Porseman is a textual compilation of Islamic questions and and answers that are commonly asked by university students and relate to many of the issues that we face in society today. They have been addressed by a prominent Islamic scholar to give a holistic and spiritual answer to their concerns.
QUESTION: I love Imām Mahdī (ʿaj), however, I am not a perfect Muslim and fear I may be among those who will face the Imām’s vengeance. Should I fear his reappearance?
ANSWER: Correct understanding of the reason and philosophy of Imām Mahdī’s (ʿaj) uprising (reappearance) not only removes fear of the event from people’s hearts, it brings about happiness and anticipation of this great event. The following has been narrated from several ḥadīth about the reappearance of Imām Mahdī (ʿaj): The inhabitants of the heavens and the earth shall be pleased with him.1 It has also been said: Those who are alive will wish that those who have died were able to see all the good that Allah has bestowed on the people [through Imām Mahdī (ʿaj)].2
The reappearance of Imām Mahdī (ʿaj) will be the brightest and greatest moment in the history (of mankind). Humanity’s desire for peace and justice will be actualized by (through) the Imām’s (ʿaj) appearance and the actions that he will take upon reappearing. The people will take pride in his existence, following him enthusiastically and with awareness. Imām Mahdī (ʿaj) should not be viewed as a fearful and vengeful warrior sweeping through the land and seeking retribution wherever he goes. Rather, we must view him as a leader appointed by Allah, whose leadership is based on truth and who is the proof of Allah’s implementation of justice on the earth. Imām (ʿaj) will take the position of a liberator and saviour, aiding the oppressed and marginalized. He will also be a support to those who are righteous. When Imām Mahdī (ʿaj) reappears, everything in creation will reach its full potential. Imām’s reappearance (ʿaj) will be similar to a long awaited rainfall on barren land. Nonliving things, plants, and human beings alike will all be rejuvenated by him in such a way that their full potential and abilities will become manifested, allowing them to attain the height of spiritual development and ultimately, perfection. All in creation will welcome Imām Mahdī (ʿaj) with enthusiasm knowing that his reappearance will bring about blessings. The land, mountains, and everything in nature all will be in anticipation of those blessings. Instead of fearing, worrying and feeling anxious about the Imām’s (ʿaj) reappearance, we should be hopeful and feel inner peace in anticipation of his return. Imām Mahdī’s (ʿaj) rule will encompass the whole world in such a way that all borders will be erased and the laws of the Almighty will be the official rule of law. In his first steps of reformation and the cultivation of humanity, Imām (ʿaj) will complete the intellect and knowledge of the people. He will also amend the people’s ethics (akhlaq) and their behavior. Imām’s (ʿaj) mission will focus on cultural development and reformation, rather than punishment and vengeance. Imām Mahdī (ʿaj) will return to facilitate mankind’s salvation, not to terrorize through a mission based on enmity. Therefore, we should have faith that we will all benefit from the peace and safety of his reappearance. Imām (ʿaj) will liberate humanity from oppression, disbelief (kufr), ignorance, and tyranny. His guidance will lead mankind to the attainment of Allah’s pleasure and the highest levels of perfection. He will eradicate the narrow-minded and close-minded views that are the source of many of the conflicts and polarization in society. This positive information and good news should bring about complete hope and anticipation for the establishment of the universal leadership of Imām Mahdī’s (ʿaj). However, those who perpetuate falsehood and all that is forbidden – those who are corrupt, the oppressors, and the disbelievers – need to be fearful of the Imam’s (ʿaj) reappearance. They should only be fearful in the event that they continue to disbelieve, refuse to do good (act righteously), and persist in their oppression and tyranny. Their acts of rebellion and blatant persistence on the wrong path will bring about the wrath of Imām (ʿaj).