Verily, Allah is with us and we have no need to other than Him; right is with us so we won’t be distressed by those who desist from helping us; we are the willing tools of our Lord and people are our willing tools. (Al-Ghayba, by Shaykh al-Tusi P. 172)

إنّ الله معنا ، ولا فاقَةَ بنا إلى غيرِه ، والحقَّ معنا فلن يوحِشَنَا مَن قعدَ عنّا .. ونحن صنائعُ ربّنا والخلقُ بعدُ صَنائعُنا (الغيبة للشيخ الطوسي ص172)

Knowledge is ours; do not care about the unbeliever’s unbelief. (Bihar al-Anwar Ch.53, P.151)

العلمُ عِلمُنا ، ولا شيءَ عليكُم مِن كُفرِ مَن كَفرَ (بحار الأنوار ج53 ص151)

If our devotees’ (may Allah give them success in obeying Him) hearts are gathered on meeting their obligation, their good fortune of meeting us would not have been delayed, and their joy of seeing us would have been expedited. (Al-Ihtijaj, by al-Tabrasi Ch.2, P.499)

لو أنّ أشياعَنا – وفَّقهم الله لطاعته – على اجتماعٍ من القلوب في الوفاء بالعهد عليهم، لما تأخّر عنهم اليُمنُ بلقائِنا ، ولتعَجّلَت لهمُ السعادة بمشاهدتنا (الاحتجاج للطبرسي ج2 ص499)

I declare-unto Allah and His Messenger-that I am not accountable for whoso claims that we know what is hidden (the divine secret), that we share with Allah His rule, or places us in a rank other than that which Allah approved for us. (Al-Ihtijaj, by al-Tabrasi Ch.2, P.487)

أنا بريءٌ إلى الله وإلى رسولِه ، ممّن يقول إنّا نعلم الغيب ، ونشاركُه في مُلكِه ، أو يُحِّلُنا محلاً سوى المحلَ الذي رضيه الله لنا (الاحتجاج للطبرسي ج2 ص487)

The superiority of invocation and glorification of God subsequent to the obligatory prayers, over the invocation subsequent to the supererogatory prayers is like the superiority of the obligatory over the supererogatory prayers. (Al-Ihtijaj, by al-Tabrasi Ch.2, P.487)

إنّ فضل الدّعاء والتسبيح بعد الفرائض على الدّعاء بعقيب النّوافل ، كفضل الفرائض على النوافل (الاحتجاج للطبرسي ج2 ص487)

And as for prostrating on a grave, it is not permissible. (Al-Ihtijaj, by al-Tabrasi Ch.2, P.490)

فأمّا السجود على القبرِ فلا يجوزُ (الاحتجاج للطبرسي ج2 ص490)

Nothing spites Satan like performing the prayer, so perform it and spite him! (Bihar al-Anwar Ch.53, P.182)

ما أُرغِم أنف الشيطان بشيءٍ مثل الصلاة ، فصلّها وأَرغم أنف الشيطان (بحار الأنوار ج53 ص182)

Indeed, I am a safeguard to the inhabitants of earth as the stars are safeguards to the inhabitants of heaven. (Bihar al-Anwar Ch.78, P.380)

إنّي أمانٌ لأهل الأرضِ ، كما أنّ النجومَ أمانٌ لأهل السّماء (بحار الأنوار ج78 ص380)

But Allah’s foreordainment could not be struggled with, His will could not be refused and His (granting of) Success could not be preceded. (Bihar al-Anwar Ch.53, P.191)

ولكنَّ أقدارَ الله عزّ وجلّ لا تُغالَب، وإرادتُه لا تُرَدُّ، وتوفيقُهُ لا يُسبق (بحار الأنوار ج53 ص191)

And as for the reason behind the occurrence of the (my) occultation, Allah The Almighty said, ” Believers, do not ask questions about things which, if made known to you would only pain you”. (Bihar al-Anwar Ch.78, P.380)

وأمّا عِلّةُ ما وقعَ من الغَيْبة، فإنّ الله عزّ وجلّ قال: يا أيها الذين آمنوا لا تسألوا عن أشياءَ إنْ تُبدَ لكم تَسؤكم (بحار الأنوار ج78 ص380)

Indeed, earth could not be without a hujja (a proof, a prophet or his vice), either manifest or occult. (Kamaludin by al-Saduq Ch.2, P.115)

إنّ الأرضَ لا تخلوا من حُجّةٍ : إمّا ظاهراً أو مغموراً (كمال الدين للصدوق ج2 ص115)

Whenever an authority disappears, another one appears; and if a star sets, another one rises. (Bihar al-Anwar Ch.53, P.185)

كلمّا غاب عَلَمٌ بدا عَلَمٌ، وإذا أَفَل نجمٌ طلع نجم (بحار الأنوار ج53 ص185)

