The need for felt to clarify some points about this topic so that the faith of the believers regarding this is strengthened and doubts, if any, can be clarified. Here are some questions which people have about the topic of meeting with Imam Mahdi (as) and the answers to these questions.
Question 1: Is it possible to meet with Imam Mahdi (as) in Ghaybate’ Kubra. The Imam (as), through the fourth special deputy, stated very clearly that after him there would be no special deputy and those who claim “Mushaheda” are liars.
Answer: Imam (as) has labelled those who claim “Mushaheda” with Imam Mahdi (as) are liars. Mushaheda in this context refers to be able to meet with Imam Mahdi (as) whenever a person wishes. Mushaheda is a mutual action – it requires participation from both parties like Munazerah (debate between two or more), Muqatelah (fight between two or more) or Muqabelah (confrontation between two or more). These actions are not one-sided. Rather they are possible only when there are two or more than two persons mutually agreeable for the action, like a debate. The Imam (as) has refuted those people who claim to have the power to meet with the Imam (as) whenever they want. During the period of Ghaybate’ Sughra, there were four special deputies chosen by the Imam (as) who could meet with the Imam (as) whenever they desired. This is not possible for any person in Ghaybate’ Kubra. However whenever the Imam (as) desires, he can meet with any person.
Question 2: Does Imam (as) meet only with scholars or people of a particular race, tribe or country?
Answer: No, it is not like that. Imam (as) may meet with any person – rich or poor, Arab or non Arab, scholar or not a scholar. We should not corrupt our belief by any propaganda to this effect.
Question 3: What should one do to meet with Imam Mahdi?
Answer: The answer to this question is a set of pointers which are collected through traditions and various incidents.
To meet with Imam Mahdi, one should,
- Have a sincere intention in his heart and express this intention
- Fulfil the obligatory acts of Islam
- Try and avoid forbidden acts as much as possible
- Seek repentance quickly for any sins
- Be careful about fulfilling the rights of the people, especially the rights of the Shiahs of Imam Ali Ibne Abi Talib (as)
- Follow the rules of Shariat in worldly transactions
- Pray more for the early reappearance of Imam Mahdi (as)
- Recite the supplications and prayers recommended by the Holy Imams (as)
- Write areeza (letter) to Imam Mahdi (as) frequently
- Turn towards Imam Mahdi (as) for every difficulty
After all of this, one should leave the final outcome upon Imam Mahdi (as) and be satisfied with whatever is ordained for him.
Question 4: We are praying for so many days for reappearance and for meeting with Imam (as). Neither dua is being accepted. What should one do?
Answer: Since the verses of Quran and traditions are clear on the matter of praying more for reappearance of Imam Mahdi (as), we should not forsake this action till the last breath of our lives. There are several benefits of praying for this which we may not be attentive to. It may be possible that because of our prayers, the reappearance of Imam Mahdi (as) may have been advanced, but not by that much that the period of ghaybat is completed. Also it is possible that we may have had the good fortune of meeting Imam Mahdi (as), but we may not have recognised him.
This dua for reappearance of Imam Mahdi (as) is a reason for acceptance of our other duas and the cause for removal of difficulties in our lives. The Imams (as) and angels pray for the one who prays for the reappearance of Imam Mahdi (as). The author of Mikyalul Makarim has listed down 90 benefits for just praying for Imam Mahdi (as). (Note that these benefits are available to those who pray and are not dependent upon the actual acceptance of the prayer)
In addition to the above, we read the tradition of the Holy Prophet (sawa) in Sawabul Aamaal by Shaykh Suduq (ar) – One who prays for the need of a believing brother, Allah writes for him the reward equivalent to the number of people from Hazrat Adam (as) till the Day of Qiyamat. And forgives for him an equal number of sins. If he is ordered to go to Hell on the Day of Judgement, then all the believers will intercede for him. Allah will accept their intercession and grant paradise to this believer.
No one amongst us can doubt the belief of Imam Mahdi (as). If one prays for Imam Mahdi (as), then he will intercede for us on the day of Judgement. The reward of this action will be more and not less.
Question 5: Despite not getting the opportunity to meet Imam Mahdi (as), should one continue to pray for Imam Mahdi (as).
Answer: Along with performance of those actions enumerated in Question 3 above, one should remind oneself that these actions are an expression of our love for Imam Mahdi (as) and a small effort to fulfil the right of “mawaddatul qurba.” Sometimes, our duas are accepted immediately, but the effect of the fulfilment is seen after son time. For example, in the case of Hazrat Nuh (as), his dua for punishment for his nation was accepted, but the actual punishment was manifested only after many years. Or refer to the incident of the person who met Hazrat Ibrahim (as) after praying for 30 years to Allah for this opportunity. Or so many people pray their entire lives to Allah for the opportunity to perform Hajj and Ziyarat of Imam (as), but they get the opportunity only at the age of 50 or 60 years. One should never despair from asking for this dua of reappearance of Imam Mahdi (as).
Question 6: Can one meet with Imam Mahdi (as) in Jazirah Khizrah (Green Island)?
Answer: As per the traditions from the Holy Imams (as), there is no permanent residence for Imam Mahdi (as) in ghaybat. Imam Hasan Askari (as) advised Hazrat Mahdi (as) not to select any permanent place for stay for himself. Therefore one cannot claim that Jazirah Khizrah is the place of stay of Imam Mahdi (as) or his sons. Not Jazirah Khizrah, not any place.
