Message of Grand Ayatollah Fazel Lankarani on the 15th of Sha'aban 1426 A.H.

In the name of Allah, the Compassionate the Merciful

We are on the threshold of the 15th of Sha'aban the birth anniversary of the last Infallible Imam, Hazrat Mahdi - may Allah hasten his reappearance. All eyes and hopes are fixed on the day in which he, as the savior of humanity, will reappear and give Islam and Muslims a new life. Awaiting reappearance which is so great a term is actually awaiting reestablishment of the glorious laws of Islam and deliverance from the oppression of tyrants.

His reappearance is general and encompassing all aspects. The incidents and events taking place here and there in the world and the global imperialism clearly confessing its inability and weakness in the face of these events, despite its claims of power, show that God is the Almighty and His hand is the most powerful of hands. The Imam relying on power of God will overpower all powers and none will be able to challenge him. It is necessary to mention here that awaiting the Imam's reappearance does not mean saying verbally 'we are awaiting him'. Rather it actually means preparing ourselves for his reappearance. Real awaiting lies in the intensity of relation with that sacred being and following him. The intellectuals and scientists should always see themselves in his presence and the youth should always remember him in their hearts.

We must all believe that he as the Hujjat (proof) of God is watching our deeds and we must know that our acts and beliefs are most important to him. Therefore, it is important to uphold Islam's real issues and stay away from superstitious beliefs, baseless dreams and claims as these things will distort the image of Islam as well as Shia and will cause enemies to mispropagate against the religion. We must learn the truth and the real teachings existing in our religion. Man reaches the pinnacle of practical and intellectual perfection with the Imam's reappearance. The ultimate purpose of revelation of books and prophetic mission as well as the creation of the universe will be completed with his reappearance. Shia and Muslims are proud of waiting for such a day.

I am congratulating all his lovers and followers on his birthday anniversary and ask Allah to hasten his reappearance. Our people, who in recent years - thanks to Almighty Allah - are showing greater interest in the seal of successors and who deserve to be appreciated for this reason, must try to get nearer to lofty goals so as to be considered as the real awaiting believers - Insha Allah.

Muhammad Fazel Lankarani
17/Sept/2005