The Governance of Imam Mahdi (pbuh) and Contemporary Models of Governments A Comparative Analysis
fatima kanji chagpar
Source : scientific committee of the international Mahdism doctrine conference
The modern world we live in today is changing is many ways. One of the areas in academia that has been constantly evolving is the area of governance, beginning with the thinking of Plato and Aristotle to contemporary approaches to political theory. Humankind has been in search of a perfect system of governance that will address the needs of the peoples governed in a perfect way.
The contemporary approaches to governance primarily seek to balance the interests of those governed with those governing. The interest of those governed is the satisfaction of their basic human needs and further to that, the fulfillment of their intellectual and spiritual needs. The interests of those governing should be to serve those governed and assist them achieving what is good for them.
The question that needs to be asked here is, “Are the needs of the governed met by those who govern? And if not, then what system of governance will meet the needs of those governed?” To analyse this statement, we will InshaAllah look at contemporary models of governance, analyse their shortcomings and compare them to the ideal mode of governance of the 12th Imam (AS).
Contemporary models of governance – Democracy and Dictatorship
The most advanced model of governance since the beginning of modern political theory is democracy . A democracy is both a form of government and a political philosophy. A common feature of democracy is competitive elections. The prerequisites of competitive elections are usually freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and some degree of rule of law. Civilian control of the military is often seen as necessary to prevent military dictatorship and interference with political affairs.
“Majority rule” is a major principle of democracy, though many democratic systems do not adhere to this strictly – representative democracy is more common than direct democracy, and minority rights are often protected from what is sometimes called “the tyranny of the majority”.
No universally accepted definition of ‘democracy’ exists, especially with regard to the elements in a society which are required for it. Many people use the term “democracy” as shorthand for liberal democracy, which may include additional elements such as political pluralism, equality before the law, the right to petition elected officials for redress of grievances, due process, civil liberties, human rights, and elements of civil society outside the government.
Another form of government that exists in the world today is dictatorship. A dictatorship is an autocratic form of government in which the government is ruled by a dictator. In contemporary usage, dictatorship refers to an autocratic form of absolute rule by leadership unrestricted by law, constitutions, or other social and political factors within the state.
For some scholars, like Joseph C.W. Chan from the University of Hong Kong, dictatorship is a form of government that has the power to govern without consent of those being governed, while totalitarianism describes a state that regulates nearly every aspect of public and private behaviour of the people. In other words, dictatorship concerns the source of the governing power (where the power comes from) and totalitarianism concerns the scope of the governing power (what the government regulates). In this sense, dictatorship (government without people's consent) is a contrast to democracy (government whose power comes from people) and totalitarianism (government controls every aspect of people's life) corresponds to liberalism (government emphasizes individual right and liberty).
Problems with contemporary models of governance
The problem with these theories and the application of these models of governance is that the practice of it is far removed from its principles and secondly, in the case of a democracy, the majority rule does not necessarily conform to what is of real benefit to society. This means that the governed are devoid of intellectual and spiritual benefit, in most parts of the world, for humankind cannot on their own accord gravitate towards the absolute good, “the (human soul is) certainly prone to evil, unless my Lord do bestow His Mercy.” On the other hand, we have a desperate situation in the third world where those governed do not have access to basic human needs. This is evident from the United Nations Human Development Index compiled annually since 1990 . For example, the 2006 Human Development Report studies the underlying causes and consequences of a crisis that leaves 1.2 billion people without access to safe water and 2.6 billion without access to sanitation . Such a situation in the 21st century obviously leads us to the conclusion that mankind has not shown the ability yet of governing themselves in accordance to the Divine Will.
In fact, regardless of which form of governance we analyse, we see that the interest of those governed has not been achieved. Those in positions of leadership have time and time again overstepped the boundaries of their responsibilities by only satiating their selfish desires. This would explain the countless wars, indiscriminate killing of innocent civilians, voracious exploitation of the resources of others, amassing and hoarding wealth, and oppressive control over people that the world is witnessing today.
