Poorya Kadivar

#Nutritionist, MSc   Isfahan, I.R. Iran 

[pooryakadivar]

The greatest quality of belief in Mahdism is creating hope

The greatest characteristic of this belief among Shias is that it engenders hope. The Shia community is not reliant only on its prominent historical events in the past. It also looks forward to the future. A person who believes in the issue of Mahdism on the basis of Shia ideology does not empty his heart of hope even in the most difficult circumstances. There is always a ray of hope in the heart of such a person. They know that this dark era and this era of oppression and illegitimate domination will definitely come to an end. This is one of the most important results and achievements of this belief. Of course, Shia belief in the issue of Mahdism is not confined to this point: "People all over the world feed from his blessings and the heavens and the earth gain strength thanks to his existence" [Commentary on Usul al-Kafi, Vol. 1, p. 4]. Such is the belief in Mahdism. This bright flame and this shining light has existed in Shia societies in the course of past centuries and it will continue to exist. By Allah's favor, the era of anticipation will come to an end.

Supreme Leader of Iran, Grand Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

[pooryakadivar]

A major opening to salvation is awaiting the reappearance [of Imam Mahdi]

We should wait. The outlook of religions towards the final destination of the caravan of mankind is a very promising outlook. The spirit of waiting and establishing a close relationship with the Imam of the Time (may our souls be sacrificed for his sake) and anticipating the day when he reappears is really one of the greatest gates of salvation [faraj] for the Islamic community. We are waiting for salvation. This anticipation itself is salvation. This anticipating is the gate to salvation. It is promising and revitalizing. It prevents us from feeling desperate, ruined, hopeless and confused about the future. It gives us hope and it provides guidance. This is the point about the Imam of the Time (God's greetings be upon him).

Supreme Leader of Iran, Grand Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

[pooryakadivar]

Belief in the Savior is a component of religions’ worldviews

Belief in the Imam of the Time (a.j.) is a component of religions’ worldviews. That is, just as divine religions hold viewpoints within their general worldviews about the universe, mankind, origin and the end of human life’s trajectory—about genesis and resurrection—they also hold viewpoints in their worldviews about the final destination of the caravan of humans. A worldview is a great system which lays the foundation for all the thoughts, obligations and rules of religions. It addresses the issues of the afterlife and the hereafter. Another issue is where the mankind is heading to. If we liken the human community throughout history to a caravan which is taking a specific path, then we are faced with this question: Where is this caravan going? What is the destination of this caravan? What is the end of this path? This is a serious question and every worldview should answer it. Religions have answered this question... all of them believe that this caravan will reach a favorable, sweet and pleasant destination in the end. The main characteristic of this destination is justice. Justice has been humanity's general request from the first day until today and it will remain mankind’s main request until the end. Those people who try to believe in variety, diversity and change in their principles and main philosophies cannot deny the fact that humanity has had certain requests from the first day until today, the most important of which is justice. Humanity is after justice. It has never changed its mind about this demand and in the end, this demand will be met.

Supreme Leader of Iran, Grand Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

[pooryakadivar]

Self-edification is a prerequisite to awaiting

Awaiting requires that we prepare ourselves. We should know that a great event will take place and we should always expect it to happen. We can never say that the event will not happen in a few years nor can we say that the event will happen in the near future. We should always wait for it. Those who are waiting should develop characteristics and manners that are expected in the awaited era. This is the requirement for awaiting. If there is supposed to be justice, truth, monotheism, purity and submission to God in the awaited era, then as the people who are waiting, we should get closer to these qualities. We should become familiar with justice. We should prepare ourselves for justice. We should prepare ourselves for accepting the truth. These are the consequences of awaiting.