O Allah, bestow upon us the success of obedience, the avoidance of disobedience, sincerity and knowledge of the forbidden; and confer upon us guidance and straightness. (Al-Misbah, by al-Kaf`ami P.281)

اللهّم ارزقنا توفيق الطّاعة ، وبُعد المَعصية ، وصِدق النّية وعِرفان الحُرمَة ، وأكرِمنا بالهدى والاستقامة (المصباح للكفعمي ص281)

He is cursed (twice) he who delays performing the early morning prayer until the stars disappear (the sun rises). (Bihar al-Anwar Ch.52, P.16)

ملعونٌ ملعونٌ من أخّر الغداة إلى أن تنقضي النجوم (بحار الأنوار ج52 ص16)

Every one of my forefathers was committed by a pledge of allegiance to the tyrant of his time, and at the time of my rising, I will rise without being committed by a pledge of allegiance to anyone of the tyrants. (Bihar al-Anwar Ch.53, P.181)

إنّه لم يكن أحدٌ من آبائي إلاّ وقد وقعت في عنقه بيعةٌ لطاغيةِ زمانه ، وإني أخرج حين أخرج ، ولا بيعةَ لأحدٍ من الطواغيت في عنقي (بحار الأنوار ج53 ص181)

I am the last of the vices, and by me Allah wards off distress from my household and my devotees. (Bihar al-Anwar Ch.52, P.30)

أنا خاتم الأوصياء وبي يدفع الله البلاء عن أهلي وشيعتي (بحار الأنوار ج52 ص30)

Allah shall provide for his needs he who needs Allah. (Bihar al-Anwar C.51, P.331)

من كان في حاجة الله ، كان الله في حاجته (بحار الأنوار ج51 ص331)

Almighty Allah refuses but to perfect the truth and to make falsehood vanish and He is a witness over me in what I am saying. (Bihar al-Anwar Ch.53, P.193)

أبى الله عز وجل للحق إلا إتماما وللباطل إلا زهوقاً وهو شاهد عليّ بما أذكره (بحار الأنوار ج53 ص193)

And as for the way of benefiting from me during my occultation, it is the same as benefiting from the sun when it is beclouded; and I am a safeguard to the inhabitants of earth as the stars are safeguards to the inhabitants of heaven. (Bihar al-Anwar Ch.53, P.181)

وأما وجه الانتفاع بي في غيبتي ، فكالانتفاع بالشمس إذا غيّبها عن الأبصار السحاب .. وإني لأمان لأهل الأرض كما أن النجوم أمان لأهل السماء (بحار الأنوارج53ص181)

Increase praying for the expediting of my manifestation because indeed it is your release from suffering. (Kamaluddin by al-Saduq Ch.2, P.485)

أكثروا الدعاء بتعجيل الفرج، فإن ذلك فرَجُكم (كمال الدين للصدوق ج2 ص485)

If you ask for guidance, you shall have it; and if you pursue something, you shall find it. (Bihar al-Anwar Ch.51, P.339)

إن اُستَرشدت أُرشِدتَ، وإن طَلبت وجدت (بحار الأنوار ج51 ص339)

No one is permitted to act independently regarding another’s possessions-without his permission. (Wasa`il al-Shi`a Ch.17, P.309)

لا يحلّ لأحد أن يتصرّف في مال غيره بغير إذنه (وسائل الشيعة ج17 ص309)

There is no kinship between Allah and anyone; whoso denies me, does not belong to me. (Al-Ghayba, by Shaykh al-Tusi P. 176)

ليس بين الله عز وجل وبين أحدٍ قرابةٌ، ومن أنكرني فليس مني (الغيبة للشيخ الطوسي ص176)

I seek refuge in Allah from blindness after clearness, from error after guidance and from the mortal sins and the deadly trials. (Bihar al-Anwar Ch.53, P.190)

أعوذ بالله من العمى بعد الجلاء ، ومن الضلالة بعد الهدى ، ومن موبقات الأعمال ومرديات الفتن (بحار الأنوار ج53 ص190)

The outcome of Allah’s gracious handiwork shall be benign for them as long as they avoid (committing) the prohibited sins. (Bihar al-Anwar Ch.53, P.177)

والعاقبة لجميل صنع الله سبحانه تكون حميدة لهم ما اجتنبوا المنهيّ عنه من الذنوب (بحار الأنوار ج53 ص177)

I ask Allah to protect me (from the enemies), to be gracious to me and to bring forth my rule. (Bihar al-Anwar Ch.52, P.183)

إلى الله أرغب في الكفاية ، وجميل الصنع والولاية (بحار الأنوار ج52 ص183)

We are neither negligent of caring for you nor forgetful of you; and if it were not for that, hardship would have befallen you and the enemies would have massacred you, so fear God and support us. (Bihar al-Anwar Ch.53, P.175)

