IMAM MAHDI (ajtfs) what we need to know and how to be prepared!!: OUR DUTIES TO IMAM-E-ZAMANA ASWS AJTFS:

Mikyalul Makarim by Sayyed Muhammad Taqi Isfahani [r] is a comprehensive book on our duties
and responsibilities during the period of Ghaybah.

In the translation of the original book [Vol 1 [translated S. Athar Husain Rizvi and published by Salman Book Centre]], not the excerpts, it's written in the preface of the esteemed author that he was recommended by Imam al-Mahdi (atf) to write this book [who came in his dream and also suggested the title - Mikyalul Makarim Fee Fawa'id ad-Dua Lil Qa'im - Perfection of Morals among the benefits of praying for al-Qa'im ].

The Duties of Shi'is in Ghaybah is elaborated in the last part of the book [which is divided into 8 parts].
The list of the duties is summarized below with one [or few] tradition/s corresponding each duty [if there were any given in the book]. If anyone wants an explanation, they can go through the book which has been translated or directly access the original book itself.

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1. To obtain knowledge about the special characteristics of Imam (a.s.) and to have information about the 'certain' signs of his reappearance
Shaykh Sadooq (r.a.) has recorded a tradition of Imam Musa Kazim (a.s.) that he said, "One who doubts about four things has denied everything revealed by Allah. One of these being the Marefat of the Imam of age".

2. To be respectful while mentioning him

3. Loving Him
Sayyid Muhaddith Bahrani has reported a tradition through Numani that the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said, "The Almighty Allah revealed on me on the night of Me'raj (ascension): 'O Muhammad! If one of My slaves worships Me so much that he dies in it, but denies the Wilayat of your (Ahle Bayt), I would put him in Hell.'

Then He said, 'O Muhammad! Do you want to see your successors whose wilayat is obligatory upon the people?'

'Yes', I said and I was ordered to stand up. As soon as I moved forward I saw Ali Ibne Abi Talib, Hasan, Husain, Ali Ibne Husain, Muhammad Ibne Ali, Ja'far Ibne Muhammad, Moosa Ibne Ja'far, Ali Ibne Moosa, Muhammad Ibne Ali, Ali Ibne Muhammad, Hasan Ibne Ali and Hujjat-e-Qaem (a.s.). Whose countenance was more brilliant among them. I asked Allah who they were?

The Almighty said: These are the Imams (a.s.) and this is Qaem (a.s.), He would make My halaal as halaal and My haraam as haraam. He shall take revenge from My enemies. O Muhammad! You love him because I love those who love him.'"

4. Making him Popular among the People
A tradition in Rawdatul Kafi from Imam Sadiq (a.s.): "May Allah have mercy upon the one who makes us loved among the people and does not do anything that would make people inimical to us and hate us. By Allah! If they had conveyed our meaningful sayings
verbatim to the people they would have created love and affection in their hearts. And no one could have put any sort of tag on them."
(Rawdatul Kafi Vol. 8 Pg. 229, H. no. 293)

Imam Sadiq (a.s.) said, "May Alalh have mercy on one who turns the love and affection of the people towards us and he speaks about those whom they know. And he leaves those who deny.
(Majalis of Sadooq Pg. 61)

5. Awaiting his Reappearance
There is a tradition of Imam Sadiq (a.s.) in Kamaluddin: "One of you who dies awaiting for Imam Mahdi (a.s.) dies as if he was with him in his tent."
(Kamaluddin of Shaykh Sadooq Chapter 55, Tradition no. 1)

Imam (a.s.) said to a person who came to him with a piece of paper, "This is letter of a debater who has posed a question to the correct faith."

The newcomer said, "May Allah have mercy on you, you guessed correctly."

Imam (a.s.) said, "Confess to the creed that there is no diety except Allah, and that Muhammad is His slave and His Messenger. And testify to the veracity of all that is revealed by Allah. Imbibe the Wilayat of our household, have harbour enmity towards our enemies, submit to our command, cultivate piety and humility and await for our Qaem. There is a great kingdom in our fate. When Allah wills He will establish it."
(Usool al-Kafi Vol. 2: Pg 22)

6. Expressing an eagerness to see him

7. Relating the Praiseworthy qualities of Imam (a.s.)
Imam Ja'far as-Sadiq (a.s.) has been reported to have remarked, “It is the duty of a group of heavenly angels to look at two or three people who are discussing the fazael of
Aale Muhammad (a.s.). One of the angels says, 'Look at them! In spite of the fact that they are so few in number and in spite of having so many enemies they are still discussing the fazael of Aale Muhammad (a.s.).' The other group of angels says,
"That is Allah's grace, He grants it to whom He pleases, and Allah is the Lord of mighty grace." (Surah Juma 62: 4)
(Rawdatul Kafi Vol. 8 Pg. 334)

8. Grief of a believer due to Imam's separation
Imam Reza (a.s.) says, "How devastated would be the believing women and men when the Imam will be hidden from them."
(Kamaluddin)

9. To be present in assemblies where the Fazael and Manaqeb of Imam (a.s.) are discussed
Imam Reza (a.s.) also confirms this, "One who sits an assembly where our affair is being enlivened (our fazael are discussed), his heart will not die on the day the hearts of people die (Qiyamat)." (Beharul Anwar Vol. 44 H. No. 1)

10. To organize gatherings where the Fazael of Imam (a.s.) shall be discussed
Imam Sadiq (a.s.) on this juncture, "Meet each other because it enlivens your hearts and causes the remembrance of our affair (Wilayat), and our traditions will promote love amongst you. That if you take them you are successful and achieve salvation and if you leave them you shall be misguided and fall into perdition. Act on these traditions and I guarantee your salvation."

