5th Case Study:

 

The Twelfth Imam, the Occulted  & Awaited One, the Sustainer and Rising One...Al Hujjah ibn Al Hasan Al-Mahdi (AFS)

 

5th Research Topic 

 

The Way in Which Imam Al Mahdi (AFS) Carries Out the Duties of Wasaya (Guardianship) and Caretaking Over the Final Message While He is Veiled From the Eyes and Physical Senses

 

 

Proposed Questions:

 

1)      Is it possible that the Imam carry out the duties and mission of guardianship during the time that he is occulted from the physical and visual senses?  How could it happen? How could one even imagine that to happen and in what way?

 

Logical Reasoning:

 

1)       The coach of a soccer or basketball team or any other sport practices his role of caretaking and guardianship over his team.  He works on that during the whole game until he leads it to victory or accomplishes the best results and performance.  Throughout the game, he continuously practices that role without interruption, not even for a moment.  However, is he physically present in the playing field?  Actually not, he stays away from the playing field and is not present inside it.  The players don't necessarily see the coach every moment during the game since they are busy playing, performing, and exerting physical effort.  However, does the lack of the coach's presence inside the playing field and lack of seeing him by the players throughout the whole game…does that prevent him from practicing his role as the guardian, caretaker, and guider of the team?  The coach directs, coordinates, changes, plans, orders, and is obeyed by his team even though he is outside the field.  So how does the coach carry out his role?  He issues the directions and instructions to the captain or leader of the team who is present inside the sports field.  The captain in turn passes it on to all the team players so they can abide by it.  He makes sure that these orders are obeyed.  This captain or leader of the team is usually appointed before the game and he is usually one of the players.  However, he is not any player as he is the most learned and experienced of them.  He is the most well-behaved, active and smart player with a strong personality.  The coach is not requested to contact each player of his team.  It is well known that as the obedience of the team to the instructions of their coach increases as well as the abidance of all players to it, the better the performance and results and the more the team gains admiration from others.  The opposite is also true.  The more the players rebel against the orders of their coach, guardian, and caretaker, and the more negligent they are in carrying out his instructions on the pretext that he is located out of the field and is not present in front of their eyes and that they know better the affairs of the game since they are present inside the field, the more they fail and dispute with each other, and loose the rhythm in performance, and played without an organized plan.  As a consequence, they lost the game both in performance and results.  If the captain or leader of the team assumed that he is the one who should act as the Wasi and caretaker, if he became greedy to have that role, if he became arrogant on his co-players, and if he rebelled on the coach who is seated outside the playing field…if that happened, the team would be divided and revolt will widespread which will eventually lead to chaos, humiliating loss, and disappointment of the audience.  So, this is an example which helps bring the picture closer to the mind regarding the ability of the guardian and caretaker to practice his role and job, even if he is not present inside the field of competition, and even if he is not visually seen by every person at all times.  It also clarifies one of the ways by which he can accomplish that and what would happen if his orders and instructions are not obeyed and if he was not enabled to perform his role.  Even if he is not physically present in the game field, he closely follows every minor and major event, he observes everything in detail, and he reacts with every incident and development by providing new instructions, directions, and guidance.  His only goal is for his team to perform well and to obtain final and decisive victory in this contest. 

All of that happens in a game.  Then, imagine if the game represent the struggle of the whole life itself, and if the playing field is the world around us, and if the players are us ourselves, and if the ultimate goal is to attain the final victory, salvation, and eternal abode in Paradise, as well as the pleasure of God who observes our performance and hand us the trophy.  In such case, don't we need a coach and caretaker (in this case would be the Wasi and Imam) who would direct and guide us even though he himself is not present inside the field?  Nor is he seen during the game, however, his existence is critical and essential since he is the coordinator, organizer, guider, planner, and caretaker from behind the curtain.  Whoever obeys him will win and attain salvation.  And whoever revolts against him and disobeys him will fail and be misguided.

