Hadith-e-Qudsi are those concepts and ideas, which are although revealed to the prophets (a.s.) in the same manner as revelations are made but same are expressed in the words and phrases of the prophets and not of Allah. There is a difference between Hadith-e-Qudsi, Quranic verses and the traditions of Infallibles (a.s.). Often Hadith-e-Qudsi was revealed with different messages for different concepts.
In this brief disquisition, we would like to ascertain about the various dimensions of the personality of Hazrat Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) but only in the light of Hadith-e-Qudsi:
In the luminescent sky of Imamat the position of Hazrat Mahdi(a.t.f.s.) is like a sparkling star. Allah, the Almighty has also remembered Hazrat Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) with the same agnomen. As said in Hadith-e-Qudsi:-
” Amongst them Al-Qaem is like a sparkling star”
(Kamaluddin, pg. 252).
As the Holy Quran has also confirmed that:-
“that beacon was as if a sparkling star”.
(Nur:35)
The position of Hazrat Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) could also be understood by the fact that Allah, the Exalted, loves him and holds him dear who endears him. He has made the love of Imam (a.t.f.s.) obligatory upon the people. As it can be found in Hadith-e-Qudsi that :
“O Mohammad! Love him (Mahdi) because I love him and whosoever loves him, I love him too.
(Kitab-ul-Ghaibat Nomani, Chapter 4, pg. 96).
Same love is mentioned in the Holy Quran in these words :-
“Soon Allah shall bring forth a people who are loved by Allah and they are loved by Him.”
(Maidah:45)
In this verse Hazrat Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) and his companions are referred as ‘ a people’. Though the whole world may perish but certainly one day Allah will bring forth such people.
1) Hazrat Mahdi (a.s.) is the true friend of Allah, veritable representative and a guided proof on His creatures:-
“He would be My true friend and a veritable guided (representative) on My creatures.”
(Muntakhabul-Asar, pg. 168)
2) There are some sentences in Hadith-e-Qudsi which point out at the pedigree of Hazrat Mahdi (a.t.f.s.). For instance, when Hazrat Musa (a.s.) inquired about the chain of guidance after him, then he was replied as:
“O Musa! Verily he (Mahdi) would be from the lineage of Ahmed (the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a)) and his offspring.”
(Behaarul Anwaar, Vol. 36, pg. 370)
A Prolonged Occultation:
The occultation of Hazrat Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) is mentioned in Hadith-e-Qudsi in these words:-
“He will undergo a prolonged occultation.”
(Jameul-Akhbar)
As it is known to all of us that Hazrat Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) is in occultation since last one thousand one hundred and fifty three years, which is a very long period.
3) The Divine Promise would be fulfilled through Hazrat Mahdi (a.t.f.s.). It includes many important aspects of the aims of creation encompassed by the affairs of guidance. The series of guidance for men is continued through various modes and means. The messages of God were conveyed to man through various sources. There was only one aim behind it that man may be guided so that he may achieve success and prosperity in this world
and hereafter.
Some of these aims were achieved by the earlier guides but it will culminate with the reappearance of Hazrat Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) because the series of guidance could attain perfection only through the station of Imamat. Whatever promises are made by Allah shall be fulfilled after the reappearance of Imam-e-Zaman (a.t.f.s.), e.g. ‘the earth will be cleansed from all the evil powers’, the establishment of a Divine Order, revival of defunct nations, discovering the hidden treasure troves, dissemination of Divine Knowledge, nullifying the effects of all the cultures, the halal things will be declared permitted and the haram things will be made haram, the Almighty will aid and assist His religion and wreak vengeance on all the Satanic powers, finally the Divine Kingdom will be established.
In the times of Hazrat Mahdi (a.t.f.s.), only Allah will be worshipped and none else.
“And whoever is Qaem from amongst you, I will inhabitate My earth through him. Through him only, I will eliminate My enemies from the earth. My friends will be made his successors.”
(Amali-Saduq, pg. 505)
4) The Condition of Society after the Reappearance
One thing is very clear that all religious commands will be followed up during the rule of Hazrat Mahdi (a.t.f.s.). Apart from this there are also some other special characteristics of his rule which are mentioned in Hadith-e-Qudsi. Like in his rule, the whole universe will eulogize and extol him and each and everything will be engaged in praise and approbation.
Only pious, upright and virtuous men will live on earth. The Divine destiny will be manifested and angels will support him. The kingdom and rulership will be only of Imam Zaman (a.t.f.s.) and the truthful men will enjoy position, no wrong or injustice will be done to them nor will they be encumbered. The earth will be replete with the bounties of Allah. The flag of justice and equity will flutter on the whole world, whose fruition would be seen in his rule.
“The treasure troves and wealth mines will be discovered by My orders. He is the proof (of God) who will fill this earth with justice and equity.”
(Jawaharus Saniya by Shaikh Hurre Ameli, pg. 279.)
These were some of the facts which were mentioned in Hadith-e-Qudsi about the excellence of Hazrat Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) and it should be remembered that these are the sayings of Allah, which again prove the excellence and meritorious position of Hazrat Mahdi (a.t.f.s.). This goes a long way in enhancing our recognition of Imam (a.t.f.s.).
“O Allah! Hasten his reappearance.”