11. Composing and Reciting poems in Imam's Praise
Imam Sadiq (a.s.) says, "Allah makes a house in Paradise for one who composes a couplet about us."
(Wasaelush Shia Vol. 10 Pg. 467)

12. To stand up with respect at the mention of Imam's name
The report says that one day the name of Imam-e-Zamana (a.s.) was mentioned in gathering of Imam Sadiq (a.s.). When the name was uttered, Imam Sadiq (a.s.) stood up in respect. (Beharul Anwar Vol. 44 Pg. 278)

13. Due to the sorrow of Imam separation one should weep, make others weep and make a sorrowful face
Imam Reza (a.s.) said, "One who remembers our calamites and weep on them or makes others weep, on the day of Judgement he shall be with us in our category. One who is reminded of our sorrows and weeps or makes other people weep, his eyes shall not weep on the day (Qiyamat) when all the eyes shall be weeping."
(Muntakhabul Athar)

In the same book Imam Sadiq (a.s.) is quoted, "One who remembers us or our mention is made before him and a tear equal to a mosquitoes’ wing appears in his eyes, the
Almighty Allah forgives his sins even if they are equal to the foam of the sea."
(Beharul Anwar Vol. 44 Pg. 248)

14. To Pray to Allah that He bestows us with the Marefat (Recognition) of Imam (a.s.)
Abu Baseer says that Imam Sadiq (a.s.) explained the ayat: "And those who are bestowed wisdom they indeed are
bestowed with exceeding goodness" - '(Wisdom) means the obedience of Allah and (exceeding goodness means) Marefat of Imam (a.s.)'
(Al-Kafi Vol. 1 Pg. 185).

15. Always Pray for Imam (a.s.)
Shaykh Kulaini in Al-Kafi, Numani in his book Ghaibat and Shaykh Tusi in ‘Ghaibat’ state that Imam Ja'far as-Sadiq (a.s.) said, 'This youth will have Ghaibat before the advent of Qiyamat." "Why?" asked the narrator.
"For the fear of his life", replied the Imam (a.s.) pointing towards his belly. Then said,"O Zurarah! He is the awaited one (Muntazar), one whose birth will be doubted. Some will even say that his father departed from the world without leaving any heir. Others will say that he was not yet born when his father expired. Some will say that he was born two years prior to the martyrdom of his father. He is that very Awaited one. But the almighty shall test the Shias. Immediately after this begins the period of doubts of the deviated people. O Zurarah! If you are alive in such a time, recite the following Dua:
O Allah! Grant me Your recognition, for if I do not recognize You I will not recognize your
Messenger. O Allah grant me the recognition of Your Prophet I will not recognize Your Hujjat (Proof). O Allah! Grant me the recognition of Your Hujjat. For if I don't recognize Your Hujjat I will deviate from my religion.

16. Steadfastness in Praying for Imam (a.s.)
Shayikh Sadooq narrates from Abdullah bin Sinan who says that Imam Sadiq (a.s.) said, "After this a time of such doubt will befall you that you will be without the visible signs and a guiding Imam. And no one shall be able to achieve salvation from this except those who recite "Dua-e-Ghareeq." (Supplication of the drowning man).
The narrator asked what this Dua was? Imam (a.s.) replied,
"O Allah! O Beneficent! O Merciful.O One who changes the hearts (of people) Give me steadfastness upon Your religion"
After repeating ‘Muqallebal Quloob' the narrator added the word, 'Wal absaar’ (and the vision). When Imam (a.s.) heard this, he said, "Indeed Allah is the Who changes the hearts and vision, but you recite the Dua as I have said."
(Kamaluddin Vol. 2 Pg. 351)

17. Reciting Supplications During the Period of Ghaibat
The narrator asked Imam (a.s.) what the Shias are supposed to do in the Ghaibat of
Imam (a.s.)?
Imam (a.s.) replied, “In addition to reciting duas you must await for the reappearance." "What should we pray?" asked the narrator. Imam (a.s.) replied:
Translation: O Allah! You have bestowed Your recognition (Marefat) to me and bestowed the recognition of your Messenger, and the angels and made me recognize
your Prophet and made me recognize the guardians of Your affair. O Allah! I will not take anything except what you bestow. And except for you I have no protector. O Allah!
Do not distance me from the grades of Your friends and do not neglect me from the grades of Your friends and do not neglect my heart after having guided it. O Allah. Guide me towards the wilayat of one who obedience is made incumbent on me."
(Muhajjid Dawaat Pg. 332)

18. Knowledge of the Signs of Reappearance
Imam Sadiq (a.s.) is quoted in the book Al-Kafi that he said, "Recognise the signs (of reappearance). After knowing them correctly,
the hastening or delay of this affair will not cause you any harm."