 

 

2)       There is also the aviation controller who is seated in the aviation controlling tower and takes care of observing and directing the planes that are arriving, departing, landing, and taking off.  To the plane and its pilot, this controller is the one who acts as the caretaker and Wasi until the plane arrives safely to its destination with all its passengers.  He issues instructions, orders, and directions to the pilot of the plane who blindly obeys him because in that lies the safety of the plane and its passengers.  In this case, however, is that aviation controller physically present inside the plane itself?  And is he seen by the pilot, the crew, and the passengers?  Of course not, for he is usually present in the aviation controlling tower at the airport.  But that does not prevent him from practicing the role of guardianship and caretaking over the plane and its passengers.  So it is fair to conclude that the presence or absence of the Wasi and caretaker himself does not at all contradict his carrying out of the duties of caretaking and guardianship.  But how does he practice and carry out his role when he himself is not present inside the plane?  Rather, he accomplishes that through electronic and wireless communication with the pilot and the crew.  This recent human technology are based on natural phenomena and laws development which was present before the existence of man, but he simply discovered it and how to use it.  However, at the end, it is from the miracles and secrets of Allah (SWT) in His universe, and glory be to Him!  If a human being had told people 200 years ago that this could be possible, they would've accused him of being insane.  And if he really achieved it, they would've considered that a miracle from God.  This is only a tiny part of God's bounties which He (SWT) gave and dedicated to us and does not even compose one drop from the oceans of knowledge of God.  Then imagine how the vast and the all-encompassing knowledge of God is!  Would it then be appropriate after that to ask "how"?!

          The pilot simply carries out the orders, directions, and instructions of the aviation controller in the controlling tower.  He doesn't ask since he does not possess the information which the aviation controller has.  The orders and directions of the aviation controller naturally changes every minute, rather every second with changes in the status of the air traffic, and the weather forecast.  They also change from one plane to another depending on the circumstances of the air traffic and airlines.  Now, if the pilot failed to execute exactly any instruction from the guardian and the caretaker at the moment it is issued, a catastrophe may very well take place.  And in seconds, the plane and its passengers will have lost its way and perhaps crash with another aircraft which may double the disaster.  However, if the pilot immediately abided by the instructions, then the plane and its passengers will arrive safely to the airport without accidents, trouble, or disaster.

          So, if all of that happens in just an air flight, then imagine if this journey represents the struggle of life itself!  If the plane represents the life around us, and the passengers are us ourselves, and if the ultimate goal is to arrive safely to a safe haven and desired destination, then don't you think that we'll certainly need the guidance, the aviation instructor, and caretaker who is in this case is the Wasi and Imam who directs and save us even though he is not physically present inside the plane, nor is he visually seen throughout the journey?  However, his existence is necessary and critical since he is the coordinator, organizer, director, and caretaker from behind the curtain.  Whoever obeys him will attain salvation, and whoever revolts against him and disobeys him will fail and be doomed.

 

3)       There is also the obstetrician who follows the growth of an embryo in the womb of its mother until he is born and sees the light and comes to life safely.  He gives the embryo full attention and follows every development and event that happens to him during the period of pregnancy.  This doctor to the baby is the one who plays the role of the caretaker and the guardian until delivery takes place safely and with good health both to the baby and the mother.  This doctor issues instructions and directions continuously to the mother and prescribes for her treatment, investigation, and reports.  While she obeys him blindly since by doing so, there is safety for her and her baby that is in her womb.  However, is that doctor (the caretaker and guardian) present himself inside the womb of the mother?  Is he seen by the embryo who is being taken care of and looked over?  Of course not, rather, the doctor is present in his office or hospital.  But that certainly does not prevent him from practicing the role of guardianship and caretaking over the embryo who is in the mother's womb.  So the presence or absence of the Wasi and caretaker with the person who is being taken care of does not contradict carrying out the duties of his role as a guardian and caretaker.  But how can the doctor carry out his role of guardianship and caretaking of the embryo when each of them are located at a different place and they never meet until the moment of delivery?

          Well, the doctor carries out his role through conveying the knowledge to the mother and through continuous examination, careful checkup, and hence, issuing directions based on the status of the embryo, health of the mother, change in circumstances, and age of the embryo.  He accomplishes that also through recent methods of investigation by which he can closely follow the status of the embryo, although he is not physically present with him and does not see the embryo directly.  So from where did the doctor gain the knowledge?!  And what drives the mother to obey him?  Who permitted the discovery of sciences and laws upon which the modern devices and equipment to screen the embryo was built on (ex: ultrasound, genetic analysis, blood work, and different scanning methods)?  All of that is from the miracles and secrets of God.  So is it appropriate to ask “how” when it comes to the power and miracles of Allah (SWT)?  This proof and evidence is very clear and we see it every day hundreds and thousands of time in every place of the world.  One visit to a prenatal care clinic is enough to discover the miraculous truth and Glory is to Allah (SWT) who is Capable of everything!

