Al-Mahdi (a.s.)

secondly, refraining from ascertaining the time of emergence and leaving it to divine discretion of and considering the possibility of Mahdi emerging today or tomorrow forcibly creates an urge and desire in praying for his early reappearance since it is possible that his emergence may be linked to 'dua' (praying)and insistence in request.

thirdly, the period of Mahdi's emergence is known and the people are aware of this matter even though they may belong to the few special class, it would mean that hazrat has to emerge forcibly and the special and ordinary class of people especially those desirous of this matter, must recognize him and the enemies themselves right form the beginning of his emergence in killing him. amongst the impossible affairs is this that on the day of Mahdi's emergence, his powers will be the same as the powers of his enemies.

fourthly, when the affairs of the people are in imam's hands, he would be the pivot of the millstone of the muslims and the focal point of their social body. undoubtedly imam's occultation even though for a short period will bring the movement of that society to a standstill. however if the people bring faith in his emergence and have hope in his return especially so in the near future, it would then be possible for that society to remain protected from disorder.

fifthly, awaiting for emergence at any period will bring an acceleration in the reformity movement. a person who awaits the arrival of his companion will be bound to make speed in the preliminary preparation for his arrival lest his friend arrives suddenly and he may not have fulfilled his duty.

truly if 'intezar' (awaiting) for Mahdi's emergence is based on sincerity and non-fixation of time (of his emergence) it would indeed be regarded as two important factors for the salvation and comfort of a society.

i wish that the author of 'tafseer-e-al-minar' would take back some of his words in this regard.

«Mahdi's emergence at the end of
time»

the author of esa'af-ur-raghebeen (on page 148) narrates from hakim (from the book of sahih) who narrates from the messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.) as such:-

'at the end of time, a severe calamity shall overtake my nation.... Allah will send a man from my progeny or he said: from my ahl-e-bayt who shall fill the earth with equity and justice.

ibn-hajar in 'sawa'eq' (page 98) has narrated from ahmad and muslim who in turn have narrated from the messenger of Allah (s.a.w .a.) as saying: