Although invoking the reappearance of Imam al-’Asr (may Allah hasten his reappearance) is a desired action at all times, yet there are some special timings and occasions that are immensely emphasised in the traditions. The author of ‘Mikyal al-Makarem’1 has particularised the sixth chapter of his book on this very issue, the summary of which shall be presented hereunder. We shall also mention the supplication that has to be recited on these special occasions.

1) The Day Of Arafah

1) The Day of Arafah (9th Zilhajj): The invocation of Imam al-Sajjad (‘a) in Sahifa al-Sajjadiyyah and that of Imam al-Sadiq (‘a) can be seen in this context.

2) The Day Of Eid Al-Fitr

2) The Day of Eid al-Fitr: The concerned supplications for this occasion can be seen in the book of ‘Iqbal al-A’mal’ (of Sayed Ibn Tawoos (a.r.)), when a person sets out to perform the prayers of Eid al-Fitr or Eid al-Azha. It is also recommended to recite Du’a al-Nudba on both the above instances and includes the supplications that are to be recited when one intends to perform Namaz al-Eid. Imam al-Baqir (‘a) said to Abdullah Ibn Deenar,

“O Abdallah! There is no Eid of the Muslims, whether Fitr or Azha, but that it increases the grief of Al al-Muhammad (S).’

The narrator says, ‘I enquired, Why is it so?’ Imam (‘a) replied,

“Because they (Al al-Muhammad) see their right in the hands of others.”2

3) The Day Of Azha

3) The Day of Azha: Whatever we have mentioned for Eid al-Fitr, applies on this day too.

4) The Day Of Earth’s Expansion

4) The Day of Earth’s Expansion (Dahvul Arz): It is the 25th of Zeeqa’dah (when Allah expanded the earth). Praying for the reappearance of Imam az-Zaman (AJ) and asking for his advent has been tremendously emphasised for this day, as can be seen in Iqbal al-A’mal and Zad al-Ma’ad (of Allama Majlisi (a.r.)). Some of the points in this context really make the hearts tremble, and hence, we shall mention a few of them over here as encouragement:

a) It (25th Zeeqa’dah) is the day when the reappearance of Imam az-Zaman (a.t.f.s) has been promised. When a believer sees that this day of the year has arrived but his master has not come, he becomes sorrowful and his grief is aggravated, Thus, his intellect and belief exhort him to pray even more for the reappearance.

b) On this day, divine mercy is spread and invocations are accepted. So, the believer for whom his Imam (AJ) is dearer than his own self, his family, his children and his relatives, will pray from the depth of his heart for the removal of the difficulties of his master (AJ).

c) This day is of bounty conferred by Allah on His creation because He expanded the earth so that he may live in it and reside therein. Moreover, he can derive pleasures from the various kinds of bounties that grow from the earth, descend on it and inhabit it. When he realises that all these gifts bestowed on him are due to the blessing of his master (AJ), he feels it as his duty to thank him through supplications in his favour. For sure, he is the medium of these bounties that cannot be overlooked.

d) Traditions have underlined the significance of being engrossed in the remembrance of Allah, Mighty and Glorified be He, on this day. There is no doubt that praying for the reappearance of Imam al-’Asr (AJ) is the best form of Allah’s remembrance.

5) The Day Of Ashura

5) The Day of Ashura: The authors of Iqbal al-A’mal, al-Mazar and Zad al-Ma’ad have narrated a tradition from Imam al-Al-Sadiq (‘a) on the authority of Abdullah Ibn Sinan (Allah’s mercy be on him), which commences with the following sentence,

“O Allah! Chastise the transgressors who bore enmity against Your Messenger..”3

The secret behind this invocation is the enormous calamity and torture that was afflicted on our master, Imam Husayn (‘a) on this day at Karbala. Allah the Almighty has promised that He will take revenge from those who oppressed him (‘a) through our master, Imam az-Zaman (AJ), as spoken in the traditions. Thus, when a believer remembers on this day the calamities afflicted on the oppressed Imam (‘a) and that Allah the Almighty has pre-destined somebody to avenge Imam Husayn (‘a)’s blood, his belief and love exhort him to invoke and ask for the reappearance of this avenger from the King of the Heavens. Hence, such a demand has been recommended in this supplication. Moreover, the one who prays for this day will find an occasion whose reward cannot be measured by anyone except Allah the High and that is, seeking the revenge of the blood of Imam Husayn (‘a), the leader of the martyrs.

6) The Night Of 15th Sha’ban

6) The Night of 15th Sha’ban: Since this night heralds the birth of our Master, Sahib az-Zaman (AJ), it is appropriate that the believers be busy in praying for him. It has come in traditions that supplications are accepted in this night.

7) The Day Of 15th Sha’ban

7) The Day of 15th Sha’ban: One should prepare even more for supplications on this day than whatever has been discussed till now because doing so would imply following the footsteps of Imam az-Zaman (AJ). For, when he was in prostration, invoking,

“O Allah! Fulfil my promise for me, make my footsteps steadfast, and fill the earth with justice and equity through me.”4

8) The Month Of Ramadan

8) The Month of Ramadan: This month is the best for praying for the reappearance of Imam az-Zaman (AJ), especially its nights, because it is the month of invocations. Hence, traditions have ordered for the same and thus, the significance of reciting Du’a al-Iftitah have been underlined in the nights of this month. Do not neglect this supplication for indeed, it is a noble and comprehensive prayer, encompassing the needs of both this world as well as the hereafter. Seqah al-Islam Muhammad Ibn Yaqub al-Kulayni (a.r.) has narrated on the authority of the infallible Imams (‘a), “The following supplication should be recited on the eve of the 23rd Ramadan, in prostration, standing or sitting, in any position possible. Moreover, it should be recited in all months, in any possible manner whatsoever and whenever you get the time. After praising Allah, Blessed and High, and salutations on the Holy Prophet (S), say,

اللهم كن لوليك الحجه ابن الحسن، صلواتك عليه وعلى آبائه، في هذه الساعة وفي كل ساعة، ولياً وحافظاً وقائداً وناصراً ودليلاً وعيناً حتى تسكنه أرضك طوعاً وتمتعه فيها طويلاً

"O Allah, be, for Your representative, the Hujjat (proof), son of Al-Hasan, Your blessings be on him and his forefathers, In this hour and in every hour, A guardian, a protector, A leader, a helper, A proof, and an eye. Until You make him live on the earth, in obedience (to You), And cause him to live in it for a long time."5

9) The 6th Night Of The Month Of Ramadan

9) The Sixth Night of the Month of Ramadan: This supplication can be found in ‘Al-Iqbal’, narrating from the book of Muhammad Ibn Abi Qurrah, and it is as follows: ‘Allahumma laka al-hamd wa ilaik al-mushtaka…’till the end.

10) The 12fth Night Of The Month Of Ramadan

10) The Twelfth Night of the Month of Ramadan: The significance of this supplication too can be found in the aforementioned book.

11) The 18th Day & 19th Night Of The Month Of Ramadan

11) The Eighteenth Day and the Nighteenth Night of the Month of Ramadan: The importance of this invocation can be understood from the various invocations that have come down and narrated in ‘Al-Iqbal’. Of course, help is sought from Allah in all conditions.

12) The 21st Day Of The Month Of Ramadan

12) The Twenty First Day of the Month of Ramadan: Particularly after the morning obligatory prayers.

13) After Remembering The Difficulties Of Imam Husayn (‘A)

13) After Remembering the Difficulties of Imam Husayn (‘a): Surely this is one way of helping him (‘a), This is supported by the narration of some of the righteous people who saw Imam az-Zaman (‘a) in dream while he was saying,

‘Surely I will pray for the believer who remembers the difficulties of my ancestor, Imam Husayn (‘a), and follows it with supplicating for my reappearance and assisting me (in my task).’6

14) After Reciting The Ziyarat Of Imam Az-Zaman (AJ)

14) After reciting the ziyarat of Imam az-Zaman (AJ): This has been emphasised by the great Shaheed al-Awwal, Muhammad Ibn Makki (a.r.), in his ‘al-Duroos’.7

15) At The Time Of Crying Due To Allah’s Fear

15) At the time of crying due to Allah’s fear: Surely, this is the best of times, when a person is proximate to Allah the Almighty and prayers are accepted. Thus, it is proper for a believer that he should remember his Imam (a.t.f.s) by praying for him, thereby fulfilling one of his (AJ) rights that is obligatory on him (the believer). Muhammad Ibn Ali Ibn Husayn al-Saduq (a.r.) relates from his chain that Mansoor Ibn Yunus Bazraj asked Imam al-Al-Sadiq (‘a) concerning a person who attempts to cry in his obligatory prayers till he actually starts crying. Imam (‘a) replied,

‘By Allah, it is the coolness of the eyes (i.e. it is loved by Allah).’

And then he (‘a) said,

‘When you reach to this state, then remind him about me.”8

I say, ‘One should not fear about this command because the person concerned is the believer’s Imam, and possesses some right on him. Hence, it is proper for every believing man and woman to act on the same, relating to the Imam of his time, for he will discharge his duty towards his master with his body as well as his tongue.’