          Now, the mother simply obeys the instructions and directions of the doctor.  She doesn't question them since she doesn’t possess the knowledge and the experience of the doctor who is the Wasi, nor does she encompass what he encompasses from his resources and devices which Allah (SWT) equipped him with.  Through them, he sees what she does not see, and so she surrenders to the instruction of the doctor who acting as Wasi and submits to his leadership and obeys his directions in detail.  But if she disobeyed or rejected or didn't carry out exactly any direction of the doctor (acting as caretaker and Wasi), this will immediately reflect negatively upon her and her baby.  Consequently, The process of pregnancy and birth may end in a tragic way for the mother, the baby, or both of them.  However, if she closely abides by the instructions and directions of the Wasi who is assigned and qualified, then the period of pregnancy will proceed safely and delivery will happen successfully.  The baby then will see the light of life and the mother will recover peacefully from the delivery.

          If all of that is present in the period of pregnancy, then imagine if this pregnancy represents the struggle of life itself, and if the uterus of the mother and her womb is the world around us, and if the embryo is us ourselves, and if the ultimate goal is to exit safely from this life and to be born safely in the Hereafter and live in the house of peace in the kingdom of Allah (SWT).  Don't we then need the obstetrician, caretaker, and guider who in our case is represented by the Wasi and Imam?  One who would take care of us and direct us with his knowledge and with what Allah (SWT) put at his disposal from the extraordinary abilities and miracles, even if we do not see him physically in front of our eyes?  But his presence is essential and necessary.  Whoever obeys him will have achieved his goal and attained salvation.  And whoever deviates and disobeys him will fail and loose his way.

 

4)       There is also the chief military commander who follows the progress of war in the battlefield, as well as the performance of his soldiers and army until they achieve final victory and the planned goals.  He oversees this army and monitors every development and event during the battle.  To the soldiers, this chief military commander is the one who practices the role of caretaker and guardian until he completes and achieves victory in the war.  He issues the directions and orders continuously to the field commanders and they carry it out exactly with their soldiers.  They must all blindly obey him because by doing so there is safety for the army and troops.  However, is that chief military commander present physically in the battlefield among the soldiers and is he seen by them all the time?!  Of course not, rather, the chief military commander is situated at the central command headquarter, and this usually is a secret place which only few people know and only few can see him.  However, his absence from the battlefield does not prevent him from practicing his role of guardianship and caretaking over the army and soldiers in the battlefield.   Thus, the absence of the Wasi and caretaker alongside the one who is being taken care of does not at all contradict with carrying out his duties as a guardian and caretaker.  Now, how does the chief military commander practice his role as the guardian and caretaker of the army and soldiers when he is not physically present with them and they may not even meet him during the battle, except maybe after the goal is accomplished and victory is achieved?

          Well, he accomplishes that through ranks of officers in the chain of command who conveys his orders from rank to rank until they reach the smallest rank soldier and are carried out.  He accomplishes that also through his experience, wisdom, courage, bravery, and military abilities upon which he was chosen for commandership.  He accomplishes that also through the continuous information coming to him from the battlefields and the surrounding areas.  This information reaches him through intelligence, satellites, and radars, etc.  All of that are from the recent technologies.  From these pieces of information, he can make changes in his plans, design alternate plan, change tactics and movements, and then issue the orders that are for the benefit and protection of the army and soldiers whom he is responsible of and he is their guardian.

          So from where did the commander gain knowledge and wisdom, and who inspired him?  And who made the rank officers and commanders below him submit to his obedience and carrying out his order, and who established the natural laws upon which all these recent technologies was built on?  He is Allah (SWT) who is capable of everything and controls the submissiveness of everything, and He (SWT) is the organizer and planner of everything.  Is it appropriate to still ask “how” and “in what way”, if the question is in regards to the power and capability of Allah (SWT)?

          The officers and soldiers simply carry out the orders and directions of the chief military commander.  They do not debate or argue since they are not given the knowledge of the guardian and the leader, nor his wisdom, courage, expertise, or the information that he possesses about the whole front, upon which he makes his decisions.  So, they surrender to him and submit to his orders and instructions carefully and exactly.  And if any of them, whether the rank officers or soldiers, disobeyed the orders of the chief military commander even if in one issue or simple order, the chain will fall apart and chaos will prevail.  Rebellion will emerge and widespread, the branches of the army will tear apart, and the soldiers will go astray.  Defeat and failure will start to grow in the hearts of the soldiers which will reflect negatively in the battlefield and in the whole front.  Retreat and tragic loss will be the ultimate result.  But if the orders of the guardian military commander are carried out carefully and precisely and in an organized way, then the army will definitely achieve victory and reach the desired goal.

