A SIGNED PROCLAMATION FROM IMAM-E-ASR (A.T.F.S.)

Though at present we are living away from the dominions of the oppressors and till the unjust rule the world, the Almighty has considered it better for us and our Shias that I stay away from them. But despite this separation, I am cognizant of all your affairs. Nothing pertaining to you is hidden from us. Whenever you experience insults, I come to know of it. This is from the time some of you began to do those acts which were shunned by your ancestors. These people have thrown behind their covenant with Allah as if it had never been made.

We are never negligent in your protection nor are we forgetful of your remembrance. (If our protection and guidance had not been there) misfortunes would have befallen you and the enemies would have destroyed you. Be fearful of Allah and help us (our cause) which will save you from the corruption that has surrounded you.

Soon, clear signs from the heavens will be manifested for you and signs will appear on the earth as well. Disastrous and sorrowful incidents will occur in the east. Thereafter, Iraq will be ruled by people who are completely away from Islam. Due to their vile deeds, the people of Iraq will experience an acute shortage of sustenance. Then after a long time, when the tyrannical rulers perish, the people of Iraq will be rescued from their difficulties. After the annihilation of the tyrants, the pious and the good people shall rejoice.

People from every corner of the world who go to perform Hajj (the annual pilgrimage) will achieve all their desires and get whatever they wish. As per their wishes, their Hajj will be made easy through our worth and position. It will be manifested in our systematic manner.

Thus each of you should perform such deeds that bring you closer to our love and avoid those acts which result in our anger and dissatisfaction. For, our reappearance will be sudden and unexpected when repentance will be of no use nor shall remorse for sinful deeds (at that time) save you from our punishment.

May Allah show you the path of true guidance and by His Mercy bestow you the means of Divine Grace (Tawfeeq).

[Tawqee of Hazrat Vali-e-Asr (a.t.f.s.) addressed to the respected Shaykh al-Mufeed (ra-)]

MASTER ! ASSUAGE OUR HEARTS

"0 Allah ! Assuage our hearts through Imam-e-Zamana (A.S.)" -

(Dua-e-lftetaah)

The religion that has come to perfect human ethics, to create the feelings of brotherhood, love and amity in the depth of hearts of the people and to eliminate enmity, injustice and inequality. Then why do people say, "Islam is the best religion but Muslims are the worst people."

Why are the Muslims a divided lot? Why do they harbor malice, hatred and enmity against each other? Why are their hearts disunited? Why do they detest each other? There is only one reply to all these questions. We are neither aware of the way our Imams lived nor of their instructions and guidance. Even if we have some knowledge, we are not ready to act upon it. The result obviously is discord, disharmony and disputes. . Let us examine our habits and customs in the light of the injunctions of our present Imarn, Hujjat ibnal Hasan al Askari (may Allah hasten his reappearance).

Let us see how steadfast we are upon his teachings. Are we straying far away away from him instead of becoming closer to him? Are we among those people of whom Imarn (A.S.) has said, "...Then nothing keeps us away from them but those reports about their actions which we do not expect from them." (Behaar, Vol. 53, p. 176)

Is he (a.s.) referring to us when he complains dejectedly,

"Had our Shias - may Allah bless them with His obedience - remained firm upon their covenant unitedly with resolute hearts, our meeting with them would not have been delayed."

Have we ever pondered upon the statement of Imam-e-Zamana (A.S.) that piety can help us get rid of our difficulties?

"(0 Mufeed!) From among our brother infaith, one, who is fearful of his Lord (pious) and gives to the rightful owner whatever he owes, shall remain safe from difficulties and calamities." Imam-e-Zamana (A.S.) had written this in a Tawqee to Shaykh Mufeed (R.A.)

Have we reflected upon the fact that Imam-e-Zamana (A.S.) has prohibited us from asking unnecessary & meaningless questions? "Do not ask those questions which are of no use to you." Patience helps solve the greatest of problems and difficulties. The attribute of patience is found in Allah. It is for this reason that Imam (a.s.) has instructed us to acquire this quality. "Allah the Almighty is Patient whereas you are unduly hasty"

Do we ever find time to serve the Shias of AhleBait (a.s.)? Do we ever strive to solve the problems of our friends, relatives and believers? Does the thought of satisfying their needs ever enter our minds? Most probably not !

