THE KEY TO REAPPEARANCE — SUPPLICATION

In His Name and With the Remembrance of His Last Proof (a) on Earth

As per the teaching of the sacred religion of Islam and the infallible Imams, Supplication is the weapon of prophets (a.s.), shield for the believers and the soul of all acts of worship. Supplication is also the best connection between the Creator and His servants.

Hazrat Ali (a.s.) says:

“Supplication is a shield for believers. When a door is knocked repeatedly, it opens”

(Usoole kafi, vol.4 chapter of Supplication is the weapon of a believer, pg.215, H.4)

Hazrat Imam Sadiq (a.s.) said to one of his companions:

“Should I indicate to you a thing for which Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) has not provided for any exception?”

The companion, “Please do”

Imam (a.s.), “Supplication, it changes a certain decree (Qadha)”

[Usool-e-kaafi, Ch: Supplication changes calamities and decree, Pg.216, H:6]

Imam (a.s.) folded his wrist tightly and said

“By Allah, if a servant prays to Allah with the depth of his heart then Allah would certainly fulfill his wishes”

[Usool-e-kaafi, Ch: Effects of supplication, pg:224, H:5]

Hazarat Imam Sadiq (a.s.)says:

“Pray and never say whatever should have happened has happened and whatever is decreed should happen”.

[Usool-e-kaafi, Ch:Merits of Supplication, Pg 211, H.3]

Supplication has its effects.

Allama Majlisi (a.r.) while explaining this tradition, writes:

“We should believe in Bada (change). Allah has a manner (shaan) each day. He writes whatever He wishes and He erases whatever He wishes. Qadha (Decree) and Qadr (Measure) are not a barrier to Supplication. There are possibilities of alteration in “Lawh-e-Mahwo Isbat”. Apart from this, supplication is also a reason for Qadha and Qadr. Therefore, it is ordered to supplicate”.

(Usool-e-kafi)

In another tradition, Imam Jafar Sadiq (a.s.) said:

Supplication removes the decree and stops it in the manner such that a tight rope is loosened”

(Ibid)

There is none that does not raise his hands for his problems and does not beseech Allah and Imams in their tribulations.

It is noteworthy that we regularly resort to supplications in all our afflictions. We seek solution to our problems in every manner by supplications. But, why is it that we do not do supplicate for the worst of the calamities, i.e. the occultation of Hazrat Imam Mahdi (a.s.)? We all are aware the best of all the supplications is supplicating for the reappearance since reappearance is not only our final wish but a solution to all our problems, whether hidden or apparent. Probably, this is the reason why it is expressly recommended that we pray for reappearance.

Master of the Time (a.t.f.s.) wrote in a tawqee to Ishaq bin Yaqoob:

“Pray excessively for my reappearance, since in my reappearance lies a solution to all your problems”

(Kamaluddin, Vol. 2, PPg. 485)

Imam (a.s.) wrote in a Tawqee to the author of Kamaluddin:

“Had our shias, may Allah give them tawfiq, remained united in fulfilling our promises, then our meeting would not have been delayed”

(Biharul Anwar, Vol. 53, Pg. 176)

On the effects of supplication, the following tradition of Imam Sadiq (a.s.) is very noteworthy:

“When the calamities over the Bani Israeel became severe, they prayed to Allah wailing. Allah revealed to Hazrat Moosa (a.s.) and Hazrat Haroon (a.s.) to relieve Bani Israeel from the chastisements of  the Pharaoh. This was at a time when there were 170 years left in their 400 year long punishment. Allah reduced 170 years of punishment.”

Imam (a.s.) further says that:

Your condition is also such that if you pray to Allah for reappearance, then Allah will certainly cause an early reappearance and if you do not pray then this affair will attain its completion.”

(Tafseer-e-Ayashi, Vol.2, Pg. 155)

The author of Mikyalul Makarim writes under this tradition as under:

Imam (a.s.)’s reappearance is from those events in which “Bad’a” (change/alter) is possible, i.e. there can be changes to the appointed time

(Mikyalul Makarim, vol. 1 pg. 347)

It’s true that we can advance the time of reappearance on account of our supplications and no such time is appointed for reappearance which cannot be altered. If the people don’t remain neglectful from reappearance, fulfill their covenants with unity and supplicate with all their heart, then occultation will reach its conclusion.

