So, when we are supposed, as far as we are concerned, to...

So, when we are supposed, as far as we are concerned, to consider the idea of al-Mehdi as actually designating a particular living person who is observing events like we are, it is to inspire us with the fact that the idea of the unconditional protest against all sorts of transgression and tyranny, which al-Mehdi stands for, has already materialised in the expected dissident leader who will emerge, paying no homage to the transgressors, as it has been mentioned in the hadith (tradition), and that by believing in him we are in reality believing in this unyielding and living protest and participating in it - Indeed lots of ahadith (traditions) are constantly urging those who believe in al-Mehdi to expect release from suffering and be prepared for his coming, which is a consolidation of that spiritual bond and emotional tie between them and the dissident leader and every value he stands for both of which could not have existed had he not actually materialised as a contemporary living person.

Thus we come to realise that this materialisation has given a new impetus to the idea and made it a source of strength and generosity of a higher degree in terms of what any dissident individual finds of comfort consolation and relief from the pains that he has to suffer under tyranny and deprivation, when he comes to feel that his Imam and leader shares them with him, since the latter is a contemporary person and not an idea to be realised in the future.

However, the above mentioned materialisation has led many people, who found it hard to believe or assume, to take negative attitudes even regarding the idea of al-Mehdi.

Since they all wonder if the idea of al-Mehdi actually designates a living person who has co-existed with all these consecutive generations for more than ten centuries, who will continue to do so until the time comes for him to emerge on the surface, how can such a human being live all this long and yet be immune from the laws of nature which compel any person to pass by the phase of old age and decrepitude and from there to his death - Is not such a matter impossible from an existential point of view?

Also, why should Allah show all this desire for this particular person - for whom the laws of nature would be obstructed - and endeavours to prolong his life and preserve him for the appointed day; has humanity become barren from yielding capable leaders?