Supreme Leader of Iran, Grand Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

[pooryakadivar]

The issue of awaiting is an inseparable component of Mahdism

The issue of waiting [for the re-appearance of Imam Mahdi (a.s.)] is an inseparable component of Mahdism. It is one of the key concepts for understanding religion and the general movement of the Islamic Ummah towards the lofty goals of Islam. Awaiting means expecting an event that will definitely happen. This is the meaning of awaiting. Awaiting means that this future is definite. This is especially true if we are awaiting a living and primed entity. This is a very important issue. We are not awaiting someone who has not been born yet. No, we are awaiting someone who exists and is present among us. There are certain narrations according to which people can see him, but they do not recognize him. In certain narrations, he has been likened to Prophet Joseph whose brothers used to see him. He was present among his brothers and he used to sit beside them, but they could not recognize him. It is such a clear and motivating truth. This facilitates awaiting. Humanity needs this awaiting and the Islamic Ummah needs it even more. This waiting puts responsibilities on the shoulders of human beings.

Supreme Leader of Iran, Grand Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

[pooryakadivar]

Without Mahdism, all efforts by the all prophets will turn futile

If Mahdism did not exist, it would mean that all the efforts by divine prophets, all prophetic missions, all the strenuous efforts of divine prophets were futile. Therefore, the issue of Mahdism is an essential issue. It is one of the central divine teachings. For this reason, as far as I know, in all divine religions, there are teachings which are essentially the equivalent to Mahdism. However, these teachings have been distorted and blurred over time and it is not clear what they are trying to say. The issue of Mahdism is among the undeniable Islamic realities. That is to say, Mahdism is not limited to Shia Islam. There is a consensus among all Islamic denominations on the end of the days-- which includes when Imam Mahdi (may God hasten his re-appearance) establishes ultimate justice in the world. There are valid narrations [confirming that] by the Holy Prophet (s.w.a.) and Islamic luminaries from different denominations of Islam. Therefore, there is no doubt in this regard. However, Shia Islam has an advantage among other denominations; because the issue of Mahdism is not an ambiguous issue in Shia Islam. The issue of Mahdism is not a convoluted issue; it is not complicating to understand. It is clear. Mahdism has an epitome and we are familiar with this epitome. We know his characteristics. We know his ancestors. We know his family. We know when he was born. We know the details. And this familiarity is not based on Shia narrations alone. There are non-Shia narrations that clarify the details for us. Followers of other Islamic denominations should pay careful attention in order to understand this clear truth.

Supreme Leader of Iran, Grand Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

[pooryakadivar]

The time after the reappearance of Imam Mahdi is the time of the true rule of spirituality and religion over mankind’s life

The topic of Mahdism is among the main topics in the cycle and set of noble religious knowledges; such as the topic of Prophethood. That is, it is comparable to prophethood: this is the importance that we should attach to the issue of Mahdism. Why? Because Mahdism represents what all prophets were sent for - namely, building a monotheistic world on the basis of justice using all the capacities that Allah the Exalted has bestowed on humanity. This is the era that will come after the reappearance of Imam Mahdi (God's greetings be upon him and may God hasten his re-appearance): the era in which monotheism and genuine spirituality will be dominant over the entire life of human beings, the era in which justice will be established in the real sense of the word. Well, this was what prophets were sent for.

Supreme Leader of Iran, Grand Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

[pooryakadivar]

Who is the promised Imam of the Shias and the Saviour of the world? Is the belief in him logical?

he Shias are awaiting the arrival of the promised savior-- Imam Mahdi (a.s.) -- and are not lost in their fantasies; they are searching for an existing reality. He is alive and lives among the people. He sees people. He can feel their sufferings. Those who are lucky enough and have the capacity sometimes meet him without recognizing him. He does exist. He is a real human: a known being with a given name; his parents are known and he lives among the people and with them. This is how our—the Shias’—belief is. And the followers of other faiths who do not believe in this reality have never been able to provide any logical reasons to reject this belief. There are several obvious and strong reasons, also accepted by Sunni Muslims, which are a testimony to the existence of this exalted servant of God. All these reasons provide evidence that Imam Mahdi (may our souls be sacrificed for his sake) is living among us - and we are all aware of his characteristics. This is what has been cited in many non-Shia sources as well. The birth date of the pure-hearted son of Imam Hassan al-Askari (a.s.) is known to everyone. His miracles and those who are connected with him are also known to us. God Almighty has granted a long life to him. These are the characteristics of the Imam of the Time (may our souls be sacrificed for his sake) whom all the nations of the world, all ethnic groups, and people from all faiths and races have been impatiently waiting for at all times. These are the beliefs of Shia Muslims about this important issue.