The author of Mikyalul Makarim writes:

The haughty rulers put Hazrat Idrees (a.s.) under severity and hardships. Hazrat Idrees (a.s.) was hidden from his people. The followers felt his occultation (occultation) as severe and unbearable. They repented to Allah and sought His refuge. Allah had mercy on them and revert Hazrat Idrees (a.s.) towards them. Hazrat Idrees (a.s.) returned and the ruler of the time was disgraced.

If, in this manner, people repent to Allah collectively and pray to Allah for reappearance, then Allah may cause a swift reappearance.

(Mikyalul Makarim, Ch. 4)

Imam Hasan Mujtaba (a.s.) appeared in the dreams of Mirza Mohammad Baqir Faqih Imani and said to him:

Mount the pulpit and convey this message to all the people. People should seek repentance and pray for the reappearance of Hazrat Hujjat (a.s.). Praying for the reappearance of Hazrat Hujjat (a.s.) is not a wajib-e-kifai like Namaz-e-Mayyat, that it would suffice if one person performs it. Rather, it is like daily namaz. It is obligatory upon every person to pray for Hazrat Hujjat (a.s.)

(Mikyalul Makarim, vol. 1 pg. 438; Sahifa-e-Mahdiyyah pg 51)

Janab Faqih Imani writes in his book, thus:

It is clear and evident from traditions, supplications and ziyarat that the promise of reappearance is such that cannot be broken. But, the time of reappearance is such that it can be altered. It is clear from traditions that the time of reappearance can be advanced on account of pure supplications of the believers.

(Shewahaiye yaari Qaeme Aale Mohammad, pg 57)

Syed Hallavi, a poet of Ahle-Bait (a.s.), has presented the difficulties and tribulations faced by the Shias to the Imam (a.s.) of the time, and has read this qasida at many occasions. A pious scholar saw Imam (a.s.) in his dream, while he (a.s.) said unto him:

Tell Syed Hallavi to not cause me grief by reciting this Qasida. Reappearance (Zuhoor) is not in my hands. This is in Allah’s hands. Pray to Allah to hasten it.

(Majalise Hazrat Mahdi, pg 109)

One person got an opportunity to meet Imam (a.s.) in Masjide Jamkaran. He narrates the incident as thus:

Completing my aa’maal, I was returning from Masjide Jamkaran along with my wife. I met a brilliant personality on my way. I thought that as this is hot season, this brilliant personality would certainly be thirsty. I presented water to him and said, “Please pray for the reappearance of Imam-e-Zamana (a.s.)”. He said, “Our shias don’t even need us like the water. Had they liked me, they would have surely prayed for my reappearance. Reappearance can come near through their prayers.”

(Sheeftagane Hazrate Mahdi (a.s.), vol. 1, pg 155)

Two more messages from Imame Zamana (a.s.), along with these, should be inculcated in your minds. He says, “Whenever any believer prays for me with tearful eyes, wailing on hearing the tribulations of my father Imam Husain (a.s.), I pray for him.”

(Mikyalul Makarim, vol 1, Pg. 333)

“Give my message to my shias and my friends that pray for me from Allah, imploring my aunt Janab Zainab (a.s.)”.

(Sheeftagane Hazrate Mahdi (a.s.), vol. 1, pg 251)

It can also be concluded from some traditions that one of the rights that Imam (a.s.) has upon us is that we should pray for his reappearance. Hazrat Imam Jafar Sadiq (a.s.) says, “It is one of our right on our Shias, that they should hold their chin and supplicate thus:

يَا رَبَّ مُحَمَّدٍ عَجِّلْ فَرَجَ آلَ مُحَمَّدٍ- ياَ رَبَّ مُحَمَّدٍ اِحْفَظْ غَيْبَةَ مُحَمَّدٍ- يَا رَبَّ مُحَمَّدٍ اِنْتَقِمْ لِاِبْنَةِ مُحَمَّدٍ-

“O Lord of Mohammad, hasten the reappearance of sons of Mohammad. O Lord of Mohammad, protect the occultation of Mohammad. O Lord of Mohammad, hasten the revenge of daughter of Mohammad.”

