Alhassanain(p) Network for Heritage and Islamic Thought

6- Will there be any confusion in identifying al-Qa'im (P.B.U.H.)?

The occurrence of the signs indicates that the reappearance of al-Qa'im is about to take place. However, if Allah wants to respond to people's supplication for an early relief,

He may expedite, change or cancel some of the decreed events. The question that may arise here is that, will there be any confusion among people in recognizing Imam al-Mahdi (P.B.U.H.)-once he starts his mission-due to the changes in some of the signs? Moreover, if there would be no confusion that he is the promisedMahdi (P.B.U.H.), why would then some people oppose him?

According to the traditions, once Allah calls Imam al-Mahdi (P.B.U.H.) to reappear, all people around the world, believers and disbelievers likewise, will become aware of him immediately and without any shadow of doubt.

In the following tradition, it is mentioned that his reappearance will be as clear as sunshine and will be identified by all people. Narrated JabirIbn Yazid :

Imam al-Baqir (P.B.U.H.) said, "Be calm so long as the heavens and the earth are calm... Verily your matter (i.e., the movement of the Imam (P.B.U.H.)) shall not take place secretly as it shall be a sign from Allah, not from people.

Be hold! It shall be brighter than sunshine so much so that it shall not remain hidden from the righteous and the evildoer (likewise). Do you know morning/dawn? It shall be like the dawn without anything hidden in it."24

According to another tradition, Imam al-Ridha (P.B.U.H.) explained the sentence, 'Be calm so long as the heaven and the earth are calm' as 'Be calm so long as the heaven is calm from the call (of Gabriel) and the earth is calm from sinking the army (of al-Sufyani ).'25 These two signs are among the five definite signs that we discussed earlier.

We do not know of anything brighter than sunshine, which could be sensed by our faculties. The reappearance Imam al-Mahdi (P.B.U.H.) will be clearer than that. The above tradition proves that Allah has guaranteed He will not let anyone remain ignorant of the reappearance of Imam al-Mahdi (P.B.U.H.).

It also warns the believers against joining the hidden agenda of those who pretend to be theMahdi , by stating that Imam al-Mahdi (P.B.U.H.) will starts his mission openly, and will be immediately identified by all people.

However, according to the next tradition, once the Imam (P.B.U.H.) reappears, no one would be able to believe in him if he denied him, disbelieved his existence, his rights, or hisSunna before the time of his reappearance; or, it is better say, believing in him at that time will be of no use for a disbeliever.

It is just like believing in Allah on the Day of Judgment, which will be of no benefit for the disbelievers. Those who entertain doubt about his existence during the time of occultation (after truth has reached them through the traditions) will have no way to escape from his sword once they meet him (P.B.U.H.). Allah states in the Quran:

... On the day that certain signs of your Lord do come, no one would benefit from believing in (that sign) if he did not believe (in that) before, or such belief is no good for him. Say, "Wait! We too are waiting." (6:158)

Ibn Ri'aab narrated that, on the commentary of the above verse, ImamJa'far al-Sadiq (P.B.U.H.) said:

"The 'Signs' are the Imams (P.B.U.T.), and the 'expected sign' is al-Qa'im (P.B.U.H.). On that day, no one would benefit from believing in (that sign) if he did not believe in him before his rising by sword even if such a person believed in (the Imamate of) his ancestors, peace be upon them."26

In some other traditions, rising of the sun from the west has been mentioned as a sign after which having faith will not be helpful for the disbelievers.27

As we have shown, there is nothing to worry about identifying Imam al-Mahdi (P.B.U.H.) once he emerges. We should only worry about our belief before his reappearance since believing in him after his reappearance will be of no benefit at all. Those who will oppose Imam al-Mahdi (P.B.U.H.) when he does appear willnot doubt that he is the Imam (P.B.U.H.).

They will oppose him because they did not believe in the sayings and practices of him and those of his fathers, as they do not match with their innovations and the innovations of their fathers.

The terrifying news amongst the foretold events is that most of those who believe in Imam al-Mahdi (P.B.U.H.) will doubt his existence over time due to the length of the time of occultation and because of various trials and afflictions that befall people during this period. Therefore, when the Imam (P.B.U.H.) starts his mission, the believers will be very few in number.Saqr Ibn Dilf narrated:

I asked Imam al-Jawad (P.B.U.H.) why Imam al-Mahdi (P.B.U.H.) is called al-Qa'im . He (P.B.U.H.) replied, "Because he will rise after his remembrance is dead (in the society) and when most of the believers in his Imamate have turned back (from their belief)."