          So if all that is present in a military battle, then imagine if this battle represents the struggle of life itself, and the battlefield represents the world around us.  The army and soldiers are ourselves.  The ultimate goal is to achieve victory over the Satan (devil), the self, the lower desires, and the corrupt, and is achieve the ultimate goal of pleasing Allah (SWT).  Don't we then need the chief commander, the guardian, the caretaker, and the instructor, who in this case will be the Wasi and the Imam who will take care of us, direct and guide us through his knowledge, and through what Allah (SWT) enabled him of miraculous abilities, even if we don't see him personally or visualize him in front of us.  But his presence is essential and vital.  Whoever obeys and submits to him will attain victory and get saved.  And whoever disobeys, rebels against him, and deviated away from him will fail, be defeated, and go astray.

 

5)       There is also the concept of "remote control" which has been recently introduced by man and built many of the modern inventions and technology (based on this concept) like an airplane which flies without a pilot, a boat sails without a sailor, a submarine without a crew, a car without a driver, a space craft that carry out discovery missions, electronics, and children's toys, etc.  Now, what is this concept built on?!  Surely, it is built on the lack of need for direct contact to control what we want to control.  So you can control anything even if you are not in front of it, inside it, or near it.  Miles may even separate you from it!  Despite such distance, you can control that object and direct it as you want.  This is very clear in front of our eyes today which is represented in many of the modern inventions.  This is regarding controlling an object in another object, or a human in an object or device, using applied physical sciences that are built on divine, physical, and stable laws.

The role of guardianship and caretaking is controlling, managing, and directing.  So why do we wonder about the possibility of assuming or carrying out this role from a distance without seeing or direct physical presence of the controller, while these materialistic and worldly examples are in front of us.  Especially if the guardian is the true Imam and guidance who is enabled by the Lord of all Worlds.  The thing which is being taken care of is the final divine message and all of humanity.  And the Assigner of the whole mission is the Divine creator who is the Lord of all worlds, and the Lord of the laws, and universe, and lord of the human who innovated the innovations and invented the inventions.  So what wonder is there after that?

 

6)       Is it necessary for us to visualize all of the different and various natural phenomena in order for them to play their role?!  For example, electricity, magnetism, gravity, heat, and sound, etc, you feel their effects but you cannot see them.  Similarly, bacteria, viruses, and fungi all perform their roles which Allah (SWT) created them for without enabling you to see them with your naked eye.  So, now the question to ask is: Did your lack of ability to see and visualize these things prevent them from performing their different functions?  Some of these things affect you although they are far away and distant from you, like sunlight and its heat, the gravity of the moon, and the earth's magnetism.  How does all that happen?  Surely, all of these are signs that testify first to the capability and power of Allah (SWT) who is the Only Creator.  And second, that it is unnecessary to have direct contact between the affecter and the thing which is being affected.  It is not necessary to have direct contact between the controller and the thing which is being controlled, or between the guardian and the person who is being guarded.

 

7)       Furthermore, the cursed devil carries out his role of misguiding the human beings.  However, is the devil seen and visible to you?  He whispers, inspires, tempts, deceives, instigates, puts down, orders, forbids, directs, and arouses the desires.  But do you actually see him?  Did your lack of ability to see the devil prevent him from playing his devilish role?  That is just a question to think about.  How does he perform all these roles and in what way?  Well, he does it as he is enabled by the power of God who gave him ample time and empowered him, so what Allah (SWT) willed happened.  After all, if the issue is the power and capability of God, can we still question "how"?  So if Allah (SWT) enabled the devil to lure and misguide without being seen, couldn't He (SWT) also enable the Imam and the guardian to guide and direct without being seen, also by God's will and power?  So if the devil was enabled, then it is all the more worth it that the Imam become enabled multiple times the amount of what the devil have been enabled.  With the absolute power and capability of Allah (SWT), there is no need anymore to question "how" or "in what way?"

 

8)          Regarding the divine presence itself, Allah (SWT) is the Sustainer, Caretaker, Guider, and Protector, etc.  But does the fact that you don't see the Divine Creator Himself prevent Him from assuming these roles? 