(Saheefa-e-Mahdiyyah, Pg 195)

This supplication benefits the one who supplicates as well.

This supplication is the cause of deliverance from the darkness of the occultation. Hazrat Imam Hasan Askari (a.s.) says:

None will remain safe during occultation except for the one whom, Allah keeps steadfast and gives him an opportunity to pray for reappearance.

(Kamaluddin, vol. 2, Pg 368)

In another tradition, he (a.s.) narrates thus:

“When you realize that from amongst the clan of Progeny of Mohammad, an Imam is in occultation and you are barred from his visitation, then invoke Allah and pray for his reappearance. This will solve your problems.”

(Kamaluddin, Ch. 32, H. 8)

There are many connections between supplication and reappearance. Some of these are reflected as below:

Supplication not only results in hastening of the reappearance, but also causes many bounties to descend, like forgiveness of sins, ascension of bounties, fending off calamities, prolonging of life, stability of sustenance, entering heaven, intercession of Aale Mohammad, safety from thirst on the day of judgement. The author of Mikyal has mentioned 110 benefits of praying for reappearance.

We reiterate that supplication can hasten the reappearance. Reappearance can be delayed by not praying. The incident of Bani Israeel would suffice as an example.

Some people say, “Imam (a.s.) will reappear when Allah wishes”. These people try to belittle the effects of supplication in this manner. This is true that the affair of reappearance actually lies in the hands of Allah.

وَ اَمَّاظُهُوْرُ الْفَرَجُ فَاِنَّهُ اِلَي اللهِ

“And certainly, the authority of reappearance lies with Allah”. (Occultatione Shaikh Toosi, Pg. 177). However, keeping the traditions in mind, we can arrive at a conclusion that the reappearance of Imam (a.s.) is certain and the appointment of time for reappearance also lies with Allah. But, our prayers can bring near the time of reappearance. Allah’s promise can be fulfilled with our supplications.

Some people say, “We are sinners, we are incapable of praying for Imam. Our food and drink, everything is doubtful. We are not worthy of praying for him.” Such talks are the satanic as these tend to keep us away from the bounties of Supplication. Also, our Imam (a.s.) is not the leader of the pious people alone. He is also a proof for the sinners. Imam (a.s.) is like the sun whose warmth and light reaches everyone. He, is not only the Imam over the humans but also on all the things present in the universe, including the Jinns and the angels. When he is an Imam over everyone, then it is incumbent over every one to pray for him (a.t.f.s). Had it been so, that Allah does not answer the sinners, then He would not have opened the doors of repentance. Repentance (“tauba”) itself is a supplication. Forgiveness of sins proves that the prayers of sinners are also answered. It is necessary for such people to first seek forgiveness of their sins and then pray for reappearance. As a matter of fact, not praying for reappearance is itself a sin. As it has been mentioned, praying for reappearance is a cause for forgiveness of sins. Allah says in Holy Qur’an, “Goodness destroys evil”.

Whenever a discussion on reappearance comes up, a few say, “Imam (a.t.f.s) is not going to come so soon.” Such discussion is against the traditions. In some traditions, it has made obligatory to pray in the morning and evening and according to some other the reappearance will happen suddenly. It will occur when we will not be expecting it. Additionally, it is a sign of our love towards him that we should not consider the reappearance as distant. If some of our relatives go to some remote corner of the world, then is it our sign of love that we do not wish their early return?