19. We must be Submissive as well as Impatient
Abdul Rahman Ibne Kathir is quoted in Al-Kafi that he was present in the assembly of Imam Sadiq (a.s.) when Muhzam entered and said, "May our lives be sacrificed on
You! Please tell us when the affair that we await shall come to pass?"
Imam (a.s.) replied, "O Muhzam! Those who fix a time are liars, those who were impatient were destroyed and those who resigned themselves to the situation got salvation."
(Al-Kafi Vol. 1 Pg. 368)

20. Giving Sadaqah on Behalf of Imam (a.s.)
Allamah Ali Ibne Tawoos in his book Kashful Muhajja, in which he has reminded his son about the acts that we should perform during the Ghaibat of Imam (a.s.), He finally says,
"You must care for his leadership, loyalty and attachment in a way that Allah, Prophet (s.a.) and the forefathers of Imam Mahdi (a.s.) expect from you. You must give preference of the needs of Imam (a.s.) over your own needs, when you are reciting the Namaz-e-Hajat (Prayer of having your need fulfilled). Before giving Sadaqah on behalf of your family members, give Sadaqah on behalf of Imam-e-Zamana (a.s.) and pray for him. In addition to this, give him preference in every good deed. All this things will invite Imam's (a.s.) attention and favours for you."
(Kashful Muhajja Pg. 151-152).

21. Giving Sadaqah for the safety of Imam-e-Zamana (a.s.)

22. Performing Hajj on behalf of Imam (a.s.) or sending someone as a proxy for Imam (a.s.)
Ibne Miskan narrates from Imam Sadiq (a.s.) in the book Al-Kafi that he asked Imam (a.s.): How much reward is earned by a person who performs a Hajj on behalf of
someone else? Imam (a.s.) replied, "The reward of ten Hajjs shall be given to the one who performs it on behalf of someone else."
(Furu Al-Kafi Vol. 4 Pg. 312)

23. To perform Tawaf (circumambulation) on behalf of Imam (a.s.) or to send someone for performing tawaf on his behalf
In the book of Al-Kafi in a tradition of Imam Taqi (a.s.) reported by Moosa bin al-Qasim. The narrator says that he asked Imam (a.s.), "I wanted to perform tawaf on behalf of you and your forefathers (a.s.) but people said that tawaf was not permitted on behalf of the successors (awsiya)?"

Imam (a.s.), “Rather, you must do as many tawafs as possible."

The narrator says that after a period of three years, again he came to Imam (a.s.) and said, "I had previously obtained permission from you to perform Tawaf on behalf of you and your father. After this I performed as many tawafs as Allah willed for me on behalf of you and your respected father. After this I had an idea!"

"What was it?" asked Imam (a.s.),

"On day one I performed tawaf on behalf of the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.s.)."

Imam (a.s.) recited Salawat on the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) thrice.

The narrator continued, "On the second day I performed tawaf in lieu of Amirul Momneen (a.s.), then for Imam Hasan al-Mujtaba (a.s.), Imam Husain (a.s.), Imam Sajjad (a.s.), Imam Baqir (a.s.), Imam Sadiq (a.s.), on the eight day I performed it on behalf of your grandfather Imam Moosa al-Kazim (a.s.). On the ninth day for your respected father Imam Reza (a.s.) and on the tenth day I had the fortune of performing tawaf of your respected self. (a.s.). I worship Allah through the wilayat of these personalities."

Imam (a.s.) said, "By Allah! You are worshipping Allah through a religion (din) other than which Allah will not except any din."

The narrator said, "Often I have performed tawaf on behalf of your respected grandmother, Fatemah Zahra (s.a.) and sometimes I didn't do it."

Imam (a.s.) said, "Do more tawaf! If Allah wills it will be the best action performed by you."
(Furu Al-Kafi Vol. 4 Pg. 316)

24. Ziarat of the Holy Prophet and Imams (a.s.) on behalf of Imam (a.s.)

25. To Send a Pilgrim for Ziarat on Behalf of Imam (a.s.)

26. Striving for Imam (a.s.)
Imam Sadiq (a.s.) says, "If I could reach his time, I shall spend my life in his service."

27. Organising help of Imam-e-Zamana (a.s.)
Allah says, "Indeed Allah helps those who help Allah. Certainly Allah is All-Powerful, The Mighty."
Elsewhere, Allah says, "If you help Allah, He shall help you and make you firm-footed."
Commentators of Quran state that 'helping Allah' means helping the Holy Prophet and the Imams (a.s.)

28. Having a firm Intention of Helping Imam (a.s.) in event of his reappearance
Ali Ibne Abi Talib (a.s.), who says, "Halt! Be patient in calamities and difficulties. Do not move your hands and swords under the madness that you utter. And for those affairs where Allah has not made hasty you do not act hastily in them. One who dies sleeping on his bed with correct understanding of the rights of Allah, His Messenger (s.a.w.s.) and his family, dies a martyr and his reward is upon Allah. And he has received the reward of that which he intended to do. This intention of his will be considered as pulling out the sword. And there is no doubt that there is a fixed time for everything and a particular period."

