Belief in the existence of Imam Mahdi (atfs)is one of the fundamental pillars of Muslim doctrine, particularly among the followers of the Ahl al-Bayt (pbut). This belief is not merely a theoretical concept; it has profound practical and psychological impacts on the lives of individuals and societies, especially in light of contemporary challenges and upheavals.  

The Foundation of This Belief and Its Evidence  

The existence of Imam Mahdi (atfs) is not a fleeting idea or a doctrinal innovation. Rather, it is a deeply rooted belief in Islam, supported by numerous Quranic verses that the Imams of Ahl al-Bayt (pbut) have interpreted as referring to the awaited savior who will fill the earth with justice after it has been filled with oppression.  

Among the verses indicating his blessed reappearance are:  

- "And We intended to confer favor upon those who were oppressed in the land and make them leaders and make them inheritors." (Quran 28:5)  

 It has been narrated from Imam al-Baqir (pbuh) that this verse refers to the family of Muhammad (pbuh and his family), and that Mahdi (atfs) is the one through whom this divine promise will ultimately be fulfilled.  

- "It is He who has sent His Messenger with guidance and the religion of truth to manifest it over all religions, evenif the polytheists dislike it." (Quran 9:33)  

When Abu Basir asked Imam al-Sadiq (pbuh) about the interpretation of this verse, he replied: "By Allah, its fulfilment has not yet come. "Abu Basir asked: "May I be your ransom, when will it come?" The Imam said: "When the Qa’im rises, by Allah’s will. When he emerges, there will remain no disbeliever or polytheist except that they will resent his emergence."  

The narrations of Ahl al-Bayt (pbut)indicate that Imam Mahdi is the "unseen" in which the righteous believe, as mentioned in the verse:  

"Who believe in the unseen."(Quran 2:3)  

He is the hidden proof, absent from sight, yet the world is never devoid of him, as confirmed by numerous narrations.  

Thus, the belief in the awaited Mahdi is a Quranic doctrine supported by authentic hadiths from both Shi’a and Sunni sources.  

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The Imam is Alive and Present—What Should We Do?  

The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh and his family)said:  

"The best deed of my Ummah is awaiting relief from Allah, the Almighty."  

Some may assume that "awaiting" means passively waiting for Allah’s command for the Imam’s reappearance, but this is far from what the infallible Ahl al-Bayt (pbut) have taught us. Awaiting relief is not a passive stance or idle anticipation; rather, it is adynamic state of faith that instils hope, revives the spirit of patience and steadfastness, and keeps the believer’s gaze fixed on a future where injustice ends and Allah’s promise of the Qa’im’s reappearance is fulfilled.  

This waiting:  

- Awakens consciousness,  

- Strengthens faith that the ultimate victory belongs to the righteous,  

- Explains why believers cling to truth despite severe trials.  

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Awaiting as a Reform Methodology & Connection to Divine Leadership  

True awaiting is not limited to anticipation; it manifests in striving toward perfection by emulating Imamal-Hujjah (atfs) and making his life a standard for our own. It is a perpetual connection with the hidden Imam and divine leadership, embodied in righteousscholars who derive their guidance from the Imam’s light in asceticism, piety,and knowledge.  

The believer’s awareness that their deedsare presented to the Imam daily motivates them to:  

- Refine their soul,  

- Purify their heart,  

- Prepare to meet their Master with deeds that please him.  

Thus, awaiting becomes an educational, doctrinal, and societal project that prepares the Ummah for its divine promised meeting.  

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The Social and Spiritual Impact of This Belief  

Belief in the hidden Imam contributes to addressing many social and spiritual ailments. It:  

- Strengthens solidarity and mutual support within society,  

- Encourages patience and steadfastness in the face of challenges,  

- Directs energies toward noble goals, away from despair and frustration.  

Amid global challenges and political and social turmoil, belief in Imam Mahdi (atfs) serves as a source of inspiration for believers. It reminds them that justice plays a pivotal role in achieving positive change and that efforts for reform will not be in vain. This belief reinforces hope that the future holds promises of justice and peace.  

Belief in Imam Mahdi (atfs) transcends being a religious concept—it becomes a way of life that inspires believers to diligent and positive action, instilling hope and confidence in a better future. In the face of current challenges, this belief stands as a guiding light, directing believers toward continuous efforts to achieve justice and reform in their societies.