16) At The Time Of Renewal Of Every Bounty And Dissipation Of Calamities

16) At the time of renewal of every bounty and dissipation of calamities: Surely, Imam al-’Asr (AJ) is the medium of every bounty and through him, calamities are dispelled. We have already mentioned that praying for his reappearance is a method of expressing our gratitude to him for he is the medium of all the bounties that are conferred on us. We should also not forget to send salutations on the Holy Prophet (S) and his progeny (‘a) on receipt of every bounty because surely they are the authorities on the divine bounties, as has come in Ziyarah al-Jame’ah and reliable & consecutive traditions.

17) At The Time Of Sorrow And Grief

17) At the time of sorrow and grief: As said before, it is found in the traditions that Imam az-Zaman (AJ) prays for the one who supplicates for him. Thus, his (AJ) prayer becomes the cause of dissipation of sorrows of the believer. It has come in numerous traditions that our Imam (AJ) is aggrieved at the grief of his Shias and undoubtedly, he prays for them in their moments of sorrows, as has already been indicated in traditions. So, it is naught but becoming for the Shias that they follow in the footsteps of their master by supplicating for the removal of his sorrows, difficulties and grief, for his grief is also the cause of the grief of his Shias, as can be found in some traditions. Hence the significance of praying for him (AJ) on such occasions.

18) In Trials And Tribulations

18) In Trials and Tribulations: It is most appropriate to supplicate for the reappearance of Imam al-’Asr (‘a) at such moments for the following reasons:

(a) It is the cause of his prayers (in our favour) as already mentioned.

(b) It is the cause of the supplications of the angels because they pray for the one who prays for an absent believer and their prayers are accepted, Inshallah.

(c) His (AJ) command,

‘And pray more for the hastening of the reappearance. For surely, in it is your salvation.”

(d) Supplication is a medium to reach unto him (AJ) and he, in turn, is the medium of safety from difficulties, trials and tribulations.

19) After The Prayers Of Tasbih

19) After the Prayers of tasbih: That is, the prayers of Ja’far Ibn Abi Talib (r.a.), particularly when you perform it on Friday. There is an invocation narrated by Imam Kazim (‘a) for this occasion in Jamal al-Usboo’ and other books of supplications. May Allah the Almighty give us and other believers the grace for its recitation.

20) Prior To Praying For Yourself And Your Family

20) Prior to praying for yourself and your family: Authentic traditions have declared that true belief demands that one should pray for the reappearance of Imam az-Zaman (AJ) before he prays for himself and his family. The concept of a quote from the Holy Prophet (S) is as follows:

“Surely a person will not be a believer till he considers Allah’s messenger (S) dearer than his own life, and the progeny of the Prophet (S) more beloved than his own family, and finally, anything regarded by the Prophet (S) as significant is more precious for him than what he considers as important.”9

There is no doubt that praying for the early reappearance of Hazrat Waly al-Asr (AJ) is among the most important affairs, through which hearts will gain peace and satisfaction. Hence, it is proper for a believer that before he starts praying for himself and his family, he should pray for the reappearance, thereby observing the due right of the Holy Prophet (S)

21) The Day Of Ghadeer

21) The Day of Ghadeer: It is the day when Allah the Almighty chose Amir ul-Mu’minin (‘a) and the infallible Imams (‘a) as masters over believers and the caliphs of the Seal of the Prophets (S). It is this very mastership that has been inherited by Imam az-Zaman, Hazrat Mahdi (may Allah hasten his reappearance) from his honourable forefathers (‘a). On this day, when the believer sees that the usurpers are dominant, the oppressors overwhelming and the protector of religion concealed, his believe and love force him to pray for his (AJ) early reappearance and his easy emergence. For certainly, it is the day of the covenant’s renewal, the given oath, and praying for the reappearance of Imam al-’Asr (AJ).

22) All Possible Times, Day And Night

22) All possible times, day and night: The evidence of this statement lies in the tradition related by Faiz bin al-Mukhtar from Imam Ja’far al-Al-Sadiq (‘a) when he (‘a) was asked concerning the ziyarat of Imam Husayn (‘a), ‘Is there any particular time for this visitation, which we can call as the best time?’ Imam (‘a) retorted,

“Visit him at all times and whenever possible. Indeed, his visitation is the best thing. Whoever visits him more, has indeed performed abundant goodness and whoever does less, he will get lesser reward. Make yourself free or his ziyarat. For, the good deeds are multiplied during this act and this is the time when the angels descend for his visitation.”10

23) When You Attend The Gatherings Of The Opponents And The Usurpers Of The Imams’ (‘A) Rights

23) When you attend the gatherings of the opponents and the usurpers of the Imams’ (‘a) rights: Whenever we attend such gatherings, it is obligatory on us to pray for the reappearance of Imam az-Zaman (AJ). Yunus Ibn Zibyan says that I asked Imam al-Al-Sadiq (‘a), ‘May I be sacrificed for you, what should I say when I attend the gatherings of the Bani Abbas11?’ He (‘a) replied,

“When you are with them and remember us, then say, ‘O Allah! Provide us comfort and joy, for surely, whatever You desire, occurs’.”12

It is clear that the last sentence of this comprehensive but brief supplication is actually invoking for the reappearance and the manifestation of the rightful government, when he (‘a) says,

‘For surely, whatever You desire, occurs.’