I asked why he is called al-Muntadhar (the awaited). He (P.B.U.H.) replied, "Because there shall be an occultation for him whose period shall be prolonged. The sincere ones shall wait for him, the doubtful ones shall deny him,those who reject him shall ridicule his remembrance,

and those who propose a time (for his reappearance) shall increase. During that period, those who hasten in movement (al-Musta'jilun ) shall perish, and those who submit (to Allah's commands and decrees) shall be saved."28

Another tradition is narrated byMufadhdhal Ibn Umar , who said:

I heard Imam al-Sadiq (P.B.U.H.) saying, "Be hold! By Allah, your Imam shall disappear for a number of years in your lifetime and you will be afflicted with hardship until some people say he (P.B.U.H.) has died or has been killed, which valley is he in?

Verily the eyes of the believers shall remain full of tears for him, and you will be overturned as the ships are overturned in the waves of the sea. None would survive but those from whom Allah has taken oath, in whose heart He has written faith, and has helped them by a spirit from Him. And there shall appear twelve

confusing banners that will not be recognized from one another." I cried and said, "What could we do at that time?" He (P.B.U.H.) looked towards the beam of sunshine that was in the room and said, "O the servant of Allah! Do you see this sunlight?" I said, "Yes." He (P.B.U.H.) continued, "By Allah! Our matter (i.e., the movement of al-Mahdi (P.B.U.H.) once it starts) shall be more evident than this sun."29

Musa al-Baghdadi narrated:

I heard ImamHasan al-Askari (P.B.U.H.) saying, "I see that you will differ (with one another) after me concerning my successor. Whoever accepts the Imams after the Apostle of Allah (P.B.U.H. & H.F.) but denies my son is like a person who accepted all the prophets and the apostles but denied the prophet hood of Muhammad, the Apostle of Allah (P.B.U.H. & H.F.).

And whoever denies the Apostle of Allah (P.B.U.H. & H.F.) is like one who has denied all the prophets.

This is because obeying the last of us is like obeying the first of us and denying the last of us is like denying the first of us. Beware! Verily, for my son there shall be an occultation during which all people shall fall into doubt except those whom Allah protects."30

According to the traditions (some of which will be quoted in Part II), denying the transmitted teachings ofAhl al-Bait (P.B.U.T.) is equivalent to denying theAhl al-Bait (P.B.U.T.). Thus, some of those who claim to believe in Imam al-Mahdi (P.B.U.H.) as the twelfth Imam during the time of occultation will oppose him after his reappearance because they used to oppose their teachings and follow their own inventions.Fudhail Ibn Yasar narrated:

I heard Imam al-Sadiq (P.B.U.H.) saying, "When ourQa'im (P.B.U.H.) rises he will face the ignorance of people more severe than what the Apostle of Allah (P.B.U.H. & H.F.) faced during the days of al-Jahiliyya ." I asked, "Why should it be so?" The Imam replied, "The Apostle of Allah (P.B.U.H. & H.F.) came to people who were worshipping the stones and the carved wood.

However, ourQa'im (P.B.U.H.) shall come to people all of whom will interpret the Book of Allah against his interpretation, and will argue with him by means of that. By Allah, al-Qa'im shall cause his justice to enter within their houses, just as the heat and the cold enter them."31

During the period of occultation, people gradually leave the traditions ofAhl al- Bait (P.B.U.T.), interpret the Quran according to their own opinion, and prefer the words offallibles to the words of infallibles. Consequently, many religious instructions will be forgotten as if they had never been a part of the religion.

On the other hand, they will consider many man-made ideas as if they really have been a part of the religion. When Imam al-Mahdi (P.B.U.H.) comes, he will fight all the innovations and will restore the true religion. For this reason, at the beginning of his mission, many people will think he has brought a new religion. MuhammadIbn Ijlan narrated:

Imam al-Sadiq (P.B.U.H.) said, "When ourQa'im rises he shall call people anew to Islam and shall guide them to the things that were eliminated and from which people had turned away.

He is calledMahdi because he will guide people to the thing from which they have been separated. He is called al-Qa'im because of his rise for (establishing) the truth."32 Thus, the opposition to Imam al-Mahdi (P.B.U.H.) will not be due to people's failure in identifying him, but rather due to their disbelief in the original laws of the religion, their overlooking of the transmitted traditions, and their following man-made ideas and opinions in the domain of religion.

