The elites for whom the reappearance awaits

Seyed Hashem Moosavi

According to the explicit text of the Holy Quran, the victory of God’s religion over all false ideologies and its spread across the earth is a definite promise from God:

«هوَ الَّذِي أَرْسَلَ رَسُولَهُ بِالْهُدَىٰ وَدِينِ الْحَقِّ لیظهِرَهُ عَلَی الدّینِ کُلِّهِ ولَو کَرِهَ المُشرِکون»

“It is He who has sent His Apostle with the guidance and the religion of truth that He may make it prevail over all religions, though the polytheists should be averse.” (Surah At-Tawbah 9:33)

The Most Important Factors in the Spread of God’s Religion in the World

Undoubtedly, various factors contribute to the fulfilment of this divine promise. However, among these factors, the following three play the most crucial role. Without any of them, this lofty goal will not be achieved.

1. The Existence of a Supreme Plan and Program

This condition was fulfilled with the Prophethood of the Final Messenger (PBUH) and the revelation of the Holy Quran as a comprehensive guide for a God-pleasing life.

2. Worthy and Divine Leadership

The guidance of human society requires leadership appointed by God. Certainly, during the time of the Noble Prophet (PBUH), this responsibility was entrusted to him. Since the Islamic political system is based on the concept of Wilayah (Divine Guardianship), any reference in the Quran to the Wilayah of the Prophet (PBUH) highlights his leadership over the community.

The Quran explicitly states:

 «انما ولیکم اللّه و رسوله و الذین آمنوا الذین یقیمون الصلوة و یؤتون الزکاة و هم راکعون»

“Indeed, your guardian is Allah, His Messenger, and those who believe – those who establish prayer and give zakat while bowing (in prayer).” (Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:55)

This verse clearly establishes the Wilayah (authority) of the Prophet (PBUH) over the people, under divine authority, and confirms that this position was granted to him by God.

After the Prophet (PBUH), based on Quranic verses and Prophetic narrations, this responsibility was transferred to Imam Ali (AS) and the eleven Imams after him, all of whom are his descendants. The last of these noble figures is Imam Mahdi (AJ), who was born in the year 255 AH and will reappear at the appointed time by Divine Command.

The Prophet (PBUH) foretold the coming of this blessed figure and his role in establishing justice, saying:

 «منا والذی نفسی بیده مهدی هذه الامة الذی یملأ الارض قسطاً و عدلاً کما ملئت جوراً و ظلما»

“By the One in Whose hand is my soul! The Mahdi of this Ummah is from us. He will fill the earth with justice and fairness just as it was filled with oppression and tyranny.”

Who is Responsible for This Duty During the Period of Occultation?

Since this critical position has always been of great interest throughout history, many individuals have falsely claimed this title. However, after some time, they passed away without having any real impact on reforming society. Clearly, only someone who is closest to God, the Prophet (PBUH), and the Imams (AS) can take on this significant responsibility.

There are numerous hadiths that affirm that during the Occultation (Ghaybah), this responsibility falls upon scholars who are closest to the Infallible Imam (AS) in terms of knowledge, morality, religious virtues, and insight.

Imam Al-Hadi (AS) has a profound and insightful statement regarding the high status of committed scholars during the Occultation of Imam Mahdi (AJ):

“If it were not for the scholars who, after the Occultation of your Qa’im, call people towards him, guide them to him, defend his religion with divine proofs, and rescue the weak servants of God from the traps of Satan, tyrants, and enemies, then no one would remain steadfast in their faith. But these scholars take control of the hearts of our weak followers, just as the captain of a ship holds the helm. Truly, they are the most superior individuals in the sight of Allah, the Almighty.”

This narration highlights that true religious scholars serve as the protectors of faith during the Occultation, guiding people towards the path of the Imam (AJ) and preserving the teachings of Islam.

3. The Presence of Faithful and Devoted Individuals

The third fundamental factor in fulfilling God’s promise regarding the spread of His religion across the world is the existence of a group of faithful, pure-hearted, and self-sacrificing individuals. These people must reach the highest levels of piety and be fully prepared to defend and support the mission of the Infallible Imam (AS) with complete dedication.

Imam Al-Jawad (AS) is reported to have said:

“His (Imam Mahdi’s) companions will gather around him – they are 313 in number, the same as the people of Badr, coming from different parts of the world… When this number is complete, God will make his mission apparent. And when the full army reaches 10,000, he will rise by God’s command.”

Thus, the reason for the delay in this divine promise being fully realized is the absence of this third condition – the presence of a sufficient number of righteous and devoted individuals with the necessary qualities. It is therefore crucial to strive towards preparing and nurturing such individuals to help bring about this divine transformation.

