1. Is reference to a Savior particular to a specific religion, or is it something inherent in all of humanity?
Most religions and schools of thought have foretold the appearance of a Savior
The 15th of Sha'ban is a day that is full of hopefulness. This hopefulness is neither exclusive to Shia Muslims nor even to the entire Islamic Ummah. To the best of my knowledge, the promise of a bright future for humanity and the arrival of a promised savior for promoting justice are universal beliefs that are shared by almost all divine religions across the world. Apart from Islam, Christianity, and Judaism, even Hindi faiths such as Buddhism - and other religions that most people have not even heard about - have informed their followers of such a future in their teachings. In fact, this has provided man with a kind of hope throughout history. It is a response to human need for this hope. Divine religions - which often have divine and celestial roots - did not intend to give people false hopes. They all expressed a reality. There is a reality in the creation of man and in the long history of humanity, and that reality is that one day the battle between good and evil is going to result in the defeat of evil and the victory of good. After this stage, man's true and pleasant life is going to begin in which struggle will no longer imply fighting. Rather, people will struggle for equality in doing righteous deeds. This is a fact that is shared by all religions.
The accounts in the Old and New Testaments about the appearance of a Savior are compatible with that of Islam
Regarding the issue of Mahdawiyyah, Sunni Muslims - and even non-Muslim scholars who have studied the Shia beliefs about the issue of Mahdawiyyah - all confirm the fact that the tidings given by the Torah, Gospel, and scriptures of other religions are based on the same Mahdawiyyah concept held by Shia Islam.
August 17, 2008
Believing in the Savior is similar to believing in the resurrection
Belief in the Imam of the Time (a.j.) is a component of religions’ worldviews. That is, just as divine religions hold viewpoints within their general worldviews about the universe, mankind, origin and the end of human life’s trajectory—about genesis and resurrection—they also hold viewpoints in their worldviews about the final destination of the caravan of humans. A worldview is a great system which lays the foundation for all the thoughts, obligations and rules of religions. It addresses the issues of the afterlife and the hereafter. Another issue is where the mankind is heading to. If we liken the human community throughout history to a caravan which is taking a specific path, then we are faced with this question: Where is this caravan going? What is the destination of this caravan? What is the end of this path? This is a serious question and every worldview should answer it. Religions have answered this question... all of them believe that this caravan will reach a favorable, sweet and pleasant destination in the end. The main characteristic of this destination is justice. Justice has been humanity's general request from the first day until today and it will remain mankind’s main request until the end. Those people who try to believe in variety, diversity and change in their principles and main philosophies cannot deny the fact that humanity has had certain requests from the first day until today, the most important of which is justice. Humanity is after justice. It has never changed its mind about this demand and in the end, this demand will be met.
June 11, 2014
2. What are the qualities of the Savior who comes at the end of time?
The Shi’a religion has pointed out these qualities.
Believing in the reappearance of Imam Mahdi (a.s.) at one time in history is not specific to Shia Muslims. Rather, all Muslims—including Shias and Sunnis—believe in this notion. However, the Shias are privileged in that they know this Savior by name and features, and believes that he is always ready and prepared to receive the divine order. Any time God the Almighty commands him [to reappear], he is ready to initiate the great movement, which is supposed to revolutionize humanity and history. The lesson and the pragmatic and cognitive teaching we need to learn from this notion is significant. October 22, 2002
What are the qualities of the Savior who comes at the end of time?
All Ibrahimi religions believe in an end-times savior. All Ibrahimi religions believe that someone will emerge who will save the world from the morass of oppression and cruelty. In Islam, the name of this savior has been mentioned. All Islamic denominations refer to this divine person and this great and extraordinary individual as Mahdi. Perhaps, there is no Islamic denomination that does not believe Mahdi (a.s.) will emerge. He is a descendent of the Holy Prophet (s.w.a.). Islamic denominations have even specified the name and epithet of that Hazrat. The characteristic of Shia ideology is that it completely and clearly introduces this personality. It considers him as the son of the eleventh Imam - Hazrat Imam Hassan Askari (greetings be upon him).
From the viewpoint of Shia historians and writers, his birth date is completely clear. Most of other Islamic denominations have not specified his birth date or they have not accepted it, but the Shia prove the existence and birth date of that great personality with strong and cogent reasons. Some people have dismissed the possibility of the existence and survival of a person over this long time. This is the only question that opponents have raised regarding the issue of Hazrat Mahdi (a.s.). However, the Holy Quran dispels this doubt with its clear words. The Holy Prophet (s.w.a.) says about Hazrat Nuh, "We sent Nuh to his people, and he tarried among them a thousand years less fifty" [The Holy Quran, 29: 14]. This does not mean that he lived for 950 years. It apparently means that his mission - to invite people to God - lasted for 950 years.
