Naba’ al-Azeem: A Forum for Shia Research
Author: Hamed Sarem
Abstract:
This article analyzes the conceptual and Qur’anic notion of hope during the occultation of Imam al-Mahdi (peace be upon him) and examines the various dimensions of patience and success from the perspective of the Qur’an. In this article, the verses of Surah Al-Imran and Surah Al-Asr, two important verses that specifically emphasize hope and patience, are analyzed. This paper shows that patience, perseverance, and vigilance during the occultation of Imam al-Mahdi (peace be upon him) are fundamental elements for achieving success and salvation. It also emphasizes that faith and righteous deeds alone are not sufficient for achieving success; characteristics such as advocating the truth and collective patience are also necessary. The article particularly addresses the point that during the occultation, Muslims must collectively take steps to preserve their faith and strengthen their hope for Imam Mahdi (peace be upon him). This writing is the first part of an analysis on this topic, with the second part to follow.
Keywords:
Hope, Occultation, Success, Patience, Perseverance, Vigilance, Surah Al-Imran, Surah Al-Asr, Imam al-Mahdi (peace be upon him), Qur’an.
The Duties of Muslims During the Occultation of Imam al-Mahdi (peace be upon him): An Examination from the Perspective of the Qur’an and Religious Teachings
One of the fundamental issues that arises in the minds of Muslims during the occultation of Imam al-Mahdi (peace be upon him) is the determination of religious duties during this period. In reviewing the history of Islam, when Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) began his movement toward Karbala, Muslims clearly knew their duty and were obliged to support the Imam in the path of jihad and self-sacrifice. At that time, the duty of every Muslim who had the ability was to join Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) and accompany him in this holy movement. This duty was clearly and explicitly defined from a religious perspective.
However, the question that arises for Muslims during the occultation of Imam al-Mahdi (peace be upon him) is: What are their duties in this period? When the infallible Imam is in occultation, is the duty of Muslims similarly clear, as it was during the time of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him), when the obligation to follow and accompany him was explicitly defined?
The answer to these questions lies in the religious and Qur’anic teachings. The Qur’an and the Hadiths of the infallibles (peace be upon them) instruct Muslims during the occultation to remain patient in anticipation of the appearance of Imam al-Mahdi (peace be upon him) and to fulfill their duties during this period, the most important of which are patience and perseverance in the face of oppression and corruption. In fact, during the occultation, “waiting” becomes one of the greatest acts of worship and religious duties for Muslims.
The Concept of Waiting During the Occultation of Imam al-Mahdi (peace be upon him): Challenges and Duties of Muslims
Although the concept of waiting is not inherently vague or unclear, it requires more careful thought and reflection. Waiting has been a subject of attention not only during the occultation of Imam al-Mahdi (peace be upon him) but throughout all eras, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) has emphasized it, and it is not exclusive to the period of occultation. The components of waiting have always been present in Islamic teachings throughout history.
However, during the occultation of Imam al-Mahdi (peace be upon him), the concept of waiting becomes even more significant and profound. This is because, during this period, access to the infallible Imam is not possible, and the special conditions of occultation lead to increased social and political pressures and numerous trials for the followers of Imam al-Mahdi (peace be upon him). In such circumstances, oppression and turmoil impose greater hardships and pressures on the Muslim community, making patience, solidarity, and striving for success and salvation vital matters.
This article examines the components of salvation from the perspective of the Qur’anic verses. Various verses of the Qur’an, which emphasize patience, perseverance, and readiness to preserve faith, clearly show Muslims the proper way of waiting. Waiting during this period is not only about being expectant, but Muslims are also urged to take steps with patience and steadfastness in preserving themselves and the faithful community during this tumultuous time.
The Duties of Muslims During the Occultation of Imam al-Mahdi (peace be upon him) from the Perspective of the Qur’an
According to religious teachings, during the occultation of Imam al-Mahdi (peace be upon him), Muslims are commanded to be patient. This concept is specifically highlighted in the Qur’an, especially in the final verse of Surah Al-Imran. In this noble verse, there are directives about patience during difficult and challenging times, which can be specifically applied to the period of occultation. The verse explicitly indicates that patience, perseverance, and piety are fundamental pillars of success and salvation during this period.
