Hawzah News Agency- According to the divine will of the All-Wise God, the exact time of the Imam’s appearance remains hidden. This concealment, without a doubt, holds profound wisdom. Here, we highlight some key aspects:
1. Continuity of Hope
When the time of Imam Mahdi's (PBUH) appearance remains unknown, the flame of hope continues to burn in the hearts of the faithful throughout all generations. It is through this ongoing and persistent hope that believers can endure the hardships and challenges of the occultation period.
Indeed, if the Shia of previous centuries had been told with certainty that the appearance would not occur in their time but far in the future, what motivation would they have had to resist the trials and temptations of their age? How could they have navigated the difficult path of occultation without the hope of witnessing the appearance in their own lifetime?
2. Motivation for "Preparing the ground for Imam's coming"
Constructive expectation—this key driver of individual and social movement—only takes shape when the time of the Imam’s appearance is unknown. If the exact time were known, and people were aware that the event would not occur in their lifetimes, many would lose the incentive to strive and prepare. They would fall into passivity and spiritual stagnation.
But when the timing is concealed, every generation lives with the possibility that the advent may occur in their era. This inspires people across time to cultivate readiness, reform society, and build a community marked by righteousness and dynamism.
Moreover, if a specific time were given and—for whatever reason—the appearance did not occur at that appointed time, doubts could arise regarding the very principle of belief in Imam Mahdi (PBUH).
As Imam Baqir (PBUH) responded when asked whether a specific time had been determined for the appearance of Imam Mahdi (PBUH):
«کَذَبَ اَلْوَقَّاتُونَ کَذَبَ اَلْوَقَّاتُونَ کَذَبَ اَلْوَقَّاتُونَ إِنَّ مُوسَی عَلَیْهِ اَلسَّلاَمُ لَمَّا خَرَجَ وَافِداً إِلَی رَبِّهِ وَاعَدَهُمْ ثَلاَثِینَ یَوْماً فَلَمَّا زَادَهُ اَللَّهُ عَلَی اَلثَّلاَثِینَ عَشْراً قَالَ قَوْمُهُ قَدْ أَخْلَفَنَا مُوسَی فَصَنَعُوا مَا صَنَعُوا.»
“When Moses (PBUH) departed from his people for thirty days by the command of his Lord, Allah extended that period by ten days. When this happened, the people said: ‘Moses broke his promise.’ And they did what they should not have done.” (Al-Kafi, Vol. 1, p. 368)
Because of this uncertainty, people remain spiritually vigilant, constantly nurturing their faith without falling prey to false expectations or disillusionment.
This discussion continues...
Extracted from the book “Negine Afarinesh (The Jewel of Creation)”, with slight changes
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