The question is that why the other Imams did not implement this universal plan which would be put into action by Hazrat Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) only? Also, considering that there is no compulsion in religion, how Imam (a.t.f.s.) would force people to accept his plans?
The first part itself comprises two points: First, the Almighty Allah has not wished so. Secondly, the people before Hazrat Mahdi’s rule weren’t prepared for implementation of such plan. Thus during Amir-ul-Mu’mineen’s rule too, the Islamic plans could not be implemented in full. The people couldn’t tolerate Imam Ali’s rule. They even failed to accept Imam Hasan’s government otherwise Imam Hasan (a.s.) would never have entered into peace treaty with Muwaiya. The people invited Imam Husain (a.s.). Thereafter, they changed the political situation so fast that they closed Imam Husain’s path at Karbala. Before, Imam Husain (a.s.) had sent Muslim-ibn-Aqeel and people swore allegiance to him. Later, they abandoned him such that only a few remained in the Kufa mosque. At night, they did not give Muslim any shelter and left him all alone.
Thus, all the invitations and movements were all a show and weren’t based on their recognition of Imam. For this reason, with one political move, the enemies turned the situation against Muslim-ibn-Aqeel.
During Hazrat Mahdi’s (a.t.f.s.) rule, all groups would come to Imam’s assistance and would approve his rule. This is because all the governments would come to this conclusion that they are incapable of ruling the world. Thus, they would have full preparedness in accepting Hazrat Mahdi’s rule and would accept so whole heartedly.
Besides, if Hazrat Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) rule extends all over the land, it doesn’t contradict the verse,“there is no compulsion in religion.” This is because it is Allah’s Will and the desire of the common people to see the universal government set in motion. However, only a limited number (who would refuse to accept the truth) would wish to raise the banner of opposition and perhaps say,“We wish to put up our own tribal and religious organization.”
The entire citizens around the world would say:
اشهد ان لا اله الا الله و اشهد ان محمدا رسول الله و اشهد ان عليا ولي الله
Is it possible to cancel the universal plans just for the sake of a limited few?
About Hazrat Mahdi’s rule, it is worthy to mention that unlike his judgments in litigations and disputes where he would judge esoterically, he is not charged to rule esoterically. His divine knowledge has nothing to do with his ruling and acceptance of government and he would act exoterically.
Thus, the society at that time would be a Muslim society and the government an Islamic government. The slogans would be Islamic slogans. No place would be found wherein a non-Muslim would reside. No individual would be found by the name of Jew, Christian, Zorastrian Buddha, Brahmin etc. All the people would submit themselves before the truth and would say,“La-Illaha-Ilallah” though their inner freedom and authority would remain intact.
To sum up, the Will of the All-Wise Allah and the people’s preparedness during the end of time makes it expedient for only Hazrat Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) to shoulder this enormous duty of forming the universal government, and this is the same about which all prophets and Imams have given glad tidings.
The holy Qur’an says:
“Is it then other than Allah’s religion that they seek (to follow), and to Him submits whoever is in the heavens and the earth, willingly or unwillingly, and to Him shall they be returned.” (Qur’an, 3:83)
Imam Sadiq (a.s.) said:
“When our Qaem shall emerge no place would remain void of the cry, ‘I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is Allah’s messenger’.” [134]