Believing in the Promised Mahdi Ensures The End of the Oppressive Political Systems

Awaiting means preparing oneself

Awaiting the Faraj (relief) is not about being impatient and setting a specific time and date for when it will happen or when difficulties will come to an end. It is not about becoming impatient or irritable while waiting for Imam Mahdi's reappearance. Awaiting relief means preparing oneself. Impatience and haste are not allowed. It has been narrated that, “God does not act hastily due to the haste of his servants.” There is a certain time and reason for each event, and it will happen in accord with the reason.  

Awaiting Imam Mahdi (aj): Being saved from despair
 
About the Prophet's (pbuh) statement, "The best action of my people is awaiting the Faraj (relief)," this advice applies to all the problems faced in life. There are many problems that people face in life, but these problems should not make them lose hope. They should be awaiting the relief and know that it will eventually come. The act of awaiting the relief is a kind of relief itself, as asserted by Imam Musa ibn Jafar (pbuh) who stated, “Awaiting relief and aid is a form of relief.” This mindset safeguards individuals from engaging in the strange actions that despair and hopelessness can lead people to do. Since these things are stated by the Prophet and the Imams (pbut), the followers of Muhammad (pbuh) must not lose hope. They should constantly be awaiting the relief in all situations. 

Awaiting Imam Mahdi (aj): Never losing hope in God’s mercy

It has been stated in the hadith that the Imam Ali (pbuh) said, “Await the Faraj (relief) and do not lose hope in comfort from God.” Await the relief and do not lose hope in God’s comfort, mercy and assistance. So, in awaiting the relief, there is hope, movement and action. What has been said about awaiting the relief, clearly refers to awaiting the reappearance of Imam Mahdi (aj).

Awaiting the reappearance of the Promised Mahdi (aj) keeps the flame of hope alive in people’s hearts

Awaiting the reappearance of the Promised Mahdi (aj) means that the presence of oppression and injustice in the world does not remove or extinguish the spring of hope from the hearts of those who await his reappearance. If this glimmer of hope is absent in the life of a population, they will have no choice but to adopt a pessimistic outlook on the future of humanity.

Awaiting Imam Mahdi (aj): Calm in facing the world’s hardships 

Awaiting the Faraj (relief) encompasses both the ultimate relief, which is the reappearance of Imam Mahdi (aj), as well as relief after hardship. This means awaiting relief after encountering widespread tragic events, such as the ongoing events in our world today. These events often contribute to feelings of despair and even push individuals toward suicide. Thus, those who are awaiting the relief find reassurance in the certainty that these tragic events will eventually come to an end. This sense of calm that comes from awaiting the relief, and this state of certainty and confidence in a person that keeps their heart and soul steady and unwavering, can be strengthened.

Awaiting Imam Mahdi (aj): Being alert

We must realize that a great event will take place, and we must always be awaiting it. We can never say that there are many years or a long time left until it will happen, nor can we claim that it is imminent and that it will happen very soon. We must be alert and awaiting it.

Awaiting Imam Mahdi (aj): Striving to build a Mahdavi society

We, who are awaiting the Faraj (relief) and the reappearance of Imam Mahdi (may our souls be sacrificed for his sake), must work for this cause. We must work to build a Mahdavi society [a society that seeks to please and aid Imam Mahdi (aj)]. We need to work on self-development, and we need to bring about transformations as much as our skills and capabilities allow. We need to use all our strength and capacities to bring our surrounding environment as close as possible to a Mahdavi society.