إنّا غيرُ مهملين لمراعاتكم، ولا ناسين لذكركم .. ولولا ذلك لنزل بكم اللاّواء ، واصطلمكم الأعداء، فاتقوا الله جلّ جلاله وظاهرونا (بحار الأنوار ج53 ص175)

And as for the recent occurrences, turn to the relaters of our Hadiths for they are my proof upon you, and I am Allah’s proof upon them. (Bihar al-Anwar Ch.53, P.181)

وأمّا الحوادث الواقعة : فارجعوا فيها إلى رواة حديثنا فإنهم حُجّتي عليكم ، وأنا حُجّة الله عليهم (بحار الأنوار ج53 ص181)

If you ask Almighty Allah for forgiveness, He will forgive you. (Bihar al-Anwar Ch.51, P.329)

إذا استغفرت الله (عز وجل) فالله يغفر لك (بحار الأنوار ج51 ص329)

Allah did not create the creation in vain, nor did He leave them alone to no purpose. (Al-Ghayba, by Shaykh al-Tusi P. 174)

إن الله تعالى لم يخلق الخلق عبثا ، ولا أهملهم سُدىَ (الغيبة للشيخ الطوسي ص174)

Let everyone of you do what ingratiates him with us and avoid what arises our aversion and displeasure with him. (Al-Ihtijaj, by al-Tabrasi Ch.2, P.324)

فليعمل كل امرئ منكم بما يقرب به من محبتنا ، ويتجنب ما يُدنيه من كراهيتنا وسخطنا (الاحتجاج للطبرسي ج2 ص324)

O Allah, fulfill your promise to me, complete my rule for me, increase my force and fill earth by me with justice and fairness. (Bihar al-Anwar Ch.51, P.31)

اللهم أنجز لي وعدي ، وأتمم لي أمري ، وثبت وطأتي ، واملأ الأرض بي عدلا وقسطاً (بحار الأنوار ج51 ص13)

I bear witness that there is no god but He-and the angels, and men possessed of knowledge- upholding justice; there is no god but He the All-mighty, the All-wise; the true religion with Allah is Islam. (Bihar al-Anwar Ch.51, P.16)

أشهد أن لا إله إلا هو والملائكة وأولوا العلم قائماً بالقسط، لا إله إلا هو العزيز الحكيم، إن الدين عند الله الإسلام (بحار الأنوار ج51 ص16)

I am Allah’s Remainder (representative) in His earth, and the avenger on his enemies. (Tafseer Noor al-Thaqalayn Ch.2, P.392)

أنا بقية الله في أرضه ، والمنتقم من أعدائه (تفسير نور الثقلين ج2 ص392)

Our hearts are receptacles for Allah’s will, so that if He wills we comply. (Bihar al-Anwar Ch.52, P.51)

قُلُوبُنا أوعيةٌ لمشيئة الله، فإذا شاء شئنا (بحار الأنوار ج52 ص51)

Were it not for our desire to see you righteous and the mercy and pity we feel for you, we would have been too occupied to address you. (Bihar al-Anwar Ch.53, P.179)

ولولا ما عِندَنا من محبّةِ صلاحِكُم ورحمتِكم ، والإشفاق عليكم ، لكنّا عن مخاطبتكم في شُغُلٍ (بحار الأنوار ج53 ص179)

I am al-Mahdi (the guided one), I am the imam of the time and I am the one who fills it (earth) with justice just as it was filled with injustice and tyranny. (Bihar al-Anwar Ch.52, P.2)

أنا المهديُّ، أنا قائم الزمّان، أنا الذي أملأَها عدلاً كما مُلِئت (ظُلماً و) جورا (بحار الأنوار ج52 ص2)

The oppressors alleged that Allah’s proof is invalid, and if we were permitted to speak out, the uncertainty would disappear. (Bihar al-Anwar Ch.51, P.4)

زَعَمَتِ الظلمة أن حُجّة الله داحضةٌ، ولو أُذن لنا في الكلام لزال الشّك (بحار الأنوار ج51 ص4)

The sign of the emergence of my rule is the increase in chaos and persecution. (Bihar al-Anwar Ch.51, P.320)

علامة ظهور أمري كَثرَةُ الهَرَجِ والمَرجِ والفِتن (بحار الأنوار ج51ص320)

We have comprehensive knowledge of your news, and not a thing of it escapes us. (Bihar al-Anwar Ch.53, P.175)

إنّا يُحيطُ عِلمُنا بأنبائِكُم، ولا يعزُبُ عنّا شيئٌ من أخبارِكُم (بحار الأنوار ج53 ص175)

The faith is Mohammed’s (his assignment), may Allah’s prayers and peace be upon him and his household; and guidance is `Ali’s (`Alee, Eli), the Commander of The Believers, may peace be upon him, because it is meant for him and will remain in his descendants until the Day of Resurrection. (Bihar al-Anwar Ch.53, P.160)