7- Is lack of the occurrence of signs a reason for the delay in relief?

The manifestation of the signs depends on when Allah decides to make the Imam (P.B.U.H.) reappear. When Allah chooses to postpone or advance the mission of the Imam (P.B.U.H.), He may also change time of the appearance signs as a by-product of this decision. Therefore, if Imam al-Mahdi (P.B.U.H.) has not appeared yet, it is not because certain signs have not taken place.

According to the traditions, the reason for prolongation of the occultation is that people are yet not ready to sincerely follow the commandments and the instructions ofAhl al-Bait (P.B.U.T.). In aTawqi '33 from Imam al-Mahdi (P.B.U.H.), it is written that:

"If our followers-may Allahgrant them success for His obedience-all had truly kept their covenant (with us) the blessing to meet us would not have been postponed and they would have seen us with true recognition.

Nothing holds us back from them except that which reaches us (of their actions) that we dislike and that which we do not consider proper for them."34

Moreover, MuhammadIbn al-Faraj narrated:

ImamBaqir (P.B.U.H.) wrote to me, "When Allah, the Glorious, becomes angry at His creatures, He keeps us away from their company."35 Similarly,

Imam al-Baqir (P.B.U.H.) wrote, "When Allah dislikes too see us nearby a group of people, He removes us from among them."36

Imam al-Mahdi (P.B.U.H.) wrote the following to one of his special deputies, namely MuhammadIbn Uthman (RA), in response to people's questions about the cause of occultation:

Imam al-Mahdi (P.B.U.H.) said, "…As for the reason for the occurrence of occultation, Allah, the Mighty and the Majestic, states, 'O you who believe! Ask not questions about things which, if made plain to you, may cause your dislike.' (5:101)

There was no one among myfathers except that an oath (Bai'a ) of a tyrant of his time was (forcibly) placed on his neck. But I will emerge while I do not have any oath on my neck to any of the tyrants. As for my benefit during my occultation, it is like the benefit of the sun when the clouds make it absent from the eyes.

Certainly, I am amnesty for the inhabitants of the earth just as the stars are amnesty for the inhabitants of the heaven. Thus, close the doors of question over what is not related to you and do not charge yourself with what you have been discharged to know. (Instead) increase your supplications (Du'aa ) to hasten the relief (al-Faraj ), for this is indeed your relief..."37

Referring to verse 5:101 in the aboveHadith as a response to people's query for the reason behind occultation implies that the disobedience of his followers has been one of the major reasons for occultation.

Other reasons mentioned in the traditions as the philosophy of occultation include: protecting the Imam from being slain38 , and avoiding oath of allegiance to a tyrant39 . However, it is clear that both of these reasons were the result of lack of enough faithful followers.

By occultation, Allah intended to save the life of the Imam (P.B.U.H.) until he would have enough sincere followers to start his mission. The bitter fact is that out of many people who have claimed to be his partisans in each era, the Imam (P.B.U.H.) did not have 313 true followers to start his mission. AbdullahIbn Hammad al-Ansari narrated:

A companion of Imam al-Sadiq (P.B.U.H.) came to him saying, "How numerous your followers are!" The Imam (P.B.U.H.) said, "Did you count them?" He replied, "They are more than that."

Thereupon, the Imam (P.B.U.H.) said, "Certainly, if the specified number that is three hundred ten and few more had been completed, what you wish for would have taken place"… The man said, "Then what about these different groups who claim that they areShia ?" He (P.B.U.H.) replied, "They will be distinguished, filtered, purified, and transformed. Ages come to them that will perish them, a sword that will kill them, and disagreement that will scatter them."40

The following tradition also proves that once 313 sincere followers exist the Imam (P.B.U.H.) will reappear.Abd al-Adhim al-Hasani narrated:

I said to Imam al-Jawad (P.B.U.H.), "I wish you were al-Qa'im of the family of Muhammad (P.B.U.H. & H.F.) who fills the earth with peace and justice just as it was filled with injustice and tyranny." He (P.B.U.H.) replied, "O Abu al-Qasim ! Any one of us (Ahl al-Bait (P.B.U.T.)) is standing (Qa'im ) to maintain the command of Allah, the mighty and the majestic, and is a guide to His religion. However, theQa'im by whom Allah will cleanse the earth from people of disbelief and rejection and will fill it with justice and peace is he whom Allah will conceal his birth from people, will hide him from them, and will prohibit calling him by his name.