The verse in Surah Al-Imran is one of the key verses in the discussion of patience, waiting, and salvation. In this verse, Allah says:
“O you who have believed, be patient and enjoin one another to patience and remain steadfast, and fear Allah that you may be successful.” (Qur’an 3:200)
This verse emphasizes patience, mutual encouragement towards patience, steadfastness in the face of challenges, and piety as essential elements for achieving success and salvation.
This verse specifically outlines three main duties for Muslims that they must follow on the path to success and salvation: patience, perseverance, and vigilance. These directives clearly reflect the difficult and tumultuous conditions that the faithful will face throughout history, especially during the occultation of Imam al-Mahdi (peace be upon him). These conditions may endanger the success and salvation of the believers; therefore, Allah has provided guidelines for their salvation and success. Undoubtedly, these hardships have existed and will continue to exist for the believers in this period until the divine promise is fulfilled and fear is replaced by security.
Therefore, this noble verse encompasses one of the most important duties of Muslims during the occultation. The waiters for the appearance of Imam al-Mahdi (peace be upon him) must seriously adhere to these duties and make every effort to act upon these directives. These instructions are, in fact, practical solutions for success and salvation during the period of occultation.
This verse serves as a comprehensive guideline during difficult and tumultuous times, especially during the occultation of Imam al-Mahdi (peace be upon him). During this period, Muslims must stand firm with patience and perseverance in the face of challenges and trials, while simultaneously following the path of success and salvation through piety. In the period of occultation, when the infallible Imam (peace be upon him) is beyond the reach of the people, the waiting for the appearance of Imam Mahdi (peace be upon him) becomes one of the greatest acts of worship and duties for Muslims.
The noble verse emphasizes that during the period of occultation, patience is one of the most important duties of Muslims. Additionally, along with “صابروا” (endure patiently) and “رابطوا” (remain steadfast), these principles must be considered as fundamental methods for success and salvation during this period. In fact, this verse from the Qur’an not only commands individual patience but also calls Muslims to collective cooperation and social perseverance in preserving faith and strengthening the anticipation of Imam Mahdi (peace be upon him).
In this verse, the Qur’an provides a clear answer to the Muslims: Be patient. However, this is not merely an individual patience. In this verse, Allah not only speaks of patience but also uses the word “صابروا” (endure patiently together). The concept of “مصابره” mentioned in this verse is found only once in the Qur’an, and it does not appear in other verses in this form. The word “مصابره” comes from the root of “صبر,” but it has differences with “اصبروا.” The word “اصبروا” directly and clearly calls for patience, whereas “مصابره” simultaneously includes a call for patience and being invited to patience as well.
“مصابره” is not merely about individual patience. It is introduced as a fundamental pillar for the success and salvation of Muslims, as this concept emphasizes the importance of social cooperation in strengthening faith and preparing for the appearance of Imam al-Mahdi (peace be upon him).
Argument Based on the Verse:
In this verse, “اصبروا و صابروا و رابطوا و اتقوا الله لعلکم تفلحون,” Muslims are directly commanded to be patient, encourage one another to patience, and remain steadfast in the face of trials. This verse is particularly significant during the occultation of Imam al-Mahdi (peace be upon him) as it clearly shows that in such times, individual patience is not enough. The Islamic community must also practice “مصابره” (mutual patience) during this tumultuous period.
In addition to patience and mutual patience (مصابره), this verse also mentions “رابطوا” and “اتقوا.” The concepts of “رابطوا” and “اتقوا” are directly related to success and salvation. Here, “رابطوا” refers to the bond and cooperation among Muslims, who must work together to strengthen their faith and remain steadfast in the face of trials.
The conclusion from this verse is that individual patience alone is not enough for salvation during the occultation, but mutual patience (مصابره), vigilance (مرابطه), and piety (تقوی) must be the core principles of the believers’ strategy in this period.