Moreover, it is also evident that this prayer, in these words, is for dissimulation (taqiyyah) and there is no particularity for it. The only benefit that one can draw from this is the supplication for reappearance, its exhortation and one’s readiness, while attending such unfriendly congregations, to pray for an early reappearance, which Allah, Mighty and Glorified, has promised on account of His obligation and nobility. Certainly, the reappearance is near.

24) Invoke Constantly For 40 Days

24) Invoke Constantly For Forty Days: Any worship that is performed for forty days successively, has special effects and particular advantages. Therefore, we find numerous traditions from the infallible Imams (‘a) in this regard, underlying its significance, generally and specifically. As for the general, there is a famous tradition that has come down in various authentic books and is as follows:

“One who purifies himself for forty days for Allah, fountains of wisdom will flow from his heart to his tongue.”

Numerous quotes from Imams (‘a) with similar meanings have been related. Now, for some instances of the special traditions. Allama Majlisi (a.r.) writes in Bihar al-Anwar, narrating from the Tafsir of al-Ayyashi that Fazl Ibn Abi Qurrah reports, ‘I heard Imam al-Al-Sadiq (‘a) say,

“Allah revealed to (Prophet) Ibrahim (‘a) that soon a child will be born to him. He passed on the good news to his wife, Sarah, who exclaimed in disbelief, ‘What! Will I give birth now when I am old?’ On this, Allah again revealed to Ibrahim (‘a) that she will indeed give birth. But, her progeny will be chastised for four hundred years because she refuted My statement.’

Imam (‘a) continues,

‘When the punishment continued incessantly on the Bani Israel, they wailed and cried to Allah for forty days. Thus, Allah revealed to Musa (‘a) and Haroon (‘a) to save them from the clutches of the tyrant Fir’awn. Consequently, the chastisement of one hundred and seventy years was deducted from their decreed punishment. The same applies for you too. If you do as the Bani Israel did (i.e. supplicate unceasingly), then Allah will bring our salvation near. But if you do not do as they did, then the affair will come to pass as destined.”13

The author of Mikyal al-Makarim says that this tradition indirectly exhorts the recitation of Du’a al-Ahd, taught by Imam al-Al-Sadiq (‘a) for forty mornings successively and that one should not be negligent of it.

25) The Month Of Muharram

25) The Month of Muharram: Whenever a believer sees the atrocities afflicted on the chosen Imams (‘a) by their enemies, his faith in them, his love for them and his grief for them, exhort him to avenge their blood and the oppression committed against them. This is not possible in these times at all except by praying for the reappearance of Hazrat Mahdi (may Allah hasten his reappearance), as is evident.

• 1. Mikyal al-Makarem, vol. 2, p. 1-51. Online at: https://www.al-islam.org/mikyal-al-makarim-fi-fawaid-al-dua-lil-qaim-vol...
• 2. Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 91, p. 135, narrating from Ilal al-Sharai’.
• 3. Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 101, p. 305.
• 4. Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 51, p. 13.
• 5. Al-Kafi, vol. 4, p. 162, ‘The Chapter of Invocations in the Last Ten Days of the Month of Ramadan.’
• 6. Mikyal al-Makarem, vol. 2, p. 46. Online at: https://www.al-islam.org/mikyal-al-makarim-fi-fawaid-al-dua-lil-qaim-vol...
• 7. Al-Duroos, vol. 2, p. 16, Kitab al-Mazar.
• 8. Wasa’il al-Shi’ah, vol.7, p. 247, tradition no. 9240. Published by Muassasa Ahl al-Bait (‘a).
• 9. Al-Amali of Shaykh Saduq (a.r.), p. 274, Majlis 54; Ihqaq al-Haqq, vol. 9, p. 392, 393.
• 10. Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 101, p. 98, narrating from Kamil al-Ziyarah of Ibn Qoolwayh (a.r.).
• 11. To imply Bani Abbas, the narrator has used code words.
• 12. Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 101, p. 151, narrating from Kamil al-Ziyarah
• 13. Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 4, p. 118, vol. 52, p. 131, narrating from Tafsir al-Ayyashi.