Some people try to find the problem of praying for reappearance in Tawzihul Masael and ask where it has been noted in Tawzihul Masael? In response to this, we must say that the problem of Furu-e-deen is explained in Tawzihul Masael. Reappearance is a fundamental (usooli) issue. Also, Hazrat Imam Mohammad Taqi (a.s.) said to Janab Abdul Azeem Hasani, “O Abul Qasim! Our Mahdi (a.t.f.s) is such a guide that awaiting for his reappearance in his occultation is obligatory and obeying him in his presence is also obligatory”. (Kamaluddin, vol. 2, Pg. 377)

A tradition from Imam Hasan (a.s.) makes it obligatory to pray for reappearance like the daily 5 prayers. (Mikyalul Makarim, vol. 1, Pg. 333)

Praying for Imam (a.s.) should not be considered like all other prayers. This supplication is not like a custom. This should not be the last of supplication among other supplications. It is not a supplication to be sought after all supplications like asking for sustenance, virtuous offspring, forgiveness of parents, etc., which indicates thus that the supplications are coming to an end. This is a supplication which will bring an end to all the calamities. Also, this supplication is the most beneficial for all creatures in the universe. It is a prayer for the Proof of Allah. This supplication is for all the oppressed, prisoners, indigent, sick, homeless, poor, needy. This supplication is in fact a supplication for every thing that can be included in supplication. Since Imam will re-appear, every one will benefit from his reappearance. Hence, special attention should be given to this supplication.

Some people say, “Imam will not reappear until we reform ourselves”. If this implies that we should prepare the world for reappearance, then this is very correct. Whereas if this means that until we reform ourselves, Imam shall not reappear, then this is inappropriate. Since Imam (a.t.f.s) will reappear for correction. He shall fill the world with justice just as it was filled with oppression. Also, we should not in any way consider the reappearance as a distant affair. It is mentioned in Supplication-e-Ahad, “… they consider it (reappearance) as distant, while we see it near”

Some people think that in view of the weapons possessed by the super powers, how would Imam (a.s.) fill the world with justice? What method will he adopt against such weaponry? It is only to be said unto them that Imam is “the power of Allah”. He is the one who will show the power of Allah over His creatures. A lone gesture of Imam (a.s.) can cause all the weapons of this world to malfunction. Additionally, Imam (a.s.) is also the possessor of hidden authority. It is mentioned in the traditions that the unbelievers will be frightened of Imam (a.s.) and his army. The awe of arrival shall travel one month prior to the army and spoil the plans of the opponents. They will be so scared that their minds will stop functioning. The traditions state thus, “The one who will be helped by fright”. During the reappearance, the super-powers will be afraid in a similar manner. Apart from these, Imam (a.s.) will also use the apparent powers. Therefore, some of his companions will attain martyrdom. In any way, super weapons of super powers are not an obstacle to his kingdom. Unlike the earlier Prophets and Imams, people will not dare to deny him or defeat him at any battlefield. Shaikh Hurre Aamili, a reputed scholar, writes thus: “I have seen in my dream that Hazrat (a.t.f.s) has come to Mashhad. I enquired about his address.

I was told that Imam’s tent is at the right side garden of the Haram. I went to Imam. Imam was sitting at the centre of the gathering. There was a fountain and 20 people were seated. After some conversation, food was served, which was apparently very less. It was very tasty and we all ate our fill, while food was still in its pristine condition. After the food, I realized that the number of companions is not more than 40. I thought that the Imam has reappeared but the count of his companions is so less. Considering the size of his army would the kings of this world, still follow him?

How would Imam fight the kingdoms with such a minute army? How would he achieve victory with so small an armed force?  I was still in deep thought, while Imam looked at me and smiled and said: “Do not be fearful of the minority of our shias. I have such followers that if I order them, they shall bring all the kings of this world and sever their necks.

وَ مَا يَعْلَمُ جُنُوْدَ رَبِّكَ اِلاَّ هُوَ

“None knows the army of your lord, except Himself”(Sura Mudassir: 31). Hearing these glad tidings, I became happy. (Isbatul huda, Ch 23, Pg 166)

None should conclude of the foregoing discussions that, God forbid, Imam is in need of our prayers. He is not in need of our supplications. Rather, we are in need of his mercy. Its mentioned in a tradition that: “One who considers that Imam is in need of our supplications, then he is an unbeliever” (Tarjuma Mikyalul Makarim, vol. 2, Pg. 166). Imam is needless of whatever is with the people. Whatever we pray for him, will benefit us alone. Whenever Allah wills and Imam reappears, every one will be benefited. World and its valuables are valueless for Hazrat (a.s.). He is concerned only for the Will of Allah and cares for the achievement of His Will.”