ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Waiting and Responsibility Seeking Mediation of Imam Mahdi To seek a mediator implies to gain proximity to an individual in order to achieve one's objective through the mediator's recommendation and arbitration. Arabic litterateurs define mediation (tawassul) as Translation, 'When he sought proximity with him through his actions, he aspired to gain his mediation.' (Lisanul Arab vol. 11, page 724).

Mediation in the light of Quran and traditions: Allah declares in the Quran ' 0 you who believe! Be (careful of your duty to) Allah and seek nearness to Him and strive hard in His way that you may succeed.' (Maidah : 35) Imam Muhammad Baqir (a.s.) in exposition of this ayat narrates 'Acquire proximity with Allah through the Imam.' (Tafsire Qummi, vol. 1 page 168). Janabe Fatima Zahra (s.a.) proclaims in her sermon, 'Glorify Allah, whose majesty and supremacy command glorification and veneration.

And it has been made mandatory upon the residents of the heavens and the earth to seek a mediator towards Allah, and we Ahle Bayt (a.s.) are the mediators appointed by Allah upon His creatures.' (Sharhe Nahjul Balagha, vol. 2, page 211, by Ibne Abil Hadid). Thus Quran and traditions alike, exhort the Muslims to secure some arbitrator in order to gain proximity with Allah, and achieve eternal deliverance. Why seek mediation of Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.)?

Any Shia is bound to think, 'What is the rationale for us to seek mediation of our Imam?' There are several facets to this question. The mandate of Quran and traditions Quran proclaims Translation, '0 you who believe! Be patient and excel in patience and maintain contact, and be careful oi your duty towards Allah, that you may be successful.

(Ale Imran : 199 Imam Sadiq (a.s.) by way of elucidation of the above ayat narrates, Translation, 'Maintain a special affinity with your Imam.' (Noorus Saqalain, vol. 1 page 426} Every Shia must maintain close ties with the Imam of his era. When weighed from the aspect of Arabic grammar, the word,) is based on "Rabatoo" which implies co-operation and mutual consent, i.e.

if a Shia maintains proximity with the Imam of his time, then Inshallah the Imam will also reciprocate that feeling of affinity and consanguinity. Inshallah Imam's grace and clemency on us will multiply.