29. Renewal of Oath at the hands of Imam (a.s.) Every day - Every Friday
It is Mustahab (recommended) to renew the oath of allegiance with Imam-e-Zamana (a.s.) every Friday. According to traditions
every Friday the angels gather at Baitul Ma'moor and renew the oath of allegiance to Imams (a.s.).

30. Helping Imam (a.s.) with one's property
As mentioned in Al-Kafi, Imam Sadiq (a.s.) said, "There is no better deed that earmarking a few Dirhams for Imam (a.s.). The Almighty Allah makes this Dirham equal to Mt. Uhud in Paradise for this donor."
After this Imam (a.s.) said, "The Almighty Allah says in His book, ‘Who is it that will offer of Allah a goodly gift, so He will multiply it to him manifold."
(Surah Baqarah 2: 245)
Imam says, "By Allah this is a special gift to Imam (a.s.)."

31. Monetary Assistance to the Pious Shias and Friends of Imam (a.s.)
In Man La Yahzarul Faqih, Imam Sadiq (a.s.) is reported to have said, "One who could not do good to us, he should do good towards our righteous Shias and friends, he shall get the reward of helping us. And those who could not visit us should visit of righteous friends, he shall get the reward of our Ziarat (visitation)."

32. Pleasing the Believers
A tradition of Imam Sadiq (a.s.) in Al-Kafi says, "Those of you who please a believer should not think that you have pleased only this believer.
By Allah! He has pleases us! Rather by Allah! He has pleased the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.s.)." (Al-Kafi Vol. 2 Pg. 189)

33. Being a well-wisher of Imam-e-Zamana (a.s.)
It is mentioned in Al-Kafi that Imam Baqir (a.s.) narrates from the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.s.), that he said, Allah does not look at any of His friends who has
borne difficulties in doing good for us except that, that person will be with us in an exalted friendship."

In another place in the same book it is narrated that Imam Sadiq (a.s.) said, “The Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.s.) delivered a discourse among the people in Masjide-e-Khaif and said: O Allah! Please the slave who listens to our words, gives them place in his heart and conveys them to hose who have not heard them. He is mostly conversant with fiqh (jurisprudence) but he is not a fiqih Jurisprudent) himself. Many a times a person with knowledge" of jurisprudence passes it to a more intelligent jurisprudent. A Muslim should not do Khayanat (defalcation) in three things: (1) He should perform deeds purely for Allah (2) He should be a well-wisher for the Imam (a.s.) and the religious leaders. (3) He should not distance himself from their congregation, because their invitation is for all those who like it. Muslims are brothers to each other and their blood is of equal value and even the weakest of them strives in the fulfillment of oath and vow.
(Al-Kafi Vol. 1 Pg. 403)

34. Ziarat of Imam (a.s.)

35. Meeting the righteous believers and socializing with them -31st duty

36. Reciting Salawat and Salutations upon Imam (a.s.)
Ali Ibne Tawoos and other Shia scholars have recorded a special Salawat for Imam (a.s.)
In the Name of Allah the Beneficent the Merciful O Allah! Send blessings upon Your Wali and the son of Your Wali. One whose obedience you made incumbent and rights obligatory. You remove all impurities from him and purified him a thorough purification. O Allah! Help him and by it help your religion and thereby help your awaliya (friends) and his friends and by it help his Shias and his helpers and include us among them. O Allah! Take them in Your refuge from the mischief of every oppressor and transgressor, and from mischief of all Your creatures. And protect him from the front, the back, from right and left and protect him and grant security to him from every calamity that comes to him from every direction. And through him protect (the religion of) your Messenger and the Progeny of Your Messenger. And make evident through it justice through his hands and bestow him with special help. And help those who help him and degrade his opponents. And by through him destroy the oppressor infidels and annihilate the disbelievers, the hypocrites and all the apostates whether they are from the east or the west from the dry land or from the seas, from the plains or from hilly areas. And by him fill up the earth with justice and make apparent the religion of your Messenger (Peace be upon him and his progeny). O Allah! Include us among his helpers and assistants and followers and Shias. And make apparent in my life all that the Aale Muhammad are eager for and fulfill their hopes as regards their enemies (degrade their enemies). O the rightful God the lord of the worlds! (accept my supplication).
(Jamalus Suboo Pg. 493).

37. Gifting the Thawab of prayers to Imam (a.s.)
Sayyid Ibne Tawoos (r.a.) from Abu Muhammad Saimri that it is narrated from the holy Imam (a.s.): "One who gifts the thawab of his prayers to the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.s.), Amirul Momeneen and the Imams after him, Allah shall increase the reward of this prayer to such an extent that one becomes breathless while counting it. And before his soul is separated from his body he is told, O Man! Your gift has reached me! Since this is the day of recompense, may your heart gladden and eyes brighten through the recompense that Allah has fixed for you and this which you have reached. Congratulation for it."

The narrator says that he asked Imam (a.s.) how they should gift the prayer and what they should recite to gift its thawab. Imam (a.s.) told him, "Make an intention (niyaat)
that the thawab of this prayer is for the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.s.)…."
(Jamalus Suboo Pg. 332)

38. Gift of a Special Prayer
The proof of this virtuous act is the tradition which states that even if we recite two rakat prayer everyday we can gift its thawab to one of the Imams.