He will be named after the Apostle of Allah (P.B.U.H. & H.F.) and will have his nickname (Abu al-Qasim ), to whom the earth will yield and for whom any difficult thing will become simple.

The number of his companions will be equal to that of warriors ofBadr , 313 men who will gather around him (at once) from far parts of the earth, and this is thesaying of Allah, "Wherever you are, Allah shall bring you together.

Certainly Allah has power over all things." (2:148)Once this number of sincere individuals gather for him, he will manifest his affair and when pledge to him was completed by 10,000 men41 by leave of Allah, he will rise and will not seize fighting the enemies of Allah until Allah, the mighty and the majestic, is satisfied." I asked him, "O My master! How will he know that Allah has been satisfied?" The Imam (P.B.U.H.) replied, "Allah shall cast mercy into his heart."42

Occultation has been the result of forsaking the Imam (P.B.U.H.) and will continue as long as he is without enough sincere followers. The very fact that Imam al-Mahdi (P.B.U.H.) is without helper and is deserted by people during the time of occultation has been testified in the following tradition.Asbagh Ibn Nabata has narrated:

The Leader of the Faithful (P.B.U.H.) said, "The master of this kingdom is the forsaken, the deserted, and the lonely one."43

Certainly, the Imam (P.B.U.H.) has not been afraid of the tyrants for Allah has created him to take revenge against all the tyrants and to eradicate their power. In reality, he has kept himself away from those who claim to be his lovers, because he is afraid of their disobedience and betrayal.

Allah has concealed him due to their misconducts and because they have not made themselves worthy of receiving him and enjoying his company. Once they truly turn to him, he (P.B.U.H.) will return to them by leave of Allah. If they do what is expected from them as followers and fulfill their duties, the Imam (P.B.U.H.) will certainly do what is expected from him as their leader, by the permission of Allah.

Finally, another important outcome of occultation that has been stated in the traditions is test of those who claim to be the followers ofAhl al-Bait (P.B.U.T.). The trials and afflictions during this period are so intense that people who have any insincerity in their heart will finally abandon their faith and the sincere faithful will be distinguished. AliIbn Ja'far narrated:

Imam al-Kadhim (P.B.U.H.) said, "When the fifth (offspring) from the seventh of the Imams disappears, then, I adjure you by Allah to watch for your religion so that no one would take it away from you.

Without doubt, there shall be an occultation for the holder of this matter until such time that (most) people who believe in hisImamat will turn away from their belief. Verily this (occultation) is but a test by Allah, the Glorious, for his creation."44

IbrahimIbn Hilal has narrated:

I said to ImamRidha (P.B.U.H.), "May I be sacrificed for you! My father died while still believing in this matter (the rising of al-Qa'im ) and you see how old I have become but still you do not inform me of any news (about this advent)?" He (P.B.U.H.) replied, "O AbuIs'haq ! Do you hasten?" I replied, "Yes, by Allah, I hasten. Why should I not hasten when I have becomeso old as you see?"

He (P.B.U.H.) said, "O AbuIs'haq ! By Allah! That (advent) will not occur until you are distinguished, tried, and clarified so much so that none of you remains save the least."45

The above traditions all show that of the reasons for the prolongation of this period of trial is insincerity among the people who still claim to be the followers ofAhl al-Bait (P.B.U.T.).

The afflictions during this period will continue until such time that those who continue to keep any insincerity in their heart separate their route (in terms of beliefs and actions) in a recognizable manner from the true followers ofAhl al-Bait (P.B.U.T.). Moreover, the Imam (P.B.U.H.) will not start his mission until after the number of the remaining sincere and faithful

Naba Cultural Organization individuals who are resolute in their expectation of al-Qa'im (P.B.U.H.)reaches the minimum specified number.

Part II: How can we become a person expecting al-Qa'im (P.B.U.H.)?

By the presented discussions in the previous part, it is now clear that of the major reasons for the occultation have been insincerity in our claims and our refusal to submit to the sayings ofAhl al-Bait (P.B.U.T.). Allah, the most merciful, has assigned for us a leader who is ready to relieve us, but we have turned away from his commands and the commands of his ancestors.