June 4, 2015
3. What events will take place with the emergence of the Savior?
The Savior who comes at the end of time is the symbol and manifestation of divine justice
Imam Mahdi (a.s.) is the key to justice and the symbol of divine justice on earth. As a result, all humanity look forward to his Excellency’s reappearance, in one way or another. Well, Muslims have precisely identified this great awaiting, and the Shia have clear and detailed information about the redeemer.
So the matter of awaiting Imam Mahdi, from this perspective, is not only specific to Shia, and not even only to Islam. Rather, it represents awaiting among people from all walks of life and all nations of the world. It represents hope in the hearts of humanity: the history of humankind moves toward improvement. This hope gives power to bodies, light to the hearts, and determines that every move towards seeking justice is aligned with the natural direction and order of the world and human history. Consequently, before the revolution when our nation was fighting, they felt like they were advancing toward the ideal of humanity.
Feb. 7, 1993
4. What are our responsibilities towards the Savior?
What does “awaiting the reappearance of the Savior” mean?
When do we usually yearn for salvation? We do so when we are in a difficult situation, and when there is a problem. When we face problems, we are in need of salvation - that is someone who can solve our problems and save us. This is an important point.
The true meaning of waiting for a savior is that those who believe in Islam and the religion of the Prophet's household (a.s.) identify the problems of humans in the modern world. This is what they should actually do. They are waiting for the problems of humanity to be solved. The issue is not limited to my or your problems only. The Imam of the Age (may our souls be sacrificed for his sake) will come to solve the problems of humanity. He will come to save humanity forever.
This means that those who are waiting for the arrival of Imam Mahdi are discontent about the current situation of the world - the unfair situation of the world in which many innocent people are oppressed, many are misled, and many others do not find the opportunity to worship God. Waiting for the arrival of Imam Mahdi means opposing the current situation that is prevalent in humans' life, and which has been caused due to the prevalence of ignorance and carnal desires in humans' life. This is the true meaning of waiting for the arrival of Imam Mahdi.
Look at the current situation of the world. The same situation which has been talked about in the traditions related to the arrival of Imam Mahdi (may our souls be sacrificed for his sake) currently exists in the world: The world is brimful of oppression and tyranny. This has been mentioned in different traditions and prayers related to the arrival of Imam Mahdi. "God will fill the world with justice through him [Imam Mahdi] just as it was once full of oppression and tyranny". Oppression and tyranny have constantly been prevalent in humans' life. The same situation currently exists in the world. Today, oppression and tyranny are prevalent in the world. Today, the life of human beings is dominated by the oppressive and arrogant powers of the world. This is the situation that exists in all parts of the world. Today, human beings are suffering many a problem due to the prevalence of tyranny and carnal desires in their lives. The existence of two billion people suffering from hunger, the existence of millions of people who are under the influence of carnal desires in non-divine governments, and the pressure that is currently being exerted on faithful people and those who fight for justice on God's path - such as the Iranian nation who has managed to raise the flag of justice in a certain part of the world - are all indicative of the prevalence of tyranny and oppression in the world.
Today we are waiting for a savior. This means that we are waiting for a strong and powerful savior to bring justice to the world and put an end to all the oppression and tyranny which is currently prevalent in the life of humans. We are waiting for that savior to put an end to this state of oppression and tyranny and bring justice to the life of humans. This is a permanent need for a living and conscious person. It is a need for those who have not limited themselves to their personal lives only. All humans with a broad perspective on the general life of humans would naturally be waiting for that day. This is the true meaning of waiting [for the savior]. Waiting for Imam Mahdi means that we should not accept or be satisfied with the current situation in our lives, and we should make efforts towards living an ideal life. And it is evident that such an ideal situation can only be created by Imam Mahdi (may our souls be sacrificed for his sake).
August 17, 2008
Those who believe in the reappearance of the Savior never become disappointed
As for the Imam of the Age (may God hasten his reappearance and God's greetings be upon him), the first point is that that great personality is an inviter to God. Looking at that great Imam (a.s.) is a way of expressing one's love for and obedience to Allah the Exalted: "greetings be upon you who invite to God and who are conversant with His signs" [Ihtijaj, Vol.2, page 493]. All things, all prophets, all saints, all holy beliefs and all pure souls who cast light on our lives, on our world and on the entire universe are the signs and reflections of God. This is a point that should receive attention. We pay attention to the Imam of the Age (a.s.), and we appeal and show humility before that great Imam (a.s.) so that this humiliation reaches the Esssence of the One and so that we show our obedience to Allah the Exalted.
