The Twelfth Imam
The Twelfth Imam
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Article ID: 2
Article Date: 2025-03-22
Writer: A group of religious scholars
In the narrations, many characteristics have been mentioned for Imam Mahdi’s (Peace be upon him) companions. Some of these relate to physical traits, while others focus on their moral and spiritual qualities.
1 : Perhaps the most important feature of Imam Mahdi’s companions is that they are the true example of “Awliya’ Allah” (friends of God). The Holy Qur’an says:
“Surely, there is no fear upon the friends of Allah, nor shall they grieve.”
A person only reaches this level—being free from fear and sorrow—when they see nothing but God and think of nothing except Him. This is the highest level of human perfection.
Imam Sadiq (PBUH) said:
“Glad tidings to the followers of the Qa’im who await his appearance during his occultation and obey him when he reappears. They are the true friends of God—those who shall neither fear nor grieve.”
2 : In addition to their high level of piety and righteousness, the companions of the Qa’im are also spiritually and intellectually elevated. Imam Ali (PBUH) said:
“They are refined through trials, just like a sword is polished by the blacksmith. Their eyes shine with the light of the Qur’an, and the interpretation of the Book rests within their hearts. They are nourished by the cup of divine wisdom, both at dawn and at night.”
In short, the companions of the Qa’im possess such levels of spirituality, knowledge, and piety that the entire creation honors them. Imam Baqir (PBUH) said:
“I see the companions of the Qa’im spreading light across the east and west. Every being submits to them—even wild animals and birds strive to please them. The earth boasts when one of them walks upon it, saying: ‘Today, a companion of the Qa’im walked over me.’”
The companions of Imam Mahdi (PBUH) are physically powerful and unmatched in strength. Imam Sadiq (PBUH) said: “When Prophet Lot (PBUH) wished for power and support, he was actually longing for the strength of the Qa’im and the firm resolve of his companions. Each of them is granted the strength of forty men, and their hearts are firmer than iron. If they strike mountains of steel, they shatter them. Their swords continue until God is pleased.”
The most widely accepted view is that Imam Mahdi will initially have 313 companions , similar to the number of warriors at the Battle of Badr(The first battle of Prophet Muhammad with the polytheists of Mecca). Imam Sadiq (PBUH) said: “It is as if I see the Qa’im standing on the pulpit of Kufa, surrounded by 313 men, equal in number to the warriors of Badr. They are God’s soldiers and leaders on His earth.” However, other narrations clarify that although the number 313 refers to the initial close companions and commanders, many more will join later. This elite group holds leadership roles due to their unique traits. In another narration, Abu Basir reported from Imam Sadiq (PBUH): “The Qa’im will not emerge from Mecca until 2,000 people have gathered around him. Gabriel will be on his right and Michael on his left…”
The global government of the Promised One can be viewed in two ways:
1 : As a distant ideal we await, which then has little effect on present-day realities.
2 : Or as a real and practical model to shape our society now—a direction toward which we move, even though full realization will occur under Imam Mahdi’s leadership.
We should not only see Imam Mahdi’s government as a future dream, but also strive to build its values in today’s world—socially, politically, economically, and culturally.
Let’s look at some of the key features of this just government:
From certain narrations, we get a clear picture of the lifestyle of the Imam as the ruler of the entire world. Imam Sadiq (PBUH) said:
“Why do you rush for the appearance of the Qa’im? By Allah, he wears rough clothes and eats coarse food.”
Taking responsibility for people brings added duty, and a just leader must live at the level of the weakest in society to truly understand and relieve their suffering. Imam Ali (PBUH) once said:
“God has made it obligatory for leaders to live like the weakest among the people so that the poor are not driven to rebellion due to inequality.”
One key aspect of Imam Mahdi’s leadership is his firmness with officials and intolerance toward corruption. He is very compassionate with the poor and helpless, but strict with those in power. A narration says: “Imam Mahdi is generous and kind-hearted to the weak, but very strict and uncompromising with his officials and representatives.”
Under Imam Mahdi’s rule, economic security will reach every part of human life. Freed from daily struggles, people can focus on spiritual growth. Imam Ali (PBUH) said: “Know that if you follow the one rising from the East (Imam Mahdi), he will return you to the Prophet’s way. You will be freed from struggle and oppression, and the heavy burden of life will be lifted from your shoulders.”
Justice in Imam Mahdi’s time will be so widespread that even personal and private aspects of life will be influenced. Imam Sadiq (PBUH) said: “By Allah, Mahdi will spread justice to the furthest corners of people’s homes—just as heat and cold enter every house.” Another narration from Imam Baqir (PBUH) says: “The Qa’im will divide wealth equally and treat the righteous and the wicked with fairness.”