Ultimately, this verse clearly shows that waiting and patience during the occultation must be understood and practiced as essential actions for achieving success and salvation within a collective and social process. Waiting in this period is not only about individual patience, but specifically, Muslims must encourage one another to be patient and, in this shared journey, utilize piety and cooperation to attain success and salvation.
Furthermore, the phrase “لعلکم تفلحون” (that you may succeed) at the end of the verse explicitly states that adhering to these principles will lead to success and salvation. This phrase clearly indicates that if Muslims follow these principles and values, they will attain success and salvation. Therefore, following these instructions is a fundamental condition for realizing success and salvation during the occultation of Imam al-Mahdi (peace be upon him).
Patience and the Criteria for Success and Failure in the Qur’an
In the Qur’an, the discussion of patience and success is once again clearly expressed in Surah Al-Asr. This Surah, which says:
“In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. By the time, indeed mankind is in loss.” (Qur’an 103:1)
This verse initially places all human beings in a state of “loss,” and then exceptions are mentioned. As stated in the verse, the “species of mankind” is in a state of loss. In other words, all human beings, without exception, are in this loss, except for those who possess specific characteristics.
Now, the question is: What are these characteristics? In the continuation of the verse, Allah says:
“Except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience.” (Qur’an 103:3)
Four characteristics are identified that save a person from loss:
- Faith
- Righteous deeds
- Advising each other to truth
- Advising each other to patience
These four characteristics are the foundation of success and salvation. Therefore, in this verse of the Qur’an, human beings are generally in a state of loss, except for those who possess these characteristics. In reality, if a person does not have these qualities, they will be in loss, and if they possess them, they will attain success and salvation.
This Surah and verse have similarities with verse 200 of Surah Al-Imran, which also emphasizes the importance of patience and advising one another to patience. In both verses, patience is highlighted as one of the main pillars of success and salvation. Especially in Surah Al-Asr, it is clearly shown that those who neglect these characteristics will be in loss.
The Contrast Between Success and Loss
In another verse from the Qur’an, in Surah Al-Mu’minun, success and loss are compared with the balance of deeds:
“So, whoever’s scales are heavy, those are the successful. And whoever’s scales are light, those are the ones who have lost themselves in Hell.” (Qur’an 23:103)
This verse highlights that those whose deeds outweigh their bad deeds will attain success, while those whose deeds are light will lose themselves in Hell.
In this verse, loss is contrasted with success. When a person’s deeds are light, meaning they have few or no righteous deeds, such a person will ultimately be in loss. However, if a person’s deeds are heavy and their righteous deeds outweigh their negative actions, they will achieve success and salvation.
Verse 200 of Surah Al-Imran and Surah Al-Asr each present a path to success and avoiding loss. Specifically, verse 200 of Surah Al-Imran directly outlines the path to success, while Surah Al-Asr refers to the path to avoid loss. In other words, both verses show paths to reach specific goals, and achieving success and avoiding loss is only possible by following these paths.
Verse 200 of Surah Al-Imran and Surah Al-Asr each present a path to success and avoiding loss. Specifically, verse 200 of Surah Al-Imran directly outlines the path to success, while Surah Al-Asr refers to the path to avoid loss. In other words, both verses indicate paths leading to specific goals, and achieving success and preventing loss is only possible by following these paths.
Translation to English:
A very important point is that these two noble verses share significant semantic and conceptual similarities. In Surah Al-Asr, Allah commands advising one another to truth and advising one another to patience. In contrast, in Surah Al-Imran, the command is given to patience, mutual patience, and vigilance.
Indeed, patience and mutual patience in both verses are introduced as fundamental principles for achieving success and avoiding loss.
These conceptual similarities between the two verses highlight the close connection and alignment of these commands in the Qur’an.
