WAR AND FIGHTING IN THE GOVERNMENT OF IMAM MAHDI (AJTF)

[Taqavi]

Is the government of Imam Mahdi (AJTF) a government accompanied by war and fighting?

 

This question is one of the important questions raised about Imam Mahdi (AJTF) and his universal just government. Some narrations refer to war and fighting at the time of his appearance, but does this mean that his government will be based on violence and war?

Imam Mahdi (AJTF) is a symbol of kindness and justice.

Initially, it must be said that Imam Mahdi (AJTF), as an infallible Imam, is a compassionate companion, a caring father, a supportive brother, like a loving mother to a young child, a refuge for the nation in times of great distress.[1] In the words of Imam Ali (AS), the kindness of the Imams (AS) towards people is expressed in such terms; verily, we rejoice in your joy and grieve in your sorrow.[2] In numerous narrations, it is emphasized that Imam Mahdi (AJTF) is a source of mercy for the world[3] and seeks to establish peace and justice[4] in the world.

Why might war occur?

Although Imam Mahdi (AJTF) seeks peace and the implementation of justice, oppressors, and enemies will resist his just rule. These adversaries, whom Imam Mahdi (AJTF) will confront and, if necessary, eliminate, are those who stubbornly persist in their misguided ways and rebel against his leadership.

Imam Mahdi’s (AJTF) government will not be unnatural, even though miraculous events will occur during its formation. It is natural that battles and conflicts will arise as part of the struggle for justice. In other words, the wars that occur during his reappearance are imposed upon Imam Mahdi (AJTF). These enemies oppose his mission and engage in conflict.

Narrations about war;

It is essential to note that narrations about killing and war fall into two categories:

1.        Pre-Reappearance Events: Some narrations pertain to events before Imam Mahdi’s (AJTF) advent and are unrelated to the era of his rule. They merely describe the chaotic conditions prevailing before his appearance.

2.        Reappearance Events: While Some of those narrations that relate to the time of the advent and the government of Imam Mahdi (AJTF) are mostly narrated by Sunnis, which due to their being mursal and having weak chains of transmission, cannot be accepted. If they exist in Shiite sources, they are not considered reliable in terms of credibility. However, authentic narrations do acknowledge that Imam Mahdi (AJTF) will engage in battles during his era.

In one narration, Bashir al-Nabālī recounts that when he arrived in Medina, he asked Imam Baqir (AS) about Imam Mahdi (AJ): People claim that when Mahdi rises, everything will automatically fall into place, and he won’t spill more blood than a cupping glass. Imam Baqir (AS) responded, “Never! I swear by the One who holds my life! If things could automatically fall into place for anyone, it would undoubtedly have been for the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him and his progeny) when his teeth were broken, and his face was wounded. Never! I swear by the One who holds my life! The work is done where we and you cleanse the bound-up sweat and blood. Then he wiped his forehead.”[5]

This narration indicates that during the establishment of his government, Imam Mahdi (AJ) will face intense battles with those who oppose his mission. Although he seeks peace, his enemies will resist the establishment of his just rule.

Imam Mahdi (AJTF) and his approach to enemies:

Imam Mahdi (AJTF), like other Imams (AS), first resorts to preaching and guidance, and if necessary, resorts to war and combat.

The Imam's emphasis on guiding people is so great that he will use all means to guide people. Imam Sadiq (AS) said in this regard: "There is no miracle of the prophets and Imams except that to complete the argument against the enemies of God, it will be manifested by our Qa'im (AJTF)."[6]

Therefore, the enemies of the Imam, whom the Imam will fight and kill, will be those who, after the truth has become clear and the argument has been completed, still persist in their error and disobey the Imam.

Conclusion

In summary, although there may be wars during the time of the advent, the main goal of Imam Mahdi (AJTF) is to establish peace and justice. The wars are in fact in defense of right and to combat oppression and tyranny. Imam Mahdi (AJTF), as a symbol of kindness and justice, strives to create a just and peaceful world with the least amount of violence.

 

 

 

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[1] . Al-Kafi: Sheikh Al-Kulayni, Vol: 1, P: 200.

[2] . Bihar Al-Anwar: Al-Allamah Al-Majlisi, Vol: 26, P: 154.

[3] . Al-Kafi: Sheikh Al-Kulayni, Vol: 1, P: 528 / Kamal Al-Din and Tamam Al-Ni'mah: Sheikh Al-Saduq, Vol: 1, P: 287.

[4] . Al-Ghaybah by Al-Nu'mani: Al-Nu'mani, Muhammad bin Ibrahim, Vol: 1, P: 297 / Ithbat al-hudat bi-l-nusus wa l-mu'jizat: Sheikh Hurr Al-'Amili, Vol: 5, P: 70.

[5] . Al-Ghaybah by Al-Nu'mani: Al-Nu'mani, Muhammad bin Ibrahim, Vol: 1, P: 284.

[6] . Ithbat al-hudat bi-l-nusus wa l-mu'jizat: Sheikh Hurr Al-Amili, Vol: 5, P: 328 / Encyclopedia of Hadiths of Imam al-Mahdi (AJTF): Al-Kurani Al-Amili, Sheikh Ali, Vol: 3, P: 380.