Hawzah News Agency- In our previous discussions on the benefits of the Hidden Imam, we explained that the continuation of the universe and the life of all creation depend upon his existence. In this discussion, we will explore the manifestations of the Imam’s boundless compassion—the many ways his mercy is revealed—so that it becomes clear that the very kind Imam, though in occultation, continues to spread the light of his love according to each person’s capacity, and that his grace flows like a never-ending spring.
Among the most important characteristics of the believer is solidarity and sympathy with his brothers in faith. In an Islamic community, the faithful are like one body: the grief of one causes suffering to others, and the joy of one brings delight to the rest—because, as the Qur’an states, they are brothers.
Numerous narrations record how the Imams (pbuh) express their empathy and compassion toward their Shiʿa. This beautiful feeling brings calm and consolation to their friends’ hearts, strengthens them in life’s trials, and increases their patience and resilience.
Imam Reza (pbuh) says:
مَا مِنْ أَحَدٍ مِنْ شِیعَتِنَا یمْرَضُ إِلَّا مَرِضْنَا لِمَرَضِهِ وَ لَا اغْتَمَّ إِلَّا اغْتَمَمْنَا لِغَمِّهِ وَ لَا یفْرَحُ إِلَّا فَرِحْنَا لِفَرَحِه
“None of our followers becomes sick except that we get sick because of his sickness., nor does any of them feel grief without our feeling sorrow for his sorrow, nor does any of them rejoice without our rejoicing in his happiness.”(Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 65, p. 167)
Because of the Imam’s profound compassion for his followers, he maintains the closest connection and relationship with them. It is precisely this affection and care that makes him share in their sorrow and pain—much like a mother who, out of deep attachment to her child, falls ill when her child is sick and rejoices when the child recovers; that’s because the child is as dear to her as her very own life.
Imam Sadiq(pbuh) said:
وَ اللَّهِ إِنِّی أَرْحَمُ بِکُمْ مِنْ أَنْفُسِکُم
By Allah, I am more merciful toward you than you are toward yourselves.(Basair al-Darrajat, p. 265)
Thus, the Imam’s love differs from other affections; it is pure, selfless, and limitless—a love rooted not in words but in the depths of his heart. For this reason he is linked to his Shiʿa with his whole being, both soul and body.
One clear example of this divine love in the Imam of the Age (pbuh) is described by the himself:
إِنَّهُ أُنْهِی إِلَی ارْتِیابُ جَمَاعَه مِنْکُمْ فِی الدِّینِ وَ مَا دَخَلَهُمْ مِنَ الشَّکِّ وَ الْحَیرَه فِی وُلَاه أَمْرِهِمْ فَغَمَّنَا ذَلِکَ لَکُمْ لَا لَنَا وَ سَأَوْنَا فِیکُمْ لَا فِینَا لِأَنَّ اللَّهَ مَعَنَا فَلَا فَاقَه بِنَا إِلَی غَیرِه
“It has been reported to me that a group among you has fallen into doubt and confusion concerning their religion and the guardians of their affairs(1). This has caused us grief — not for our own sake, but for yours. Our sorrow is for you, not for ourselves, for indeed God is with us, and therefore we are in no need of anyone else.”(Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 53, p. 178)
(1)Commentary: Guardians of their affairs (وُلَاةِ أَمْرِهِم) refers to the divinely appointed leaders (the Imams).
This discussion continues…
Adapted from “Negine Afarinesh" [The Jewel of Creation] with slight modifications.
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