All the prophets and Imams strived constantly in upholding religion and monotheism, and wiping off polytheism and blasphemy from the human societies. Thus, they persisted on this path and sacrificed their lives and wealth. For the well-being of the people and their piety, they went so far that they never had a rest. On the other hand, based on divine glad-tidings, they realized that its complete accomplishment would be fulfilled by the hands of the promised Mahdi (a.t.f.s.). For this reason, they were in anxious state, in hope for achievement of this ultimate desire, and encouraged the people to wait for that day.
Imam Sadiq (a.s.) says:
“If I happen to meet him, I would serve him my entire life” .[149]
Also, Imam Reza (a.s.) had stood up whenever he heard special title of Mahdi,i.e.”the word ‘Qaem’ “ and after placing his hand over the head, he had said:
“O Allah! Hasten his Faraj and make easy his rise.”[150]
Sodair Sairafi says:
“One day Mufazzal, Abu-Basir, Aban-ibn-Taghleb and I visited Imam Sadiq (a.s.) at his residence. I saw Hazrat sitting on the ground wearing a woolen cloak and was crying just like a mother who has lost her child. Sorrow and grief was visible on his face and tears rolled down his cheek. In such a state he groaned and said, ‘O my master! Your concealment has taken away my sleep, seized my comfort and made my sufferings to last forever………” [151]
If we look into the traditions, we will see that all the Imams (a.s.) have shed tears and were desirous of such meeting. Such eagerness exhibited by the immaculate leaders displays a way which not only the Shias but rather all the human-beings of the world should pursue if they wish to attain salvation. Similarly, just like their divine leaders, they should pass their moments life by growing enthusiastic and yearning to see the heavenly saviour and his government.
The text of supplications and invocations narrated by Imams (a.s.) too reminds us of this zeal and anxiousness and moves our heart in desire for meeting him. In Dua-e-Ah’d we read:
“O Allah count me amongst the helpers of Hazrat Mahdi (a.t.f.s.). Among those who defend him; who hasten to fulfil his goal; who obey his commands, and assist him…”
In this wordly life, those whose sorrow, grief, endeavours, and struggles rotate around this sacred goal, come under the cover of the glad-tidings given by Imam Sadiq (a.s.) who said:
“….blessed are the Shias of our Qaem, who during the occultation wait for his reappearance and who obey his commands when he rises! They are Allah’s favourites who have no fear and grief.” [152]