 

9)       The gradual transition between the Imams (AS), from the complete and continuous presence (which was present in the beginning of the Imamate), to the gradual decrease in this presence and attachment, especially during the time of Imam Al Hadi and Imam Al Askeri (AS) up till the time of minor occultation of Imam Al Qaem (May Allah hasten his reappearance).  Does that prevent the Imams from carrying out their roles as Awsiya over the message and nation?  Or did it lead to any deficiency in their performance compared to what their noble fathers did?  Of course not!  So, it is fair to conclude that complete vision, or partial, or none does not at all have any effect in the performance of the Imam and Wasi as a caretaker.  Through this gradual decrease Allah (SWT) demonstrate to us that visualizing is not a requirement for the Wasi to practice his role.  It was to set the stage and train the nation for the period of occultation where the Imam and Wasi practices his role completely without been seen or present physically.

 

10)   If the whole issue is divine, then we can not ignore the miracles and extraordinary aspects of it.  That is, if we really believe in God and His absolute attributes.

 

11)  When discussing the performance of functions, it is enough to judge by the results.  In   other words, did the function get done or not?  As for how this function has been accomplished, that is a secondary and complementary question that is very specialized.  It is harmless if you do not know the immediate answer to the question, so long as the function itself is accomplished, and the performer is known and trusted.  This is more important than asking "how" and this is logically clear.

 

Consider this for example:  Is it important to know how the pilot operate an airplane?  Or is it more important that the plane itself fly and reach its desired destination safely, and to have confidence in the experience and competence of the pilot himself?  Of course what's more important is that the plane fly and reach its destination safely and to be sure that it is operated by an efficient and experienced pilot.  Regarding how the pilot operates a plane, that is a secondary and more specialized question that would not cross your mind to ask, so long as the function will get done and the person who will perform the function is known and trustworthy. 

Similarly, is it more important to know how a computer works, or that the computer works and carries out its function and that you feel comfortable with the agency which will provide online service for your computer?  Long time ago, man didn't know how clouds and rain form, and how oceans and rivers form, and how the sun rises and sets.  Did this lack of knowledge of "how" prevent him from benefiting from the water, oceans, rivers, rain, sun, moon, night and day?  When man didn't know how his organs functions, did that prevent him from benefiting from the functions of the different organs and systems of his body?

Logic and sound judgment says that performing the function and the identification of the performer and trusting him is generally what's more important.  As for the question "how", that is a secondary question that is left for the professionals, specialists, and scientists, and it is not a question to be posed to the general public.  That's why when Allah (SWT) designated Prophet Abraham (AS) as an Imam and close friend, and choose him to be from the special ones, Abraham then requested that Allah (SWT) provide him the knowledge of "how".  So he prayed, "Oh My Lord, show me how you give life to the dead."  So Allah (SWT) responded to him, "Don't you believe?"  And that response carries a confirmation from Allah (SWT) that asking how is not important, but having faith is what's more important.  So, Prophet Abraham (AS) answered, "Yes, but it is so that my heart would feel reassured."  Meaning that with Allah's answer to his question, he would be reassured that he has become from the very special ones, since the special ones only are those who care about how and are given this information.  So, Allah (SWT) showed him how.  This answer to "how" was simply represented by the capability of Allah (SWT) through "Be and It is". So, generally one is not to question "how" or "in what way".  Glory be to Allah (SWT) the Strong, the Magnificent, and He (SWT) is the True King!

 

12)     Performing a function or task may be done in many different ways without limit and that depends on the capabilities of the performer and his nature.  It also depends on the nature of the function itself, its duration, and scope and importance.  Then, it depends on the assigner who will appoint the performer and assure the availability of the resources, circumstances, and abilities.  So if the assigner is none other than Allah (SWT), the Capable Divine Creator, and if the performer is a capable infallible Imam by the power of Allah (SWT) who occulted by the miracle of Allah (SWT) till the end of time, and if the task at hand is to overlook and act as guardian over the final divine message sent to all of humanity throughout time and age…is there any question left after that regarding how the job will be performed, while the assigner is the Lord of all Worlds, and the performer is the best of all creation after his purified fathers, and the task is the longest, most important, greatest, and most complicated job and mission for the  benefit of man and creation throughout the years.

