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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Theological Instructions LESSON FORTY: IMAM MAHDI Introduction In previous lessons, certain traditions have been cited which mention the number of the nominated Imams, some indicate each one by name, and a few also indicate that they were all from the tribe of the Quraysh.

In addition to this there are traditions, which compare the number of Imams with the number of the chiefs of the Bani Isra’el, and others, which state they are all from the progeny of Imam Hussein (a). There is not adequate space here to refer to all such traditions; instead this lesson will concentrate on Imam Mahdi (a) (May Allah hasten his reappearance). For the sake of brevity we will mention only the most important issues that deal with this subject.

A Divine World Government It has already been established that the fundamental purpose for the nomination of prophets was to complete the path for the sake of the perfection of man, which is attainable through the accessibility of Divine revelation. Likewise, another purpose of the nomination was for the development of Man’s intellect, and spirituality. The ultimate purpose was to establish a government based upon Divine values, worship and to install Divine justice throughout the world.

Although a few individuals were somewhat successful in achieving the above, they were only so, for a limited time and in specific geographical locations. The conditions for a Divine world government however are yet to be created. The fact that such conditions have not yet been attained is not a reflection on the inadequacy of the prophets (as) and in no way infers deficiencies in their leadership or administration skills.

It is intended by Almighty God to achieve such conditions through the free-will of man and not through determinism. This can be understood from the following verse: “apostles, as bearers of good news and warners, so that mankind may not have any argument against Allah, after the [sending of the] apostles.” (al-Nisā’:165) On the other hand, God the Supreme has made a covenant for the establishment of the Divine world government in the revealed books.

We can therefore predict that conditions for accepting the true religion for mankind will begin to ripen on a large scale. Equity and justice will then encompass the masses that have become tired of the injustice and oppression of the tyrannical rulers and their governments.