The second point is that the name and remembrance of that great personality constantly reminds us of the fact that the rise of the sun of truth and justice is definite at the end of this dark night. Sometimes, when humans see the big waves of darkness and oppression, they become disappointed. The remembrance of the Imam of the Age (a.s.) shows that the sun will rise and the day will come. Of course, darkness exists. There are certain oppressive individuals and creators of darkness in the world. They have been there for several centuries, but the end of this dark and black night there is definitely the rising of the sun.
May 10, 2017
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.
Oct. 22, 2002
Believing in the Imam of the Age does not mean isolating oneself.
Believing in Imam Mahdi (a.s.) is not equivalent to seclusion. Deviated movements before the revolution advocated-- and some are still promoting in some areas today-- that Imam Mahdi (a.s.) will come and resolve the problems; so we would we need to do anything! This is like avoiding to turn on the lights at dark nights because the sun will come out the next day and lighten everywhere. Tomorrow's sun has nothing to do with today’s conditions of you and I. Today, we see there is oppression, injustice, discrimination, domineering anywhere in the world—and these are the same predicaments that Imam Mahdi (a.j.) will come to combat. If we claim to be soldiers of Imam Mahdi (a.j.), we should prepare ourselves to fight against them. The most important duty of those who await Imam Mahdi (a.j.) is to prepare themselves in areas of spirituality, ethics, religious practice, and to develop religious, and friendly bonds with other believers; as well as prepare themselves for confronting the domineering powers… anyone who awaits the great redeemer should prepare in themselves the basis for redemption, so they can endure establishing redemption in the world.
Oct. 22, 2002
Self-edification is a prerequisite to awaiting
Awaiting requires that we prepare ourselves. We should know that a great event will take place and we should always expect it to happen. We can never say that the event will not happen in a few years nor can we say that the event will happen in the near future. We should always wait for it. Those who are waiting should develop characteristics and manners that are expected in the awaited era. This is the requirement for awaiting. If there is supposed to be justice, truth, monotheism, purity and submission to God in the awaited era, then as the people who are waiting, we should get closer to these qualities. We should become familiar with justice. We should prepare ourselves for justice. We should prepare ourselves for accepting the truth. These are the consequences of awaiting.
July 9, 2011
Before the appearance of the promised Mahdi, we should not be self-indulgent.
You dear youth who are starting your life and work, should try to prepare the grounds for the promised era, when there is no trace of oppression; when human mind and intellects are more active and flourishing that ever before; when nations do not fight, when the warmongering agents of the world-- who caused and continue to cause regional and global fights-- can no longer stage any war; when all across the world, there will be peace and security. We should endeavor to achieve that era. Before the era of Promised Mahdi (a.s.) comfort and peace do not exist. In narrations we have expressions such as, “the people will be put on the hardest trials” or “the people will undergo the harshest pressures.” When and where is the trial? When there is a field of combating. Before the reappearance of Imam Mahdi (a.s.), pure individuals are put on trial in combating fields; they are put on trial, and they pass the trials successfully; and the world approaches day after day the ideal and aspired era of Promised Mahdi (a.s.). This is the great hope. So the day of Sha’ban 15 [birth anniversary of Imam Mahdi (a.s.)] is an important Eid.
Feb. 19, 1992
Which society can host the promised Mahdi?
It is nonsensical to say Imam Mahdi (a.s.) will come and do the work. What is your duty today then? What should you do today? You should prepare the grounds so his excellency can come and act in the prepared grounds. It is impossible to start from scratch. A society can receive the Promised Mahdi (Our souls be sacrificed for him) that is prepared and has the potentials; otherwise, it will end in the same way as the efforts of prophets and Imams throughout history did. Why did many of the messengers of God come but couldn't rid the world of evil? Because they lacked prepared grounds... Then, if Imam Mahdi (a.s.) reappears in an unprepared society, the result will be the same! Preparation is needed. How does the preparation happen? It can happen in the forms you already see in your own society. Today, in the Islamic Iran, there are cases of spiritual accomplishments, which are unparalleled in the world, as far as we know and are informed – and we are not unaware of the world.
Dec. 16, 1997
What is “awaiting”?
