Hawzah News Agency- The event, held in three languages—English, Persian, and Arabic—brought together Shia Muslims residing in London, united in their love and devotion to Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s). The main hall of the Islamic Centre was filled to capacity before the commencement of the mid-Sha’ban celebration, with many attendees spilling into the courtyard outside, eager to partake in the grand festivities, the official website of The Islamic Centre of England reported.

Scholarly Reflections on Divine Promise and Leadership

During the ceremony, Hujjat al-Islam wa al-Muslimeen Sayyid Hashem Moosavi, the Imam of the Islamic Centre of England, addressed the gathering, elaborating on the key factors contributing to the expansion of divine religion in the world. He emphasised that, according to the explicit text of the Holy Qur’an, the triumph of God’s religion over falsehood and its establishment across the earth is a divine promise.

He further asserted that while several elements play a role in fulfilling this promise, three key components are indispensable: a comprehensive and superior plan, divinely guided leadership, and a faithful and dedicated following. Without any of these elements, he stressed, the divine mission cannot be realised.

In his remarks, Hujjat al-Islam Moosavi also discussed the concept of divine leadership, explaining that the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was appointed as the leader of humanity under divine authority. He elaborated that this leadership was divinely entrusted to Imam Ali (pbuh) and his eleven successors from his lineage, as confirmed by the Qur’an and Prophetic traditions.

Addressing the question of religious guidance in the era of occultation, he quoted Imam al-Hadi (pbuh), who stated that had it not been for the scholars who invite people towards the Imam, defend his religion with divine proofs, and protect the weak from the snares of the devil and his allies, no one would remain steadfast in faith.

Insights on Imam Mahdi’s Role in Islamic Teachings

Hujjat al-Islam Karbabadi delivered a speech in Arabic, shedding light on Quranic verses and Prophetic traditions about the presence of Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s) during the occultation. Citing Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (as), he warned that ignorance would lead some to deny the necessity of the Imam, but that his reappearance would be as sudden and illuminating as a bright meteor, filling the world with justice after it had been overwhelmed by oppression.

In the English segment, Hujjat al-Islam Dr. Sobhani underscored the necessity of knowing the Imam of one’s time, referring to the saying of an infallible Imam that states, ‘Whoever dies without recognising the Imam of his time has died the death of ignorance.’ He elaborated on the attributes of the Awaited Imam, stating that he is the perfect human, the manifestation of divine names and attributes, and the very reason for the creation of existence. He also highlighted that all divine blessings reach humanity through the Imams and that guiding society remains the exclusive role of these divinely appointed leaders.

Dr. Sobhani concluded by reminding the audience that awaiting the Imam’s reappearance is not a passive stance but a responsibility. He urged believers to actively work towards preparing for his arrival through knowledge, self-purification, and societal reform.