 

 

From the previous items 1-12, after thorough study and contemplation, and after using our bare minds and logical reasoning, we can with all confidence and faith conclude the following truth without any doubt:

 

5th CONCLUSION:

         

          The occultation of the 12th Imam Al Mahdi the Awaited one (May Allah hasten his reappearance) from the physical and visual senses does not at all prevent him or contradict with him carrying out the duties of guardianship and mission of Imamate.  As for how and imagining in what way, there are many different ways, but its most important is the miraculous capability from Allah (SWT) and divine enablement to the Imam and divine support to him, which makes "how" have no meaning to it in front of the power of Allah (SWT), who is the Lord of all Worlds.  This is a confirmed reality which is indicated by the observations, logical proofs, and thus, it is not possible to contradict or deny or cast doubt in it.

          Dear Reader, in the end of this case study, both you and I can bear witness to the last testimony by which we will have reached the safe haven and approached the house of peace, by the Grace of Allah (SWT).  We can testify, after complete conviction that is based on logical reasoning, meditation, and pure thought…and after getting rid of any personal interests or fanaticism…and after depending on Allah (SWT) firstly and on our minds and intellectual capabilities second…without being forced or pressured by anyone.  We can bear witness with our bare minds, intellect, with all our soul, and with confidence and certainty with what we’re about to admit that:

 

        “There is no God but Allah, the One Creator who has no partner or associate.  He does not begot nor is he begotten, and that Muhammad is His slave and messenger.  He is the Seal of Prophets who delivered the last, final, comprehensive, and universal religion that is directed to all of humanity.  The Awsiya over the Islamic Message after the Holy Prophet (SA) are twelve.  Their first is Ali ibn Abi Taleb, then Al Hasan ibn Ali, then Al Husain ibn Ali, then Ali ibn Al Husain, then Muhammad ibn Ali, then Jafar ibn Muhammad, then Musa ibn Jafar, then Ali ibn Musa, then Muhammad ibn Ali, then Ali ibn Muhammad, then Al Hasan ibn Ali, then Al Hujjah ibn Al Hasan Al Mahdi (May Allah’s peace and blessings be on all of them).

        They are the Imams and Awliya by the order of Allah (SWT).  Their obedience is obligatory and incumbent on us since they are the Awsiya over the Final Revelation.  Their last Wasi, who is the Awaited Mahdi, is currently present but he is hidden and occulted from the eyes.  He is the Imam of the Time by the power of Allah (SWT) and He is the Sustainer and Wasi over the Last Religion.  He will return at the end of time and reappear after his occultation, by the power of Allah (SWT) to establish the absolute government of Allah (SWT) on His Earth, to attain final victory for the oppressed and weak people, and raise God's word by Allah's Will.  The 12th Imam will fill the earth with equity and justice after it has been filled with oppression and tyranny, by His Will.  We have testified to that, believed in it, and accepted it.  And if we lived long enough and caught up with the time of his appearance, we will certainly be from among his supporters, believers, and soldiers.  We will sacrifice ourselves for him with our bodies, blood, and money.  May Allah (SWT) bear witness to our testimony!

 

 