الدّينُ لمحمّد صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم والهدايةُ لعَلِيٍّ أمير المؤمنين عليه السلام، لأنها لهُ وفي عَقِبِه باقيةً إلى يومِ القيامة (بحار الأنوار ج53 ص160)

And whoso oppresses us will be one of those who wrong us, and Allah’s curse shall rest upon him because of the Almighty’s saying, ” Surely, Allah’s curse shall rest upon the wrongdoers”. (Bihar al-Anwar Ch.53, P.182)

فمَن ظَلَمَنا كان في جُملة الظّالمين لنا ، وكانت لَعنةُ اللهِ عليه، لِقولِه عزّ وجلّ “أَلا لَعنَةُ الله على الظّالمين” (بحار الأنوار ج53 ص182)

All my fathers and I are servants of Almighty Allah. (Bihar al-Anwar Ch.25)

أنا وجميع آبائي… عبيدُ الله عزّ وجلّ (بحار الأنوار ج25)

The prostration of gratitude is from among the most indispensable and most necessary of the sunna practices (Prophetic Tradition). (Bihar al-Anwar Ch.53, P.161)

سَجدةُ الشّكر مِن أَلزم السُّنن وأوجَبها (بحار الأنوار ج53 ص161)

If Allah permits us to speak, the truth would emerge and falsehood would vanish and be pulled away from you. (Bihar al-Anwar Ch.25, P.183)

إذا أَذِنَ الله لنا في القول ، ظَهرَ الحقُّ واضمَحَلَّ الباطلُ وانحسَرَ عنكم (بحار الأنوار ج25 ص183)

And in the Prophet’s daughter, may Allah’s prayers and peace be upon him and his household, there is a good example. (Bihar al-Anwar Ch.53, P.180)

وفي ابنةِ رسولِ الله صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم أُسوَةٌ حسنةٌ (بحار الأنوار ج53 ص180)

And as for the occurrence of the manifestation, it is up to Allah, and those who appoint a moment lie. (Bihar al-Anwar Ch.53, P.181)

وأمّا ظهور الفَرَج ،فإنّه إلى الله وكَذِب الوقّاتون (بحار الأنوار ج53 ص181)

So fear God and submit to us, refer the matter to us, because we are the ones who execute Allah’s commands as we were the ones who received them; do not try to uncover what was concealed form you and make your intention to love us according to the clear way. (Bihar al-Anwar Ch.53, P.179)

فاتّقوا الله، وسلّموا لنا، ورُدّوا الأمر إلينا، فعلينا الإصدار، كما كان مِنّا الإيراد، ولا تحاولوا كشف ما غُطِّيِ عنكم، واجعلوا قَصدَكم إلينا بالمودّة على السنّة الواضحة (بحار الأنوار ج53 ص179)

No manifestation but after Allah’s permission, and that will be after the passing of a long term, the hardening of the hearts and the filling of earth with tyranny. (al-Ihtejaj Ch.2, P.478)

فلا ظُهورَ إلاّ بعد إذن الله تعالى ذِكرُهُ وذلك بعد طول الأمد وقسوةِ القلوب وامتلاء الأرضِ جَوْراَ (الاحتجاج للطبرسي ج2 ص478)

There will come to my devotees those who will claim seeing (me). Verily, whosoever claims the seeing before the rising of al-Sufiani and the Cry, is a liar and a forger; and there is no power except with Almighty Allah. (al-Ihtejaj Ch.2, P.478)

سيأتي إلى شيعتي من يدّعي المشاهدة.. ألا فمن ادعي المشاهدة قبلَ خروج السُّفياني والصيحة فهو كذابٌ مُفترٍ، ولا قوّةَ إلا بالله العليّ العظيم (الاحتجاج للطبرسي ج2 ص478)

Source.

1- The Wahabi sect is an offshoot of Ahlus-Sunnah and like other Muslims, believes in Qur’an and traditions, they also have faith in the traditions of Sehah-e-Sittah and other authentic books, Since the traditions pertaining to imam al-Mahdi (a.s.) are quoted from the holy prophet (s.a.w.w.) and are found in abundance in the books of traditions, then they are bound to believe in imam al-Mahdi (a.s).

2- Ibn Taimiyyah (exp. 728 A.H.) was a Hanbali scholar in 7th- 8th century and known as the ideological leader of the Wahabis, in his book ‘Minhaajus-Sunnah’ (that is a strong attack on Shiites), he considers the traditions regarding Hazrat al-Mahdi (a.s) as authentic and says about him as follows: ” Those traditions recorded by abuu Daawood,Tirmidhi, Ahmad Hanbal and other traditionalist that there was dispute over them in regard to the advent of imam al-Mahdi (a.s) are all correct, for example the tradition of the holy prophet (s.a.w.w.) that was related by Ibn Mas’ud as follows: “Even if a single day remains from the eve of doomsday, Allah the Almighty will prolong that day to such an extent till He raises a man from my house hold i.e. Ahlul-bait (a.s).”

