It is evident that the appointment of an individual is made solely on the basis of the work and its aim.
The qualification of an engineer is taken into consideration if a small house has to be constructed. But if a bigger project has to be undertaken, then the engineer will have to be more capable and qualified. And if one has to draft a plan for an entire nation then the qualifications of the engineer and others responsible for its implementation will be at a totally different level. In the last scenario, the utility of each and every individual will be minutely scrutinized as the responsibility given to them is extremely critical and hence due attention will have to be paid to each and every aspect.
Now, if the same plan has to be implemented throughout the world, then the qualifications of this individual will have to be extraordinary, in fact, even peerless. His capabilities, his plans, his skills must be far superior and superlative as compared to others. In other words, it is not a position anyone can aspire to reach and it is not a task for the run of the mill individual. The character, the thought and the energies of this group of individuals will be entirely focused on the task at hand. They will be totally immersed in the project.
Now let us try to gauge the enormity of Imam Mahdi’s (as) tasks. We will mention a few of them below:
Establishing Justice and Equality in the Whole World
Whenever there is mention of the auspicious reappearance of Imam Mahdi (as), the following sentence comes to mind instantly: ‘He will fill the earth with justice and equality as it would have been filled with oppression and injustice.’
So one critical task that Imam (as) shall perform on his reappearance is the establishment of justice and equality in the whole world. This task is easier said than done for there is none amongst us who has ever experienced absolute justice and equality in the world.
Prevalence of Islam
Allah declares in the Holy Quran, “He it is Who sent His Apostle with the guidance and the true religion, that He may make it overcome the religions, all of them, though the polytheists may be averse.” (Surah Saf, vese 9)
Imam Mahdi (as) will actualize this divine promise.
End of Polytheism
It is explicitly stated, “…they shall serve Me, not associating aught with Me…” (Surah Noor, verse 55)
“…and to Him submits whoever is in the heavens and the earth, willingly or unwillingly…” (Surah Ale Imran, verse 83)
Imam Kazim (as) has advanced an exegesis of this verse, “This verse was revealed about Imam Qaem (as). When he reappears, he would present Islam to all the Jews, Christians, atheists, apostates and infidels; whoever would accept it willingly, will be ordered to observe the duties incumbent on a Muslim and he would execute one who does not accept Islam. After that no one would remain in the world but that he would be a monotheist.
I asked: May I be your ransom, non-Muslims are in majority; how he would subdue them all?
He replied: When the Almighty Allah makes an intention, He would make the more less and the less, more.”” (Beharul Anwar, volume 52, chapter 32, tradition 90)
From this it is clear that after the reappearance of Imam Mahdi (as), the standard of Tawheed will fly high across the length and the breadth of the world. With this the final traces of polytheism and infidelity will vanish. Then on this earth that truly belongs only to Allah, only He will be worshipped and everyone will bow down in prostration as a measure of the Awe and Majesty that He commands.
Seeking The Revenge of Karbala and Hazrat Zahra (sa)
Apart from this, Imam Mahdi (as) is the Imam who has been entrusted with the responsibility of seeking revenge for the Prophets, the children of the Prophets (as) and the martyrs of Karbala. In Dua-e-Nudbah we refer to Imam Mahdi (as) as the “one who will seek vengeance for the Prophets and the children of the Prophets” and also the “one who will seek revenge for the blood of the martyrs of Karbala.”
A tradition in Beharul Anwar states that Imam Mahdi (as), when he enters Medina, he will bring out the Laat and Uzza and burn them up. This tradition is also found in Ehtejaj of Tabarsi. (Beharul Anwar, volume 52, chapter 31, tradition 10)
Imam Baqir (as) said: “When the Qaem rises, Humaira will be brought to him (after being raised from the dead), so that he may punish her with lashes to avenge for Fatemah, the daughter of Mohammed (sawa).” I asked why he would punish her with lashes? He replied, “Due to the false allegation she made against Ibrahim’s mother.” I asked: How is it that the Almighty Allah postponed this matter of (punishment by lashing) till the time of Hazrat Qaem? He said: The Almighty Allah, blessed be He, sent Muhammad (sawa) as a mercy, but He has created Qaim (as) for punishing and taking revenge.” (Beharul Anwar, volume 52, chapter 32, tradition 9)
Other Objectives
In numerous Quranic verses, traditions and supplications, several other objectives have been outlined. For brevity’s sake we are narrating certain excerpts from Dua-e-Nudbah. This is one of the most important and authentic supplications. This supplication has been strongly recommended for recitation on Fridays.
- Renewal of the religious obligations and recommended acts (Sunnah)
- Well-being of the people and the Islamic Shariat
- Safe keeping the limits of the Holy Quran
- Safeguarding religion and the religious people
- Putting an end to despots and suppressive regimes
- Destruction of polytheism and evil
- Annihilation of sinners
- End of opposition to religion
- Termination of liars, accusers and egoists
- Respect and pride for the friends and putting to shame and disheartening the enemies
- Inviting the people towards piety and devoutness
- Uniting the scattered ones (Shiahs)
In a salutation recommended by Imam Mahdi (as), we learn of some other duties
- The destruction of every enemy of religion.
- The end of the enemies of religion and their leaders
- To act stringently with the transgressors
- To bring down every standard representing the oppressors and tyrants
- To grind to pieces all forces hostile to religion
- To disrupt the armies that aim to cause damage to the true religion
- To destroy those pulpits, which are employed solely to spew venom against Islam
- To break the swords of the enemies of religion
- To exterminate the idols
- Convert strong forts into ruins
- To close all the doors of mischief and corruption
- To destroy the palaces of oppression
- To bring out all the treasures from the earth
From the above mentioned points one can safely assume and understand that after the reappearance of the radiant light, the responsibilities of Imam Mahdi (as) will not be limited to narrating the rules but also establishing in totality the perfect religion of Allah. He has to carry out a unique task that has not been performed by anyone till date.
Taking into account all of these responsibilities and more, one can very well image the kind of qualities which would be found in the companions of Imam Mahdi (as). These make us reflect whether we possess these qualities and whether we are worthy of making the cut into the army of Imam Mahdi (as).
Read more about companions of Imam Mahdi (as)