So the question that begs an answer is what system will bring pure justice and fairness and serve the interests of those governed. The answer lies in the belief of the followers of the Ahlul Bayt (AS). This is the belief in the appearance of a divinely appointed leader commissioned to establish the law of the Creator on earth. This is the true form of government, the complete and most perfect, as it is designed by the Creator for the created and administered by an appointee of the Creator Himself.
The ideal model of governance vs. contemporary models
Abu Na'eem has narrated from the book Sefat-ul-Mahdi from Abu Sa'eed Khudri that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: “I give you glad-tidings about Mahdi (AS). He will emerge amongst my nation at the time when they will be in discord and war with each other. Then, he (AS) will fill the earth with equity and justice just as it was fraught with tyranny and oppression. The Mahdi (AS) will fill the hearts of Muhammad’s (SAW) nation with riches and make them free from want. His justice would embrace all of them.
This Hadith alludes to one important point – that the leadership of the Ummah, and mankind can only be successfully carried out by the 12th Imam (AS). The fact that the 12th Imam (AS) will fill earth with equity and justice after it has been filled with tyranny and oppression indicates to us that the models of governance concocted by man, however ‘advanced’ and with whatever terminology they are called will amount to nothing but tyranny and oppression. We do not have to go far to prove this in the current political environment. Sufficed to say, that the Security Council of the United Nations is made up of a selected few and only imposes their will regardless of how their will adversely affect other peoples. If this is not the highest form of formalized oppression, then what is?
In the seventh chapter of the book Eqdud-Durar, the author narrates from Amir-ul-Mumineen Ali (AS) that the, “Mahdi (AS) will dispatch his chiefs to various cities for establishing justice amongst the people. The wolves and sheep shall graze together. The children will play with the snakes and scorpions without being harmed the least. Evil will vanish and goodness will remain. People will cultivate about 750 grams and will receive in return about 525 kilograms just as the same has been mentioned in the Holy Quran. Adultery, wine-drinking and usury will be uprooted. People will have a relish for worship, divine laws and faith and a desire for mixing in the society. Life of man will lengthen, properties held in trust would be returned back, trees will bear fruits, blessings will double, the wicked will be destroyed, the virtuous ones will remain and those having grudge against the Ahlul Bayt (AS) will cease to exist.”
Imam Ali (AS) has eloquently described the model and characteristics of the government of the 12th Imam (AS). Firstly 12th Imam (AS) will dispatch chiefs to establish justice under his command, and who can be a more just leader than one who is divinely appointed. The justice will be divine and as a natural consequence peace, tranquility and stability will be established. We pray that InshaAllah we can live to experience such earthly bliss. The blessing in the crop is the direct result of the leadership of the 12th Imam (AS) – Allah’s (SWT) chosen representative. This is in stark contrast to the real or artificial food shortage that exists in the world today, and that is the cause of the rise in world food prices. If as a global community we practice and “advanced” model of governance, then why are there shortages of basic needs such as food, water and shelter for many in the world.
Another key aspect mentioned in the Hadith is the absence of evil – in the form of adultery, wine-drinking and usury – these vices which are detrimental to the soul will be abandoned as the 12th Imam (AS) will establish such a comprehensive government that people will know the harm of these practices in relation to their hereafter and as a result will despise such activities. The governance structure of the 12th Imam (AS) will consider the subject’s interests in this world and the hereafter, unlike the government’s today whose primary concern is material in nature. To add to this point, governments today propagate vice. Adultery, more commonly known as “common-law” is part of the legislation in many of the so-called “civilised” countries making it a recognised form of vice. Promiscuity is licensed, alcohol is openly sold and usury is entrenched in the economy. Based on the Hadith of Imam Ali (AS), such governments are far removed from the true reality of divine governance and there is no way they can establish justices in its perfect form.
The famous Du’a that we recite every Friday, lamenting the absence of the 12th Imam (AS), has important elements of the government of the Imam (AS). The antithesis of the Imam’s government can derived from the statements mentioned. This means that a statement like, “Where is the awaited saviour who will set the have-nots and the depressed on their feet?” means that the have-nots and depressed are not on their feet and that they are being oppressed.
The following statements show what we want in the government of the 12th Imam (AS) that we do not have and will never have until he appears.
“Where is the The Hope who will put and end to tyranny and oppression?
Where is the preserved guaranty who shall give new life to rule of law and refined way of life?
