What are our duties during the occultation of Imam Mahdi (AS)?

We have two kinds of duties:General and specific. The general duties are those which are independent ofImam Mahdi’s occultation and are generally the normal rules and orders ofIslam, like having faith and performing good deeds and abstaining from baddeeds. The specific duties are those which are directly related to Imam Mahdi(AS) and his appearance. These can be many things; we will list a few here:

1.We are awaiting the arrival ofsomeone who will bring justice to this world, once and for all. It is onlyappropriate to act likewise ourselves and be just and fair in all aspects ofour lives.

2.Awaiting his reappearance:Awaiting Imam Mahdi’s appearance is equal to awaiting triumph, justice, peaceand the victory of good over evil. Imam Sadiq (AS) has said: “He who awaits theappearance (of Imam Mahdi) but dies (before it) is like he who (is waiting forhis orders) in Imam Mahdi’s tent.”  Healso said: “He who longs to be one of Imam Mahdi’s companions, must await himwhile abstaining from sins and acting morally. If such a person dies before theImam’s reappearance he will be rewarded just like those who meet him.”

3.Praying to Allah to hasten hisappearance: Imam Mahdi (AS) said: “pray much for the hastening of faraj(relief) for it is your own relief.”

4.Praying to Allah to protecthim: Allah, in His chest of power and mercy, has nurtured a great treasurewhich he has covered with his glory and magnificence. When the time is right hewill allow this treasure –which is Imam Mahdi- to show himself and bring theworld peace and justice everyone is waiting for. Praying to Allah to protectthis treasure will bring us his satisfaction and love.

5.Introducing him to others andtelling them about his characteristics using the Quran and traditions.

6.Giving charity and donationsfor his well-being.

7.Begging God to keep ussteadfast in our faith.

About 80 duties have beenlisted in the book Mikyalul Makarim by Sayyed Muhammad Taqi Isfahani.A translation of these duties can be found here: http://www.shiachat.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=234956418

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