Supreme Leader of Iran, Grand Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

[pooryakadivar]

What does awaiting the savior entail?

Awaiting the Savior means that we should not accept or be satisfied with the current situation in our lives, and we should make efforts towards living an ideal life. And it is evident that such an ideal situation can only be created by Imam Mahdi (may our souls be sacrificed for his sake). We should prepare ourselves to fight like a soldier for such a situation. Waiting for the arrival of Imam Mahdi does not mean that we should remain idle and not make any efforts to improve. Simply waiting for the arrival of the Imam of the Time (may our souls be sacrificed for his sake) is not what we should do. What does waiting for the savior mean? It means waiting for the strong, powerful and divine hand of Imam Mahdi to put an end to the domination of the oppressive powers with the help of humans; to bring justice to the world; to raise the flag of monotheism, and to lead humans to truly submit to God. We should get prepared for this. The formation of the Islamic Republic prepared the ground for this great and historic movement. Everything that is done to achieve justice in the world takes us one step forward towards reaching this lofty goal. This is the meaning of waiting for Imam Mahdi. Awaiting the Savior means that we should move and not remain idle. Awaiting the Savior does not mean that we should leave things to others and wait for something to happen. Awaiting the Savior means that we should move and get prepared for the arrival of Imam Mahdi. We should be individually and socially prepared. Taking this great step and being able to prepare the right atmosphere for the arrival of Imam Mahdi was a blessing from God Almighty bestowed on our nation. This is the meaning of awaiting Imam Mahdi. Being prepared on all fronts to achieve the purpose for which the Imam of the Time (may our souls be sacrificed for his sake) will rise up is the true meaning of awaiting him. That great revolution will happen to achieve such goals as promoting justice, living a humane and moral life, and submitting to God. This is what awaiting the Savior means.

Supreme Leader of Iran, Grand Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

[pooryakadivar]

World’s current situation resembles the features of the awaited era as explained by narrations

Look at the current situation of the world. What has been described in traditions about the time of the arrival of Imam Mahdi (may our souls be sacrificed for his sake) exists in the world: The world is brimful of oppression and tyranny... Today, oppression and tyranny are prevalent in the world. Today, the life of human beings is dominated by the oppressive and arrogant powers of the world. This is the situation that exists in all parts of the world. Today, human beings are suffering many a problem due to the prevalence of tyranny and egocentric desires in their lives. That there are two billion people starving in the world, the existence of millions of people who are under the influence of egocentric desires in non-divine governments, and the pressure that is currently being exerted on faithful people and those who fight for justice on God's path-- such as the Iranian nation who has managed to raise the flag of justice in a certain part of the world-- are all indicative of the prevalence of tyranny and oppression in the world.

Supreme Leader of Iran, Grand Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

[pooryakadivar]

What is meant by faraj [salvation]?

