Humanity's need for a savior
“Perhaps, there have been few times in history when humanity was in as much need as the present time for a savior. Everyone feels the need for a savior, a need for Mahdi. Everyone feels the need for a powerful hand from God, for an Infallible Imam, for an Immaculate Imam, and for divine guidance. We know of few times in history when there was so much need for this lofty truth.”[1]
Awaiting the reappearance of Imam Mahdi (aj) means refusing to accept the existing state of life
“From this perspective, "Intizar [awaiting the reappearance of Imam Mahdi (aj)]" means not being satisfied, not accepting the existing state of human life, and striving to reach the desirable state. It’s certain that this ideal state will be realized by the powerful hand of God’s Vicegerent, Hujjat ibn al-Hassan, Imam Mahdi, the Master of the Time (peace be upon him, may God hasten his reappearance, and may our souls be sacrificed for his sake).” [2]
“Intizar, which is an inseparable part of Mahdaviat, is one of the key terms for understanding religion and the fundamental, general, social movement of the Islamic Ummah toward the lofty goals of Islam. Intizar means awaiting, and it refers to one watching for a truth that is certain to come about. This is the meaning of Intizar. Intizar means that such a future is inevitable and definite. It particularly means awaiting someone who is living and present. This is a very important matter.” [3]
Mahdaviat: One of Islam’s sublime teachings
In continuing this discussion, it must be said, “Mahdaviat is one of the few principal matters within the cycle and circle of exalted religious teachings. For example, the importance of Mahdaviat should be considered to be similar to the importance of the issue of prophethood. Why? Because that which Mahdaviat heralds is the very same thing for which all prophets and all divine missions came. It’s for the establishment of a monotheistic world that’s built and organized on the basis of justice, using all the capacities that Almighty God has created and placed within human beings. That’s what kind of era the time of the reappearance of Imam Mahdi (peace be upon him and may God hasten his reappearance) will be. It’s the era of a monotheistic society, the era of the rule of monotheism, the era of the true dominion of spirituality and religion over all of human life, and the era of the establishment of justice in the most absolute, comprehensive sense of the word.”[4]
The birth of the Promised Mahdi: A day of celebration for all pure, freedom-loving human beings
Imam Mahdi is not exclusive to a particular individual or group. "The day of the birth of the Promised Mahdi (may our souls be sacrificed for his sake) is truly a day of celebration for all pure, freedom-loving people of the world. Only those who are either a part of oppression or among the followers of the tyrants and oppressors of the world may fail to feel joy and happiness on this day. Otherwise, which free human being wouldn’t rejoice at or wish for the spread of justice, the raising of the flag of justice, and the elimination of oppression throughout the world?"[5]
“The 15th of Sha’ban is a day of hope. This hope isn’t exclusive to the community of the Shia, nor is it exclusive to the Muslim Ummah. The very principle of having hope for a bright future for humanity and the reappearance of a Promised One – a Savior and a hand that spreads justice throughout the entire world – is almost unanimously agreed upon by all religions known to us.”[6]
Belief in the reappearance of Imam Mahdi in all religions
Thus, “it isn’t only the Shia who await the Promised Mahdi (pbuh). Rather, awaiting the reappearance of the Savior, Imam Mahdi, is something related to all Muslims. The difference between the Shia and others is that the Shia know that Savior by name, his identity, and various specific characteristics of him, whereas other Muslims who also believe in a savior do not know him [specifically]. This is where the difference lies; otherwise, the principle of Mahdaviat is agreed upon by all Muslims. Other religions too, in their own beliefs, await a savior at the end of times. They have understood one part of the matter correctly. However, in the essential part – knowledge of the person who is the Savior – they suffer from a lack of knowledge. The Shia [on the other hand,] who have definite information, know the Savior by his name, identity, characteristics, and birth date.”[7]
In the same vein, “belief in the reappearance of Imam Mahdi at a particular time in history isn’t exclusive to the Shia. All Muslims, both Shia and Sunni, share this conviction. Non-Muslims also believe in it in some form. The distinction of the Shia [belief], however, lies in the fact that they know this Savior of humanity with his name, identity, and characteristics, and they believe that he is always present and ready to receive God’s commands. Whenever the Lord of the Worlds gives him the command, he’s prepared to commence that monumental task that will transform humanity and history.”[8]
Why the spirit of awaiting the Promised Mahdi brings hope and energy
This is why, "truly, the spirit of ‘awaiting [the Savior],’ the spirit of being in connection with the Imam of the Time (may our souls be sacrificed for his sake), and eagerly anticipating his reappearance and the arrival of that day is one of the greatest gateways to the coming of “relief [faraj]” for the Islamic society. We are awaiting his reappearance. This awaiting itself is a relief. This awaiting itself is a gateway to relief. It brings hope. It gives us energy. It helps prevent feelings of futility, being humiliated, despair, and uncertainty about the future. [In place of these,] it gives us hope and direction. This is the important matter regarding the Imam of the Time (aj).”[9]
A heartfelt belief in the Promised Mahdi: A remedy for spiritual and social afflictions
Likewise, “the birth [of Imam Mahdi (may our souls be sacrificed for his sake)] and this great remembrance must teach us a lesson. Emotions are very good, and feelings are a backing for many good human actions. Faith and heartfelt belief in the existence of this great Savior of the world are a remedy for many spiritual, mental, and social diseases. But beyond all of this, we must draw lessons from this remembrance, this memory, and this great event.”[10]
Based on this important foundation, the issue of awaiting Imam Mahdi’s reappearance and Mahdaviat is a belief grounded in reasoning and logic, and "no one should imagine that the issue of Mahdaviat is merely an emotional matter. No, the intellectual foundations of Mahdaviat are very firm and solid. All the doubts that opponents and enemies of this belief have spread in people’s minds have solid answers. Nevertheless … while the logical, intellectual, argumentative dimension of this belief is very prominent, at the same time, the emotional, spiritual, faith-based dimension of this Shia belief is also extremely important."[11]
Preparing for the reappearance of the Promised Mahdi
Given the magnitude of Imam Mahdi’s global movement, we must carry out our duties correctly. "We must prepare ourselves. Every individual must feel this duty that they must prepare themselves. This is a spiritual preparedness. It’s a readiness of the soul and a readiness of faith. Everyone must create within themselves a great reservoir of hope, faith, and inner light so that they may become worthy of being among those close to him (Imam Mahdi), worthy of being his elite followers, worthy of being his companions, and worthy of being his helpers in this massive global movement."[12]
[1] From Imam Khamenei’s statements on April 9, 2020
[2] From Imam Khamenei’s statements on Aug. 17, 2008
[3] From Imam Khamenei’s statements on July 9, 2011
[4] From Imam Khamenei’s statements on July 9, 2011
[5] From Imam Khamenei’s statements on Nov. 23, 2008
[6] From Imam Khamenei’s statements on Aug. 17, 2008
[7] From Imam Khamenei’s statements on Sept. 20, 2005
[8] From Imam Khamenei’s statements on Oct. 22, 2002
[9] From Imam Khamenei’s statements on June 11, 2014
[10] From Imam Khamenei’s statements on Nov. 12, 2000
[11] From Imam Khamenei’s statements on Jan. 28, 1994
[12] From Imam Khamenei’s statements on Jan. 28, 1994
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