So much has been mentioned in Islamic sources about the status and rank of anticipators (Muntadhir) of the return of Imam Mahdi (PBUH) that it leads one to wonder how a simple act of awaiting has been given so much value. However, by focusing on the philosophy behind “awaiting (Intidhar) the return of Imam Mahdi (PBUH)” and the responsibilities of his anticipators, one may to some extent understand the value of this act:
1. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP) said: “The best of worship is to anticipate the relief (Faraj) (return of Mahdi (PBUH)).”
2. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP) said: “The best struggle (Jihad) of my community is to await the Faraj.”
3. Amir al-Mu’minin (PBUH) said: “Await the Faraj and do not be hopeless of Allah’s mercy; indeed Allah, the Lord of might and glory considers the best of acts to be the anticipation of Faraj”
4. Sheikh Sadooq has narrated in his book, al-Khisal, from Imam Sadiq (PBUH) who narrated from his ancestors: “The rank of those who await the return of Mahdi is equal to the rank of those whom shed blood in the way of Allah.”
5. Also in Kamal al-Din Imam Sadiq (PBUH) explains the importance of anticipation (Intidhar): “Blessed are those followers of our Ariser (Qa’eim) who await the last Imam during his occultation and are obedient after his reappearance; they are the close ones to Allah; no fear shall come upon them, nor shall they grieve.”
