On the basis of this...

On the basis of this, whenever the believer considers the possible hardships in which his master – who is dearer to him than his own life – may be involved, he makes effort and struggle through Dua so that they are removed from the Imam, just as through Dua he protects him. When an important aim is restrained by something, it is incumbent on us to try our best to remove those impediments.

And since the delay in reappearance of our Master of the Time (as) is due to impediments from our own side, it is necessary for us to pray to the Almighty to remove them. Thus praying for the hastening of reappearance of Imam of the Age (as) is in fact a prayer for ourselves and is beneficial for our circumstances.[^4] His Eminence has himself indicated this in his epistle quoted in Kamaluddin , Biharul Anwar and Ihtijaaj etc.

that says: “Then pray for an early reappearance, as in it lies your deliverance.” This is also an indication that His Eminence is needless of us. There is no limit to divine grace, mercy, kindness and favor; in the same way in the being of Imam (as) there is no defect and shortcoming that could be an impediment for receiving divine grace. On the basis of this, there is nothing that can prevent the supplications of the believers to be effective in favor of their lord and master.

As it is said: Since the Holy Imams (as) are mediums and channels for favors reaching the people, how can they become eligible for positions through the people? It is very unlikely and surprising.

And in no way is it inconsistent with the view that the Imams (as) are the final cause and aim of creation of the creatures, and the divine grace reaches the creatures through them, along with this they are having human needs and qualities and for their apparent life they are needful of all the requirements of worldly life – just as all other people are.