3- Shamsuddin Mohammad bin abi-Bakr popularly known as ibn Qayme-aj-Jauzi (exp. 751 A.H.), a famous personality of the Hanbali sect, ardent follower and preacher of Ibn Taimiyah’s idealogies has compiled an complete book on the topic of imam al-Mahdi (a.s), he has adorned his book with the title of ‘Al-Mahdi’.

The same scholar wrote another book named ‘Al- Munaar Al Munif Fis-Sahih Waz Zaeef that is actually an explanation of Ibn Jauzi’s book ‘Al-Mauzoo’aat’, he quoted some traditions about imam al-Mahdi (a.s) and also the debate over their authenticity in chapter 15 of this book from page 326 to 344, he concluded that all traditions that are in regard of imam al-Mahdi (a.s.) are genuine and completely part of the Islamic tradition, he also wrote in the same book while quoting from the book of ‘Abdul Husain Aberi ‘ that: “The traditions regarding imam al-Mahdi (a.s.) are plenty (Mutawatir) and abundantly that prove he will be from the progeny of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.w) .”

4- Allamah Mohammad bin Ali Shaukani (exp. 1250 A.H.) was formerly a Zaidi who later after convertion to Wahabism became the Wahabis prolific preacher in Yemen, he was such a staunch believer in Mahdaviyat (believe in the existence of al-Mahdi a.s.) to the extent that he wrote a complete book on this subject named ‘Al-Tauzeeh Fi Tawatir Ma Ja’aa Fil-Mahdi wad-Dajjal wal Maseeh, The above mentioned book serves as a major source of reference for most of the scholars, there is need for attention to the following sentence from the mentioned book: “Those narrated traditions in regard to Hazrat al-Mahdi (a.s.) are so numerous that can suffice that one that possesses little faith and justice.”

5- Shaikh Abdul Mohsin bin Ahmad Abbad, a learned professor of the Wahabi university of Medina wrote a book named ‘Aqidato Ahle-Sunnat wal-Asar Fil Mahdi Al-Muntazar’ in which he has debated that the belief in Mahdaviyat is not confined only to Shiites rather it is a pure Islamic ideology, the traditions in regard to Mahdawiyah are continuous while believing in Hazrat imam al-Mahdi (a.s.) is also fundamental. Hazrat al-Mahdi (a.s.) is from the progeny of Fatema Zahra (s.a) and she is going to appear in the last era of the world Moreover he has enlisted the names of one-hundred and twenty-six companions who have quoted the traditions regarding imam al-Mahdi(a.s.), thirty-eight among them are notable scholars and traditionalists that related the traditions that four of them are the compilers of the Sihah Sitah i.e. the six authentic traditional books of Ahlus-Sunnah, he also mentioned the names of the renowned Sunni scholars that wrote books on this subject.

Shaikh Abbad wrote another book to refute the book of of his Kuwaiti contemporary scholar named Sheikh Abdullahi bin Zaid that made some objections harshly to the said belief, the above mentioned book is named: ” Ar-Raddo Ala Man Kazeba bil Ahadith As Sahiha fil Mahdi.”
In this study, firstly the vitriol objections of the Kuwaiti writer are quoted word to word then after been acquainted with them he gave the replies that matched them i.e. the objections.

While keeping these facts in mind is there any one among the Muslims that can doubt the truthfulness of this belief? Is it possible that someone should claim to be a Muslim without believing in this fundamental creed?
May Allah help us in following the right path (amen).

Source.

“Taking benefit from me during my occultation is like getting benefit from the sun while it is hidden from the view.”

Sulaiman Amash bin Mehran asked His Eminence, Imam Sadiq (a.s): How do the people benefit from His Eminence, the Proof (Hujjat) (a.s) when he is concealed from the viewa His Eminence, Imam Sadiq (a.s) replied:

“Just as they benefit from the sun when a cloud comes over it.”

Allamah Majlisi (r.a.) explains this tradition and says:

a. Effulgence, generosity, knowledge and guidance reaches the people through His Eminence because it is proved from traditions that His Eminence is the cause of the creation of the creatures. Thus if he had not been there no one else would have come into existence. Rather, sciences and recognition is due to his blessings and cure and mediation of His Eminence becomes apparent on the people and calamities are repelled through him. It is so because if they had not been there, people would have been involved in various chastisements due to their evil deeds. As the Almighty Allah has said: “Allah would not punish them till you are among them.”