39. A Special Prayer in a particular time for Hadiya of Imam-e-Zamana (a.s.)

40. Hadiya of Reciting Quran for Imam (a.s.)
Ali Ibne Mughira is quoted in Al-Kafi that he asked Imam Kazim (a.s.), "My father had asked your respected grandfather regarding the complete recitation of Quran every night who told him, "Yes it can he completed every night." When my father asked about completion of Quran in the month of Ramadhan he received the same reply. So he used to finish reading the complete Quran forty times during the holy month of Ramadhan. After him I continued this practice. On the day of Eid I complete a Quran for the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) and after him for Amirul momineen (a.s.) till I reach you. So tell me how is this act of our considered by your goodself?”

Imam (a.s.) said, “Your reward is that you shall be in the company of those exalted personalities."

The narrator said, "Such a high reward?"

Imam (a.s.) said three times, "Yes"

41. Tawassul and seeking intercession through Imam-e-Zamana (a.s.)
"And for Allah are the most beautiful names. So call Him by them." (Beharul Anwaar Vol. 94 Pg. 22)

42. To ask from Imam (a.s.) and address him in supplications
In Ziarat-e-Jamea we find the following words:
One who attached himself to you was successful and he is safe from the misfortunes of both the worlds.

Imam (a.s.) was asked in a letter that a person desires to ask special favours from Imam (a.s.) and tell him some of his secret matters just as he does Munajaat (beseeches) to the Almighty. Imam (a.s.) replied, “If you need anything, just move your lips, you shall get response."

43. Inviting people towards Imam (a.s.)
Imam (a.s.) says, "The worst kind of orphan is one who is separated from his Imam (a.s.) and could not reach him. Who could not obtain the solution to their most pressing problems. Then of our Shias who are cognizant of our sciences and who teach these deprived people are like one who has adopted an orphan. Know well! One who guides him, shows him the right path and makes them conversant with our Shariat shall with us in the exalted grade of heavenly abode. The above was conveyed to me by my father from his forefathers who had received it from the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.s.)."

44. To take care of the rights and duties towards Imam (a.s.)

The Holy Imams (a.s.) have said regarding their rights,
"The right of the Almighty Allah is for us."

Imam Sajjad (a.s.) in Dua Abu Hamza Thumali:
Or may be you found me considering your right less important and distanced me from you.
(Iqbal of Sayyid Ibne Tawoos Pg. 71)

45. Humility and soft-heartedness while remembering Imam (a.s.)
Almighty Allah says, "Has not the time yet come for those who believe that their hearts should be humble for the remembrance of Allah and what has come down of the truth? And (that) they should not be like those who were given the Book before, but the time became prolonged to them, so their hearts hardened, and most of them are transgressors."
(Surah Hadid 57: 16)

According to traditions that above verse was revealed with regard to Imam-e-Zamana (a.s.) and its interpretation points towards Ghaibat. Here the phrase "But the time became prolonged to them” refers to the period of Ghaibat.

46. The Scholars should make their knowledge Evident
The Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.s.) has said, "When innovations appear in my nation the scholar must make his knowledge apparent. Allah's curse be
upon the one who doesn't follow this." (Al-Kafi, Chapter of Innovation).

47. To practice Taqaiyya with mischief-makers and to maintain secrecy with people of other faiths
Explaining the ayat, 'These shall be granted their reward twice, because they are patient and they repel evil with good and spend out of what we have given them."
(Surah Qasas 28: 54) Imam Sadiq (a.s.) says, "(They shall be granted their reward) for their patience in practicing taqaiyyah."
Regarding "and they repel evil with good", Imam (a.s.) says that 'good' refers to taqaiyyah and 'evil' refers to the revealing of confidential matters.
(Al-Kafi Vol. 2 Pg. 217)

48. To bear hardships, denials and other testing circumstances for the sake of Imam (a.s.)
The Almighty Allah says, "On no account will Allah leave the believers in the condition which you are in until He separates the evil from the good." (Surah Aale Imraan 3: 179)

Hazrat Ali (a.s.) says, "O Men! The Almighty Allah has kept you away from oppression but He has not given you exemption from trials because Allah says, "Most surely there are signs in this, and most surely We are ever trying (men)."
(Surah Momenoon 23: 30 - Nahjul Balagha)

49. Pray to Allah for patience in Imam's separation
The Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.s ) said,"And be patient and your patience is not possible except by Allah."

50. Enjoining Patience During Ghaibat
The third proof is the sermon of Ghadeer quoted by Ali Ibne Tawoos in his book Iqbal. He says that Surah Asr was revealed in connection with Hazrat Ali (a.s.).
Its interpretation is as follows: "I swear by the time (Qiyamat), Most surely man (enemies of Aale Muhammad) is in loss, Except those who believe
(in their Wilayat) and do good (towards their brothers), and enjoin on each other truth (during the Ghaibat of their Imam) and enjoin on each other patience (in these times)."

Ali Ibne Yaqteen has narrated from Imam Kazim (a.s.) that he said,"The Shias are being trained through hope for the past 200 years."

