Duties and Responsibilities

(Duties and Responsibilities)
It is clear now as to how important it is to await for
the reappearance of Imam-e-Zamana (a.t.f.s.) and how
great is the status and position of those who await. Also,
it is a reality that as the level increases, responsibilities
and duties increase too. Although there are a number of
responsibilities of a believer during the major occultation,
we shall mention a few important ones here under,
keeping brevity into consideration.

(1.Recognition of Imam Mahdi-a.t.f.s.)
By recognition, historical knowledge and
information is not what is implied. Rather, it means to be
aware of those levels, perfection and authority that has
been granted to Imam-e-Zamana (a.t.f.s.) by Allah the
Almighty. If we believe in these, then we will be sure that
he is definitely keeping a watch on all our actions, every
single one of them. He rules on each and every particle
of this world. The entire universe is subject to his
command. Only then will we refrain from sins and seek
refuge and help from him for all our difficulties.

(2.Improvement in deeds)
We cannot see Imam-e-Zamana (a.t.f.s.) with our
sinful eyes but he, definitely, is observing us. If
somebody really believes that he is constantly being
watched by Imam-e-Zamana (a.t.f.s.), he will keep away
from quite a few sins. Good deeds are the only way to
gain proximity and nearness to Imam-e-Zamana (a.t.f.s.).
And who does not desire to be nearer to his Imam (a.s.)?
He (a.t.f.s.) himself has admonished us,
"Then each one of you should act in such a
way that your deeds bring you closer to our
love, and refrain from all those actions that
will bring you nearer to our wrath and
anger."
(Behaar al-Anwaar, vol. 53, p. 181)

(3.Reformation of the Society)
To rectify and improve our society, i.e. our children,
brothers, sisters, relatives, friends, acquaintances, etc. is
also our responsibility. For, it is essential that the ground
be prepared for the reappearance. Imam Hasan
al-Askari (a.s.) says,
"An orphan is he who loses his father. But
greater than him is he who has become
distanced from his Imam and does not have
access to him. He is not aware of his
responsibilities and obligations. Among our
Shias, one who is knowledgeable of our
traditions and knowledge, should teach this
Shia who is ignorant and unaware, and
guide him. It is as if he has sheltered and
nourished an orphan. Yes, the one who
guides him and teaches him our religious
laws, will be with us in the highest grades of
paradise."
(Tafseer Imam Hasan al-Askari (a.s.), p. 114, 115)

(4.Sadaqah)
When a person knows and likes somebody from the
depth of his heart, he wishes him well and desires his
safety from all evils and calamities. He prays for his
well being and health. He gives sadaqah for his safety
and protection. Praying or giving sadaqah does not
mean that the concerned person is afflicted with
calamities. Rather, it is an expression of our love for him.
The more we love him, the more will be our invocations
and sadaqah in his favour.
Today, who is more deserving to be loved and be
attached with than the holy persona of Imam-e-Zamana
(a.t.f.s.)? Can a believer’s heart love anybody else more
than him? To pray for Imam-e-Zamana (a.t.f.s.) and to
give sadaqah for his safety is an expression of our love
for him. In the ta’qeebaat of the obligatory prayers, it
has been emphasized to recite Ayat al-Kursi for the
safety and security of Imam-e-Zamana (a.t.f.s.).

(6.Seeking of Desires)
Allah the Almighty has appointed the infallible
Imams (a.s.) as the media and doors for approaching
Him. Presently, Imam-e-Zamana (a.t.f.s.) is that door
through whom Allah is approached. The Holy Quran
says,
"And all the good names are for Allah, then
call Him through them."
(Surah A'raaf: 18)
In the interpretation of this verse, traditions say that
good names in the verse implies the infallible Imams
(a.s.) and that we should call Allah through them.
(Al-Kafi, vol. 2, p. 618, H.2)
Imam-e-Zamana (a.t.f.s.) is the Door of Allah and
His Name. If we plead to Allah through this all-important
medium, our supplications will be accepted. Besides, it is
the sincere desire of every father or every elder that the
youngsters of the family approach him for their needs
and that he fulfils them. Particularly, when he is in a
position of power and authority. The elders feel great joy
in fulfilling the needs of the youngsters.
Imam-e-Zamana (a.t.f.s.) is our father, elder and
the master of all bounties. Today, it is an important duty
for us that we present our difficulties to him for their
solution.
Unfortunately, we speak of our problems to
everybody but to that Imam who is able to provide its
remedies within no time.
The Holy Prophet (s.a.) says,
"Whenever you get entangled in some
difficulty, then seek refuge in the presence
of Hazrat Hujjat (a.t.f.s.) and invoke him. He
will save you and grant you salvation. He
answers the needy. He is the refuge of
anybody who seeks refuge in him."
(An-Najm al- Saaqib, p. 787)