بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
Given Imam Mahdi’s (a.s.) sorrow, which is expressed in a tawquee to Shaikh Mufeed (r.a.), it is evident that the ways to reach Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) in the minor occultation were not followed and continues to be the same till date. As a consequence, the grief, sorrow and the sufferings on this honourable being keeps increasing by the day. The feeling of loneliness, oppression, alienation, negligence from others and the lack of recognition on part of the Shias towards the Divine Proof has prepared the residents of the heavens and earth to weep over Imam (a.t.f.s.).[1] It is true that many Infallible Imams (a.s.) were mourning on his isolation, innocence and occultation years, or even centuries before the birth of this honourable being.
Imam Sadeq (a.s.) was indeed seen sitting on the ground, lamenting like a mother who has lost her son. Tears rolled down his cheeks as he said: My dear! Your occultation has stolen my sleep and has troubled my heart. It has ruined the tranquility of my heart…My dear! Your occultation has brought on my being a life threatening catastrophe from which releasing oneself is difficult.[2]
Do you know that in the traditions of the Infallibles, the Shias and the lovers of Ahle Bayt (a.s.) have been encouraged to pray for the promised reappearance of Aale Muhammad (a.s.)? In the 1180 long years of this major occultation, the world is seeing oppression, injustice, sins and rampant innovations taking place. For every innocent blood that is being shed, or every drop of tear trickling down an orphan’s eye or from the eyes of the oppressed or for every sigh that comes out from the heart of an afflicted one — all these is under the gaze of Imam (a.s.) and these things are all the more disturbing for his already gloomy heart. Isn’t this the case? Isn’t it true that the sufferings and oppression of the Last Proof of Allah is more than the sorrows of all Ahle Bayt (a.s.)?
The pain, torture and tears of his respected mother who grieved in the house of sorrow (Baitul Huzn) following the death of her father Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) are indeed shattering and heart-breaking. But it lasted no more than couple of months. Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) loneliness and staying put in house too was restricted for a quarter of a century. The time Hazrat Imam Kazim (a.s.) spent in the prison, as documented, was at the most 21 years. But 1185 years have passed since the birth of Imam-e-Asr (a.t.f.s.) and this most capable and most courageous person is left wandering in occultation.
What patience! What perseverance and what great strength does he possess! How long and agonizing is this wait.
It is natural that when an individual from a family is arrested in difficulties then you will find that those associated with him or the people of his nation willing to help him at every step. They are worried and run from pillar to post to help him. They sacrifice their status and riches purely with the intention to rid him of his difficulties. These things, indeed have been regularly witnessed.
But doesn’t the Shia teachings and belief tell us that the Imam of the era Continue reading
MAHDAVIYAT 