And we have often experienced that when we are in difficulties and our avenues are closed and we are distanced from the Almighty and we have closed the doors of mercy due to our deeds. Yes! At that time we have made those noble personages as our mediums. And we pray through the holy effulgence of those personages in proportion to our proximity with them. Our complicated problems are solved and whosoever’s heart Allah has illuminated with faith realizes this fact and is not able to deny it.

b. Just as people gain benefit from the sun hidden behind clouds and wait for the cloud to move away so that they could gain more benefits, in the same way the real awaiter and the sincere Shias wait for His Eminence during the occultation every moment that when His Eminence reappears there may be greater benefit from him.

c. One who denies His Eminence during the period of occultation is like one who has denied the sun when it is behind the clouds.

d. Sometimes, when the sun is behind the clouds, it is for the good of the people. In the same way the occultation of His Eminence is better for the people rather than his reappearance due to the condition of the people (who are not capable or deserving).

e. It is ordinarily not possible to see the sun directly when it is not behind a cloud. It can lead to blindness if one sees the sun with naked eyes. In the same way the sun of the existence of His Eminence may cause the incapable people to be blinded of truth.

f. Sometimes the sun comes out from behind the clouds and some people see it. In the same way during the period of occultation some people see His Eminence and are honored to be in his service.

g. His Eminence, like the sun, gives benefit to all, although one who is blind is not able to take benefit from him. As the Almighty Allah says:

“And whoever is blind in this, he shall (also) be blind in the hereafter, and more erring from the way.” Surah Bani Israel 17:72

It is explained in this way:

h. Just as the rays of the sun enter the house according to the space of the slits and windows and by it gives light and energy, in the same way are the hearts of the people. As much as they remove the curtains of sensuality and physical attachments and open up the slits and windows of the heart for the recognition of Allah, the same proportion of the light of guidance of those great personages would benefit them. In the same way they must remove from them the obstacles and curtains like one who stands below the shining sun and the rays of the sun surround him. By this eight doors of Paradise of spirituality are opened up for him and the rays of guidance and guardianship (Wilayat) cover him…

-Muntakhabul Athar, Pg 271-272

The real source of the struggle between right and wrong exists within man himself. (vide Surah al-Shams 91:7) It is manifested sometimes in the form of the flames of selfishness, venality and licentiousness and sometimes in that of higher sentiments of God-seeking, righteousness and love of mankind.

The impact of these sentiments on society creates power waves which cause a strife sometimes culminating in corruption and wretchedness, and sometimes bringing about changes towards happiness and prosperity of the society. There is no doubt that changes for the better are brought about by Divine help, but the role of human effort and struggle cannot also be denied.

A Prophet is raised. He awakens the hearts potentially ready to accept the truth. Faith of a group of converts matures. They along with him fight against corruption and evil. They continue to make gradual progress and do not falter at any stage till at last the society undergoes a basic change.

Polytheism, myths, injustice and corruption collapse. Belief in Allah, truth and justice takes root. Before long again from within the same society selfishness, licentiousness and aristocratic tendencies shoot forth.

Occasionally the same society, though still maintaining the traditional form, so deviates from the way introduced by the reformer that it begins to rot from within and once again returns to its pre-reform ways, of course, in a new garb of hypocrisy and new forms of injustice. and corruption.

Sometimes external factors with the aid of their internal agents effectively work for spreading corruption and disruption. These agents for their selfish ends readily co-operate with the external enemy.
This state of injustice, corruption, myth and fraud stimulates the sagacious and the downtrodden to launch a new movement. Thus a process of struggle between right and wrong continues.

Islam believes that all pomp, show and power of the evil have been transient over history. It regards all kinds of intrigues, frauds, hypocrisy and falsehood as froth of water. They have no roots and are bound to disappear finally. (Surah al-Ra’ad, 13:17, Surah al-Isra, 17:81, Surah al-Anbiya, 21:18, Surah al-Shura, 42:24 and many other verses).

Truth always maintains its positive effect either in individual action or social movement even when it is threatened by falsehood and needs supporters to defend it.

Islam recognizes the need of human efforts, perseverance and faith in bringing about a social change, and regards weakness, lack of faith and licentiousness as the causes of the domination of falsehood.
Anyhow, it is this struggle which makes history. As for the future, it is bright. In the end right will be victorious and justice will prevail. Every form of wrong will be annihilated and oppression and tyranny will disappear finally.

Advent of the Mahdi
Complete and final supremacy of right, and universal victory of justice will materialize during the period of the appearance of Muhammad al Mahdi ? the twelfth imam. At that time an ideal Islamic society will be established under the aegis of an ideal government.

In the following pages we give a short perspective of the society and the system of that time drawn from hundreds of traditions describing the characteristics of that period. It must be remembered that this society will be a true Islamic society and its system will be in no way different from that prescribed by Islam.

We propose to divide this study under several headings:

At the threshold of appearance
The Holy Prophet is reported to have said:
“He will rise at a time when chaos will be prevailing in the world. Various countries will be engaged in the night attacks on each other. Neither the elders will be having mercy on the younger, nor will the strong be showing kindness to the weak”.

