What Actions Bring Joy to Imam Mahdi’s Heart?

Hujjat al-Islam wal-Muslimin Mohammad Hussain Wasity, one of the prominent Islamic preachers and a temporary Friday prayer leader in Europe and America, was our esteemed guest for this week’s Friday Bulletin. In this interview, he answered our questions on the characteristics of a successful Friday prayer leader, creativity in religious outreach, the impact of writing and authorship, the significance of home-based religious gatherings, and actions that bring joy to Imam Mahdi (may Allah hasten his reappearance).

1- As a Friday prayer leader, in which countries have you been active?

I appreciate your initiative in conducting this interview. To clarify, I have not been officially appointed as a Friday prayer leader. However, during my years of religious outreach travels, I have led Friday prayers in places where Islamic centres or mosques lacked an official Imam. The countries I have travelled to for religious propagation include various nations across Europe and America, such as cities in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, France, Germany, and the United States.

2- What are the qualities of a successful Friday prayer leader?

A successful Friday prayer leader must cultivate multiple qualities to effectively fulfil his pivotal role in guiding the community. Among the most important qualities are:

• Profound religious knowledge: A Friday prayer leader must possess a deep understanding of Islamic teachings, jurisprudence, and theology. He should be able to articulate religious matters clearly and accurately, addressing the spiritual and intellectual needs of the congregation.
• Effective communication skills: He must connect with the audience, understand their concerns, and convey his message in a simple and accessible manner. Good listening skills are also crucial in fostering strong relationships with the community.
• Ethical conduct and humility: He should exhibit good character, humility, and kindness, serving as a role model for the community.
• Social awareness: A successful Friday prayer leader must stay informed about contemporary social issues, addressing them in his sermons to guide people in navigating modern challenges. By addressing social, cultural, and economic matters, he can offer practical guidance and strengthen his role as a community leader.

3- You are both a writer and a speaker—two crucial skills for a religious scholar or Imam. How impactful is writing, and how did you develop this skill?

Both public speaking and writing are essential for religious scholars and Friday prayer leaders. Oratory skills allow them to convey religious and social messages in an engaging and impactful manner. Writing, on the other hand, enables them to preserve and extend their influence beyond their immediate audience. These two skills complement each other and enhance the scholar’s ability to shape public thought.

In today’s world, where information spreads rapidly, possessing strong writing skills ensures that a scholar’s message reaches a broader audience beyond the confines of sermons. Articles, books, and even digital platforms serve as powerful tools for addressing intellectual and spiritual concerns.

From an early age, I have been engaged in writing, and this passion has continued over the years. In addition to authoring several books on Islamic sciences and theology, I have translated works from Persian to Arabic, some of which have been published in Lebanon and Iraq. I have also contributed literary articles to newspapers in the Gulf region. Consistent study of high-quality works and writing experience have helped me refine my skills, allowing me to communicate Islamic and cultural messages effectively.

4- What are the benefits of home-based religious gatherings and traditional Islamic organisations in countries like Europe and America?

Home-based religious gatherings and traditional Islamic organisations play a crucial role in preserving religious and cultural identity among Muslims, particularly in the West. These gatherings provide a space for Muslims, especially Shias, to connect, discuss, and learn about Islamic teachings.

In societies where Muslims are a minority, such gatherings help strengthen faith and social bonds, reducing feelings of isolation in secular environments. One of their greatest benefits is the transmission of Islamic values to younger generations.

For instance, in the United States, home-based religious gatherings are conducted in multiple languages, including Persian, Arabic, and English, to accommodate diverse audiences. In the United Kingdom, regular sessions are held to teach Qur’anic interpretation, supplications, and Islamic history, ensuring that younger generations stay connected to their religious heritage.

Moreover, in countries like Germany and France, these gatherings foster solidarity among Muslims, particularly during significant religious occasions like Muharram and Ramadan. Held in family-friendly environments, they provide a space for discussing both religious and social issues. In places like the UK and the US, they also serve as platforms for family bonding and religious education, helping young Muslims resist cultural assimilation while maintaining their Islamic identity.

5- What is one action that Shia Muslims can prioritise to bring joy to Imam Mahdi’s heart during his occultation?

One of the most significant actions that Shia Muslims can undertake to bring joy to Imam Mahdi (may Allah hasten his reappearance) is to uphold their religious and ethical duties in their daily lives. True anticipation of the Imam’s return is not merely about prayers and supplications, but about preparing oneself and society for his just governance.

Shia Muslims should strengthen their faith, fulfil their religious obligations, and refrain from sin. By doing so, they actively contribute to laying the groundwork for his appearance.

Another crucial action is committing to justice and helping others, as Imam Mahdi embodies divine justice. Acts of charity, supporting the oppressed, and engaging in humanitarian efforts are all ways to strengthen Islamic values within society.

Furthermore, promoting the teachings of Ahlul Bayt (peace be upon them) and spreading the culture of awaiting is an essential practice. Educating the younger generation about the virtues and mission of Imam Mahdi and emphasising the significance of active anticipation can greatly contribute to this cause. Examples include holding educational sessions, writing informative articles, producing media content, and utilising modern platforms to spread awareness about the importance of awaiting Imam Mahdi’s reappearance.

6- With Ramadan approaching, could you share an innovative approach you introduced during previous Ramadans?

One of the innovative approaches I have implemented during Ramadan is conducting thematic Qur’anic study sessions tailored to different audience needs. Instead of traditional recitation-only gatherings, I introduced interactive Qur’anic discussions where key messages of each Juz’ were analysed and explained. This ensured that participants did not merely engage with the words of the Qur’an but also understood and internalised its profound meanings.

Another significant initiative I introduced was simplifying Qur’anic recitation for beginners, especially in Western countries, where many Muslims face difficulties in learning to recite the Qur’an due to a lack of teachers. These sessions aimed to attract individuals who had never participated in such programmes before and help them gain confidence in learning to recite the Qur’an correctly. The success of this initiative was evident, as many individuals felt encouraged to continue their Qur’anic learning journey beyond Ramadan.

By adopting modern and engaging methods, I sought to ensure that people, regardless of their background, developed a strong and lasting connection with the Qur’an.