Remembering Imam Mahdi (ajtf) in Muharram
Give Condolences to the Imam (aj) – The Most Aggrieved One
“I will, therefore, lament you morning and evening, and will weep blood in place of tears, out of my anguish for you and my sorrow for all that befell you…” – Imam Mahdi (aj)
Imam Mahdi (ajtf) is struck with sorrow and grief as expressed by himself in Ziyarat Nahiyah. He is the rightful recipient of condolences before anyone else. Let’s acknowledge his presence and grief during majalis and lectures.
At the beginning and end of majalis, let’s make sure we give our condolences to the Imam of our Time (ajtf) as he will not only be imagining the tragedy of karbala as we do, but he knows the events of Ashura and beyond as it actually happened. He has to suffer through this pain and anguish every year, yet we cannot offer him condolences in person.
We may not see him but he sees and hears us and knows what is in our hearts and minds. He knows when we remember him.
Pray for Imam (aj) with Tears in Your Eyes – The Time of Acceptance of Prayers
“I pray for the one who prays for my reappearance after crying for Imam Hussain (as)” – Imam Mahdi (aj)
Grieving due to the tragedy of Imam Hussain (as) is one of the most highly esteemed acts as mentioned by the Ahlulbayt (as).
This shows our love for Imam Hussain (as). Whilst feeling this love and burning within the heart and when our eyes are filled with tears, pray for the early reappearance of Imam Mahdi (ajtf). He is waiting to gain justice for Imam Hussain (as), his family and companions. He is waiting to bring peace and justice to humanity.
Praying for Imam Mahdi’s (ajtf) reappearance is also a way of helping Imam Hussain (as). The reappearance of Imam Mahdi (ajtf) is the continuation and completion of the mission of Imam Hussain (as).
Gift the Reward of Majalis and Attendance to Imam (aj)
“One dirham which reaches the Imam is better than two million dirham’s (spent) in all other good deeds.”
– Imam Jaffer as Sadiq (as)
Another responsibility of an awaiter of Imam Mahdi (ajtf) is to donate the reward of obligatory or reccommended worship to the Imam.
After the reappearance of the Imam (ajtf), this wealth will be given directly to the Imam (ajtf), however during the time of the occultation of the Imam (ajtf) the wealth or whatever we have from this world which we wish to offer to him can be spent in ways which would earn his pleasure. Of course the intention for this act would be to offer the gift to the Imam (directly).
Our money can be used to print much needed books to uphold the faith; or the money can be spent in holding gatherings (majalis) programmes or giving charity on behalf of the Imam (ajtf)
Recite Ziyarat Nahiyah – The Events of Karbala Narrated by Imam Mahdi (aj)
“Peace be upon the slain and the oppressed one” – Imam Mahdi (aj)
Of the several prescribed Ziyarat of Imam Hussain (as), one was recited by Imam Mahdi (ajtf) and reached us through one of his four special deputies.
For that reason, it is known as the Ziyarat that was issued from the sacred side (Ziyarat al-Nahiya al-Muqaddasa).
One of the most important features of this Ziyarat is that in different phrases, Imam Mahdi (ajtf) graphically describes the events of Ashura and the agony that Imam Hussain (as) and his family faced on that horrific and ominous day.
Recite Ziyarat Ashura – A Plea for the Reappearance of the Avenger
” I pray to Allah who has honoured your status and has also honoured me through you, that He grant me the opportunity to seek your revenge with the victorious Imam from the family of Muhammad” – Ziyarat Ashura
In a a story narrated in Najmus Saqib, Chapter 7, it speaks of a man who resorted to asking for help from Imam Mahdi (ajtf). He recieved advice from the Imam (ajtf) to recite Ziyarat Ashura.
Duas within the ziyarah maybe one of the reason for this.
Imam Mahdi (ajtf) is waiting to avenge his grandfather Hussain (as) and to bring justice and equity to all of humanity. By reciting Ziyarat Ashura, we are praying for his blessed reappearance, an action that is vital for all believers as it is a part of our awaiting for Imam (ajtf).
He himself says:
“Pray more for my reappearance, because in it is your salvation”
Learn about the Connection Between Imam Mahdi (aj) & Imam Hussain (as)
“My son, Husayn, will be killed in Karbala while he will be alone, single, thirsty, and without any helper. Whoever helps him has helped me and has helped his son, al-Hujjah” – Prophet Muhammad (saw)
There is a special link between Imam Hussain (as) and Imam Mahdi (ajtf).
Indeed, Imam Mahdi (ajtf) is from the progeny of Imam Hussain (as) who will rise on the Day of Ashura and will speak of his grandfather’s oppression. Imam Hussain (as) also spoke of Imam Mahdi (ajtf) avenging for him, and helping Imam Hussain (as) is similar to helping Imam Mahdi (ajtf). Moreover, one of the best deeds on the birth of Imam Mahdi (ajtf) is to recite Ziyarah of Imam Hussain (as), as renewing one’s allegiance with Imam Hussain (as) is renewing it with Imam Mahdi (ajtf)
Reading about the stance and true companions of Imam Hussain (as) will inform us of the calibre of companions Our Imam (ajtf) is awaiting.
— Click here to find out more about Imam Mahdi (ajtf) & Imam Hussain (as)
References:
Mikyalul Makarim
Ziyarat Ashura
Ziyarat Nahiyah
Wasailush Shiah