Where is the Chosen in preference good who shall raise the spirits of the people and give currency to justice and fairplay?
Where is the hope-giving confidante who shall make full use of the "Book" and define the sphere of action?
Where is he who shall blot out dogma in the matter of religion and his (Muhammad’s) children?
Where is he who shall break up meddlesome trouble and tampering?
Where is he who shall pull down the foundations of confusion (polytheists) and hypocrisy?
Where is he who shall stamp out corruption, vice, reaction and injustice?
Where is he who shall trim the outgrowth of despair, longing and hardships?
Where is he who shall erase the traces of unfairness and self-seeking conceit?
Where is he who shall untie the twisted knots of falsehood and disruption?
Where is he who shall separate senselessness and insolence from the people?
Where is he who shall tear up by the roots obstinacy, corruption and apostasy?
Where is he who shall love dearly the favourites of Allah and take pains to tame and train the transgressors?
Where is he who shall make people familiar with "words of wisdom"?
Where is the ultimate (Divine) source of plenty and prosperity?
Where is the "Divine aspect" the God-fearing may look up to?
Where is the link that connects the cosmic complex?
Where is the authority who shall communicate and make known the true point of view?
Where is the author of the conception of peace, fairplay and welfare?
Where is the defender of the traditions of the Prophets and their children?”
And most importantly for our hearts that burn at the tragedy of Karbala:
“Where is the investigator of the blood of the Martyrs of Karbalaa?
Where is he who shall get the upper hand over the perpetrators of crime and greed?
Where is he who shall not rest until he answers the cries of help when called upon?”
Judging by these statements that we recite, we are extremely far from the ideal model of governance and that is why we are asking about the whereabouts of the Imam (AS) who will come and establish these conditions.
Governance of the 12th Imam (AS) – Governance within Religion
The key aspect of the governance of the 12th Imam (AS) that is missing in contemporary governance is that his government will be based on the true Islam, the religion that Allah (SWT) has ordained for mankind. Islam is not a religion confined to belief and worship. It is a complete system of belief, worship, ethics, politics and society. This is very different from the democracy or dictatorship of today.
The government of the 12th Imam (AS) will mark the final victory, of the forces of righteousness, peace and justice over those of evil, oppression and tyranny; of the world-wide spread of the Islamic faith; the complete and all-round establishment of high human values; the formation of a utopian and an ideal society and lastly the accomplishment of this ideal at the hands of a holy and eminent personality called the Mahdi (AS).
This final government under the Mahdi (AS) is a Qur'anic concept, which in very clear terms, predicts:
1. The final victory of Islam.
It is He who has sent His messenger with the guidance and the religion of truth to make it prevail over every other religion. However much the disbelievers may dislike it.
(Surah al-Tawbah, 9:33 and Surah As-Saff, 61:9)
2. The absolute supremacy of the good and the pious.
Indeed We have written in the Psalms after the Torah had been revealed: The righteous among My slaves shall inherit the earth.
(Surah al-Anbiya. 21:105)
3. The final collapse of the oppressors and the tyrants.
We willed to show favour to those who were persecuted in the earth and to make them leaders and masters. It was also Our will to give them power in the earth and to show Pharaoh, Haman and their hosts to experience from their victims what they feared most.
(Surah al-Qasas, 28:5-6)
4. A bright and happy future for humanity.
Moses told his people to seek help from Allah and exercise patience. The earth belongs to Him and He has made it the heritage of whichever of His servants He chooses. The Final Victory is for the pious.
(Surah al-A'raf 7:128)
Therefore this belief of the coming of the 12th Imam (AS) is not an outcome of any wishful thinking; it is grounded in the Holy Quran. It is a result of the working of the system of nature, the evolutionary process of history, man’s confidence in the future and the total rejection by him of pessimism about the destiny of mankind.
The author of Yanabi-ul-Mawadda narrates from Shaikh Mohyiddin Arabi from his book Fotouhat-Makkiyah (chapter 366) about Mahdi (AS) and his ministers and says, “The Mahdi (AS) will emerge when religion would be on the decline. The one who would not accept will be killed and the one who would engage in debate with him will be defeated. He will so reveal the realities of religion that had the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) been alive, be too would have judged in the same manner. He will eradicate the (false) religions from the face of the earth. Then, except for the pure religion, no other religion would remain over the earth.”
