The Candle in the Alley: Awaiting Imam Mahdi (aj)

In the bustling city of Najaf, during the early 20th century, there lived a devout scholar named Sayyid Mahdī Bahr al-ʿUlūm. Renowned for his knowledge and piety, he was deeply devoted to Imam Mahdi (aj) and would often remind his students that true faith meant not just believing in the Imam but living in a way that prepared for his reappearance.

One night, after an intense session of study and worship, Sayyid Mahdī decided to take a walk through the quiet streets of Najaf. As he passed through a dimly lit alley, he noticed a small flickering light in the distance. Curious, he approached and saw an elderly man kneeling on the cold stone pavement, a lantern by his side, whispering duʿā in complete solitude.

The sight moved Sayyid Mahdī. He gently asked, “What brings you here at this hour, my brother?”

The old man, without looking up, replied, “I am waiting for my Imam.”

Sayyid Mahdī was taken aback. He had heard of devoted individuals who longed for Imam Mahdi (aj), but to see someone waiting so literally, alone in the night, stirred something deep within him.

With sincere curiosity, he asked, “How long have you been doing this?”

The man smiled softly. “For years. I come here every night. I know he is among us, and one day, perhaps, he will walk this very path.

Sayyid Mahdī was overwhelmed by the old man’s faith. He placed his hand on the man’s shoulder and said, “Your patience and sincerity will not go unnoticed by Allah.”

That very night, Sayyid Mahdī had a dream in which he saw Imam Mahdi (aj) standing in the same alley, gazing at the old man with a look of deep affection. The Imam then turned to Sayyid Mahdī and said, “He is not waiting in vain. Those who truly long for me are never forgotten.”

When Sayyid Mahdī awoke, he rushed back to the alley, hoping to find the old man again. But he was gone. No one in the neighbourhood knew who he was. Some believed he was a traveller, while others whispered that perhaps he had already met the Imam he had been waiting for.

To this day, scholars narrate this story as a reminder: True anticipation of Imam Mahdi (aj) is not about passively waiting, but about preparing, longing, and trusting that he watches over us—even when we do not see him.