51. We should not sit in the Assembly where disrespect is caused to Imam (a.s.)
The Almighty Allah says regarding such matters, "And indeed He has revealed to you in the Book that when you hear Allah's communications disbelieved in and mocked at, do not sit with them until they enter into some other discourse; surely then you would be like them; surely Allah will gather together the hypocrites and the unbelievers all in hell."
(Surah Nisa 4: 140)

According to a traditional report of Al-Kafi Imam (a.s.) was asked regarding the above Quranic Verse. He (a.s.) said, "When we have learnt that such and such person denies the truth and utters unsuitable things about Imam (a.s.), we must get up from there at once, no matter whoever that person is."
(Al-Kafi Vol. 2 Pg. 377)

52. To Feign support to tyrant rulers
Imam Sadiq (a.s.) advised Momin al-Taq, "O Son of Noman! When you are compelled to spend your life under a tyrant government, you must behave nicely with those whom you fear most. Because one who tries to overcome the government has agreed to get himself killed. The Almighty Allah says,"and cast not yourselves to perdition."
(Surah Baqarah 2: 195)

53. Avoiding Fame
There is a tradition from Imam Sadiq (a.s.) in Al-Kafi.Imam (a.s.) says, "If possible lead such a life that people do not recognize you."

Imam Muhammad Baqir (a.s.) is quoted through a correct chain of narrators in Kamaluddin, that he said, "A time will come upon the people when their Imam will be
ghaib (in occultation). Fortunate are those who remain steadfast on our Imamat. The least thawab they would receive at that time is that Allah would address them: O My
slaves! Believe in Our secret and testify to our unseen. Good news to you for My good rewards O My slaves! I shall accept your deeds and forgive your sins. I shall quench your thirst with rain and remove calamities from you. And if you people hadn't been there I would sent chastisement upon them. (The world)."

Jabir says that he asked Imam (a.s.) regarding the most preferable act of a believer during such times. Imam (a.s.) replied, "Controlling his tongue and sitting at home."
(Kamaluddin of Shaykh Sadooq Vol. 1 Pg. 330)

Amirul Momineen (a.s.) says in a sermon of Nahjul Balagha: There would be a time wherein only a sleeping (inactive) believer would be safe (such that) if he is present
he is not recognized but if he is absent he is not sought after. These are the lamps of guidance and banners of night journeys. They do not spread calumnies nor divulge
secrets, nor slander. They are those for whom Allah would open the doors of His mercy and keep off from them the hardships of His chastisement. O People! A time will come to you when Islam would be capsized as a pot is capsized with all its contents."
(Nahjul Balagha, Sermon 103)

54. Self Improvement (Development)
Nomani (r.a.) has recorded a tradition from Imam Sadiq (a.s.) that says: "One who desires to be included among the companions of Imam-e-Zamana (a.s.) must be a Montazir (one who awaits), and he should be pious and of good behaviour. So even if he dies before the reappearance of Imam (a.s.) he would get the same reward as if he had been with the Imam (a.s.). Strive and await! If you want to be bestowed with Divine Mercy."
(Ghaibat of Nomani Pg. 106)

55. Unity and Co-operation in Imam's help
Amirul Momineen (a.s.) remarked in a Sermon: "O People! If you had not been deficient in supporting the truth and lazy in deflecting the falsehood, those unlike you wouldn't have overcome you. Those who have overpowered you would not have got the power to do so. Because like the Bani Israel you have lost your way. And by my life! Your straying away will intensify because you have discarded the truth."

Imam-e-Zamana (a.s.) says in the Tawqee to Shaykh Mufid (a.r.), "If our Shias (May Allah help them in His obedience!) had been united in fulfillment of their covenant regarding us) our meeting them would not have delayed, and they would have soon met us with true and perfect Marefat."
(Beharul Anwaar Vol. 53 Pg. 177)

56. Sincere Repentance and fulfillment of Rights
The Tawqee of Imam (a.s.) further says, "That which keep us away from them are the unpleasant things that we hear about them and do not like and those we never expected from them. And Allah is He Whose help is sought and He is sufficient for us and most excellent is the Protector."
(Beharul Anwaar Vol. 53 pg. 177)

57. To Remember Imam (a.s.) and act upon his Teachings
Imam Sadiq (a.s.) narrates from his forefathers from Ali (a.s.) that one day he (Ali a.s.) was on the pulpit of Kufa. He (a.s.) said, "O Allah! The existence of Your Proof (Hujjat) upon Your creatures is certain. So that they may guide the people towards You. Teach them Your sciences so that Your Proof is not falsified and after Your guidance Your followers are not led astray. That Proof is either clear and it is disobeyed, or it is hidden or awaited. Even if at the time of guidance the Imam is not present among the people even then his knowledge and code of conduct is engraved on the hearts of believers, upon who the believers act."
(Kamaluddin Vol. 1 Pg. 302)

58. Praying to Allah that we do not lose the remembrance of Imam (a.s.)
A sentence of Shaykh Amri is quoted in Kamaluddin: "Do not erase the remembrance of Hazrat (a.s.) from our hearts." (Kamaluddin Vol. 2 Pg. 513)

59. Humbling our body for Imam (a.s.)
Imam Sadiq (a.s.) through his chains of narrators in the supplication of Friday. We have quoted it from the book Abwaabul Jannat Fee Aadaals al-Jamaat:
"O Allah! I come to your door with a submissive heart and a humble and lowly body towards the guiding Imams with a respectful heart I seek Your nearness."
The Imam referred to in this prayer is Imam-e-Zamana (a.s.).