According to the verses of the Qur’an, patience and advising one another to patience are essential pillars of success and salvation. In Surah Al-Asr, humanity is generally introduced as being in loss, except for those who, by adhering to characteristics such as faith, righteous deeds, advising one another to truth, and patience, can be saved from this condition and attain success. During the occultation of Imam al-Mahdi (peace be upon him), the duty of Muslims is to remain in waiting for the Imam’s appearance with patience, advising one another to patience, and advising one another to truth, while performing righteous deeds to prevent loss. These verses show that no one can easily attain success unless they possess these qualities fully within themselves.
Predictions of Success and Loss in the Qur’an
All human beings who are in loss lack four characteristics. These characteristics are clearly defined in the Qur’an. A person may be a believer, but if they do not have righteous deeds, they will, in fact, be among the people of loss. For example, imagine someone has faith, but no righteous deeds, no advising others to truth, or no patience is evident in their actions. In this case, such a person is certainly among the people of loss.
This point, which may seem simple at first glance, is profoundly meaningful. Many individuals who consider themselves people of faith may ultimately fall into the category of loss. This is because loss is not exclusive to disbelievers. Those who have faith and follow the religion, yet lack the qualities of success in practice, may find themselves on the path of loss. This issue can occur unconsciously to anyone. The fundamental question that arises is how likely it is that those who consider themselves people of faith may eventually fall into “loss”? It seems that the likelihood of this happening is greater than usually perceived. Especially over time, the chance that people, even with faith, may fall into loss due to the absence of some fundamental qualities increases. This should be taken as a serious warning.
According to the verses of the Qur’an and detailed analyses, anyone who lacks the characteristics of success, even if they have faith, will ultimately be on the path to loss. This issue is especially emphasized in the verses of Surah Al-Asr and other Qur’anic verses, which make it clear that mere faith and righteous deeds are not enough for success and salvation. These verses highlight the importance of qualities such as advising to truth and patience. Therefore, if these qualities are not present in a person, they may unknowingly, without prior intent, fall into the category of those in loss.
This analysis teaches us that, in order to achieve success and salvation on the religious path, merely having faith and performing righteous deeds is not sufficient; other qualities are also essential, as mentioned in the Qur’an. These qualities include advising to truth and patience, which must be actively considered in both personal and social life. Failure to uphold these principles, even if one is committed to faith and righteous deeds, can lead them astray from the path of success and lead them to loss.
Conclusion:
In the Qur’an, success and loss are clearly associated with specific characteristics. According to various verses of the Qur’an, patience, faith, righteous deeds, and advising to truth and patience are fundamental pillars of success and salvation. Especially during the occultation of Imam al-Mahdi (peace be upon him), waiting and patience are not only an individual duty but also a social responsibility that must take the form of cooperation and solidarity among Muslims.
The verses of Surah Al-Imran and Surah Al-Asr clearly outline the paths for success and avoiding loss. In Surah Al-Imran, the commands of patience, mutual patience, and vigilance are specifically given, which are particularly important during the occultation, especially in following Imam al-Mahdi (peace be upon him). Additionally, in Surah Al-Asr, faith, righteous deeds, advising to truth, and patience are introduced as essential characteristics for avoiding loss. In both Surahs, it is emphasized that if a person does not possess these characteristics, they will be in loss.
Therefore, to achieve success and salvation during the occultation, Muslims must not only rely on faith and righteous deeds, but they must also actively observe qualities such as advising to truth and patience in their personal and social lives. Neglecting these qualities, even with faith and righteous deeds, can divert a person from the path of success and lead them to loss.
Thus, waiting during the occultation is not merely about being expectant, but Muslims must also embrace solidarity, perseverance, and collective cooperation in preserving faith, strengthening the believing community, and preparing for the appearance of Imam al-Mahdi (peace be upon him). These verses provide guidance for Muslims during the occultation so that they can achieve success and salvation by adhering to these principles.
The discussion regarding success and loss, the characteristics of patience and mutual patience, and the responsibilities of Muslims during the occultation of Imam al-Mahdi (peace be upon him) have been explored in this article. Further details of this analysis and the continuation of the discussion will be presented in the second article.