But Hazrat Mahdi (A.S.) wrote to Abul Hasan Isfahaani, a Marja of his time, "Make yourself cheap(ly available), meet the people easily and fulfil their needs, we will help you. " Do you know that Imam-e-Zamana (A.S.) loves the pious and solves their difficulties? Hence, he exhorts, "Fear Allah, submit (yourselves) completely to us and leave all your work upon us (i.e.have faith in us), then it would be incumbent upon us to extract you from all types of calamities." (Kalematul Imam al-Mahdi, Vol. I, p.302) Hazrat Imam Mahdi (may Allah hasten his reappearance) orders his Shias through Usman bin Saeed Amri and his son Mohammad bin Usman: "They must remain aloof from lust and greed."

Have we ever considered how much greed we harbor in ourselves? Are we aware that some people consider drinking to be a sign of cultural advancement? Whereas Imam e-Zamana (a.s.) says, "Drinking beer is haraam (prohibited)." (Kalematul Imam al-Mahdi, Vol. I, p.276) Respected readers! It is our duty to take account of ourselves, in the light of these traditions. Let's make sure we are not heading towards destruction. For, disobedience to the commands of Imam (a.s.) leads to annihilation. The Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) warns, "Do not go ahead of them (the Imams) lest you be destroyed" (As Sawaiq al-Muhriqa, p.89) In order to expound these points, we shall quote an injunction of Imam-e-Zamana (A.S.) and a supplication which he has taught us: "You must all perform deeds that bring you nearer to our love and remain aloof from those acts that will bring you closer to our dislike and anger."

Please ponder upon the following supplication :-

"0 Allah ! Give us "tawfeeq" (divine encouragement) for obedience, keeping away from sins, purity of intention, and recognition of prohibited acts. Honour us through guidance and steadfastness. Control our tongues to speak only that is necessary and wise. Fill our hearts with knowledge and recognition. Purify our stomachs from prohibited and doubtful foods. Restrain our hands from injustice and theft. Lower your gazes against sins and treachery. Refrain our ears from listening to vain things and back-biting. (0 Lord) Shower Your Grace .....upon the women to acquire modesty and chastity, upon the affluent to be humble and generous.upon the poor to be patient and contented... (For complete detail, refer to Mafaateehul Jenaan, p.116)

0 Allah ! Cure. our hearts through him (a.s.)

THE MEANING OF THE TITLE IMAM-E-ZAMANA (A.S.)

A title reflects the personality of man. His characteristics and qualities are projected through it.

Nowadays such instances are extremely numerous where this dictum rarely comes true. The titles are some times promiscuous bestowed without knowing the actual meaning by the patrons and by the patronized which is out of context here.

The Prophets of God are familiar by the titles added with their names which throw light on their prolity and innate qualities endowed in them by the creator. The prophet Moses (A.S.) is addressed as "Kaleem-Ullah" as he had conversation with the Creator of the world, while our last prophet as is specifically mentioned in the Holy Book is known as Rehmatullil Alamin - the one whose existence is a source and fountain of blessings in this world and in the world here after. Like - wise his progeny is also profusely blessed.

Unlike others, the appellations of dignity of Imame-e-Zaman (A.S.) have each got their own significance separately. Janab Muhaddis Noori (may God shower His blessings on him) the author of the book "Najm us Saquib" has mentioned one hundred eighty two names and titles of Imam-e-Zamana with positive references.

Those who are fond of reciting prayers (Dua) not only for consecration and happiness but with a view to attain and get mastery of the philosophy and high ideals taught by the descendents of the Holy Prophet, are fully aware of innumerable titles of Imam-e-Zaman (A.S.) mentioned in those prayers (Dua). In this context, Dua Nudbah and Ziyarat-e-Al-e-Yasin etc deserve special attention. All those Dua are collected and have found place in Mafateehul Jinan. In this article we will throw light in detail only on one title.

IMAM_E_ZAMANA (A.S.)

In our prayers (Dua) and in day to day conversation this assumed name is directly and closely linked with our exalted Imam Mahdi (A.S.). No sooner as we hear or utter this noble appellation attention is at once drawn to the Awaited Imam (A.S.). Imam-e-Zaman, Imam-e-Asr, Saheb-e-Asr and Vali-e-Asr are all synonyms and directly attached with the last Saviour. We have become accustomed to hear them but have never bothered to know the facts related with them. It is because of this reason that doubts are germinating in our minds. Once the actual meaning is grasped our minds will never be clouded with such notions.

This assumed name is combination of two words, first is Imam, Saheb and Wali while the second is Zaman and Asr. An Imam is called so as he is always ahead of every body except God while other are always behind. He always leads while others are directed ad guided by him. This particular point becomes clear when we pray together (Namaz-e-Jamaat) where all the gesture of Imam are strictly followed by his followers. When he performs "Rukoo" it is copied as it is by his followers, when he prostrates they also prostrate : In short and Imam holds sway over his followers over the Imam. Saheb and Wali means master and commander. So the followers are dictated by the master.