60. Giving precedence to the wish of Imam-e-Zamana (a.s.) to our wishes
In the tradition recorded by Fazil Muhaddis Noori quoting from Amali of Shaykh Tusi that the narrator asked Imam Sadiq (a.s.), "Why do we hear so much about Salman the Persian from you?" Imam (a.s.) said, "Do not call him Salman the Persian, say Salman the Muhammadan. Do you know why I remember him so much?"

"I don't know," said the narrator.

"It is due to three things", said the Imam (a.s.), "He gave preference to the desire of Amirul Momineen (a.s.) over his personal wishes. Befriending the poor and preferring them over affluent people and his attachment to knowledge and scholars. Indeed Salman was a righteous Muslim and not of the polytheists."
(Beharul Anwaar Vol. 22 Pg. 327)

61. Respecting all those who are near to Imam (a.s.) or those who are associated with him
Those who are close to Imam (a.s.) by relation, like the Alawis Sadaat or spiritually near ones like the scholars and religious personalities.

62. Venerating the Places visited by Imam (a.s.)
"And whoever respects the signs of Allah, this surely is (the outcome) of the piety of hearts." (Surah Hajj 22: 32)

Amirul Momineen (a.s.) who said, "We are the signs (of Allah) and the companions."

63. Not to fix the time of reappearance and to falsify those who fix the time
Mufaddal asked Imam Sadiq (a.s.) regarding the ayat, "Allah it is who revealed the Book with truth, and the balance, and what shall make you know that perhaps the hour is near? Those who do not believe in it would hasten it on, and those who believe are in fear from it, and they know that it is the truth. Now most surely those who dispute obstinately concerning the hour are in a great error."
(Surah Shura 42: 17-18)

Mufaddal asked the meaning of 'dispute' in the above.

Imam (a.s.) said, "They say when was Qaem born? Who has seen him? Where he is at present? Where shall he be in the future? And when shall he reappear? All these are acts of impatience with Divine affairs due to, doubts with regard to the Divine decrees. They have suffered loss in the world and the hereafter and the infidels have evil consequences."

Mufaddal asked Imam (a.s.) whether he would not appoint a time for it?
Imam (a.s.) said, "O Mufaddal! Never predict a time for all this because one who does it has claimed partnership in the knowledge of Allah and he has falsely claimed that Allah has informed of His secrets."

Muhammad Ibne Muslim is quoted in Ghaibat Nomani that Imam Sadiq (a.s.) said, "O Muhammad! If anyone quotes us with regard to the prediction of the time (of reappearance), falsify him at once because we do not inform anyone of the appointed hour."
(Ghaibat Nomani Pg. 155)

64. Falsifying all those who claim special Deputyship during the Greater Occultation
The book Kamaluddin has a narration from Abu Muhammad Hasan bin Ahmad Maktab who says that in the year of Ali Ibne Muhammad Saymoori's death he visited Baghadad. He went to meet Ali Ibne Muhammad Saymoori a few days before his demise. Ali Ibne Muhammad Saymoori showed the people a letter from Imam (a.s.) (Tawqee). It was as follows: "In the Name of Allah the Beneficent the Merciful. O Ali Ibne Muhammad Saymoori: May Allah give good rewards to your brethren concerning you (i.e. on your death), for indeed you shall die after six days. So prepare your affairs and do not appoint anyone to take your place after your death. For the second occultation has now occurred and there can be no appearance until, after a long time when Allah gives this permission, hearts become hardened and the world becomes filled with injustice. And someone will come to my partisans (Shia) claiming that he has seen me, beware of anyone claiming to have seen me before the rise of al-Sufyani and the outcry from the sky, for he shall be a slanderous liar. And there is no strength and Might except Allah, the high and the Mighty."

Maktab says that he copied the tawqee and went away from there and when he returned on the sixth day he found Ali Ibne Muhammad Saymoori in a dying condition. When he was asked regarding his successor he said: "The Almighty Allah shall Himself take the affair to its completion."
(Kamaluddin Vol. 2 Pg. 516)

65. To pray for seeing the Imam (a.s.) with forgiveness and faith
Tradition of Ahmad bin Ibrahim quoted in the Bab-ul-Mazar of Beharul Anwaar:
The narrator says that he told Abu Ja'far Muhammad ibne Uthman regarding his desire to see Imam (a.s.). "He asked me if I was seriously desirous of it and I replied in the
affirmative. He said, 'May Allah reward you for your desire. May he easily show you the blessed face of Hazrat (a.s.) while you are eligible for salvation. O Abu Abdillah. Do not insist on seeing him because this is a period of occultation. Do not persist for seeking his company because it a very serious divine affair and in such circumstances it is better to submit to Allah's will. But you must address him by reciting his Ziarats."
(Beharul Anwaar Vol. 102 Pg. 97)

66. Following Imam (a.s.) in Moral behavior and deeds
Hazrat Ali's (a.s.) letter to Uthman bin Hunaif the Governor of Basra mentions: "Remember that every follower has a leader whom he follows and from the
effulgence of whose knowledge he takes light."(Nahjul Balagha)

Imam Zainul Aabedeen (a.s.) is reported to have said, "There is no superiority for Quray[Edited Out]e or an Arab regarding his descent except his humility there is no Virtue,
except for his piety there is no good deed other then intention and no worship act is possible without considering it correct. Beware! One to whom Allah is most angry is one who is an Imamite by faith and who does not follow (his Imam) in deeds."

