Articles/Submissions > My connection with the 12 Imam

My connection with the 12 Imam
By Raziqueh

In the Name of Allah, the Compassionate, the All-Merciful
Greeting of Allah be upon Muhammad and the pure members of his House

Awaiting …

Guluzare Narjis ka jab ki samna hoga
Samne haseen manzar baaghe khuld ka hoga
Ibne Askari ka ye mukhtasar pata hoga
Aaya haq gaya batil shane par likha hoga

The concept of the Mahdi (as) is not just a theory. Nor is it an epitome of Islamic doctrine based on religiosity. It is that innate prophecy that makes humans aspire towards an assurance that despite all the oppression and tyranny rampant in most parts of the world, despite various beliefs and their means of expediency towards the unseen (ghayab), there will come that promised day when all of mankind will be exalted. The long, troublesome and arduous journey of humanity will finally reach a destination.

 It is a psychological perception that this saviour will beget this state of utopia, which is a common belief among all believers. "Even if there remains only a day in the life of this earth, God will prolong it for His emissary to appear so that the earth shall be filled with justice and equity as it is filled with injustice and tyranny." Prophet Muhammad (saws) predicted this for his followers so that they would prepare themselves.
 Ponder over what situation humanity is in today. It is here that there is a tinge of optimism that the 12th Imam (as) will emerge, for that is human destiny.

 Growing up in India, I would often find myself debating with fellow compatriots on religious ideologies. One that is repeatedly discussed is the apocalypse and the second coming in due course. Now here's when I seriously needed proof to objectively discuss Imam Mahdi (as). The existence of the 12 Imam (as) is not only a matter of heart and faith.  Though Islam encourages an intimate experience of the divine, we need to establish our faith on rational bases. The word Ta’aghul (rational thinking) is frequently used in the Holy Quran to demarcate between believers and Kuffars and Mushrekin.

 There are many Quranic verses to prove that Allah has sent his Khalifa on Earth. Imamat is a basic tenet of Usoole Din and without the belief in the 12 apostles the Shia faith is incomplete. Obeying the Imam of the era and Allah’s chosen representative on Earth is necessary for the acceptance of all worships and deeds. There are various Hadith of the Prophet where he describes the last Imam who will be named after him and will be a direct descendent from Bibi Fatemah's (as) lineage. Proof of existence is available in books and revered Mujtahids, alims and those helpless have had the good fortune of meeting him.

 My encounter with the mystic Imam (as) started as soon as we were made to learn the names of the 14th infallibles and bow in reverence at the name of the master of the age. Often I would wonder where he is? Could I spot him anywhere in the congregation of believers? How is it that I can find him? Would he come if I would sincerely call for help? While growing up, the quest to identify him in flesh and blood soon faded. I begun to believe that in adversity, he would surely be there lending a helping hand through all those big and small experiences.  
 When I was six, he was there giving light in the darkness of my room when unknown devils would scare my sleep away. At 16, he was there opening up the recesses of my mind in the exam hall, when the sacred memory would desert me on such occasions. And now, when at the crossroads of career when I decided to embark upon a journey miles away from home to chase my dreams, he gave me a pointer. My flight to Dubai was booked on 15 Shabaan! It is only He who has brought me all those well-deserved grades, unexpected awards and exciting news stories that are my bread and butter today. I’m not worried about the future. He will take care of that, too. Just like it says in Dua' Al Nodbah, ...difficult to see people and not see 'him.' He is around; it's just a matter of awaiting his return.

 It makes me wonder how a simple act of awaiting (Intizar) has been given so much value. This is because it comes with great responsibility. Sheikh Sadooq in Al-Khisal, from Imam Sadiq (as) narrates: "The rank of those who await the return of Mahdi is equal to the rank of those whom shed blood in the way of Allah."
 We are expecting to see him at any moment and any time. "They see it to be far and we see it to be near." (70:6) But are we prepared? Definitely no. Why are we a mute witness to the brutality that is obvious all over the world? Why are we so confused and helpless, when there are thousands dying daily in our own backyards? As disciples of the Imam shouldn't we carry on the legacy of justice and embolden it in our hearts and lives so that the Earth thrives with peace?

 In these troubled times, when misery is clawing and Western domination is threatening to uproot the trees of Islamic righteousness, it is time we shoulder   responsibilities in all domains of life.
 It is for us to be the soldiers of the Imam and consolidate our faith in the occultation period. It is not enough to read the supplication and sit idle. Wake up! Look within. How are we fulfilling our duties towards our brethren? Look at our homes. Are we just? Look at our markets and our nations. Are we fair in all dealings?
 Imam Mahdi (as) is not an idiom, an oath or a feeling of love. He is a message. That when the clouds move, the sun will shine.  He is a cause. Where when there is no cure, he will cleanse the world of evil. He is a guarantee. That truth shall prevail.

 He is loyalty to Allah, to the Prophet (saws) and Ahlul bait (as) and most importantly, us — Muslims. He is that connection to me.

—By Raziqueh Hussain