We address him as Imam-e-Zaman not due to conviction in regard to religion. It is based on facts and has solid foundations and thick back ground. Zamana means the sphere of existence or the whole creation. all the creatures except God are covered in this sphere and nothing under the sky and on earth is beyond the sphere of existence.

The above exegesis explains that the whole creation-the earth, the sky, the moon and the stars, is in the domain of Hazrat Mahdi (A.S.). The universe is in motion at his instance. The time can be changed by him and not he by the time and environment.

After the revelation of these facts one can understand easily the secret of Imam's longevity and youthful exuberance. All the creatures have to go beyond the frontiers of life to the great unknown first by jumping in the vanguard of youth and then to the tail end of the life called old age by evolutions but the Imam (A.S.) is undisputedly invariable with this evolution and would remain young.

The above points are supported by the Holy Quran in Suratul Asr which runs as follows. "I swear by the Time; Surely man is in loss. Except those who believed and did good deeds and advise for the truth and advise for the patience".

Whatever gain and loss is mentioned in the above Sura are for the individuals to face in the hereafter those who are indulging in all the vices; enjoying the colorful life and doing things which are out of tune with the spirit of the religion. Imam-e-Asr (A.S.), Vali-e-Asr (A.S.) and other spiritual leaders (Imams) are undoubtedly above all those things, though they lived and are living in this world. Such type of question can never be raised in the mind against them.

A question that generally pricks the minds of the people is that a being who is high in place of excellence and whose gandeur is beyond the imagination of mankind and for whom this world inspite of all its vastness and attractions nothing but trash why then such a being with all sublimity is kept out of view ?

Among all the Prophets of God, the foremost and the last is Hazrat Mohammad Mustafa (SAW)

who came into being to elevate the minds and to place the mankind in an honoured position. The mission was accomplished to a greater extent in his life time but the whole-some results could not be achieved in spite of the struggle of his predecessors due to intrigues, so the very purpose of his teaching and preaching to place the mankind could not be achieved as desired. The reappearance of our last savior is motivated with an object to fulfil the un accomplished mission of the last Prophet of Islam. "The Awaited" one would fill the world with justice as it was full of tyranny and oppressions." So his noble existence is meant to achieve a destined end.

It is now evident that Imam (A.S.) is root (base) and the world is the tree spread in branches. Imam (A.S.) is before all others in time while the world is last in time. It is a folly to treat it as exaggeration. It is because of him the world is existing and the creatures owe their substances to him only. He is the source of substances for the destitute. The sky and the earth also owe their sustenance to him.

To keep this point ever green in memory, it would not be out of way to repeat the narrations of Ayatullah Waheed Khurasani referred to him Mirza Ahmed son of Akhund Khurasani the author of "Kefayat". He narrates that "my mother was unwell. Day by day her illness was getting worse. We were very much puzzled. The doctors were in a fix. One day we received the news of the arrival of an elderly person in Najaf-e-Ashraf expert in astronomy. My brother Mirza Mohammad and I went to him and met him in the Holy tomb of Hazrat Amir-al-Momineen (A.S.). We told him that we have come to inquire about an urgent thing from you. We will concentrate on that problem conscientiously and you give us the reply. The elderly man moved the heads of rosary and said that the disease had spread all over the body of the patient for whom you want to enquire from me. The chance of recovery are very weak and within a day or two the patient would die.. Our intention was to inquire about the reason of illness of our mother. Second time my brother thought conscientiously and requested the saint to tell about it. The heads of rosary were again moved by him but his facial expression suddenly changed. This process was thrice repeated and all the three times he seemed to be much worried.

He then said that the man about whom they wanted to know was first seen in Lebanon and then was found in Kaba, now he is found in Madina. He moved once again the heads of rosary said that I have witnessed that the sun was circling around his head and he is Imam-e-Zamana (A.S.)"

This point is pertinent as the Imam (A.S.) is the centre of the universe so the sun has to circle around him.

Today we are living in the domain of such a noble and exalted Imam (A.S.). It is a pity that we are claiming to be his followers but have departed form the ways dictated and directed by him. If we are sincere in claiming to be his followers, we must be attached to him spiritually to free ourselves form the hardship of this world and the world here-after.

May Allah increase our marefat about Imam-e-Mahdi (A.S)