This has caused the wrath of Allah in the form of occultation. Our only chance for an early relief is to try to seek the pleasure of Allah and HisHujja (P.B.U.H.) so that Allah may waive the remaining time of occultation. But how can we achieve this end?

Certainly, we cannot seek the pleasure of Allah by inventing some duties during the time of occultation passed on our opinion. TheAhl al-Bait (P.B.U.T.)have already enumerated the specific duties that we have during the time of occultation, and we cannot change them.

For instance, wasting our time on searching the astronomical data and proposing time for the Imam's reappearance will only displease Allah.

It will also serve the impostors who try to take the advantage of astronomical events for their aims, as well as those who want to weaken our faith in Imam al-Mahdi (P.B.U.H.) by claiming that these events did not accompany Imam's reappearance, and consequently, making us doubtful about his existence.

In what follows, we present some of the divine commandments through the words ofAhl al-Bait (P.B.U.T.) that we need to undertake during this time of occultation.

Acting upon these instructions, among others, saves us from the afflictions of this period, prepares us and makes us worthy of receiving Imam al-Mahdi (P.B.U.H.), and pave the way for an early implementation of the kingdom of justice over the earth, by leave of Allah.

8- True Recognition of the Imam (P.B.U.H.)

As the first step, we should strive to have a true recognition (Ma'rifat ) of the Imam al-Mahdi (P.B.U.H.) with all his exclusive rights. This is one of the most important conditions for those expecting him, and is their prime duty. True recognition of the Imam (P.B.U.H.) is not just to know his name and his lineage.

At the most primary level, recognition means acknowledgement of his rights and authorities, while at an advanced level it is acknowledgement of his light (Nur ).Fudhail Ibn Yasar narrated:

I asked Imam al-Sadiq (P.B.U.H.) about Allah's saying, "On the day thatWe shall call every group with their (respective) Imam." (17:71) The Imam (P.B.U.H.) replied, "OFudhail ! Knowyour Imam, for if you have real understanding of your Imam, postponement or advancement of this matter (al-Faraj ) shall not hurt you.

He who recognizes his Imam and dies before the rising of the holder of this matter, he is like the one who is sitting in his army. Nay, he is like the one who is sitting under his banner."46

It is noteworthy that the above tradition also points to the issue of al-Raj'a (earthly return). The one truly cognizant of the Imam and committed to him is of the Imam's soldiers and will return to this world by Allah's permission to help the establishment of the kingdom of justice once the Imam (P.B.U.H.) reappears. In another tradition, it is narrated:

Imam al-Sadiq (P.B.U.H.) said, "The lowest limit of the recognition of Imam is that He is the peer of the Prophet (P.B.U.H. & H.F.) without the degree of prophet hood and is his inheritor, and that obedience to him is obedience to Allah and obedience to His Apostle, and submitting to him in all matters and returning every (religious) issue to him and taking his words."47

Furthermore, it has been narrated:

ImamBaqir (P.B.U.H.) said, "Certainly, people are charged with three obligations: Recognition (Ma'rifa ) of the Imams (P.B.U.T.), submission to them in what reaches them (of their instructions), and referring to them in any disagreement (in religious matters)."48

Moreover, Ibrahim al-Ziyad narrated:

Imam al-Sadiq (P.B.U.H.) said, "He who claims to recognize us but adheres to other handholds is a liar."49

In one of hisTawqi ', Imam al-Mahdi (P.B.U.H.) wrote:

"Seeking the knowledge of religion (al-Ma'arif ) from other than us (Ahl al-Bait) is equivalent to denying us."50

The traditions are quite clear that a person who does not refer toAhl al-Bait (P.B.U.T.) in every religious issue has not recognizedAhl al-Bait (P.B.U.T.) as the guiding Imams.

The religion belongs to Allah andany one who has really acknowledged this fact, seeks the knowledge of religion only through His vice- regents. Seeking guidance and religious knowledge from other thanAhl al-Bait (P.B.U.T.) is equivalent to denying them as His vice-regents.

9- Learning and Acting upon the Words of the Imam (P.B.U.H.)

Those living in expectation should learn and submit to the instructions ofAhl al-Bait (P.B.U.T.) and act upon their commands, which are available to us in the form ofHadith . This can only be achieved if we study the traditions ofAhl al- Bait (P.B.U.T.) on a regular basis and submit to their words. AbuHamza al-Thumali narrated:

Imam al-Sajjad (P.B.U.H.) said, "Surely, the religion of Allah shall not be intercepted by the deficient intellects, false opinions, and corrupt criteria. It shall not be grasped except by submission. He who submits to us shall be safe.

