As a reminder, it was pointed out that Shias and Sunnis both strongly believe in the reappearance of the savior of mankind, Imam Mahdi (AS).

In this regard, we referred to some of the Sunni sources and the remarks of major Ulema. Based on existing, certain evidences, we are currently living within the era of Major Occultation of the 12^th Infallible Imam of the Prophet of Islam's Household, Imam Mahdi (May God hasten his reappearance).

Although the world is filled with corruption, injustices, and sins, the reappearance of savior of mankind is in need of some initial arrangements. People should attain maturity via endurance of hardships and woes, and should become prepared for acceptance of global justice.

Concurrent with the spread of injustice across the globe, it is essential to prepare a number of merited individuals for assisting the savior of mankind in administration of justice. Therefore, in the era of occultation of Imam Mahdi, those who await his reappearance shoulder major responsibilities so that the members of the community will accomplish the essential merits for the era of reappearance of savior of mankind.

One of the duties of those who await the emergence of savior of mankind is to uproot their unwanted and undesirable traits and to establish and maintain ethical virtues.

Although Imam Mahdi is in his Major Occultation, people benefit from his virtues. Benefitting from the presence of Imam Mahdi in the Occultation era is similar to benefitting from sunrays, behind clouds. The beneficial impacts of the sun are not limited to a period of time in which sunrays directly shine over the nature, and in fact it is still possible to benefit from the advantages of the sunrays such as production of heat, growth of plants, and production of the energy needed for the movement and existence of creatures even when the sky is cloudy. In the same manner, Imam Mahdi brings about countless divine blessings in the era of his occultation. One of these blessings is maintenance of hope among individuals and encouragement of individuals to prepare themselves for the global uprising of the savior of mankind, Imam Mahdi (AS).

One of the former philosophy lecturers at the University of Sorbonne, and Oriental Scholar, Professor Henry Corbin, noted: "Islam is the only religion which has kept alive divine guidance for good. Islam, especially Shia, presents the topic of Velayat in continuation of the prophet hood of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH). This marks the continuation of guidance. In this manner, in Islam, spirituality and morality is sustainable."

Meanwhile, awaiting the reappearance of the savior of mankind does not mean that people should not take any measures for reformation and improvement of the human affairs. Awaiting the reappearance of Imam Mahdi (AS) leads to patience and endurance of hardships and difficulties during the era of occultation, and motivates mankind to stand up and confront the domineering and hegemonic powers.

In Islamic culture, awaiting for the emergence of savior of mankind marks a protest against global injustices and a demand for changes in the current global status quo, heralding a very bright and promising future for the entire mankind.

Based on the teachings of the Infallible Imams of the Prophet of Islam's Household (Peace be upon them), the human community should be prepared for the emergence of savior of mankind. Those who await the reappearance of Imam Mahdi (AS) should establish and maintain the necessary scientific, cultural, ethical, and political preparedness for the emergence of the savior of mankind.

The reappearance of the savior of mankind is similar to arrival of the spring season. Spring is the season of growth of plants if the related seeds have already been planted in soil. Upon the arrival of spring, if no seeds are planted in soil, there will be no sign of fruits. Meanwhile, in the era of reappearance of Imam Mahdi, only those who have prepared themselves for the emergence of savior of mankind will benefit from the Infallible Imam's presence.

Throughout the era of occultation of Imam Mahdi (AS), many confrontations take place between the righteousness and falsehood currents. Nonetheless, the human community continues to grow and progress and the ultimate victory will belong to the righteous path.

It should be noted that Imam Mahdi (AS) continues the movement and uprising of the divine prophets, and guides people toward righteousness.

Today, the Islamic Ummah is going through a fateful phase in the course of history. Thus, those who await the reappearance of Imam Mahdi (AS) maintain important responsibilities; one of which is setting the stage for emergence of savior of mankind through a number of means such as making efforts to reform the members of human community.

The faithful who await the reappearance of Imam Mahdi (AS) should be impervious to corruption. Spread of corruption could dent the hopes of righteous individuals. Also, in case of widespread corruption, some may be pushed toward corruption. However, setting one's hopes on the reappearance of savior of mankind and the ultimate victory of righteousness against falsehood can prompt the faithful to steadfast and to maintain self-restraint.

So the faithful individual should not lose hope even in the most difficult circumstances and should make every effort to safeguard his faith in God and the victory of righteousness.

The Leader of Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei, notes: "Awaiting the movement of human history toward salvation and peace is a source of hope for the global nations and mankind. We hope that through our courageous and relentless efforts; this world, which is filled with injustices imposed by oppressors, will be transformed into a world in which humanity and human values are honored and respected, and the violators of human rights do not find an opportunity to fulfill their intentions."  

The world is awaiting the reappearance of the savior of mankind, Imam Mahdi (AS), who will establish the global government of peace and justice.

MR/EA