Imam Muhammad al Baqir (A.S.) has said:
“The Mahdi will rise at a time of great anxiety, when people will be deeply plunged into crises, disturbances, disasters and diseases, and when wild massacres, violent dissensions and religious discord will be the order of the day. At that time people will be feeling distressed and dejected, and will be at daggers drawn with each other. They will be wishing themselves dead day and night. He will appear at a moment of utter want of hope“.

“He will rise to establish justice at a time when the world will be full of injustice and tyranny“.

There is no doubt that he will rise at a time when the whole world will be plunged into injustice and corruption, and to fight against these evils he will have to make awful struggle. He will require faithful and self?sacrificing supporters, possessing all the qualities of a true champion.

Revolutionary leader and his supporters
The Holy Prophet(S.A.W.) is reported to have described the Imam of the Age in these words:
“He is an Imam who is pious, pure and delightful. He is an admirable leader, who is rightly guided and who enjoins justice. Allah acknowledges him and he acknowledges Allah“.

Concerning the faith and perseverance of his companions, Imam Ja’far al Sadiq (A.S.) said:
“Everyone of his companions will be so strong as if he had the strength of forty men. Their hearts will be as solid as a piece of steel. If they pass over a hill of iron, they would pierce it. They will not lay down their arms till they have pleased Allah“.

From another report we learn that “at that time there will be some people who will be faithful, virtuous, sincere, religious, pious, conscientious, tolerant, firm, constant, temperate and God-loving. They will be thankful to Allah who made them heirs to power and wealth in the earth and established their chosen faith therein. They will be worshipping none but Allah, offering their prayers on time and paying zakat when due. They will be exhorting to good and restraining from evil“.

About the true followers of the Mahdi, Imam Ja’far al Sadiq (A.S.) is reported to have said:
“Fear has been removed from their hearts and put into that of their enemy. Everyone of them is more rushing than a spear-point and more daring than a lion“.

Undergoing hardships for achieving success
It must be understood that success will not be gained easily. It will be achieved only after undergoing a lot of trouble and discomfort.

Mufazzal, one of the companions of Imam Ja’far al Sadiq (A.S.) says: “Once we were talking about the Mahdi in the presence of the Imam. I said that I hoped that he would succeed easily. The Imam said:
“No, it will not be so. Success will not be attained except through sweat and blood“.

In other words success will be attained after making great efforts and undergoing heavy losses.

A companion of Imam Muhammad al Baqir (A.S.) says:
“I told the Imam that it was said that the Mahdi would have a smooth sailing and would not have to shed a single drop of blood”. The Imam said: “No, it will not be so. If the things could run so smoothly, by Him in whose hands my life is, the Prophet of Islam would not have been wounded and his teeth would not have been broken in a battle. No, that’s not possible. By Allah! there is no way out, but that you and we are submerged in our own sweat and blood“.

This means that the leaders as well as their supporters have to make sacrifices before they are successful.

Imam Ja’far al Sadiq (A.S.) is also reported to have said:
“I see the Mahdi and his companions as if they are threatened by danger from all sides: their supplies have exhausted; their clothes have worn out; their foreheads bear the mark of prostration; during the day they are as courageous as a lion and during the night they are busy in the adoration of Allah; and their hearts are like solid pieces of iron“.

Anyhow, all these sacrifices and hardships will have a happy end.
Imam Ja’far al Sadiq (A.S.) has said:
“It is true that the righteous always lead a hard life. But the end of their hardship is not far off“.

Nevertheless the success of the Mahdi will be largely due to invisible Divine help. Many traditions bear witness to that.

As a result of these sacrifices and the Divine help real Islamic rule will be established. These are some of the reports which throw light on the doctrinal and social system which will follow.

Explaining the Qur’anic verse, It is Allah who sent His Messenger with guidance and true religion that He might make it victorious over all religions, howsoever the unbelievers might be averse, Imam al Sadiq (A.S.) said: “This verse will come true only during the time of the Mahdi, when the unbelievers will no longer exist“.

At present Islam has been surrounded by some people with so many myths and doubts that it appears to be some different religion. This position will continue till the Mahdi rises.

Imam Ja’far al Sadiq (A.S.) has said:
“As soon as the Mahdi rises, he will introduce a new system as the Prophet had done in the beginning of Islam“.

Imam Ja’far al Sadiq (A.S.) is also reported to have said:
“The Mahdi will do what the holy Prophet had done. He will smash the existing system in the same way as the holy Prophet had shattered the pre-Islamic pagan system, and replaced it by Islam“.

The new system introduced by the Mahdi will be so queer to some of those who claim to be the champions of religion and to be having full knowledge of it, that they will pick up a row against him, but they will not be able to resist the divine world movement and will be annihilated.

At the end of a detailed talk, Imam Baqir (A.S.) said:
“On an occasion when the Mahdi will be busy narrating Divine commands and speaking about the practice of the holy Prophet and the Imams, an attack on him will be arranged from within the places of worship. The Imam will order his followers to arrest the insurgents and put them to death. This will be the last hostile action against the Mahdi“.

