Days and nights will not come to an end unless God revives the dead...

Days and nights will not come to an end unless God revives the dead, lets the living die, returns the right to its owner (claimant), and establishes the religion acceptable to Him and His Prophet. Glad tidings to you and give glad tidings to you! By God! The truth is only in your hand.”[^9] This hadith shows that the changes for the non-Shi‘ah are very remarkable although some cases would also be new for them.

In this chapter, we shall discuss the changes and reforms at the time of the Imam of the Time ( ‘atfs ) in three parts: new laws, reforms, and the renewal of foundations and new judgments. New Laws 1. Execution of Adulterers and Those Who Prevent Zakat Aban ibn Taghlib reported: “Imam as-Sadiq ( ‘a ) said to me: ‘In Islam, based on the law of God, there are two types of blood that are lawful (to shed), however, no one will implement its ruling unless God sends the Qa’im of the ( ‘a ).

He will judge according to the law of God and seek no proof and witness. He will stone adulterers and adulteresses to death, and behead non-payers of zakat ’.”[^10] Imam as-Sadiq and Imam al-Kazim ( ‘a ) said: “During the uprising of Hadrat al-Mahdi ( ‘a ), he will pass judgment on three cases in such a manner that no one before him had done so.

He will execute old adulterers, kill anyone who hinders the payment of zakat , and give the inheritance of a brother to his positional brother (who were both brothers in the “world of souls”).”[^11] Regarding the ruling on the execution of those who do not pay zakat , the late ‘Allamah Hilli said: “In all periods the Muslims share consensus of opinion regarding the existence of zakat , as one of the five pillars of Islam.

As such, anyone, who denies its compulsoriness ( wujub ), who is a ‘natural Muslim’ ( fitri Muslim ),[^12] and has grown up among Muslims, will be executed regardless of his repentance. And if this person is a ‘national/community Muslim’ ( milli Muslim ),[^13] he has to repent three times of his apostasy ( irtidad ) and thereafter he shall be executed (in case it persists).

This ruling is implemented on condition that the person in question is knowledgeable and aware of its being obligatory ( wajib ).