Grand Ayatollah Shirazi: Reappearance of Imam al-Hujjat Divine Promise That Will Inevitably Occur
During his daily scholarly session on Saturday, the 19th of Dhul-Qa’dah, 1446 AH, Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Sadiq al-Husseini al-Shirazi addressed attendees’ questions on various jurisprudential matters.
Grand Ayatollah Shirazi discussed the concept of the expeditious reappearance (ta’jil al-faraj) of Imam al-Mahdi (peace be upon him). He stated that both Imam al-Mahdi himself and other infallible Imams (peace be upon them) have encouraged prayers for the hastening of the Promised Reappearance. However, his Eminence emphasized that what is prohibited is the specification of the time of the reappearance.
He further elaborated on the terms “waqqatoun” and “musta’jiloun” found in narrations. He explained that “waqqatoun” refers to those who attempt to set a specific time for the reappearance, for instance, claiming that Imam al-Mahdi will appear this year, next year, or within a few years. Such actions, he noted, contradict the narrations. He added that “musta’jiloun” sometimes also refers to “waqqatoun,” meaning those who rush the reappearance and try to pinpoint its time. This, he clarified, is distinct from merely praying for the hastening of this blessed occasion, which is permissible.
Grand Ayatollah Shirazi then highlighted the certainty of Imam al-Mahdi’s Reappearance. He stressed that numerous narrations confirm its inevitability because the glad tidings of the advent constitute a divine promise. Citing verse 9 of Surah Al Imran, which states, “Indeed, Allah does not break the promise,” he affirmed that God Almighty does not go against His promises, and thus the reappearance will certainly materialize. However, he explained that it is possible for some of the conditions and signs of the advent not to occur, and yet the advent still takes place. This is because the conditions of the reappearance are considered Divine warnings (wa’id), and it is virtuous for a warning not to materialize.
Citing a narration from Imam Reza (peace be upon him), Grand Ayatollah Shirazi illustrated this point. When asked if the signs of the reappearance might not occur but the reappearance still happens, Imam Reza affirmed this possibility. However, when asked if Imam al-Mahdi might not appear at all until the Day of Judgment, Imam Reza firmly denied it, reiterating that the reappearance will definitely happen because it is a promise (wa’d), and God does not go against His promises. Conversely, the signs are warnings (wa’id), and it is a virtue for a warning to be averted. He likened it to a father promising a gift for good grades (a promise to be fulfilled) versus threatening punishment for failure (a warning that can be averted virtuously). Thus, if the signs of the reappearance do not occur, and the reappearance still happens, it is permissible as it aligns with the concept of a warning being averted. He concluded by quoting Imam Reza: “If the Earth were to be devoid of a Proof (Hujjah) for the blink of an eye, it would sink with its inhabitants.”
