the “red death” and the “white death”, which is actually the spread of epidemics.

the “red death” and the “white death”, which is actually the spread of epidemics.”[^5] Imam as-Sadiq ( ‘a ) said: “Among the signs of Qiyamah and Resurrection is the spread of paralysis and sudden death.”[^6] Imam al-Kazim ( ‘a ) quoted the Prophet (S) as saying: “The occurrence of sudden death, leprosy and hemorrhoids would be among the signs of the approach of Qiyamah and Resurrection.”[^7] It has been stated in Bayan al-A’immah , thus: “Among the signs of the approach of al-Mahdi’s advent is the spread of cholera and plague throughout the world especially in Baghdad and its neighboring cities as a result of which many people will die.”[^8] Health Astounding quantum leaps in science, medical science in particular, would be achieved during the rule of al-Mahdi ( ‘atfs ) and it will be utilized for the improvement of health in society.

Other factors contributing to the improvement of health in society would be extinguishing the flames of war; peace of mind; the preservation of mental health with the reformation of mankind; and the blossoming of agriculture and animal husbandry providing proper nourishment for people. Thus, the state of public health during the period of the Imam of the Age ( ‘atfs ) will attain its highest and ideal level.

It will be such that the physical condition of the people will change and their lifespans will become so much longer that sometimes a person would see his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren before departing from this world.

The Messenger of Allah (S) said: “The day after Isa ( ‘a ) comes down from heaven and kills ad-Dajjal, the sun will rise in the west (and not in the east) and for forty years you will live prosperously and comfortably during which no one will die or get sick.”[^9] Maybe what is meant by this statement is that death and sickness, which would have been widespread prior to the Imam’s advent, will become insignificant and trivial during the period of the Imam.

The literal meaning might also be true, i.e. during that particular period, there will be no death and sickness owing to the blessed presence of Hadrat Baqiyyatullah al-A‘zam ( ‘atfs ).