The most fundamental distinction between the advancement at...

The most fundamental distinction between the advancement at the time of Hadrat al-Mahdi ( ‘atfs ) with that of the present is that in our time the advancement of science and technology has been leading to the degeneration of the culture and morality of human society and the more human beings make advancements in science the farther they move from humanity and the more they head toward corruption, retrogression and annihilation.

During the period of al-Mahdi ( ‘a ), however, the situation will be different. While mankind will be attaining the highest growth in science and technology, to the same extent it will also be achieving the loftiest moral goals and human perfection. With the implementation of divine programs in the government of Imam al-Mahdi ( ‘atfs ), mankind will be so cultivated in personality that it would seem as if they were different from those human beings who had lived in the past.

Just yesterday, they used to shed the blood of the nearest kith and kin for the sake of a single dirham or dinar, but now during the government of the Imam ( ‘atfs ), money and wealth will become so insignificant and trivial for them that for them asking for such will be regarded as a sign of meanness and vileness of nature.

If just yesterday jealousy, rancor and enmity had been prevalent among them, during the government of Imam al-Mahdi ( ‘atfs ) hearts will be as close together as if they were one soul in different bodies. The hearts of people who were irresolute, sluggish and weak will become stronger and firmer than iron. Yes, the government of al-Mahdi ( ‘atfs ) will lead to the growth and perfection of the intellect and morality, and that time will be the day when talents will be perfected.

What used to happen just yesterday was the result of narrow-mindedness, but in the divine system of al-Mahdi ( ‘a ) humanity will reach the pinnacle of maturity and such qualities as morality, thinking and will will reach their heights. This promise is the very great promise that will be realized in the government of justice of al-Mahdi ( ‘atfs ). It is a gift that no government at no point in time has been able to present to human society.

Progress in Science and Technology Imam as-Sadiq ( ‘a ) said: “Knowledge and learning are twenty seven letters, and everything that the prophets have brought is only two letters; so, now, the people are unaware (of these letters) except ( juz’an ) these two.