Difference in looking forward to the Emergence

Professor: Ḥujjat al Islām Bi Azār Tehrani

All pretend to be looking forward to the honorable [Imām (mGehr)’s] Emergence; Shiites express, ‘We are looking forward…” But what is the difference between our [Shiites’] looking forward and others’ points of view on looking forward?

Even most of the Sunnis actually have theoretical opinions about the holy presence of Walī Asr (mGehr)! It means, they mostly have the firm belief that, the Excellency was born in 255 AH, he has the same name as the Prophet (pbuh&h), He is the continuation of the Messenger of God (pbuh&h)’s light of loving and kindness, he is Her pure Excellency Majesty Fātimā (pbuh)’s offspring. Also, they mostly believe in this main belief:

“…وَ هوَ حَیٌ”

… and he [the Excellency] is alive.

So, it doesn’t mean that he will be born later, like what some of the Sunni scholars think!

However, the late Sir Davani (mGbswh) named more than 200 Sunni scholars, who have the same view on the history and the truth of the Promised Savior, but we say our views are different! Our manner and orientation in this field are different.

Now, what is the difference between Shi’a looking forward and other sects’ and doctrines’ [or religions], even minor religions of Islām?

Dear addressees! Most of these sects and doctrines see the milestone of “Looking forward to The Emergence” as a legendary one! It means they teach the followers of their doctrine, ideology, and religion, “Just Grin and bear it!”

to tolerate and live with patience in the hope that someday in the future, when no specific time is determined, they will emerge from these afflictions and sufferings. They say someday the difficulties will be over; someone will come! That’s it. And these followers live their current lives clinging to a faint spark of hope, as small as a candle, embedded deep within their nature, intellect, and thoughts, believing that there will be a bright future. But the Shiite perspective is different.

A few years ago, on the 15th of Sha’ban, the Supreme Leader beautifully expressed this issue; he added insight alongside this narration. He said: Both Sunnis and Shiites accept this narration in which the Prophet said, “The best deed of my nation is waiting for the relief (faraj).” He added: This very phrase sets the model for our goals and actions.

He did not say, “The best intentions of my nation,” but rather “The best deeds of my nation is waiting for the relief (faraj).” Thus, it becomes evident that waiting for faraj, as Imam Khomeini said, does not mean sitting idly in a closed room saying, “He will come.”

Deeds refer to a set of tasks that guide us towards a goal. Deeds imply duties that a person actively performs in alignment with belief, not merely in the realm of thought. Our narrations describe the turbulent end times, the challenges of faith. It is a period where faith is at risk.

The narration says that preserving religion during the end times will be harder than holding onto a burning ember in one’s hand. You can choose to abandon the religion and drop the ember to be at ease, but if you choose to keep it, you will have to endure the burning pain. It requires burning…