He who accepts our guidance shall be guided. He who acts upon analogy (Qiyas ) and opinion (Ra'y ) shall perish. And he, who feels difficulty in his heart in accepting our sayings or our verdicts, has disbelieved in the One who sent Quran, the Great, while he does not know."51

Imam Ali (P.B.U.H.) said the following in one of his sermons preserved inNahj al-Balagha :

"Look at the people of the Prophet's family. Adhere to their direction. Follow their footsteps because they shall never let you out of guidance and shall never throw you into destruction.

If they sit down, you sit down, and if they rise up you rise up. Do not go ahead of them for you will go astray, and do not fall behind them for you will perish."52 Yazid Ibn Abd al-Malik narrated:

Imam al-Sadiq (P.B.U.H.) said, "Visit each other since this would revive your hearts and would cause reminding of our traditions. Our traditions cause affection among you. If you follow them, you will be guided and saved, and if you abandon them, you will be misguided and perished. Thus act upon them and I guarantee your salvation."53

TheAhl al-Bait (P.B.U.T.) have emphasized that the only way to successfully pass the trial of occultation with firm belief in the Imam (P.B.U.H.) is to hold fast to religious instructions and guard against the Satanic views and the intruders in the domain of religion. Abu Salt al-Hirawi narrated:

Imam al-Ridha (P.B.U.H.) said that the Prophet (P.B.U.H. & H.F.) said, "By Him Who sent me in truth as a bearer of glad tidings! Most certainly, al-Qa'im from my offspring shall disappear according to the covenant that has been taken from me until such time that most people will say, 'Allah does not have any wish for (implementing a government for) the family of Muhammad,' and some others become doubtful about his birth (i.e., his existence).

Thus, whoever meets such time should hold fast to his religion and should not leave out a way for Satan towards himself, or Satan will remove him from my nation and will drive him out of my religion… Certainly, Allah, the mighty and the majestic, has made 'Satans guardians for those who do not to believe.' (7:27)"54

The period of occultation is the most sensitive and the most difficult period of the trial for people, and those who succeed to maintain their faith during this period have the greatest faith in comparison with the people of other era. In a very interestingHadith , Imam al-Sadiq (P.B.U.H.) narrated from hisfathers from the Leader of the Faithful (P.B.U.H.) who said:

The Apostle of Allah (P.B.U.H. & H.F.) said, "O Ali! The most astonishing people in faith and the greatest among them in certainty (Yaqin ) are the people who shall be in the end of time who shall not meet the Prophet (P.B.U.H. & H.F.), and the Proof (of Allah) shall be concealed from them, but they shall believe by means of black (letters) over white (sheets) [i.e., by the written traditions that have reached them]."55

In aTawqi ', Imam al-Mahdi (P.B.U.H.) mentioned:

"We are not negligent of caring you and are not forgetful of your remembrance. Had it been so, then terrible calamities would have befallen you and your enemies would have destroyed you. Be Mindful of Allah and assist us (by obedience) to rescue you from the tribulations that have afflicted you… Thus, each one of you should act upon what draws him nearer to our love and refrain from whatever brings him to our dislike and our anger.

Certainly, our advent shall come very suddenly and unexpectedly at the time that no repentance would benefit and no regret from sin would save one from the punishment by us. May Allah inspire in you consciousness and be kind to you in making you successful by His mercy."56

The above tradition implies that our strict adherence to the commands ofAhl al- Bait (P.B.U.T.) and trying to please them by our deeds, may contribute to our early relief by leave of Allah.

10- Educating Others about the Religion

As persons living in constant expectation, we should also teach what we know fromAhl al-Bait (P.B.U.T.) to other qualified individuals, narrate their traditions to people who are willing to hear us, and transfer what has been conveyed to us from their knowledge:

Imam al-Ridha (P.B.U.H.) said, "May Allah bless he who revives our matter/kingdom." He was asked, "How is your matter revived?" The Imam (P.B.U.H.) replied, "To learn our knowledge and to teach them to the people. Verily, if people know the beauty of our sayings, they will follow us."57

Those who wish to see the kingdom of al-Qa'im (P.B.U.H.) in a near future, should learn and act upon the instructions ofAhl al-Bait (P.B.U.T.) first, and then teach them to those who are willing to know.

