Innumerable narrations
contain the signs and symbols of the reappearance of Hazrat Wali-e-Asr Imam
Mahdi (a.s.) Janab Sheikh Sadooq and Allamah Majlisi (May Allah Shower His
blessing on them) the highly acclaimed Shia scholars have described these
narrations among the signs and symbols of the re-appearance of Imam (a.s.) Here
we will discuss them wholly from literary point of view.
1. Importance of signs and symbols of
re-appearance of Imam (a.s.):
Since long all the
Muslims in general and the Shias in particular are looking forward for the
reappearance of Imam Mahdi (a.s.). It is undoubtedly an established fact like
the Doomsday for which no fixed time or period is sounded. Only Allah knows, we
know not. We have only to focus our attention on the indications assigned for
it. To investigate, to find out and to distinguish between these signals and
tokens for the reappearance of Imam (a.s.) is of immense importance. We can
assume on the basis of these indications (not for certain) that the time and
period is not far away. Due to this more emphasis is given on these signs from
the beginning itself.
2. There are two types of indications and
signs:
The
signals given by Ahle Bait (a.s.) are not of one type. Some of the signs told
by the descendants of the Holy Prophet
(s.a.w.a) are unchangeable while some of them are inconstant. Imam Jafar Sadiq
(a.s.) has said that five signs before the re-appearance of Hazrat Qaim (a.s.)
would appear:
(i)The appearance of Yemani,
(ii) Revolt of Sufyani,
(iii) Mysterious voice,
(iv) Murder of a pious man between Safah and Marwa,
(v) Sinking of Sufyani’s army between Mecca and
Medina at a place known as Baiza.
(Behaarul Anwaar, vol. 52, pg. 254)
According to another narration some other sure signs
are related by Imam Jafar Sadiq (a.s.) like the division of Bani Abbas in
different groups; Sighting of mysterious hands from the sky (Behaarul Anwaar,
vol. 52, pg. 206) while other signs are mutable. It can be concluded by keeping
both the symbols together that some of them are uncertain.
3. Can
any change be anticipated in the things predicted?
According
to the thorough and absolute Shia teachings and tenets the answer will be in affirmative. Changeability among the
Shias is an important belief based on Quran. In the light of Shia tenets, the
mishaps, calamities and other ugly incidents which are expected can be changed,
altered and averted. Accordingly the problems of livelihood age. hunger,
prestige honor, insult and disgrace, incurable diseases, earthquakes, famine,
revolution and war which are about to engulf the mankind can be turned aside
from or there may be increase or decrease in their severity. The glaring
example of the changeability is the episode of the followers of Hazrat Yunus
(a.s.) whose calamity was kept off and prevented. At two different places, it
is mentioned in the Holy Book that the followers of Hazrat Yunus (a.s.) were
subjected to the severe wrath of Allah the Almighty.
So the Prophet
(a.s.) distanced himself from them and went far away. But his followers suddenly
changed their behaviour and stand.They pleaded for mercy from the Almighty
Allah from the depth of their hearts. The calamity was averted (Surah Yunus:
98).
Allah can change
the destiny and is not subject to any control, , has authority to control the
things when they are uncontrollable and manages the affairs when they are
unmanageable. This has the direct connection as per the narrations of
descendants of Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a) (with the knowledge of the unseen) where
the foreknowledge is treasured. From this treasure all the angels, the Prophets
and the spiritual leaders (Imams) are adorned with the foreknowledge and
inspirations. Nothing has thus found place regarding change in the Commandments
of Allah in (Quran) in the unseen treasure of knowledge.
4. Is alteration not possible in the time of
reappearance of Imam (a.s.)?
Regarding the
change both these narrations can be put as a proof in which the reappearance is
predicted early or late. The conditions of the period and time of re-appearance
are described in some narrations. If it will be proved that reappearance is
alterable and can occur late or early then it will be implied that the signs
can also be changed. The following narrations can be quoted regarding the
change in re-appearance:
A narrator inquired
from Imam Jafar Sadiq (a.s.) whether there is any remedy to this complex
problem so that we feel relaxed? Imam (A. S.) replied, “Yes but it is only you
people who have disclosed this secret so the re-appearance is delayed by
Allah.”
(Behaarul Anwaar,
vol. 52, pg. 117)
It can be explained
in this way in detail that the Imams (a.s.) used to hint to their followers
(Shias) about the reappearance without fixing any period. That secret was
passed on to the enemies by some mentally weak Shias which averse Allah and
thus the reappearance was delayed. In another narration Imam Jafar Sadiq (a.s.)
said that re-appearance was delayed twice (Behaarul Anwaar, vol. 52, pg. 117)
while it was
actually delayed thrice according to another narration (Behaarul Anwaar, vol.
52, pg. 289-291).
The following
sayings of Imam (a.s.) can be put forward as a third example which proves that
delay or haste can possibly occur in reappearance. The words are as follows:
“Pray for early reappearance as it would be for your good. It would be a means
to make you free from hardships”. (Behaarul Anwaar, vol.53).
It has now become
clear that the early reappearance of Imam (a.s.) so to say depends very much
how we reciprocate. If we will pray to Allah sincerely to pardon us we will find
a sea of change in ourselves and will abstain from sins by being faithful to
Allah. Only then we can hope for quick and early reappearance of Imam Mahdi
(a.s.).
He who has faith in
narrations would never be taken aback if the Imam (a.s.) reappears before the
sighting of the signs as one is awaiting for the Imam (a.s.) and not looking
forward for the signs.
5. What is the purpose and object of symbols
and signs?
The discussions
about the tokens and signals have its advantages and benefits. It kindles the
hearts of Shias with the ray of hope, vanishes the anxiety and worries and
protects them from negative thinking that crowd their minds. Thus the tokens
and signals for re-appearance serve as a source of stability and security of
faith.
6. Awaiting for reappearance and not for
tokens and symbols:
It is now clear
that we should wait for reappearance of Imam (a.s.) and not for change in
sign. We should not consider reappearance as impossible before witnessing the
symbols and tokens. The reappearance is the command of Allah. It is not
ordered by Allah, so the Imam (a.s.) has not re-appeared. It is only at this
stage the true and sincere followers are praying, waiting and begging pardon
before Allah to hasten the reappearance of Imam (a.s.) Allah is free to shower
His blessings to any He likes. Allah can order the reappearance even before
the sighting of signs and not bound by symbols. The symbols can be changed and
Imam (a.s.) can be ordered to re-appear early. So we should wait for
re-appearance of Imam (a.s.) and should not wait for the signs to appear.
O Lord of Husain
(a.s.) we beg you to administer justice to Husain (a.s.) and bring forth the
reappearance of Imam (a.s.) for consolation of Imam Husain (a.s.).
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