This Hadith clearly indicates the religion of Islam will be revived and that the basis of the rulership will be religion. This is because the truth of Islam will be made obvious by the 12th Imam (AS) and the only way to success will be through Islam – because that is the way that Allah (SWT) has charted out for humankind.
The author of Yanabi-ul-Mawadda also narrates from the book “Manaqib” which narrate from Imam Ali-ibn-Musa Ar-Ridha who narrates from his father that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) while mentioning the virtues of his household and his Mi’raj (ascension to heaven) said: I asked: “O my lord, who are my legatees?” I heard a call saying: “O Muhammad (SAW)! Your legatees are those whose names have been written on the enclosure of my throne.”
“I looked and saw twelve lights. A green cover spread over each light and the names of my legatees were written on each of them where the first of them was Ali and the last of them Mahdi (AS). I asked: “O lord, are they the legatees after me?” I heard a call saying: “After you, they are my friends, chosen ones and proofs upon my creatures. They are your legatees. I swear by my glory and majesty that I will cleanse the earth from its tyranny by the hands of the last of the one who is Mahdi (AS). I will make him conquer the east and west. I will make the wind to conquer for him and make the clouds submissive to him. I will grant him power through some means and will help him by means of his own army. I will assist him through the angels until he gains power over my government and gathers the people towards my Tauheed (monotheism). Thereafter, I will expand his and extend the days for my friends until the day of judgement.
This Hadith indicates that the Imam (AS) will rule the entire world and that Allah (SWT) will support him in every way. Again, the notion of religion – whose basis is Tauheed, is identified as the key element on which the authority will revolve around.
The author of Eqdud-Durar narrates that Amir-ul-Mu’mineen Ali-ibn-Abi Talib (AS) while mentioning about Mahdi (AS) and his reforms said, “There is no heresy but that Mahdi will uproot it and there is no Sunnah (practice) but that Mahdi (AS) will enliven it.”
In the same book, there is a narration from the book Fara'ed-us-Simtain, which narrates from Abu-Imamah Baheli that the Holy Prophet (SAW) said, “The Mahdi (AS) will extract the treasures and will conquer the cities of the polytheists and infidels.”
It suffices to reiterate at this point that the government of the 12th Imam (AS) under the religion of Islam will, without doubt, cater to both the physical and spiritual needs of the mankind. So for example, coupled with the establishment of religion on the earth, will be the best utilization of the earth’s resources. And because the government will the government of Allah (SWT), the Barakah and blessings of the resources of the earth will multiply so much so that there will be no poor to give charity to.
Imam Muhammad ibn ‘Ali al-Baqir (peace be upon both of them) said : “When the Qa’im (AS) of the Ahlul Bayt makes his advent, he will divide (the riches) with equity and will show justice among the people. So whoever obeys him, has obeyed Allah; and whoever goes against him, has gone against Allah. Indeed al-Mahdi was named as such because he will guide to the hidden affairs.”
Conclusion
The only system that will bring pure justice and fairness and serve the interests of those governed is the government of the 12th Imam (AS). He (AS) will InshaAllah establish the law of the Creator on earth. This is the true form of government, the complete and most perfect, as it is designed by the Allah (SWT) for the created and administered by an appointee of the Creator Himself.
The appearance of the Mahdi (AS) is Allah's favour for the oppressed and the weak and is a means of their coming to power and gaining the promised Divine succession in the whole world. The holy Qur'an says:
We have decided to grant favour to the suppressed ones by appointing them leaders and heirs of the earth.
The main difference between Imam Mahdi’s (AS) government and the contemporary ones is that his source of the leadership is divine and therefore will undoubtedly serve the interests of the people. Whereas the purpose of contemporary models of governments are to satisfy selfish human desires, the purpose of the Imam’s (AS) leadership is to gather people towards Tauheed.
In conclusion, the appearance and revolution of the Mahdi (AS) is an inspiring Islamic belief. Its culmination is perfection. The results of the Imam’s (AS) leadership is that mankind will attain benefit for themselves like never seen before under any other government.