There is a series of enlightening traditions from the Prophet (P.B.U.H. & H.F.) and the Imams (P.B.U.T.)-one from each in consecutive order-narrated by ImamHasan al-Askari (P.B.U.H.) in hisTafsir , which are known as the traditions of "The Orphans of Family of Muhammad (P.B.U.H. & H.F.)". Below is the first one, which belongs to the Apostle of Allah (P.B.U.H. & H.F.):

The Imam al-Askari (P.B.U.H.) said, "As for Allah's saying 'and the orphans,' (4:36) indeed the Apostle of Allah (P.B.U.H. & H.F.) said, "Allah, the Glorious, has urged (people) to be kind towards the orphans, due to the severance of their links with their fathers.

Therefore, he who protects and shields them, Allah shall protect him. He who honors them, Allah shall honor him.

He who touches his hand over the head of an orphan- out of kindness toward him-Allah places for him in Paradise for every strand of hair that passed under his hand, a castle more expansive than what the universe encompasses, and within which is whatsoever the souls desire and the eyes cherish and therein shall they remain forever.(Referring to chapter 43, verse 71 of the Quran).'"

Then the Imam (P.B.U.H.) continued, "More severe than theorphancy of this orphan is that of the one who has been orphaned from his Imam, (whose link with his Imam has been severed,) who is unable to reach him and does not know his commandments on those of religious laws that he is in need of them. Behold!

For any of our followers who possess knowledge of our sciences, this (other) person-the one ignorant of our path, who is severed from seeing us-is thus an orphan under his guardianship.

Then, behold! Whosoever (of our followers) guides and instructs him, and teaches him our path, he shall be with us in the loftiest companionship (a special degree in Paradise where the prophets and the Imams reside). My father reported this to me, from his forefathers, from the Apostle of Allah (P.B.U.H. & H.F.)."58

11- Purifying Our Love for the Imam (P.B.U.H.)

We need to cleanse our heart of dirt so that the light of Allah could move in with the fullest magnitude. We should purify our love and affection forAhl al- Bait (P.B.U.T.), and keep aloof from their enemies:

Imam al-Baqir (P.B.U.H.) and Imam al-Sadiq (P.B.U.H.) narrated that the Apostle of Allah (P.B.U.H. & H.F.) said, "Everything has a principle, and the principle of Islam is the love of usAhl al-Bait."59 Also:

Imam al-Ridha (P.B.U.H.) said, "The perfection of religion is: accepting ourWilaya and keeping aloof from our enemy."60 In anotherHadith we read:

Imam al-Sadiq (P.B.U.H.) said, "He who claims to love us but he does not keep aloof from our enemy, is a liar."61 It is also narrated:

About the verse, "Allah has not assigned unto any man two hearts within his body," (33:4) Imam al-Baqir (P.B.U.H.) said, AliIbn Abi Talib (P.B.U.H.) said, "Allah does not gather our love and the love of our enemy within a human's heart. Certainly, Allah did not give two hearts toman ...

Thus he who (really) loves us will purify his love for us like the purification of gold by fire, which does not leave any dirt in it. Therefore, if you want to know how much you love us, you should test your heart; if you have shared the love our enemies in your heart, you are not of us and we are not of you.

Allah is their enemy, and so are 'Gabriel and Michael, and Allah is the enemy of the disbelievers.' (2:98)"62 Moreover, al-Alaa Ibn al-Fudhail narrated:

Imam al-Sadiq (P.B.U.H.) said, "He who loves a disbeliever has indeed hated Allah, and he who hates a disbeliever (for the sake of Allah) has indeed loved Allah." Then he (P.B.U.H.) said, "The friend of the enemy of Allah is an enemy of Allah."63

When a person really loves someone and sees that another person shows hostility to his friend, it is naturally expected that he opposes and dislike his friend's enemy; otherwise, it shows that such love was not a true one, and rather, it was only a show due to hypocrisy. This is purely a rational reality, which is also testified in the Quran:

You will not find any people who believe in Allah and the Last Day, but love those who opposed Allah and His Apostle, even though they were their fathers, their sons, their brothers, or their kindred... (58:22)Thus , true love is always accompanied with true hate, and one does not really loveAhl al-Bait (P.B.U.T.) unless he also becomes a hater of their enemies. Several authorities narrated:

ImamBaqir (P.B.U.H.) said: "... Is religion other than love and hate?" He (P.B.U.H.) then recited, "But Allah has made you love the Faith and has made it beautiful in your hearts, and He has made you hate disbelief, wickedness, and rebellion.

