21 ) In this Tauqee a signed letter from Imam (A.

21 ) In this Tauqee a signed letter from Imam (A.S.)] Imam has not only explained the reason for the delay in his reappearance but lias also shown a clearway to approach him. When a true awaiter is blessed with tlie Ziyarat of Imam (A.S.) in Samarrah then he addresses his dearest Imam thus : "0 Master be a witness I pledge to thee even if your occultation is prolonged to such an extent that my life is on the verge of exhaustion. Still my certitude will enhance every moment.

Your love will keep on increasing manifold, with the increment in my trust in you. I will keep waiting for you unswervingly and 1 shall he waiting for (your) call of Jehad relentlessly. "May my life, my wealth, my children, my family and whatever Allah has conferred upon me, be sacrificed for you and I leave them in your authority." [ Mafatihul-Jenan, Ziyarate-lmam-e-Asr (A.S.) ] It becomes clear after this explanation that a true awaiter never tires of waiting for Imam.

He keeps on exerting continuously instead of being a silent spectator. Merely being discontent with the present circumstances is not sufficient hut he must strive to bring change in it. It becomes evident that in such vicious atmosphere and sinful surroundings, what is the responsibility of a true awaiter? And how important it is?

Besides these there are also other responsibilities which are as follows : Character Building The foremost thing which a true awaiter is expected to do is to build his character. Character-building implies following the tenets of Islam, developing good traits and purify his self in such a way that every aspect of his personality should reflect the teachings of Ahlebait (A.S.).

Often the friends and helpers of Hazrat Mahdi (A.S.) are described with such superlatives :- "Those who will believe in the hidden Imam they are the most pious ones and their faith is of the highest degree. They will establish prayers and spend generously in the way of God. They believe firmly in Quran and other divine scriptures and they are certain of Qiyamat.' ( Tafsire-Nurus-Saqlain, Vol.

1, Sura Baqarah ) "They are obedient, sincere, honorable, good doers, patient, devout, helpers of the oppressed, cordial and pure-hearted." Their hearts are of steel. If they cast a glance at an iron mountain, it will crumble and reduce to bits. (llzamun-Naasib, Vol. 1, Pg. 67 ) Their bodies will emit fragrance of musk, while their countenance will be dazzling like a full moon." ( Kamaluddin, Chap. 24, Tradition No.