Recognizing Imam az-Zaman is so important and essential that...

Recognizing Imam az-Zaman is so important and essential that in the Holy Prophet's traditions we read: "He who dies without recognizing the Imam of his age is like one who had died during the jahiliyyah (the pagan era before the advent of Islam)." To die during the jahiliyyah means a death devoid of Islam and faith. And it is obvious that one who dies without recognizing the Imam of his age is counted in the group of the faithless.

In another tradition, Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (a.s.) is quoted as having said on the same subject : "One who dies without having (accepted) the Imam, it is as if he died in the jahiliyyah , and people are not exempted from recognizing their Imam." Therefore, we must endeavour to recognize His Eminence ( Imam az-Zaman ) for the sake of Islam and our faith, and so that we may be reckoned among those who have gained salvation and among the faithful.

Another duty of the Shi'ites during the major occultation, which the Holy Imam have alluded to, is the question of being ready for the Saviour Hence, the first step for salvation is to recognize the Imam of the age; and the second step is to be prepared for the establishment of just Government by His Eminence.

One who is waiting ( muntazir ) and preparing himself for the appearance of the Imam must have the characters and merits of the companions of Imam al-Mahdi (a.s.), and should sacrifice his life and wealth in his way. For this reason, Imam as- Sadiq (a.s.) said: "One who waits for our commands is like a person who sacrifices his own blood in the way of Allah." Yes, he who is really ready for the Imamu 'l-'Asr (the Imam of the Period) becomes like a martyr in the way of Allah.

In another tradition, the same Imam told some of his followers about the person who is really waiting for the Imam az-Zaman , saying: "One who dies while expecting the Government of al-Qa'im is like one who is in the presence of al-Qa'im (Imam al-Mahdi (a.s.)." After a pause he added: "But he is like one who has been struck with a sword while accompanying him." Then he insisted further by adding: "Nay, by Allah!

He is like one who has been martyred in the presence of the Messenger of Allah." Are we reckoned among those who are expecting His Eminence? Are we at least waiting for the Divine Promise of the Authority of Allah ( Waliyyu 'llah ) in the same manner as we wait for the return of our loved ones from a journey?