Today, we discuss some of the signs of the end of the world and reappearance of the 12th Infallible Imam of the Prophet of Islam's Household, Imam Mahdi (AS).

As a reminder, in the previous week we mentioned some of the duties of those who await the reappearance of the Savior of Mankind, Imam Mahdi, pointing out that one of the important obligations of people in the era of Occultation of Imam Mahdi, is to await his reappearance.

One of the signs of those who await the reappearance of Imam Mahdi (AS), throughout the major occultation of this Infallible Imam is their kindness toward Imam Mahdi. Undoubtedly, this kindness brings about innumerable benefits. Whenever an individual is kind toward someone, he always reviews the memory of the one he is kind towards, in his memory. If mankind's beloved is a heavenly and elevated figure, the conditions would be in place for the growth and development of mankind, while if human's beloved is an undignified individual, the stage would be set for mankind's downward spiral.

The individuals' kindness toward Imam Mahdi should be coupled with an understanding of the Infallible Imam. In this case, kindness toward the Infallible Imam further influences mankind and elevates him to a higher level of inner purity and spiritual growth.

Meanwhile, it should be noted that this kindness is not unilateral. Imam Mahdi (AS) is kind toward his followers and is saddened by their possible derailment from the righteous path. The Infallible Imam always remembers his followers and associates, and if his followers would remember the Infallible Imam and seek his assistance throughout their hardships and woes, they would be blessed by the Infallible Imam.

In this regard, Imam Mahdi (AS) in a letter to one of his disciples, notes: "We will always remember you and will do our utmost in caring for you. Otherwise, hardships and woes would have descended upon you, and enemies would have uprooted you."

In regard to the characteristics and personal features of Imam Mahdi at the time of his reappearance, it has been said that Imam Mahdi will reappear in the form of a 40-year-old, charismatic man. He maintains a glittering forehead, and large, black eyes. Perfection is evident in his glittering countenance. His clothes are clean and fragrant, and he maintains an extraordinary grandeur. He is close to masses of people.

Imam Mahdi (May God hasten his reappearance) is the prime example of moderation, goodness, kindness and ethical virtues. The Infallible Imam is highly generous and honorable, while modestly fulfilling the requests of the poor and needy. He is kind and sympathetic toward the needy.

Imam Mahdi (AS) is the heir of the prophets. He truly reflects the virtues of divine prophets. In short, He maintains all ethical virtues.

In a number of narrations, the similarities of Imam Mahdi (AS) with prophets such as Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Joseph, and Jesus have been pointed out such as longevity, and grandeur of the Infallible Imam. Imam Mahdi is pious, patient, just, and good, and leads a simple lifestyle. He is the criterion of righteousness. He shines like the sun, and guides mankind toward goodness and prosperity. He defeats criminal enemies with the divine assistance. When the time of his arrival comes, his reappearance is sudden.

As we pointed out, we are currently living in the end of the world era. End of the world era in the culture of major religions, refers to the last period of existence of mankind prior to the Day of Resurrection. The divine messengers have mentioned the signs of the end of the world. Familiarity with these signs helps us to understand the features of this phase in time.

In the Islamic culture, the end of the world era refers to a phase of time prior to the end of human life in this world. In this period of time, world will bear witness to innumerable developments. Although manifestations of life and movement are evident everywhere; the human community is grappling with chaos and gradual deterioration. In the view of Islam, one of the fateful and important developments in the end of the world era, is the reappearance of Imam Mahdi (AS).

Narrations have mentioned the signs of the end of the world era. For instance, prior to the reappearance of Imam Mahdi, recognition of righteousness from falsehood becomes a difficult task. In that phase in time, corruption becomes rampant. Capital and cash are overvalued, and the criterion for superiority of individuals is set as their accumulated wealth. Spread of financial corruptions such as overcharging and hoarding, spread of injustices, and widespread corruptions, such as murder, immorality, and promiscuity are some of the other signs of the end of the world era.

Some of the other signs of the end of the world era are the failure of materialistic and human schools of thought in establishment of an ideal community; spread of war and sedition in the world; and the emergence of the peak of confrontation between righteousness and falsehood. In this period of time, humans face tough tests, in which the faithful emerge as victorious.

Given the chaotic state of the global conditions, and preparedness of nations for liberation from the yoke of bullying powers and invaders, it can be said that the conditions are in place for emergence of the global uprising of Imam Mahdi (AS) more than ever. Although no one is allowed to set a specific date or time for the reappearance of the Savior of Mankind, Imam Mahdi (AS); upon contemplation and with precision, we realize that some of the signs of conditions for the reappearance of Imam Mahdi (AS) have become evident.

MR/EA