Summary Article:Arba’een and the Formation of a Mahdist
Written by: Sheikh Mushtaq Al-Sa’edy
Translated by: Mujtaba Al-Helu
One of the tremendously significant historical heritage that the followers of Ahlulbait possess is the revolutionary Imam, whose rise became a model for all the following upheavals. His revolution generated fundamental reformative guidelines that motivated his true followers to confront oppression at any cost.
One of the future aspects that keeps the Shias optimistic and motivated is their belief in a concealed Imam, whose salvation shall fill the earth with equality and justice as it was filled with oppression and injustice. This faith, in fact, keeps them sparked to create a fertile ground for the holy Debut of Imam Al-Mahdi (P.B.U.H).
Thus, both the historical heritage and the future hope create a faithful present, to result in highly spiritual and reformative activities.
Among such activities is the holy march to Imam Al-Husain (P.B.U.H) in Arba’een. This ritual has connected the glorious history of Imam Al-Husain to the hopeful future of Imam Al-Mahdi. This entire process has formulated a reformative present with prepared selves.
When one makes a comprehensive perusal of this pilgrimage and the gathering of millions of people from different nationalities for the sake of one character, Imam Al-Husain (P.B.U.H), while unified in their prayers for the Debut of Imam Al-Mahdi (P.B.U.H), one recognizes that this pilgrimage is a cornerstone of the preparation for the holy Debut.
This study inspects the philosophy of this march as one of the most significant demands of the Debut, disregarding other beneficial outputs of this pilgrimage. This study will focus on the role of the pilgrimage of Arba’een in preparing a fertile ground for the Debut and in its role in creating a true awaiter.
This study, moreover, investigates the different dimensions of the future that embraces the Debut. It, also, encounters the requirements of the Debut and expectations from the awaiters to pave the way for this future event. This study is constituted of twelve sections.
