8. Places Emphasised For Supplicating For Imam Az-Zaman (AJ)
Just as emphasis has been laid on the times of supplication for Hazrat Mahdi (AJ), similarly some places have also been underlined, where additional importance has been laid on praying for his reappearance. These are either in following in his (AJ) footsteps or due to some traditions that have come down in this regard or some wisdom comprehended only by the people of understanding. Anyhow, some of these places are as follows:
1) Masjid Al-Haram
1) Masjid al-Haram: It is evident that Allah’s House is the place of acceptance of all prayers. Thus, whoever is aware of its importance and greatness in front of Allah, Blessed and High, and in the eyes of the Imams (‘a), prays for the reappearance of Imam az-Zaman (AJ) in this house. Shaykh Saduq (a.r.) relates in Kama al-Deen that Muhammad Ibn Musa Ibn Mutawakkil narrates from Abdullah Ibn Ja’far al-Himyari (may Allah have mercy on him) who says, “I asked Muhammad Ibn Uthman al-Amri (the second deputy, may Allah have mercy on him), ‘Did you see Sahib al-’Amr (AJ)?’ He answered, “Yes. My last meeting with him (AJ) in the House of Allah while he was saying,
‘O Allah! Fulfil for what you have promised me.’”1
In another tradition from the same chain, Muhammad Ibn Uthman al-Amri (a.r.) says, ‘I saw him holding the curtain of Ka’bah at the Mustajar while he was saying,
‘O Allah! (Help me to) take my revenge from my enemies.’”2
2) At Arafat
2) At Arafat: According to the supplication of Imam Al-Sadiq (‘a) for this place on the day when the pilgrims stay in Arafat, Imam az-Zaman (AJ) does come over here, and the same can also be found in the supplication available in Zad al-Ma’ad.
3) The Cellar (Sardab)
3) The Cellar (Sardab): The place from where Imam az-Zaman (AJ) disappeared, in the city of Samarra, Iraq. For the significance of invoking in this place, one can refer to the various books of Ziyarah.
4) Spots Dedicated To Imam Az-Zaman (AJ)
4) Spots dedicated to Imam az-Zaman (AJ): These are the blessed places which he has blessed by his visitation like Masjid al-Kufa, Masjid al-Sahlah, Masjid al-Sa’sa’a, Masjid al-Jamkaran, etc. For, the sign of those who love is that when they see those spots that have been visited by their beloved, they remember his ethics, feel pained by his separation and pray for him. Nay, they acquaint themselves with places where he had stopped, and his halts, just as a sign of their love for him. Hence, it is proper for a sincere believer, that when he enters the Blessed Cellar or sees any of the aforementioned spots, he should remember the attributes of his master, the attributes of beauty, majesty and perfection.
He should also think about his (AJ) enemies and deviated ones, as to why they detest him (AJ). He feels extremely pained when he sees all these things and prays from the depth of his heart to the Almighty to hasten the reappearance of his master and fulfil his desires by repelling the enemies and helping his associates. This is in addition to the fact that the aforementioned noble spots are the places of his worship and prayers. Therefore, it is appropriate that the believer treads in the footsteps of his master. Certainly, the supplication for his reappearance and removal of his difficulties is indeed the best worship and the most important invocation.
5) The Shrine Of Imam Husayn (‘A)
5) The Shrine of Imam Husayn (‘a): When a believer realizes the atrocities faced by Imam Husayn (‘a), the leader of the martyrs, and the calamities afflicted on him (‘a) and his family, he is filled with grief and sorrow. He is also aware that it is Mahdi, the Promised One, who will avenge the blood of Imam Husayn (‘a). Thus, his wisdom exhorts him and his love for the Ahl al-Bayt (‘a) impels him to pray for the reappearance of Imam az-Zaman (AJ), the supplication of a lover inclined to his beloved. The evidence of this lies in the tradition of Abu Hamza ath-Thumali in the 79th Chapter of Kamil al-Ziyarah, narrating from Imam al-Al-Sadiq (‘a). While discussing the places of these Ziyarah, after praying for Imam Husayn (‘a), Imam al-Al-Sadiq (‘a) says,
“And you send blessings on all the Imams (‘a) as you send salutations on Husayn (‘a). Then say, ‘O Allah! Complete Your words through them, fulfil Your promise through them..”3
In another instance, he (‘a) says,
“Then place your head on the grave of Imam Husayn (‘a) and invoke, ‘O Allah, Lord of Husayn, pacify the heart of Husayn (‘a). O Allah, Lord of Husayn, avenge the blood of Husayn.’4
The reason is quite apparent since it is Imam Mahdi (AJ) who will avenge the blood of Imam Husayn (‘a) and pacify his heart by taking revenge from his enemies and murderers.
6) The Shrine Of Imam Al-Ridha’ (‘A)
6) The Shrine of Imam Al-Ridha’ (‘a): In Kamil al-Ziyarah, after salutations on each of the Imams (‘a), you say,
“O Allah! Send salutations on Your proof and Your slave, the Al-Qa’im among your creatures, a complete, eternal salutation. Through it, You hasten his reappearance and help him…”5
7) The Shrines of Imam Ali Naqi (‘a) and Imam Hasan al-Askari (‘a) in Samarra: Praying for the reappearance of Imam Mahdi (AJ) is the best thing to take us closer to them (‘a), to please them and to gain proximity towards them. For details, one can refer to the chapter of Ziyarah of all the Imams (‘a) in Kamil al-Ziyarah. It can be said that certainly this prayer (for the reappearance) is among the most important duties of the creatures in every place which has some particularity and respect. Allah, High is His Honour, says,
…بُيُوتٍ أَذِنَ اللَّهُ أَنْ تُرْفَعَ وَيُذْكَرَ فِيهَا اسْمُهُ…
“…houses which Allah has permitted to be raised and in which His Name is remembered…” (Holy Qur’an, 24:36).
Indeed, this supplication (for reappearance) is the best of remembrances, the most beloved for the people of vision and the most important for those who take lessons. Hence, it is necessary that it should be given priority during the nights as well as the days.