          And now…dear believer…truthful monotheist…and purified reader, prostrate now before anything out of praise and gratitude to Allah (SWT) that He (SWT) guided us to that.  After all, we would not have been guided if He (SWT) has not guided us.  Only now you have completed your faith and your religion.  And the Bounty of Allah (SWT) has been perfected on you as He (SWT) approved for you Islam as a Religion. We can both finally sleep a good night’s sleep, for the whole life of this world is now in your hands.  You are the most rich in it, although you may be poor or deprived.  You are its master even if you are a weak or oppressed slave.  You are now truly the Caliph of Allah (SWT) on Earth and He (SW) has created it for you, not for any one else.  You now have many duties towards it, for you must strive to raise the word of Allah (SWT), His rules, and Regulations on Earth.  You must call the people to His Worship, Oneness, and Belief in Him.  Let the light of true faith shine from you to the others, and become a lantern for those who miss their way, those who are confused, and those who are hesitant.  Let us challenge and stand up against the oppressors, corrupters, arrogant, hypocrites, and nonbelievers.  For, they are your enemy and the enemies of Allah (SWT) and the Religion.  Stand up against them, expose their falsehood, and fight them if you can.  After all, they represent the seeds of evil and seduction, and they are the reason for the torture of humanity, and the soldiers of the devil.  Every time you stand up against their injustice and corruption, you will be pleasing Allah (SWT), the Imam of the Time, and the Wasi of the Final Revelation and Religion and you would be facilitating the establishment of his government when his time comes.  So, help propagate the truth on Earth, for you are worthy of that, and the whole Earth is created by Allah (SWT) for you, dear true believer.  You are the Caliph in it, so perform the righteous deeds sincerely, and seek the knowledge and help from God.  Place your hands in the hands of the other believers like you and stand by them.  Cooperate with each other on the righteousness and piety, and enjoin the truth with each other, and exhort one another on patience, as Allah (SWT) ordered.  Do not seek high status or corruption on Earth.  Rather, arm yourself with patience and good manners, and put everything in its place the way it’s supposed to be.  And beware of going after the pleasures and luxuries of this worldly life, for it is the door of all destruction.  So try to live a simple life, and be satisfied and content with what Allah (SWT) willed for you.  Always seek the Hereafter, and do not remove your eyes from it.  Try to enrich your Hereafter with good deeds and charity, and beware of fanaticism, except for Allah (SWT) alone.  Always enjoin the truth including yourself and be fair to the people, even with your enemy.  Support those who are weak and oppressed, and be with them and for them.  Watch your tongue and desires, and use your mind a lot.  After all, do not forget that Allah (SWT) saved you by your mind and distinguished you from the others.  With your mind, He (SWT) made you complete your religion and reach to the shore of salvation.  So hold on tightly to the chain of your faith, starting from your One and Only Creator, and ending with your last Wasi and the Awaited Mahdi.  So this is the firm handhold which could never be untied and this is indeed the whole Book!  This is the right path, the path of those whom Allah (SWT) has bestowed His Favour upon who include the prophets, messengers, Awsiya, Imams, Awliya, and those who believed in them and followed their path.  Beware of neglecting this chain or any part of it, for each part supports each other and are built on each other.  This blessed chain is what attracts you to your Creator and Lord, and connects you with Him.  It sets up a lively, continuous, and lovely relationship with Allah (SWT), and this relationship is the guarantee for your salvation. 

If you commit a sin, He (SWT) will guide you to repentance, so that you repent and He (SWT) forgives you.  If you fall down, He (SWT) will raise you.  If you make a mistake, He (SWT) will alert and correct you.  If you face a problem, He (SWT) will help you, and if you undergo through hard times, He (SWT) will provide you relief.  If you pray to Him, He (SWT) will accept your prayer.  If you remember Him, He (SWT) will remember you.  If you transgress, He (SWT) will forgive you and if you go astray He (SWT) will guide you.  If you forget, He (SWT) will remind you, and if you knock on His door, He (SWT) will open it for you.  If you seek His Help, He (SWT) will help you, and if you seek His Sustenance, He (SWT) will provide sustenance to you.  If you seek His Pleasure, He (SWT) will be pleased with you.  If you become distant from Him, He (SWT) will wait for your return.  If you become angry, He (SWT) will soothe and appease you.  If you become sad, He (SWT) will make you feel better.  If you become worried, He (SWT) will remove your worries from you.  If you make an intention, He (SWT) will protect you.  If you depend on Him, He (SWT) will be your caretaker.  If you seek His victory, He (SWT) will make you victorious.  If you went out, He (SWT) will take care of you.  If you stay, He (SWT) will be your companion.  If you sleep, He (SWT) will watch over you.  If you awake from sleep, He (SWT) will initiate with you.  If you become sick, He (SWT) will cure you.  If you feel pain, He (SWT) will award you.  If you pray, He (SWT) will connect with you.  If you give charity, He (SWT) will thank you.  If you fast, He (SWT) will accept it from you.  If you perform pilgrimage, He (SWT) will welcome and host you.  If you take a palm-length step towards Him, He (SWT) will take one full arm-length step closer to you.