When the evil-doers will have been crushed and the correct Islamic attitude popularised, the atmosphere will become conducive to intellectual growth and expansion of knowledge.

Imam Ali (A.S.) is reported to have said:
“I see a large number of tents pitched, and people under them being taught the Qur’an in the same order in which it was revealed“.

In the course of a talk about that period Imam Muhammad al Baqir (A.S.) said:
“Knowledge will become so common that even women will give decisions on the basis of the Qur’an and the Sunnah of the holy Prophet“.

Knowledge in various fields will expand. The total of the discoveries of the past will bear no comparison to the discoveries made during that period.

According to a report, Imam Ja’far al Sadiq (A.S.) explained the position allegorically. He said: “If the total of possible human knowledge is supposed to be seventy two letters, two letters will have been known up to that time and the remaining seventy will be discovered gradually during that period”.

In respect of the intellectual and moral development of the people, Imam Muhammad al Baqir (A.S.) has said:
“When our Qaim will rise and the people will come under his protection, their intellectual faculties will bloom and their human qualities will be perfected and will bear fruit“.

During that period the under-privileged masses will be the masters of the power and wealth of the world. Many reports say that the following verse relates to that period: “We willed to show favor to those who were persecuted in the land and make them rulers and heirs o f the land, and give them power and wealth of the earth “. (Surah al-Qasas, 28:5).

Thus the power and authority of the tyrants and the self-seekers will come to an end and justice will be restored everywhere under a new system.

“He will fill the earth with justice after it had been filled with injustice and tyranny“.

“The Qaim will enjoin justice. During his time injustice will be done away with. Roads will be safe. Rights will be restored“.

Complete Equality Will Be Enforced.
Imam Muhammad al Baqir (A.S.) said:
“Immediately on his appearance the Qaim will distribute wealth equally, and will restore the rights of the masses“.
When the right job will be entrusted to the right man and all-round justice will prevail, naturally the whole world will prosper in every respect.

“Blessings will pour forth from the heaven on the earth. The land will put out its best produce. Trees will bear copious fruit. The atmosphere on the earth will be verdant and fragrant“.
It is also evident that in such an atmosphere minerals and natural resources should be exploited to the maximum extent. Reports say: “Allah will reveal for him the treasures of the earth“.
At last all the natural forces will be controlled by the people and they will have all the means to use them to their own advantage. Gradually there will be so much wealth that no one will be left poor or needy.

“Double salaries will be paid to the workers. Equality will be observed among all the people. There will be no one eligible to receive zakat. Money will be offered to the people, but they will decline to accept it, because they will not be requiring it. All underground and above-ground natural resources will be at the disposal of the imam. Addressing the people he will say: “This is the wealth for which you were fighting, severing relations with your kith and kin and shedding the blood of each other”. Then he will give them money in unprecedented quantities“.

In such circumstances there will prevail complete peace and law and order.

“At that time complete peace will prevail all over the world. None will harm anyone. Fear and anxiety will not exist. Even the wild animals will be moving among the people, but will not be harming anyone. People will have love and sympathy for each other. They will equally distribute wealth among themselves. There will no longer exist any poor or needy. No group of people will seek to dominate another group. The elders will show kindness to the youngers and the youngers will respect the elders. All people will be conscientious in their actions and decisions“.

Love, kindness, righteousness and brotherhood will prevail. There will be no question of deceiving or ill-treating anybody; complete sincerity and cordiality will exist.

“When the Qaim will rise, such genial sincerity and cordiality will come into being that one will take out whatever one requires from the pocket of another person and that person will not mind it at all“.
Every kind of weakness, disease and disability will disappear.

“As regards those who will be living during the time of the Qaim, their sick will recover and their weak will gain strength“.
“All the blind and the crippled will be cured and the sufferers will be relieved of their suffering“.

“A world government characterised by justice and righteousness will be established. It will extend from the East to the West. All people will live under it in an atmosphere of peace, justice and prosperity“.

“Cordial relations will exist among the believers all over the world. It will appear as if from one end of the world to the other they see each other, speak to each other and co-operate with each other“.

These relations will be different from the present day relations and peace agreements, which are concluded only to safeguard the interests of the powers concerned and have no stability. All such agreements will be annulled with the appearance of the Qaim and will be replaced by an all-pervasive just system”.

At that time there will be no question of hypocrisy, intrigue, mere show of courtesy or any under-hand method. Everybody will have to submit earnestly to the rightful government. All defaulters will be annihilated.

This government marked, with the final and complete restoration of justice and all-round development, will be the last stage of human history. The Divine Government will be established after the failure of all other systems to achieve the desired results. Though it will be of limited duration, it will be the last word in justice and righteousness. It will be the end of history.