Imam Sadiq (a.s.), "Become an ornament for us, do not be a disgrace for us."
(Al-Kafi Vol. 2 Pg. 77)

67. Restraining our tongue except for Allah's Remembrance
Shaykh Sadooq (a.r.) has quoted Imam Sadiq (a.s.) and he narrates through his purified forefathers from the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) that he said, "Those who recognizes Allah
and are humble to Him, they restrains their tongues and avoids unlawful foods, fast in the day and pray the whole night."

The companions said, "O Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.s.), may our parents be sacrificed on you who are these awliya of Allah (Friends of Allah)?

He (s.a.w.s.) replied, "When the awliya were silent, their silence was meditation. When they spoke it was Allah's remembrance. When they looked it was a lesson and when they uttered something it was wisdom. When they walked it was a bounty. If Allah has not destined death for them their souls would have still been intact in their bodies for the desire of performing good deeds in anticipation of heavenly rewards and in the terror of divine chastisement."
(Majalis of Shaykh Sadooq)

Imam Muhammad Baqir (a.s.) says, "Our partisans are mute."
(Al-Kafi Vol. 2 Pg. 113)

68. The Prayer of Imam-e-Zamana (a.s.)
The Prayer for Imam-e-Zamana (a.s.) consists of two rakats . . .

69. Weeping for Imam Husain (a.s.)
Ja'far ibne Muhammad ibne Qooloolay (r.a.) narrates from Imam Sadiq (a.s.) a lengthy tradition on the merits of weeping upon Imam Husain (a.s.): "No eye or tear is more liked by Allah than the eye that weeps on him (Imam Husain a.s.). No one weeps for him except that he has recompensed Janabe Fatimah Zahra (s.a.) and helped her in the mourning. He has presented a gift to the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.s.) and fulfilled my right. Everyone shall be raised in Qiyamat weeping except those who weep on my oppressed forefather Imam Husain (a.s.). Because their eyes will be shining. He would be given the good news and his joy will be apparent from his facial expression. All the creatures would be dreading their consequences except those who had wept on
Imam Husain (a.s.). They shall be in absolute security. All the people will gather on the plains of Mahshar but these people shall be standing under the shade of the Arsh (throne) conversing with Imam Husain (a.s.). They shall not be fearful of the rigorous strictness of the day of accounting. They would be told to enter Paradise but would not do so. They would prefer the company of Imam Husain (a.s.) to Paradise. The Houries of Paradise would be sending messages to them that they are waiting for these people; however, they would be so enchanted by the conversation of Imam Husain (a.s.) that would not pay heed to the Houries."
(Kamil-uz-Ziyaraat Pg. 81)

70. Visiting the tomb of Imam Husain (a.s.)
Imam Sadiq (a.s.) says in another tradition: "The deed loved most by Allah is the visitation (Ziarat) of the tomb of Imam Husain (a.s.). The deed of a believer loved most by Allah making the momineen happy and the condition loved most by Allah is that a person weeps in prostration."
(Kamil-uz-Ziaraat Pg. 127)

71. Excessively Cursing the Umayyads, openly and secretly
Shaykh Sadooq writes in Khisaal that the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.s.) told Ali (a.s.), “O Ali! Bani Umayyah will curse you and for each of their curse an angel will curse them a thousand times. After his reappearance Qaem (a.s.) will curse them for forty years."

72. Active involvement in the fulfillment of rights of brothers in faith
Mualla Ibne Khanees relates that he asked Imam Sadiq (a.s.) regarding the rights of believers. Imam (a.s.) said, "The momin has seventy rights but I shall inform of only
seven of them because I fear you would not be able to bear it and I love you much."

The narrator said, "Insha Allah I shall be able to bear it."
Imam (a.s.) started, "Do not eat to satiation if your momin brother is hungry, do not dress up if he is unclothed, guide him in every matter, and prefer for him what you
prefer for yourself. If you have a maidservant, send her to him that she may do his househould chores. Always remain busy in fulfilling the needs of the momin brother. If you do this, you have connected your wilayat to our wilayat and our wilayat to the wilayat of Allah."

In another tradition Mufaddal Ibne Umar narrates from Imam Sadiq (a.s.) that he said, "Those of you who pleases a momin should not think that he has pleased that momin alone. By Allah! They have made us (Imams) happy, rather by Allah they have made the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.s.) happy."
(Al-Kafi Vol. 2 Pg. 174)

73. Awaiting for the Reappearance (Zuhoor) and making Preparation for it
Imam Sadiq (a.s.) says in a tradition, “If one of you prepares for the Zuhoor of Hazrat Qaem (a.s.) even with a weapon as little as an arrow, when Allah sees the intention,
I am sure He would prolong your life."
(Ghaibat-e-Nomani Pg. 137)
"O you who believe! Be patient and excel in patience and remain steadfast, and be careful of (your duty to) Allah, that you may be successful."
(Surah Aale Imraan 3: 200).