Although Shias are not alone in their faith in a savior, they are forerunners in this regard. Aspirations for the victory of the virtuous in administering the world and leading a divine, united movement are common to believers in divine religions. And what has made Shias a leader of this caravan is the greater illumination of different aspects of this belief in their school of thought. Characteristics such as strategy, leadership and issues related to the establishment of a global government in all its manifestations have been outlined. As a result, this has given rise to real anticipation, accompanied by readiness and dynamism in Shias. Some past and present thinkers have proposed similar plans for the future, of which Aristotle's City reflects the ancient belief. Utopia and Sun City are also examples of efforts to design a heaven-like future. Shias are pioneers in seeking solutions to the problems of the Muslim world in light of divine guidance.

Censure of Disbelief in Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.)

The Holy Prophet (p.b.u.h.&h.f.) said: "One who disbelieves in the Qaem from my sons, disbelieves in me." (Kamaaluddin Vol.2 Pg.412)

The Holy Prophet p.b.u.h.&h.f.) said: "The Qaem is from my Progeny (sons). His name is my name. And his kunniyat (agnomen) is my agnomen. And his appearance is (like) my appearance. And his behavior is (like) my behavior. He will establish among the people my practice and my shariat. And he will call them towards the book of his Lord, the High and the Mighty. One who obeys him has obeyed me. And one who denies his 'ghaibat' has denied me." (Kamaaluddin Vol.2. Pg.411)

Imam Ja'far as Sadeq (p.b.u.h.) said: "One who believes in all Imams (p.b.u.t.) from my forefathers and my sons, but denies Al Mahdi from my sons. He is like the one who believes in all the Prophets and denies Mohammad, sallallaho Alaihe wa Aalehi." (Kamaaluddin Vol.2. Pg. 338 and 411)
 

We are living in the age of Imam Mahdi's (a.t.f.s.) major occultation. So what are our responsibilities? Undoubtedly our prime duty is to know Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) and to become closer to him. Knowing him is of such importance and sensitivity that.
Usman Al Amri says: "I asked Abu Mohammed Al Hassan Ibn Ali (p.b.u.h.) when I was in his presence, regarding the saying of his forefathers (p.b.u.h.) that, 'The earth shall never be devoid of Allah's proof upon His creatures till the day of judgment. And certainly one, who dies without recognizing the Imam of his time, dies the death of Ignorance".
He (p.b.u.h.) said: "This is as true as the bright morning".
 

It was asked to him (a.t.f.s.):
"O son of the Prophet (p.b.u.h.&h.f.) then who is the Hujjat and the Imam after you?"
He (p.b.u.h.&h.f.) said: "My son, Mohammed. He is the Imam and the Hujjat after me. One, who dies without recognizing him, dies the death of Ignorance". (Kamaaluddin Vol.2 Pg.409, Kifayatul Asar Pg.292)
 

Death in the Age of Ignorance means dying outside the pale of faith and Islam. And one who fails to recognize the Imam of one's time has been introduced as an unbeliever. Another responsibility of Shias during the major occultation is waiting for the Imam's reappearance which has been repeatedly pointed out by the Imams of Ahlulbait (a.t.f.s.). A 'waiting' person is one who is ready for the reappearance of Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.), possesses the characteristics and qualities of the Imam's companions and has no qualms about sacrificing his life and assets in the Imam's Way. In this respect, according to Imam Ja'far as Sadeq (p.b.u.h.) the death of ignorance is the death in a deviated and a strayed condition.
(Al Kafi Vol.1 Pg.376)

The importance of recognizing the Imam of the time is also clear from the following tradition. When Zurarah asked Imam Ja'far as Sadeq (p.b.u.h.), "What should I do if I reach the time of his Ghaibat?" Imam (p.b.u.h.) replied, "Recite this Dua;

'O Allah, make me recognize Your Self. Certainly if You do not make me recognize Your Self, I will not recognize Your Messenger. O Allah make me recognize Your Prophet. Certainly if you do not make me recognize Your Prophet, I will not recognize Your Hujjat. O Allah! make me recognize Your Hujjat. Certainly if You do not make me recognize Your Hujjat I mil go astray in my religion." (Kamaaluddin Vol.2 Pg.342.343; Ghaibate Nomani Pg.166:Al Kafi Vol.2 Pg.137)

In the honor of Imam Mahdi's (a.t.f.s.) companions, another tradition quotes Imam Sadeq (p.b.u.h.) as saying: "One who is zealous about the companionship of Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) should wait and act piously and in a noble manner. Such people when they die before the reappearance of Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) will have the reward of being his companion. Hence strive and wait. You deserve this, O Forgiven Ones!"
 

We should pray to God to make us one of those who await the Imam. Our acts should also be a testimony of our claim. First we should make efforts to know the Imam and testify the same for other people. We should guide those who deny or oppose the Imam and acquire the attributes of his companions, await his coming and enrich one's life by dedicating it to him. During the major occultation, Shias should cherish a zeal for the Imam in their mind, his love in their heart, thoughts focused on making efforts in his way, their prayers should be sending benedictions upon him, and their supplications should be for his reappearance and their whole being yearning for him. The present work is an insignificant endeavor in familiarizing people about Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) in the hope of offering a small gift to the Solomon of the Age (a.t.f.s.).
 

Amirul Mominin Ali (p.b.u.h.) said, "The earth shall never be devoid of the Divine Proof, He may be apparent and prominent or he may be concealed and hidden. And it is because of him that the proofs and signs of Allah are not wasted." (Kamaaluddm Vol.1 Pg. 291)

Imam Ja'far as Sadeq (p.b.u.h.) said, "The (Divine) Proof was existing before creation (of other things), during creation and after creation". (Kamaaluddm VoL I, Pg.23J.232)

Imam Ja'far as Sadeq (p.b.u.h.) said. "Because Allah is great and mighty, He has never made the earth devoid of a just Imam". (Kamaaluddin Vol. 1 Pg.229 and 234)

Imam Ja'far as Sadeq (p.b.u.h.) said: "Even if two people remain on the earth. One of them shall be a Hujjat upon the other. And if one of them dies, it will be the Hujjat that remains". (Kamaaluddin Vol.1 Pg.233)

Imam Reza (p.b.u.h.) said: "Certainly, the earth shall never be devoid of one of us" Imams". (Kamaaluddin VoU Pg.229)