One important point regarding the issue of Mahdism is that in the Islamic and Shia belief systems, waiting for the arrival of Imam Mahdi has been interpreted as waiting for salvation. What does salvation mean? It means being saved. When do we usually yearn for salvation? We do so when we are in a difficult situation, and when there is a problem. When we face problems, we are in need of salvation - that is someone who can solve our problems and save us. This is an important point. The true meaning of waiting for a savior is that those who believe in Islam and the religion of the Prophet's household (a.s.) identify the problems of humans in the modern world. This is what they should actually do. They are waiting for the problems of humanity to be solved. The issue is not limited to my or your problems only. The Imam of the Time (may our souls be sacrificed for his sake) will come to solve the problems of humanity. He will come to save humanity forever. This means that those who are waiting for the arrival of Imam Mahdi are discontent about the current situation of the world - the unfair situation of the world in which many innocent people are oppressed, many are misled, and many others do not find the opportunity to worship God. Waiting for the arrival of Imam Mahdi means opposing the current situation that is prevalent in humans' life, and which has been caused due to the prevalence of ignorance and carnal desires in humans' life. This is the true meaning of waiting for the arrival of Imam Mahdi.

Supreme Leader of Iran, Grand Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

[pooryakadivar]

Imam Mahdi (as) in the four Gospels 

m) the Book of Revelation, Ch. 19, Verses 11-18

[pooryakadivar]

Divine religions do not give baseless hopes to people

The 15th of Sha'ban is a day that is full of hopefulness. This hopefulness is neither exclusive to Shia Muslims nor even to the entire Islamic Ummah. To the best of my knowledge, the promise of a bright future for humanity and the arrival of a promised savior for promoting justice are universal beliefs that are shared by almost all divine religions across the world. Apart from Islam, Christianity, and Judaism, even Hindi faiths such as Buddhism - and other religions that most people have not even heard about - have informed their followers of such a future in their teachings. In fact, this has provided man with a kind of hope throughout history. It is a response to human need for this hope. Divine religions - which often have divine and celestial roots - did not intend to give people false hopes. They all expressed a reality. There is a reality in the creation of man and in the long history of humanity, and that reality is that one day the battle between good and evil is going to result in the defeat of evil and the victory of good. After this stage, man's true and pleasant life is going to begin in which struggle will no longer imply fighting. Rather, people will struggle for equality in doing righteous deeds. This is a fact that is shared by all religions.

Supreme Leader of Iran, Grand Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

[pooryakadivar]

Imam Mahdi (as) in the four Gospels 

l) the Book of Revelation, Ch. 12, Verses 1-6

[pooryakadivar]

Hopefulness and justice: two prominent qualities of awaiting the Saviour

One quality of the 15th of Sha'ban and the birth anniversary of the Imam of the Time (may our souls be sacrificed for his sake) is hope and justice. There are two outstanding points in our anticipation and our celebration of 15th of Sha'ban. One is the issue of raising hopes about this birth and the future that humanity is waiting for as a consequence of this birth. This is a source of hope. Another is that in the world that will be created after the reappearance of that great Imam (a.j.), the most prominent characteristic is justice. When you take a look at all the narrations and ahadith that have been narrated about that great Imam (a.j.) and that era, you see that the main focus is not on people's piety. Of course, people will be pious and religious in that era, but the main focus is on the fact that people will benefit from justice at that time and that justice and equality will be established. This matter exists in all supplications (duas), prayers and narrations about that great Imam (a.j.). That is to say, an outstanding feature in that promising future is justice, as humanity is thirsty for justice.

Supreme Leader of Iran, Grand Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

[pooryakadivar]

Imam Mahdi (as) in the four Gospels 

k) John, Ch. 5, Verses 27-29

[pooryakadivar]

A society that believes in Mahdism grows heartened

A society believing in Mahdi receives oriflamme and warmth in their hearts. This spirit is very important for nations. Know that colonialism gained the upper hand on Muslim countries after putting fear in the nations' hearts. They felt vulnerable, and powerless. Then they were conquered powerfully. It's the same today... Feeling weakened is a dangerous feeling and a deadly poison for a nation. One of the blessings of believing in Mahdism is feeling reassured, and heartened. It makes one feel powerful. And our nation feels this way, thanks be to God.

Supreme Leader of Iran, Grand Ayatollah Ali Khamenei