Connection with Imam al-Mahdi (may Allah hasten his reappearance) is the longing of every eager wait-and it is the noble honor of every person of knowledge. However, this precious matter, due to its great value, has always been exposed to those who claim to be connected with the heart of the universe, using this claim as a means to achieve their own legitimate or illegitimate goals. Whether consciously or unconsciously, these claimants—unlike the humble saints who receive light from the sun of the Imam—have become deceivers to the faithful and simple-hearted believers, who are constantly thirsty to receive news or a sign from the absent Imam.
Every true believer, with careful reasoning, must, on one hand, recognize the proper ways to connect with the Imam of the Age (peace be upon him), and on the other hand, identify the false claimants of connection, to prevent themselves and society from falling into the abyss of delusion and superstition, the result of which is misguidance.
We know that achieving the privilege of meeting the blessed Imam al-Mahdi (peace be upon him), which is referred to as “meeting,” is different from the claim of being the “Bab” (Gate) or “Saffir” (Envoy) of the Imam. The terms “Bab” and “Saffir” are used for those who claim a relationship with the Imam of the Age (peace be upon him) and assert that they have received instructions from the Imam. [1]
Without a doubt, meeting and visiting the Imam is not impossible, as some righteous individuals have reached this blessing during the period of occultation, and it is also confirmed and accepted that one can benefit from the spiritual guidance of the Imam. However, there is a vast difference between this and the claim of being a “Bab” or “Saffir.”
Neither dreams and visions, nor the claim of direct connection and receiving guidance from the infallible Imam (peace be upon him), hold any value or legitimacy in determining practical matters for the community’s relationship with the Imam of the Age, because, firstly, the Muslim ummah has not been commanded to follow such claims, and secondly, there is no standard or legal rule to verify the truth of visions or claims to distinguish the true ones from falsehoods. Otherwise, we would have to accept that anyone, anywhere, could make a new religious claim based on a dream or a message they allegedly received, which would not only lead to the distortion of God’s religion but also divert waiting Muslims from their true path of light.
Thus, what reason and transmitted sources dictate is that the duty of the true friends and followers of the Imam of the Age is to reject the claimants of “Babiyyah” and “Saffar” who claim to deliver orders or messages from Imam al-Mahdi (peace be upon him). As mentioned in Imam al-Mahdi’s (peace be upon him) final letter to his last special representative: “Soon, my Shia will be confronted with those who claim to have seen me; surely anyone who claims to have seen me before the appearance of the Sufyani and the heavenly cry is a liar and an imposter” [2]. Therefore, not only is it obligatory to reject such individuals, but any action that strengthens their claims, based on reason and the prohibition of helping others commit sin, would be forbidden.
But what is the responsibility of true seekers in this chaotic marketplace of claimants? And how can one access the authentic and correct sources of the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them)?
During the Great Occultation of the Imam of the Age (peace be upon him), the Muslim ummah is commanded by the Imams (peace be upon them) to follow the qualified scholars (Fuqaha), benefiting from the piety of the righteous, the wisdom of the devoted, and the teachings of committed theologians and scholars of hadith. This following and spiritual benefit ensures that the Muslim ummah, alongside the Book of God and the pure progeny (Ahl al-Bayt), obtains and practices its beliefs, ethical virtues, and jurisprudential and legal rulings through reasoned evidence.
At the same time, we must always remember that direct, unmediated access to the luminous presence of Imam al-Mahdi (peace be upon him) requires special merit and qualifications. What is universally necessary and attainable is to maintain and nourish a spiritual and moral connection with the Imam, which can be achieved by observing proper etiquette when in his presence. Performing recommended acts and righteous deeds on his behalf, offering the rewards of these acts to the pure souls of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them), is one of the best ways to maintain a connection with the blessed Imam.
May we, through understanding the true meaning of waiting and fulfilling our duties in this noisy era of occultation, remain free from deviation and be among the true waiters for his reappearance.
(Taken from the book “Imam Mahdi (peace be upon him): The Promised Existence,” by Ayatollah Jawadi Amoli, with abbreviations and modifications.)
Footnotes:
[1] (For further information, see Islamic Sects Dictionary, p. 88)
[2] (Al-Kamal al-Din, Vol. 2, p. 193; Al-Ihtijaj, Vol. 2, p. 556)