One of the greatest aspects in our life given the present circumstances is the awaiting the Imam [aj]. Our preparations should be in line with the principles set out which define this awaiting in the time of occultation. The aspect of awaiting the return of the Imam [aj] is paramount to the faith of a practicing Shia as that helps us strength and even in certain cases make the foundations of our belief in Shia Islam. One of the aspects of this trip is the role that it plays in building this concept of awaiting in the participants. The trip is structured in such a manner that it revolves around this concept. The need for this is due to two reasons; one being the important part in terms of the Islamic history and the other being the need to constantly remember the importance of the Imam [aj]. One of the greatest treasures that I took away from my years of experience from this trip is slowly building yourself spiritually as well as physically in preparation for the Imam [aj]. Living in the West, it is essential for us to realize who are our leaders are and what are the responsibilities and the duties upon us in regards to our Imam [aj]. Everything in our life should be for the sake of Allah alone and should work to hasten the reappearance of the Imam of our time [aj]. Anything which does not work to hasten his reappearance or works against it should be avoided as we look towards his reappearance as a symbol of salvation for us and also the symbol of justice and peace, something which is a great need of today's world.
The first step for all of us in terms of understanding the concept of awaiting is that we need to evaluate ourselves; understand our mistakes and vices and work to reform ourselves spiritually as well as in relation to akhlaq. We need to evaluate our objectives in terms of this life and also evaluate our path. If we are not progressing then what are the obstacles in our path that have inhibited us from elevating spiritually and seeking perfection? The answers to these points will come through reflection and through the process of reflection we will find answers which we can apply in our lives. The importance of reflection is something highlighted in both the Quran and the Hadith. On several occasions in the Quran we find that it stresses the need for man to contemplate in order to understand the secrets of the universe, the wisdom behind the laws of Allah and the philosophy of this life.
The second step in this journey of understanding awaiting would be to realize the importance of this concept in the Ghayba of our Imam [aj]. Awaiting the Imam [aj] is obligatory as well as a pillar of our faith, this is demonstrated by the following hadiths:
Imam Muhammad Taqi [a] says: 'Certainly, our Qaim is that (very) Mahdi whose awaiting is obligatory during his occultation.'
(Kamaluddin, vol. 2, pg. 377, chap. 36 tradition 1)
Imam Baqir [a] says: ‘(Religion implies) To bear witness that there is no god except Allah, Who is One and Unique and He has no partner and that Muhammad [p] is His servant and His messenger and to accept all that he [p] has brought from the side of Allah and to accept our Wilayat (mastership) and to love us while at the same time to bear enmity with our enemies, to submit to our commands and to act with piety and modesty and to await the reappreance of our Qaim [aj]. For certainly our government shall be established when He wishes.
(Usul-e-Kafi - Kitabul Imaan wal Kufr, Chapter of "Pillars of Islam", tradition 13)
So in essence acceptance of any religious deed depends on the relevance it has to awaiting the Imam [aj]. Here "acceptance of an action" implies "to receive the reward promised for that action and to gain proximity to Allah." Only that action is worthy of a reward, which is performed along with all the relevant conditions. Else all the efforts expended in its performance will be futile. Of course, if Allah wishes, then out of His Boundless Mercy and Grace, He will accept the acts of worship even if some of the conditions are not fulfilled.
In regards to the obligation that is placed on the concept of awaiting indicates the fact that during occultation it is the duty of every Shia to familiarize himself with the characteristics of awaiting the Imam. Another point to add here would be that every level of awaiting has its own set of demands and pre-requisites. The lowest level of awaiting is to believe in the occurrence of the event, i.e. reappearance of Imam [aj]. The intensity of the awaiting depends upon this fact. The more certain one is of the event, the stronger will be the awaiting.
With these thoughts in mind, Iran came into vision, a city lit up admist the darkness of the night. I was there in the lands of Khorasan as a guest of Imam Al Ridha [a], but this land was not what the heart desired, it wanted to be there in the shrine of Imam Al Ridha [a] free as the pigeons there flying within the courtyards smelling the fragrance from the heavenly garden. With patience I had to wait for that moment, it was not far but it seemed an eternity given that it had been two long years.
As I walked on the earth of Iran, I knew I was home, I felt a sense of freedom and relief. It was an emotional return to this country, the revolution, the history, the Islamic environment all bought back memories of the past events and visits. Regardless of how sad and sorrowful as they were yet it added to the love for this place.May Allah bless the souls of the Martyrs, the Leaders of the Revolution and may Allah protect the leaders of today. May He hasten the reappearance of Imam Mahdi [aj] and may the flame of the Revolution stay alive for years and years to come.