By:
Fatima Kanji-Chagpar
7 Angus Drive Tel: +1 416 498 8471
Toronto, Ontario E-mail: kanji_fatima@rogers.com or
M2J 2W9 fatema@chagpar.org
CANADA
Bibliography
“Liberty and Justice for Some”. http://www.economist.com/markets/rankings/displaystory.cfm?story_id=8908438 Posted on Aug 22nd 2007.
Al-Sadr, Baqir and Mutahhery, Murtaza. The Awaited Saviour. Karachi: Islamic Seminary Publications, 1986.
Amini, Ayatollah Ibrahim, translated by Dr. Abdulaziz Sachedina. Al Imam Al-Mahdi: The Just Leader of Humanity. Toronto: Islamic Education and Information Centre, 1996.
http://al-shia.com/html/eng/books/hadith/imam-al-mahdi/frconten.htm (Accessed June, 2008)
Mugahi, Abdul-Rahim. The Awaited Savior of Humanity (al-Mahdi in the Eyes of the Ahlul Bayt); translated by Shaykh Saleem Bhimji. Stanmore, United Kingdom. The Islamic Education Board of the World Federation of Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri Muslim Communities.
The Holy Quran
United Nations Human Development Reports. http://hdr.undp.org/en/reports/global/hdr2006/ (Accessed: June 2008)
United Nations Statistics. http://unstats.un.org/unsd/default.htm. (Accessed: June 2008)
Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Democracy (Accessed June, 2008)
Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dictatorship (Accessed June, 2008)
The contemporary approaches to governance primarily seek to balance the interests of those governed with those governing. The interest of those governed is the satisfaction of their basic human needs and further to that, the fulfillment of their intellectual and spiritual needs. The interests of those governing should be to serve those governed and assist them achieving what is good for them.
The question that needs to be asked here is, “Are the needs of the governed met by those who govern? And if not, then what system of governance will meet the needs of those governed?” To analyse this statement, we will InshaAllah look at contemporary models of governance, analyse their shortcomings and compare them to the ideal mode of governance of the 12th Imam (AS).
Contemporary models of governance – Democracy and Dictatorship
The most advanced model of governance since the beginning of modern political theory is democracy . A democracy is both a form of government and a political philosophy. A common feature of democracy is competitive elections. The prerequisites of competitive elections are usually freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and some degree of rule of law. Civilian control of the military is often seen as necessary to prevent military dictatorship and interference with political affairs.
“Majority rule” is a major principle of democracy, though many democratic systems do not adhere to this strictly – representative democracy is more common than direct democracy, and minority rights are often protected from what is sometimes called “the tyranny of the majority”.
No universally accepted definition of ‘democracy’ exists, especially with regard to the elements in a society which are required for it. Many people use the term “democracy” as shorthand for liberal democracy, which may include additional elements such as political pluralism, equality before the law, the right to petition elected officials for redress of grievances, due process, civil liberties, human rights, and elements of civil society outside the government.
Another form of government that exists in the world today is dictatorship. A dictatorship is an autocratic form of government in which the government is ruled by a dictator. In contemporary usage, dictatorship refers to an autocratic form of absolute rule by leadership unrestricted by law, constitutions, or other social and political factors within the state.
For some scholars, like Joseph C.W. Chan from the University of Hong Kong, dictatorship is a form of government that has the power to govern without consent of those being governed, while totalitarianism describes a state that regulates nearly every aspect of public and private behaviour of the people. In other words, dictatorship concerns the source of the governing power (where the power comes from) and totalitarianism concerns the scope of the governing power (what the government regulates). In this sense, dictatorship (government without people's consent) is a contrast to democracy (government whose power comes from people) and totalitarianism (government controls every aspect of people's life) corresponds to liberalism (government emphasizes individual right and liberty).
