Awaiting in the Perspective of Responsibilities

'Awaiting' (Intezar) is the result of two conditions. Firstly, one is not satisfied with his present circumstances and, secondly, he expects the improvement in his circumstances. If either of these conditions is not fulfilled then it is not awaiting and the person concerned is not an 'awaiter' (Muntezir). The awaiting of Prophet Mohammad's (SAWA) 12th infallible successor, Imam Mahdi (AS), also holds the same distinct characteristics. Even here, awaiting assumes that an awaiter is not satisfied with his present circumstances and is hoping for a bright and better future.

A believer is a witness to the assaults of the enemies of Islam which they are inflicting on Islam with their full might and weapons. The genuineness of beliefs and deeds are not judged according to the criterion set by the Qur'an and the Hadith. Instead, they are examined through the sectarian prejudices of their forefathers. In these circumstances, a genuine awaiter should not sit idly. Rather, the Holy Qur'an has instructed him in these words:

'And say to those who do not believe that you act as much you can. We are also trying. You all await and surely we all are awaiting.' (11:121-122)

It is an open challenge to the enemies to make their best efforts. In the light of this challenge can anyone say that awaiting implies sitting idle and remaining oblivious? Or does awaiting means to remain always alert and defeat enemies on every front? Of course, it necessitates that a believer should never exult in his strength but should always rely on Allah. Because reliance in Allah gives victory to weaklings over their stronger adversaries. Imam Mohammad Baqir (AS) has said:
'If you act on our advice and teachings and remain in the same conditions, then whosoever dies before the advent of our Qaim (AS) will attain martyrdom.'
(Behar ul-Anwar, Vol. 52, Chap. 22)

In another tradition, Imam Jafar Sadiq (AS) has said :

'The one who desires to be among the companions of the Qaim (AS), then he must wait, adopt piety and behave courteously. If he dies in such a condition before the advent of the Qaim (AS), then his reward will be similar to the one who attains his (Qaim's) (AS) era. Hence strive vigorously; await his arrival, congratulations to you all for your relentless awaiting'. (Ghaibat an-Nomani, Chap. II, Hadith 16)

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