All the sects of Islam in general, and in particular, the Shiah are steadfast in their belief, that prior to the advent of the Day of Judgement (Qiyamat), injustice and inequality will be rife in the earth. In such a condition, Allah, through His Proof (Hujjat) will fill the earth with justice and equality, as it will be filled with injustice and oppression.Execution of this momentous mission of altering the administration of the world requires the presence of an equally great personality. We all are aware that the great person being referred to here, is none other than Imam Mahdi (as). To complete his divine mission successfully, Imam Mahdi (as) will naturally require supporters and helpers.
Inshallah, with the help of Allah and the grace of Imam Mahdi (as), in this brief treatise, we shall delve into the characteristics of those personalities who will form the group of helpers of Imam Mahdi (as). Using the Holy Quran and traditions of our Holy Imams (as), we shall try to find about more about those who will assist him (as) in cleansing this earth from the stain of injustice and inequality and replacing it with justice and equality.
According to traditions of the infallible Imams (as), numerous verses from the Holy Quran contain references to the companions of Imam Mahdi (as) (may our lives be sacrificed for him). The commentaries and references under these verses draw our attention towards the characteristics and traits of the companions of Imam Mahdi (as).
Verse 1
“ …wherever you are, Allah will bring you all together…” (Surah Baqarah, verse 148)
With reference to the above verse, Imam Jafar Sadiq (as) says that this verse points to the companions of Imam Mahdi (as). (al-Ghaybah of Nomani, page 313)
Imam Baqir (as) says that in reality this verse refers to those 313 companions of Imam Mahdi (as) who will in a single moment gather around him (as) (like moths gather around the glow of fire), between Rukn and Maqaam and pay allegiance to him (as).
Verse 2
“And if We hold back from them the punishment until a stated period of time, they will certainly say: What prevents it?…” (Surah Hud, verse 8)
According to Imam Ali (as), Ummat Madoodah (Maeaanah Ummat) refers to the 313 companions of Imam Mahdi (as). (Tafseer Qummi, volume 1, page 323)
Verse 3
“…therefore if these disbelieve in it We have already entrusted with it a people who are not disbelievers in it.” (Surah Anaam, verse 89)
Imam Sadiq (as) says that this verse is a reference to the special companions of Imam Mahdi (as). (al-Ghaybah of Nomani, page 316)
Verse 4
“…then Allah will bring a people, He shall love them and they shall love Him, lowly before the believers, mighty against the unbelievers…” (Surah Maedah, verse 54)
Imam Sadiq (as), after reciting this verse, recited its preceding verse, and said this verse too refers to the companions of the previous Divine proofs. (Tafseere Ayyashi, volume 1, page 326)
Verse 5
“And certainly We wrote in the Book after the reminder that (as for) the land, My righteous servants shall inherit it.” (Surah Ambiya, verse 105)
In an explanation to the above verse, Imam Baqir (as) remarks that it refers to the companions of Imam Mahdi (as) in the last days. (Tafseere Majmaul Bayan volume 7, page 66)
Verse 6
“Those who, should We establish them in the land, will keep up prayer and pay the poor-rate and enjoin good and forbid evil; and Allah?s is the end of affairs.” (Surah Hajj, verse 41)
With reference to the above verse, Imam Baqir (as) says that in reality, this verse has been revealed with reference to the companions of Imam Mahdi (as). Allah will place the East and the West at their disposal, and through them He will establish His religion on this earth. There will remain no sign of injustice and oppression on this earth. (Yanaabiul Mawaddah, page 425)
Verse 7
“Allah has promised to those of you who believe and do good that He will most certainly make them rulers in the earth as He made rulers those before them…” (Surah Noor, verse 55)
Imam Zainul Abedin (as), while swearing by Allah says that these are our lovers and our Shiahs. These are those who will be made the successors of this earth by Allah through the Mahdi (as), who will be from amongst us. (Yanaabiul Mawaddah, page 426)
Readers should note that there is a promise made by Allah in the above verse and Allah never breaks His promise. If Allah promises that the rightful inheritors of this earth will be the companions of Imam Mahdi (as), then taking a cue from the tradition we should wait for this day with restlessness. Allah’s promise refers to that Imam Mahdi (as), who, after his reappearance will fill the earth with justice and equality, just as it will be filled (at that time) with injustice and oppression.
At this juncture, we raise our hands and pray to Allah, that by the right of Janabe Zahra (sa), Allah grants us the taufeeq (opportunity) of waiting for Imam Mahdi (as) in the true sense of the word – that we may strive to prepare the earth for his reappearance. And that after his reappearance, our names be included in the celebrated list of companions who will help Imam Mahdi (as) in his mission.
Read more about companions of Imam Mahdi (as)