Comprehending the Basis of Preparation
Written by Shaykh Muhammad M. Khalfan
As we draw near to the 15th of the Holy month of Sha‘ban al-Mu‘azzam which marks the birthday of the Imam of our time (AS), a number of us are busy with different kinds of spiritual movements.
Some are preparing their journey to Karbala to benefit from the special grace that descends on the night of the 15th when 124,000 Divine Prophets apart from the Divine Angels come to pay salutation to Imam al-Husayn (AS), some are steadfastly fasting this whole month in assimilation to the Holy Prophet (s), some are busy organising sessions of celebration, and some are heading to other holy sites.
Such movements are actually movements of belief, veneration, love, expression of allegiance to the Imam of the time, etc. Hence they must be encouraged in a wide scale. However they must not be limited to the holy month of Sha‘ban.
Imam al-Hujjah (‘a) is our Imam at each and every moment, and thus we must try to know him better, cultivate intense love and attachment for him, establish connection with him through supplications like that of al-nudbah and al-‘ahd, and truly prepare for his arrival.
In these few lines, we would like to think about the process of preparation for his arrival and reappearance among the people. This is a profound and detailed subject and it entails a separate work. What we would like to emphasise and stress here is ‘the basis of preparation’.
The fundamental step towards preparation is the comprehension and implementation of the correct worldview which also includes the leadership of the Imam of the time and our duties towards him.
If we have not understood this aspect, then we must begin and gradually solidify our personality with its reality. It is after such solidification, that our ‘foundation’ of preparation will be meaningful, and its tree will grow giving branches that spread high towards the sky, and giving fruit moment after moment by the leave of God.
Small wonder that we are advised by Imam al-Sadiq (‘a) to recite the following supplication during the absence of our 12th Holy Imam (‘a): ‘O Allah make me know Your Self, for indeed if you do not make me know Your Self, I will not know Your Prophet; O Allah, make me know Your Messenger, for indeed if you do not make me know Your Messenger, I will not know Your Proof (Hujjah- i.e. the Imam of the time); O Allah, make me know Your Proof, for if You do not make me know Your proof, I will stray from my religion.’ (Shaykh Kulayni, al-Kafi, v.1, p. 337)
This beautiful supplication which was actually given for those who are waiting for the Imam of the time, informs us what the basis of intidhaar (waiting) truly is.’ Hence, while we continue the beautiful movement of love for our Imam, it is important for us to realise and actualise the truth of the foundation of preparation.
