ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books An Overview of The Mahdi’s (‘atfs) Government The Rays of Hope In the previous discussions, we became acquainted with some of the hadith s concerning the global state of affairs prior to the advent of the Imam of the Age ( ‘a ).

Although these hadith s mention confusions and problems to such an extent that they might discourage people, there are other hadith s that point out bright aspects and rays of hope for the Shi‘ah, the faithful and the committed people. Some of these hadith s concern the believers of whom the earth will never be empty and who will be also present during these pressing circumstances all over the world prior to the advent of al-Mahdi ( ‘atfs ).

A number of hadith s point out the role of the ‘ulama’ and Islamic scholars during the period of occultation, and present them as catalysts of change in the society in every epoch as well as the protectors of religion. Some statements of the Infallibles ( ‘a ) mention the special role of the city of Qum prior to the advent of the Imam of the Time ( ‘atfs ) while a number of hadith s also indicate the active role of Iranians before and after the advent of the Imam ( ‘atfs ).

The True Believers Sometimes, we come across some hadith s in answer to those who imagine that a time will come when society will be devoid of the presence of faithful human beings. The Imam ( ‘a ) has dismissed this notion, mentioning the existence of believers in every epoch.

Zayd az-Zurrad said: I told Imam as-Sadiq ( ‘a ): “I am afraid that we would not be among the faithful.” He ( ‘a ) asked: “Why do you think so?” I answered: “It is because there is none among us who prefers his brother over the dirham and dinar. On the contrary, I observe that we prefer the dirham and dinar over our brothers in faith which the wilayah (guardianship) of the Commander of the Faithful ( ‘a ) have brought us together.

Imam as-Sadiq ( ‘a ) said: “It is not as you say; you are the people of faith though your faith will not be perfected until the time when the Qa’im of Muhammad’s Progeny ( ‘atfs ) rises up. At that time, God will perfect your wisdom and you will become perfect believers. I swear to God in Whose hand is my life!