In our time the world has filled with injustice, wars and all kinds of oppressions which are very disturbing for mankind. Oppression has widespread so much that humanity has been ignored and unconsciously one may reach hopelessness. So the question is that, in this situation, what kinds of hope can help mankind to move forward and stay motivated?
In the Islamic view, one can summarize such hope in truthful and an unbreakable pledge and oath between Allah (SWT) and mankind. Based on this pledge, the path of mankind must only end in true salvation and rule of justice amongst all. This oath is very visible in all divine books and religions. Particularly, Islam and the tradition from the Prophet and his Progeny (PBUT) have had a strong emphasis on this oath. As Allah (SWT) Himself has said: “And We wished to do a favor to those who were weak (and oppressed) in the land, and to make them rulers and to make them the inheritors” (1) (2)
Likewise Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP) has said in a remarkable narration: “If there is only one night left from the life of this world, Allah (SWT) will prolong that night until a man from my progeny rules the world. His name is same as mine … and he will fill the world with justice, as it has been filled previously with oppression and tyranny.” (3) (4)
In this noble narration, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP) is trying to emphasize on the tradition of reappearance of Imam Mahdi (PBUH) and divine justice rule which will take place and fill the earth with fairness and justice for all. These points [from the narration] present a great tradition from the divine traditions that are very important and unchangeable. Even if it is necessary for a dramatic change to happen in the nature for this world, that will take place to make this tradition come to truth. Such as lengthening the last night or day beyond what it is in length of 24 hours. Nonetheless, this does not mean that Allah will make the last day of this world so long until the tradition of reappearance takes place; this shows the importance of such tradition taking place before any end and the fact its great occurrence is indefinite. Such great phenomena is the truth that Allah has promised us (5) and Allah never breaks His Promise(6).
The mankind is tired of all oppressions and irresponsibility of tyrant rules; they have had to bear too many pains and cruelty and impatiently awaiting such day. The day that all human beings can feel the sweet taste of true happiness; the day that Imam Mahdi (PBUH) reappears and unifies all human groups and ethnicities with any background and religion under the sole flag of Divine unity.
Hope to a bright future in which the period of oppression and violation of mankind’s rights and values eventually ending, will cause their will to stay strong; and hopelessness does not prevent growth and evolution of becoming better in life.
(The above is a selection taken from “Imam Mahdi (PBUH) the Dream of Mankind”, by Ayatullah Mudarresi (with minor changes))
The Roshd Website congratulated all those who await the establishment of a just government, especially you dear friend, upon 15th of Sha’ban, the birthday anniversary of the spreader of justice and the kind Imam and savior, Imam Hujjat ibn Hassan al-Askari (PBUH).
Footnotes:
1. Holy Quran 28:5
2. There has been several narrations in which Prophet’s progeny have indicated that this verse was revealed for them; refer to: Peak of Eloquence, Words of wisdom#209; Tafsir Furat Kufi, pg. 313., Ma’ani al-Akhbar pg. 79)
3.Kashful Qummah, vol. 2, pg. 474
4. A Similar narration has been addressed in the top Sunni narration references such as Musnad Ahmad, vol. 3, Sunan Ibn Maje, vol. 2, pg. 929
5. “Allah has promised those among you who believe, and do righteous good deeds, that He will certainly grant them succession to (the present rulers) in the earth, as He granted it to those before them, and that He will grant them the authority to practise their religion, that which He has chosen for them (i.e. Islam). And He will surely give them in exchange a safe security after their fear (provided) they (believers) worship Me and do not associate anything (in worship) with Me. But whoever disbelieved after this, they are the rebellious (disobedient to Allah)”. Holy Quran 24:55
6. “Allah never breaks His Promise”. Holy Quran 3:5