Characteristics of the Special Companions of Imam Mahdi (AJ)

To understand the true qualities of Imam Mahdi’s (AJ) special companions, the best source is the narrations of the Infallibles (AS), who described their traits in various contexts. Below are some of the key characteristics mentioned in these traditions:

1) Possessing Deep Knowledge and Recognition of Imam Mahdi (AJ)

Imam Hussain (AS) emphasized the importance of knowing the Imam of the time:

“O people! Indeed, Allah, the Almighty, did not create His servants except for them to know Him. When they know Him, they will worship Him. When they worship Him, they will be free from worshiping anyone else besides Him.”

A man then asked: “O son of the Messenger of Allah! May my parents be sacrificed for you, what is the knowledge of Allah?”

Imam Hussain (AS) replied: “It is the recognition of the Imam of each era, whose obedience is obligatory upon them.” (Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 5, p. 312)

2) Being Pious and Righteous

Imam Sadiq (AS) stated: “Whoever desires to be among the companions of Imam Mahdi (AJ) must remain in a state of active waiting (Intidhar) and practice piety (Taqwa) and good morals. Such a person is a true Awaited (Muntazir).” (Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 52, p. 140) 

This narration highlights that being a real companion of Imam Mahdi (AJ) is not just about waiting passively but actively preparing oneself through piety, good character, and sincere devotion.

3) Constant Awareness of Being in the Presence of Imam Mahdi (AJ)

Even during the period of occultation (Ghaybah), Imam Mahdi (AJ) is like the sun behind the clouds, spreading his light and blessings across the world.

The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) stated:

 «وَالّذي بَعَثَني بِالنُّبُوَّةِ، إنَّهم يَستَضيئونَ بِنورِهِ و يَنتَفِعونَ بِوِلايَتِهِ في غَيبَتِهِ كَانتِفاع الشَّمسِ وَ إن تَجَلَّلَها سَحاب»

“By the One who sent me as a Prophet! They (believers) will benefit from his light and guidance during his occultation, just as they benefit from the sun even when it is covered by clouds.” (Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 52, p. 92)

Imam Al-Kazim (AS) further emphasized this by saying:

 «یَغِیبُ عَنْ أَبْصَارِ النَّاسِ شَخْصُهُ وَ لَا یَغِیبُ عَنْ قُلُوبِ الْمُؤْمِنِینَ ذِکْرُهُ»

“His physical presence will be hidden from the eyes of people, but his remembrance will never be absent from the hearts of the believers.” (Kamal al-Din, vol. 2, p. 361)

4) Their Speech and Actions Reflect the Imam’s Teachings

One of the greatest expectations of the Infallible Imams (AS) is that their followers should embody the highest moral virtues and ethics. Anyone who claims to be a supporter of Imam Mahdi (AJ) must align their words and actions with his teachings, rather than acting in a way that contradicts or dishonours him.

Imam Sadiq (AS) advised his followers: “Be an ornament for us, and do not be a disgrace to us. Speak kindly to people, guard your tongues, and avoid excessive or inappropriate speech.” (Al-Kafi, vol. 2, p. 233)

An example of this principle can be seen in the story of Shuqrani, a companion of Imam Sadiq (AS). When Caliph Mansur denied him his rightful share of public funds, Imam Sadiq (AS) intervened and secured his share. However, the Imam then reminded him:

“O Shuqrani, good deeds are good from everyone, but they are even better when they come from someone associated with us (Ahlul Bayt). Likewise, bad deeds are bad from everyone, but they are worse when they come from those connected to us.” (Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 71, p. 174)

5) Strong Connection Through Prayer and Supplication

This quality is repeatedly emphasized in the narrations. Imam Sadiq (AS) described them as:

 «رُهْبَانٌ بِاللَّيْلِ، لُيُوثٌ بِالنَّهَارِ، هُمْ أَطْوَعُ لَهُ مِنَ الْأَمَةِ لِسَيِّدِهَا»

“They are monks at night and lions during the day. They are more obedient to their Imam than a slave to their master.” (Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 52, p. 308)

Conclusion

The fulfilment of God’s promise to spread His religion across the world depends on three fundamental factors:

• A comprehensive and divine plan
• Worthy and divinely appointed leadership
• A faithful and self-sacrificing community

Throughout history, the guidance of the Islamic society has been entrusted to prophets and infallible Imams (AS). However, during the occultation of Imam Mahdi (AJ), this responsibility falls upon qualified religious scholars who possess the necessary attributes.

The special companions of Imam Mahdi (AJ) are individuals with deep knowledge, piety, sincerity, devotion in worship, bravery, and absolute obedience to the Imam. This elite group will play a crucial role in paving the way for his reappearance and establishing global justice.

Thus, efforts to nurture such individuals and adhere to religious and ethical principles are vital steps in realizing this great divine promise.