          If you walk towards Him, He (SWT) will come rushing to you.  If you swear upon Him, He (SWT) will fulfill your vow.  If you cry out of fear from Him, He (SWT) will secure you.  If you love Him, He (SWT) will love you.  If you become sincere with Him, He (SWT) will raise and dignify you.  If you struggle for His Sake, He (SWT) will support you and give you power.  If you fight for His sake, He (SWT) will guide your shot to its target.  If you seek His Help, He (SWT) will not turn you down.  If you call Him, He (SWT) will answer “Here I am!”  If you seek His Refuge, He (SWT) will provide refuge for you.  If you seek His protection, He (SWT) will protect you.  If you contemplate about Him, He (SWT) will inspire you.  If you extend your hand to Him, He (SWT) will fill it for you.  If you fear Him and avoid His anger, He (SWT) will increase your light.  If you perfume yourself for His sake, He (SWT) will make you beloved by the other.  If you beautify yourself for Him, He (SWT) will beautify you.  If you place Him alone in your heart and life, He (SWT) will please you and give you comfort.  If you forgive, He (SWT) will forgive you.  If you have mercy, He (SWT) will have mercy on you.  If you take revenge, He (SWT) will support you.  If you hold your anger, He (SWT) will take the revenge for you.  If you walk, He (SWT) will protect you.  If you travel, He (SWT) will provide you a safe return.  If you marry, He (SWT) will bless your marriage.  If you judge, He (SWT) will pass your judgment.  If you have children, He (SWT) will honor them for your sake.  If you asked Him, He (SWT) will answer you.  If you become patient and content, He (SWT) will reward and satisfy you.  If you obey Him, He (SWT) will make everything obey you.  If you became humble to Him, He (SWT) will dignify you.  If you worship Him, He (SWT) will accept your worship and empower you.  If you raise His Word, He (SWT) will make the people fear you.  If you keep contact with your kin for His Sake, He (SWT) will lengthen your age.  If you prostrate for Him, He (SWT) will approach you.  If you reach old age, He (SWT) will give you health and enrich you.  If you feel satisfied with Him, He (SWT) will let you enjoy your life.  If you seek to meet Him, He (SWT) will also seek to meet you.  If your death is pending, He (SWT) will be near you.  If you die, He (SWT) will pray on you.  When you enter your grave, He (SWT) will grant you with a secure statement and testimony.  When you die, He (SWT) will provide you relief and show you your place in Paradise and He (SWT) will make your grave be a garden from the gardens of Paradise.  When the trumpet is blown, He (SWT) will resurrect you in your best picture and place your Book in your right hand.  He (SWT) will provide you safety from agony and enlighten your face.  He (SWT) will make your reckoning easy and will facilitate your passage across the bridge of Hell (Siraat).  He (SWT) will let your prophet and Awliya intercede on your behalf.  He (SWT) will bring you to the pool of Prophet Muhammad (SA) to drink from it with your own hands.  He (SWT) will call upon you to enter Paradise and join the group of Prophet Muhammad (AS) and his progeny, for they are your loved ones.  You will meet Ridwan, and the guards of the Garden who will greet you with peace upon you and permit you to enter in the highest of ranks, so Congratulations to you!  You will then have seen the Garden of Bliss (Jannatul Na'eem) and you will become eternally joyful.  You will achieve the Great Paradise, so your heart will feel happy.  You will reside in the House of Majesty (Daar Al Jalala)…how happy you will be?!  In the Garden of Refuge (Jannat Al Ma'wa), how happy you'll be!  You will reside there eternally, in the company of the good, the purified, and the righteous people, how happy you'll be!  In the Garden of Eden, how happy you'll be!  You will live near those who are close to Allah (SWT), in proximity to Muhammad and his progeny, near your Lord, by the love of your Lord!  How happy you’ll be!  And no one will be granted such goodness except those who exercise patience and self-restraint, and none are granted it except the persons of the greatest good fortune!

          So, Peace be upon you, dear truthful believer and faithful reader…may the mercy and blessings of Allah (SWT) be upon you.  We ask you for your prayers and farewell to you.  See you (God willing) in Paradise, the extensiveness which is that of the heavens and the earth, which is prepared for the righteous.  See you (God willing) in the seat of honor, in the presence of the most Powerful King.  See you (God willing) in the group of those who love each other for the sake of Allah (SWT), those who gathered over Him and became separated over Him.  Peace be upon you, Oh Seal of Prophets and may His Mercy and Blessings be on you!  Peace be upon you, Oh Prophets and Messengers altogether and may His Peace and Blessings be upon you all.  Peace be upon you, Oh Awsiya, Awliya, and Imams altogether!  Peace be upon you, Oh Sustainer, the Awaited Mahdi, and may Allah (SWT) hasten your honorable appearance and may His Mercy and Blessings be upon you.  May He (SWT) make us be among your supporters, soldiers, defenders, and those who attain martyrdom between your hands!  Peace be upon us and the good worshipper of Allah (SWT).  Peace be upon those who follow the guidance till the Day of Judgment.  Peace be upon all of the angels of Allah (SWT).  And praise be to Allah, the Lord of all Worlds!!!