He will have the staff of Musa (Moses) ( ‘a ) and the ring...

He will have the staff of Musa (Moses) ( ‘a ) and the ring of Sulayman (Prophet Solomon) ( ‘a ).”[^12] His Moral Excellences Like the other infallible Imams, Hadrat al-Mahdi ( ‘atfs ) will have special moral excellences. As the Infallibles ( ‘a ) are perfect human beings and are the models and exemplars of mankind in every aspect, they have the most excellent morality. Hadrat ar-Rida ( ‘a ) said: “Al-Mahdi ( ‘atfs ) will be the most knowledgeable, humble and virtuous man (of his time).

Of all men (during his time) he will be the most forgiving, brave and pious.”[^13] 1. His Fear of God Ka‘b said that Hadrat al-Mahdi’s ( ‘atfs ) fear of and submissiveness to God is like the submissiveness of the eagle to its two wings.[^14] Perhaps, what is meant by Ka‘b is that although the eagle is a powerful bird, this power depends on the degree of the assistance of its two wings. If the wings would not assist it for only a moment, it will fall to the ground.

Similarly, although Hadrat al-Mahdi ( ‘atfs ) would be the most powerful divine leader, this power emanates from the Essence of God, the Exalted. If God would not help him for one moment, he will not have any capability to continue his work. Therefore, in facing the Divine Essence he has the utmost submissiveness, obeisance and fear. Based on Ibn Tawus’ narration,[^15] the submissiveness of al-Mahdi ( ‘atfs ) to God has been likened to the submissiveness of the two points of a spear.

The speed of action and precision involved in aiming at a target and throwing a spear depend on its two points which are like two wings; if one point is curved, it will miss the target. Perhaps, it means that the power of al-Mahdi ( ‘atfs ) emanates from God and totally depends on divine succor. 2. His Asceticism (zuhd) Imam as-Sadiq ( ‘a ) said: “Why are you in a hurry for the advent of Hadrat al-Mahdi?

God knows that his clothing is rough and coarse; his food is barley bread; his government is the government of the sword; and his death is at the point of the sword.”[^16] ‘Uthman ibn Hammad said: I was present in the assembly of Imam as-Sadiq ( ‘a ) when a person said to the Imam ( ‘a ): “‘Ali ibn Abi Talib used to wear coarse clothing that cost only four dirhams while you wear valuable clothing!” In reply, the Imam ( ‘a ) said: “‘Ali ( ‘a ) used to wear that clothing, which was not condemnable and detestable at that time.” The best clothing in every period is the clothing of the people of that period.