Awaiting the Savior means that we should not accept or be satisfied with the current situation in our lives, and we should make efforts towards living an ideal life. And it is evident that such an ideal situation can only be created by Imam Mahdi (may our souls be sacrificed for his sake). We should prepare ourselves to fight like a soldier for such a situation. Waiting for the arrival of Imam Mahdi does not mean that we should remain idle and not make any efforts to improve. Simply waiting for the arrival of the Imam of the Time (may our souls be sacrificed for his sake) is not what we should do. What does waiting for the savior mean? It means waiting for the strong, powerful and divine hand of Imam Mahdi to put an end to the domination of the oppressive powers with the help of humans; to bring justice to the world; to raise the flag of monotheism, and to lead humans to truly submit to God. We should get prepared for this. The formation of the Islamic Republic prepared the ground for this great and historic movement. Everything that is done to achieve justice in the world takes us one step forward towards reaching this lofty goal. This is the meaning of waiting for Imam Mahdi. Awaiting the Savior means that we should move and not remain idle. Awaiting the Savior does not mean that we should leave things to others and wait for something to happen. Awaiting the Savior means that we should move and get prepared for the arrival of Imam Mahdi. We should be individually and socially prepared. Taking this great step and being able to prepare the right atmosphere for the arrival of Imam Mahdi was a blessing from God Almighty bestowed on our nation. This is the meaning of awaiting Imam Mahdi. Being prepared on all fronts to achieve the purpose for which the Imam of the Time (may our souls be sacrificed for his sake) will rise up is the true meaning of awaiting him. That great revolution will happen to achieve such goals as promoting justice, living a humane and moral life, and submitting to God. This is what awaiting the Savior means.
August 17, 2008
By acting according to Islamic laws, we should prepare the ground for the reappearance
We will be considered as truly awaiting the Savior only when we prepare the ground for it. For the reappearance of the promised Imam Mahdi (may our spirits be sacrificed for him) the ground needs to be prepared. And that is achievable by acting upon Islamic laws and the rule of Qur'an and Islam. As I said, it is narrated that: by God, you will be tested, and by God you will be sifted. This great trial which faces the followers and the Shia of Imam Mahdi (may our spirits be sacrificed for him) is a test of making efforts for fulfilling the rule of Islam. You must endeavor for the fulfillment of the rule of Islam. Our great nation made this one step. I must say, in this city of Qom-- which is the birthplace of resistance and revolution, and in this holy place which has witnessed long devoted efforts and endeavors for God, during the movement, before and after the revolution-- that the first step for the rule of Islam and for Muslim nations to get nearer to the time of reappearance of Imam Mahdi (may our spirits be sacrificed for him and may God hasten his reappearance) was taken by the Iranian nation. And that is, establishing the rule of Qur'an. This is what the materialistic world would not want to believe. After centuries of trying to outdo religion, and especially the holy religion of Islam, they would not want to see that this religion has appeared on the world scene, governing a country, attracting and pulling nations towards itself. That is why the animosity of imperialism, enemies of religion, and the fronts of Arrogance, heresy and paganism started to counter the Islamic Republic.
Feb. 19, 1992
The prerequisite to “awaiting” is self-edification.
Awaiting puts responsibilities on the shoulders of human beings. When a person is sure that there is such a future, he must expect it and be prepared for it. As the Holy Quran says, "And certainly We wrote in the Book after the reminder that (as for) the land, My righteous servants shall inherit it. Most surely in this is a message to people who are devout." Those who worship God can understand this message. Waiting requires that we prepare ourselves. We should know that a great event will happen and we should always expect this event. We can never say that the event will not happen in a few years and we can never say that the event will happen in the near future. We should always wait for it. Those who are waiting should get closer to the characteristics that will be expected in the era that is being awaited. This is the requirement for waiting. If there is supposed to be justice, truth, monotheism, purity and worship in the era which we are awaiting, then as the people who are waiting, we should get closer to these things. We should become familiar with justice. We should prepare ourselves for justice. We should prepare ourselves for accepting the truth. These are the requirements of waiting.
July 9, 2011
The greatest responsibility of those who await the reappearance of the Imam of the Age
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.
Oct. 22, 2002
A person who is awaiting the Savior is one who is always ready.
Waiting means being prepared. In military jargon we have an order called "being on standby". Waiting means being on standby. We should be on standby. A pious person who waits is a person who is on standby. If your Imam, who is responsible for administering justice throughout the world reappears today, we should be ready. This state of being on standby is very important. Waiting means this. Waiting does not mean showing impatience, and stamping one's foot as a sign of impatience saying, "It is too late. Why has it not been done yet?" Waiting means that you should constantly be on standby.
The fourth and the last point is that waiting requires self-edification and action. We should edify ourselves. We should be interested in taking those actions that gladden the heart of that great personality. If we intend to take such actions and engage in such self-edification, we naturally cannot be satisfied with individual actions. There are certain responsibilities in the environment of society, of the country and of the world which should be carried out as well. What are these responsibilities? This is an issue which requires insight, understanding, a global outlook and broadmindedness. This is something which you dear and active of youth of the present era are responsible towards.
May 10, 2017
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