Awaiting reappearance of Imam Mahdi (a.s.) is not about only sitting by and weeping; we should prepare ourselves to serve as his soldiers
Another lesson for me and you to learn from the belief in Mahdawiyah and ceremonies of mid-Sha'ban [on the birth anniversary of Imam Mahdi (a.s.)] is that although believing in Imam Mahdi (mayour souls be sacrificed for him) is a lofty aspiration, and there is no doubt in it; the matter should not solely be regarded as an aspiration-- that is, as a dream in hearts, or only a step farther and just in words, or as celebrations. Rather, this is an aspiration that should be followed by action. Awaiting, which is encouraged in narrations, is not only about sitting by idly and weeping. Awaiting means that we should prepare ourselves to serve as the soldiers of Imam Mahdi (a.s.). Being his soldiers is not easy. Being soldiers of a great redeemer who wants to fight against all the international powers and hubs of corruption requires self-preparation, awareness, and ability to distinguish. Some mistakenly take the awaiting as a pretext for indolence. We should not think that because Imam Mahdi (a.s.) will come and will fill the world with justice one day, we have no responsibilities today. On the contrary, we have the duty to move in that direction today to get prepared for his Excellency’s reappearance.
