Hazrat Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) visits few special places and does not visit certain other places. He does not step in places of diversion and amusement although he has control and oversees them and Allah makes him aware about them. One cannot find him in unlawful, immoral and corrupt places. He is particular about recommendable acts. He visits Imam Husain’s (a.s.) grave especially on every Thursday night. He attends the Umra in month of Rajab and visits the grave of holy prophet (s.a.w.a.) and other Imams (a.s.). His special grace and kindness extends over all the religious gatherings of the Shias. The more beneficial and constructive these gatherings and the more nearer they are to Allah’s satisfaction, the greater is Hazrat’s care and attention for such gatherings.
Reason and experience dictate that he cares and extends his favour for gatherings that remember Imam Husain’s (a.s.) virtues and misfortunes. The criterion in gatherings is not the number of attendants. The good heart of the speaker, the sincerity of the listeners, the pure intention of the house-owner, the prayers recited for Hazrat in that gathering and the attendants’ good manners are fully effective in attracting Imam’s attention. In fact, on numerous occasions, Hazrat has been seen in such gatherings. I emphasise once again that chances of seeing Hazrat are more in gatherings commemorating Imam Husain (a.s.). He has also been seen many times in Mecca, in the holy prophet’s (s.a.w.a.) shrine, in holy places and the shrine of Amir-ul-Mu’minin (a.s.).
We narrate here one memoir:
About twenty-five years ago, a group amongst our sincere friends living in Shiraz collectively left one Thursday night for the outskirts of the city for a holiday rest. In the mountainous region, amidst the several trees and besides a spring, they recited Dua-e-Kumail on that Thursday night and were all in good mood. They called upon Hazrat Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) numerous times. Usually, a state of forgetfulness overtakes those who are fortunate in meeting Hazrat. If not, then they would scream out drawing the attention of others thus making open the event whereas only a few are supposed to experience this grace. After that incident, one of them (who is still alive) narrates as such:
Since we rested in an open and mountainous region, we planned to keep guard every two hours over others who would sleep so as to protect the group from wild beasts. It was now my turn for keeping guard and it was past midnight. I walked on the border line where my friends lay asleep. I noticed a lantern lit near a spring that was at short distance from us and I saw someone drinking water. I went forward. I saw a splendid and dignified figure besides the spring. I greeting him and said: ‘What are you doing here during this part of the night? He replied, ‘I visit my friends wherever they gather. Those who reached here last night are our friends and we care for them. I have come here for their sake.
During that state, this youth had turned completely heedless and inattentive. The next morning, the group recited Dua-e-Nudba and at intervals, would call upon Hazrat Mahdi (a.t.f.s.). During the last hours when the group started packing their things for departure, this youth suddenly jumped up and his state transformed completely. His friends inquired about his change of attitude and he said, ‘Sit down, I have something to narrate.’ Thereafter, he narrated the event of the last night.
Those who call him and implore for his help in young age receive greater attention from him. To sum up, the probable place Hazrat visits is the gatherings in which the Shias engage themselves in worship and remembrance of Allah.
I recommend the youth to have good manners and perform ablution while attending such gatherings. One should have purity of heart and attend for Allah’s sake. That kind Imam (a.t.f.s.) shows greater favour towards the youth as their sins are lesser and their burden much lighter, and if any special grace is to be showered it would be showered upon the youth, Inshallah.