This duty is similar to performing good deeds on behalf of Imam Mahdi (as) such as sending a person for Hajj, Ziyarat and also other good deeds. This is also included among the duties of Shiahs during Ghaybat.
The proof is the tradition related by Sayyed Ibne Tawoos (ra) from Abu Mohammed Saimri that it is narrated from the Holy Imam (as), One who gifts the Reward of his prayers to the Messenger of Allah (sawa), Ameerul Momineen and the Imams after him, Allah shall increase the reward of this prayer to such an extent that one becomes breathless while counting it. And before his soul is separated from his body he is told, O Man! Your gift has reached me! Since this is the day of recompense, may your heart gladden and eyes brighten through the recompense that Allah has fixed for you and which you have reached. Congratulation for it!
The narrator says that he asked Imam (as) how they should gift the prayer and what they should recite to gift its reward. Imam (as) told him, “Make an intention that the reward of this prayer is for the Messenger of Allah (sawa)….” (Jamaal al-Usboo page 15)
The author of Mikyalul Makarem, Muhammad Taqi Musawi (ra) writes, It is clear from the concerning traditional reports that it is recommended to gift the reward of recommended as well as obligatory prayers to the Messenger of Allah (sawa) and the Holy Imams (as).
When we gift the reward of our actions to Holy Prophet (sawa) or to any of the Imams (as) or any revered personality like Hazrat Abbas (as) or to Janabe Zainab (sa) or Janabe Ummul Baneen (sa), it is not that they are in need of this reward or that we have done some obligation upon them. Rather it is the other way. Pay attention to this verse from the Quran – “They think that they lay you under an obligation by becoming Muslims. Say: Lay me not under obligation by your Islam: rather Allah lays you under an obligation by guiding you to the faith” (Chapter 49 verse 17)
We should be aware that performance of good deeds and gifting the reward of such deeds is a grace and favour upon us from Allah, Holy Prophet (sawa) and Aimmah (as). Our offering the reward of our good deeds enhances their value and the quality of their acceptance. It is the greatness of these personalities that they accept our gifts else our deeds are not worthy of being presented to them.
- Read More: Duties of Shiahs in Ghaybat
