(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - On Sunday, Muslims will be celebrating the birth anniversary of Imam Mahdi (AS). He is the Twelfth Imam or leader after the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as well as being from among his descendants.
He is also known as the Hidden Imam because he is unknown among the masses. He will make himself known when the Lord decrees. Therefore, Imam Mahdi is according to the Muslims the coming Messiah and Savior. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) mentioned, "I bring you glad tidings of al-Mahdi, God shall send him to my nation, in a time different from your own, and after a series of earthquakes, and he shall fill the earth with justice and equity as it was filled with injustice and oppression. He shall distribute the wealth equitably among the inhabitants of the earth."
Consequently, while Christians look for Jesus' second coming, the Jews await the Messiah, Muslims are waiting for the 12th Imam. However, one striking difference is that whilst the Muslims await for the Mahdi, the believers are not left alone without his guidance. Imam Mahdi is a guide as well as a Savior as his title al Mahdi indicates, which means "The Guide." Therefore, the Twelfth Imam is ever ready to assist his followers when they need him by one method or another. Imam Mahdi (AS) is aware of the state of his followers and is prepared to assist when he is called upon. This has been confirmed by the Imam himself when he said, "As to the way of benefiting from my presence during my disappearance, it is similar to the profit we gain from the sun while it is hidden from sight by the clouds."
According to Islamic beliefs, there must always be a Prophet or Imam existing on earth to guide the people. It is believed that God has not created anyone without sending a leader for instruction and direction. From the time of Adam till the end of time, no person will be left without a divine teacher sent by God. The Holy Quran states in Chapter 17, verse 71, "(Remember) the day when We will call every people with their imam."
According to this verse, everyone will be summoned on the Day of Judgment with their leader who was existing during their time and the people will be questioned whether they obeyed the tenants and guidance delivered by their specific leader.
Therefore, it is important for the believers to recognize the Imam of their time and to follow them.
Furthermore, Muslims believe Mahdi (AS) is the last of the divine teachers who was sent for all people. Likewise his assistance is for all as well because Islam is a universal faith. Islam is not confined to any particular ethnic group or class of people. It is a message open to the whole of mankind to accept and practice. Imam Mahdi's existence is paramount in order for believers to be led on the correct path and not sway to any extremes in the faith. If individuals do so, then they have not followed the true teachings of Islam.
Everyday Muslims recite the chapter from the Quran 'The Opening' in each one of their prayers which seeks guidance from the Lord. With this prayer and one's own effort, Muslims strive towards receiving blessings from the Almighty.
In the name of the most Beneficiant, most Merciful. All praise and thanks be to God, the Lord of existence. The Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. The Owner of the Day of Recompense. You (alone) we worship, and You (alone) we ask for help. Guide us to the straight path. The way of those on whom You have granted Your grace, not (the way) of those who earned Your anger, nor of those who went astray."
By: Fatima Kermalli ( member of Shia Ithna-Asheri Jamaat of Pennsylvania in Allentown)
He is also known as the Hidden Imam because he is unknown among the masses. He will make himself known when the Lord decrees. Therefore, Imam Mahdi is according to the Muslims the coming Messiah and Savior. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) mentioned, "I bring you glad tidings of al-Mahdi, God shall send him to my nation, in a time different from your own, and after a series of earthquakes, and he shall fill the earth with justice and equity as it was filled with injustice and oppression. He shall distribute the wealth equitably among the inhabitants of the earth."
Consequently, while Christians look for Jesus' second coming, the Jews await the Messiah, Muslims are waiting for the 12th Imam. However, one striking difference is that whilst the Muslims await for the Mahdi, the believers are not left alone without his guidance. Imam Mahdi is a guide as well as a Savior as his title al Mahdi indicates, which means "The Guide." Therefore, the Twelfth Imam is ever ready to assist his followers when they need him by one method or another. Imam Mahdi (AS) is aware of the state of his followers and is prepared to assist when he is called upon. This has been confirmed by the Imam himself when he said, "As to the way of benefiting from my presence during my disappearance, it is similar to the profit we gain from the sun while it is hidden from sight by the clouds."
According to Islamic beliefs, there must always be a Prophet or Imam existing on earth to guide the people. It is believed that God has not created anyone without sending a leader for instruction and direction. From the time of Adam till the end of time, no person will be left without a divine teacher sent by God. The Holy Quran states in Chapter 17, verse 71, "(Remember) the day when We will call every people with their imam."
According to this verse, everyone will be summoned on the Day of Judgment with their leader who was existing during their time and the people will be questioned whether they obeyed the tenants and guidance delivered by their specific leader.
Therefore, it is important for the believers to recognize the Imam of their time and to follow them.
Furthermore, Muslims believe Mahdi (AS) is the last of the divine teachers who was sent for all people. Likewise his assistance is for all as well because Islam is a universal faith. Islam is not confined to any particular ethnic group or class of people. It is a message open to the whole of mankind to accept and practice. Imam Mahdi's existence is paramount in order for believers to be led on the correct path and not sway to any extremes in the faith. If individuals do so, then they have not followed the true teachings of Islam.
Everyday Muslims recite the chapter from the Quran 'The Opening' in each one of their prayers which seeks guidance from the Lord. With this prayer and one's own effort, Muslims strive towards receiving blessings from the Almighty.
In the name of the most Beneficiant, most Merciful. All praise and thanks be to God, the Lord of existence. The Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. The Owner of the Day of Recompense. You (alone) we worship, and You (alone) we ask for help. Guide us to the straight path. The way of those on whom You have granted Your grace, not (the way) of those who earned Your anger, nor of those who went astray."
By: Fatima Kermalli ( member of Shia Ithna-Asheri Jamaat of Pennsylvania in Allentown)