Such indeed are those who grow in righteousness," (49:7) and "They love those who migrate towards them," (59:9) and "Say, 'If you truly love Allah, follow me; Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. For Allah is forgiving, most merciful.'" (3:31)64

The last quoted verse in the aboveHadith shows that even following Allah's commandments is the result of loving Allah.Fudhail Ibn Yasar has also narrated a similarHadith from Imam al-Sadiq (P.B.U.H.) with the difference that the Imam (P.B.U.H.) said: "Is faith other than love and hate?"65 Another interesting tradition states that the religion is naught but love.

This is consistent with the above-quoted traditions since hating the enemies of Allah should only be for the sake of loving Allah. Thus, we come to our previous conclusion that hating is not an independent issue. Rather it is a natural resultant of true love. In other words, having true love alone for Allah rationally implies having hatred against His enemies. In fact, hating the enemies of Allah is a duty and is of the best deeds. The Sunni and theShia traditionists have unanimously reported:

The Apostle of Allah (P.B.U.H. & H.F.) said: "The best deeds are love for the sake of Allah and hate for the sake of Allah." He (P.B.U.H. & H.F.) also said in anotherHadith : "Love for the sake of Allah is a duty (Faridha ) and hate for the sake of Allah is a duty."66

Imam al-Sadiq (P.B.U.H.) said:

"Whoever doubts in the disbelief of our enemies and those who have wronged us, is a disbeliever."67 Sulaiman al-A'mash has narrated:

Ja'far Ibn Muhammad al-Sadiq (P.B.U.H.) narrated from his father that the Apostle of Allah (P.B.U.H. & H.F.) said, "O Ali! If a servant worships Allah for a thousand years, Allah shall not accept from him except by means of yourWilaya and theWilaya of the Imams in your offspring.

And verily yourWilaya shall not be accepted except by means of keeping aloof from your enemies and the enemies of the Imams in your offspring. This is what Gabriel has informed me. 'Thus let him who will, believe (it), and let him who will, reject (it).' (18:29)"68

Allah commands us that we should disassociate from the disbelievers (those who have heard the message ofAhl al-Bait (P.B.U.T.) but rejected it) and avoid friendship with them69 , and should take them as enemy70 .

Thus we can never unite with the disbelievers. Our cooperation with them at times in a worldly matter is only due toTaqiyya , and it is a diplomatic, superficial, and circumstantial relation. If such apparent relation would lessen or overshadow our disgust from them in our heart, then it should be certainly avoided.

12- Keeping Alive the Remembrance of the Imam (P.B.U.H.)

One of our important duties during the time of occultation is to remember our Imam (P.B.U.H.) more often in gatherings and in private, and to make gatherings for his remembrance:

I heard Imam al-Sadiq (P.B.U.H.) saying, "OurShia are compassionate among each other. When they hold a private meeting, they remember Allah. Verily, the remembrance of us is of the remembrance of Allah. When we are remembered, Allah has been remembered, and when our enemy is remembered, Satan has been remembered."71

It is also narrated:

Imam al-Sadiq (P.B.U.H.) said toDawud Ibn Sarhan , "ODawud , offer my greetings to my friends and deliver this message to them that Allah blessed a servant who gathers with another to make remembrance of our matter, and in that case,

the third among them is an angel who asks forgiveness for them. When two servants gather for our remembrance, Allah recounts His glory to His angels (for having such servants).

Thus, when you gather spend your time in remembrance (of us). Verily, your gathering and your remembrance makes us live. And the best people after us are those who remind one another to our matter and invite to our remembrance."72

Ibn Sa'd al-Azdi has narrated:

Imam al-Sadiq (P.B.U.H.) askedFudhail Ibn Yasar , "Do you assemble with your friends and narrate traditions?" He said, "Yes, may I be sacrificed for you."

He (P.B.U.H.) said, "I hold dear such gatherings as it will revive our matter. May Allah have mercy on him who revives our matter? OFudhail ! He who remembers us or is reminded about us, and this brings tears to his eyes even to the extent of a wing of a fly, Allah will forgive his sins even if they are greater than the foam of the sea."73