There are people throughout the world in whose sight the...

There are people throughout the world in whose sight the entire world would not be equal to the wing of a gnat.”[^1] The Role of the Shi‘ah ‘Ulama’ and Scholars Every time the veils of darkness and ignorance cast their shadows on human society, it was the ‘ulama’ and religious scholars who used to perform their obligation very well of wiping away ignorance and foolishness from thinking and eliminating corruption and decadence from the people.

It can be understood from the hadith s that the ‘ulama’ will also adequately play this role at the end of time.

Imam al-Hadi ( ‘a ) said: “If there would be no ‘ulama’ during the period of occultation ( ghaybah ) of the Qa’im of Muhammad’s Progeny ( ‘a ) who would guide and draw the people toward him, defend the religion through divine proofs, and save the weak Shi‘ah from the guiles of Satan and his legions as well as from the mischief of the Nasibis (the enemies of the ( ‘a )), no one would be left clinging to the religion of God and everyone will become apostates ( murtaddin ).

Yet, they will assume the responsibility of leading the hearts of the weak Shi‘ah to the utmost decree and keep on it just as the captain of the ship controls the rudder and control of the ship.

Therefore, they are the people of the highest station in the sight of God.”[^2] Regarding the revival of religion in every century the Messenger of Allah (S) said: “Verily, Allah, the Exalted, will send for this ummah a person who will revive ( yujaddid ) the religion at the beginning of every century.”[^3] These two hadith s and others similar to them explicitly point out the role of the ‘ulama’ during the period of the occultation in thwarting the plots of the mischief-mongers as well as in reviving the spirit of religion.

Of course, proving this point during our time does not necessitate much proof and evidence, for the role of Hadrat Imam Khomeini ( r ) in exterminating the nefarious designs of the enemies, which had threatened the foundations of religion in the contemporary world, is proverbial to all. Undoubtedly, the dignity that Islam has acquired in this age is through the blessings of the Islamic Revolution of Iran and its Founder, Hadrat Imam Khomeini ( r ).

The Role of the City of Qum at the End of Time At the time when human society will move toward degeneration and decadence, a ray of hope will be made manifest and there will be a group of people who will serve as the standard-bearers of light in the heart of all this darkness.