Expressing one’s desire to meet the Imam is another responsibility of the believers.
In the supplications which are specifically related to Imam al-Zaman (ajtf) such as Du’a al-Nudbah (1), there are passages (which as we know are the exact words of Imam Ja’far b. Muhammad as-Sadiq) in which this responsibility has been clearly mentioned:
عَزِيزٌ عَلَيَّ أَنْ أَرَى الْـخَلْقَ وَ لاَ تُرىٰ وَ لاَ أَسْمَعُ لَكَ حَسِيساً وَ لاَ نَـجْوىٰ
“How difficult it is for me that I am able to see all the creation, however you cannot be seen, and I do not hear any sound or whisper from you!”
The Commander of the Faithful, ‘Ali b. Abi Talib (as) has said:
هَاه! وَ أَوْمـى بِيَدِهِ إِلـى صَدْرِهِ شَوْقاً إِلـى رُؤْيَتِهِ
“Aah! (O’ how I wish I could see him!)” And then he struck his hand on his chest as a sign of longing to see the Imam (al-Mahdi). 2
- 1.This supplication has been narrated in the reliable books of supplication such as Mafatih al-Jinan, Mikyal al-Makarim, vol. 2, pg. 93-100; the hand written copy of Mizar al-Kabir of Ibne al-Mashadi, pg. 822; Mizar (the old Version) by Qutb Rawandi; the hand written copy of Mizar of Sayyid ibne Tawus which is known by the name of MiSbahul Zair, pg. 334; Biharul Anwar, vol. 102
- 2.Mikyal al-Makarim, vol. 1, pg. 115; Biharul Anwar, vol. 51, pg. 115, sec. 2, no. 14