Hawzah News Agency- One of the often-overlooked aspects of the Imam of the Age (pbuh) is his profound love and compassion for humanity. Sadly, for centuries he has too often been portrayed only through the lens of the sword—associated with bloodshed and severity—leaving people with a harsh and intimidating image of him. In truth, however, he is the manifestation of divine infinite mercy, a tender father to the community, a compassionate companion, and a sincere guide who desires only their well-being.
In a Qudsi hadith (said by Allah), at the conclusion of the mention of the infallible Imams (pbuh), it is stated:
«وَ أُکملُ ذَلِکَ بِابْنِهِ م ح م د رَحْمَةً لِلْعَالَمِین»
“And I complete [the chain of Imams] with his son, Muḥammad, as a mercy for all the creatures.” (al-Kafi, vol. 1, p. 528)
It is narrated from the Imam himself who said:
«أَنَّ رَحْمَةَ رَبِّکُمْ وَسِعَتْ کُلَّ شَیءٍ وَ أَنَا تِلْکَ الرَّحْمَة»
“Indeed, the mercy of your Lord encompasses all things—and I am that very boundless mercy.”(Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 53, p. 11)
The Infallibles likewise described him in these words:
«وَ أَشْفَقَ عَلَیهِمْ مِنْ آبَائِهِمْ وَ أُمَّهَاتِهِم»
“[The Imam] is more compassionate toward the people than their own fathers and mothers.” (Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 25, p. 117)
Imam of the Age (pbuh) is thus a great nurturer, a caring teacher of mankind, and a loving father to the people. At all times, he looks after their well-being. Despite having no need of them, he continuously bestows upon them the greatest kindness and attention. As he himself stated:
«لَوْ لَا مَا عِنْدَنَا مِنْ مَحَبَّةِ صَلَاحِکُمْ وَ رَحْمَتِکُمْ وَ الْإِشْفَاقِ عَلَیکُمْ لَکُنَّا عَنْ مُخَاطَبَتِکُمْ فِی شُغُل»
“Were it not for the love we have for your well-being, and the mercy and care we feel for you, we would have avoided paying attention to you [on account of your wrong actions].” (Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 53, p. 179)
Even though the Imam of our time (pbuh) is in occultation, he remains a source of divine mercy that constantly benefits people, giving life and hope to hearts that feel empty or dry. The truly deprived person is the one who does not draw from this center of compassion and fails to experience its love and kindness.
«اللهم هَبْ لَنَا رَأْفَتَهُ وَ رَحْمَتَهُ وَ دُعَاءَهُ وَ خَیرَه»
“O Allah! Grant us the benefit of his tenderness, his mercy, his supplication, and his goodness"
(Duʿa al-Nudbah, Mafatih al-Jinan)
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Adapted from “Negine Afarinesh" [The Jewel of Creation] with slight modifications.
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