Problems with contemporary models of governance
The problem with these theories and the application of these models of governance is that the practice of it is far removed from its principles and secondly, in the case of a democracy, the majority rule does not necessarily conform to what is of real benefit to society. This means that the governed are devoid of intellectual and spiritual benefit, in most parts of the world, for humankind cannot on their own accord gravitate towards the absolute good, “the (human soul is) certainly prone to evil, unless my Lord do bestow His Mercy.” On the other hand, we have a desperate situation in the third world where those governed do not have access to basic human needs. This is evident from the United Nations Human Development Index compiled annually since 1990 . For example, the 2006 Human Development Report studies the underlying causes and consequences of a crisis that leaves 1.2 billion people without access to safe water and 2.6 billion without access to sanitation . Such a situation in the 21st century obviously leads us to the conclusion that mankind has not shown the ability yet of governing themselves in accordance to the Divine Will.
In fact, regardless of which form of governance we analyse, we see that the interest of those governed has not been achieved. Those in positions of leadership have time and time again overstepped the boundaries of their responsibilities by only satiating their selfish desires. This would explain the countless wars, indiscriminate killing of innocent civilians, voracious exploitation of the resources of others, amassing and hoarding wealth, and oppressive control over people that the world is witnessing today.
So the question that begs an answer is what system will bring pure justice and fairness and serve the interests of those governed. The answer lies in the belief of the followers of the Ahlul Bayt (AS). This is the belief in the appearance of a divinely appointed leader commissioned to establish the law of the Creator on earth. This is the true form of government, the complete and most perfect, as it is designed by the Creator for the created and administered by an appointee of the Creator Himself.
The ideal model of governance vs. contemporary models
Abu Na'eem has narrated from the book Sefat-ul-Mahdi from Abu Sa'eed Khudri that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: “I give you glad-tidings about Mahdi (AS). He will emerge amongst my nation at the time when they will be in discord and war with each other. Then, he (AS) will fill the earth with equity and justice just as it was fraught with tyranny and oppression. The Mahdi (AS) will fill the hearts of Muhammad’s (SAW) nation with riches and make them free from want. His justice would embrace all of them.
This Hadith alludes to one important point – that the leadership of the Ummah, and mankind can only be successfully carried out by the 12th Imam (AS). The fact that the 12th Imam (AS) will fill earth with equity and justice after it has been filled with tyranny and oppression indicates to us that the models of governance concocted by man, however ‘advanced’ and with whatever terminology they are called will amount to nothing but tyranny and oppression. We do not have to go far to prove this in the current political environment. Sufficed to say, that the Security Council of the United Nations is made up of a selected few and only imposes their will regardless of how their will adversely affect other peoples. If this is not the highest form of formalized oppression, then what is?
In the seventh chapter of the book Eqdud-Durar, the author narrates from Amir-ul-Mumineen Ali (AS) that the, “Mahdi (AS) will dispatch his chiefs to various cities for establishing justice amongst the people. The wolves and sheep shall graze together. The children will play with the snakes and scorpions without being harmed the least. Evil will vanish and goodness will remain. People will cultivate about 750 grams and will receive in return about 525 kilograms just as the same has been mentioned in the Holy Quran. Adultery, wine-drinking and usury will be uprooted. People will have a relish for worship, divine laws and faith and a desire for mixing in the society. Life of man will lengthen, properties held in trust would be returned back, trees will bear fruits, blessings will double, the wicked will be destroyed, the virtuous ones will remain and those having grudge against the Ahlul Bayt (AS) will cease to exist.”
Imam Ali (AS) has eloquently described the model and characteristics of the government of the 12th Imam (AS). Firstly 12th Imam (AS) will dispatch chiefs to establish justice under his command, and who can be a more just leader than one who is divinely appointed. The justice will be divine and as a natural consequence peace, tranquility and stability will be established. We pray that InshaAllah we can live to experience such earthly bliss. The blessing in the crop is the direct result of the leadership of the 12th Imam (AS) – Allah’s (SWT) chosen representative. This is in stark contrast to the real or artificial food shortage that exists in the world today, and that is the cause of the rise in world food prices. If as a global community we practice and “advanced” model of governance, then why are there shortages of basic needs such as food, water and shelter for many in the world.
Another key aspect mentioned in the Hadith is the absence of evil – in the form of adultery, wine-drinking and usury – these vices which are detrimental to the soul will be abandoned as the 12th Imam (AS) will establish such a comprehensive government that people will know the harm of these practices in relation to their hereafter and as a result will despise such activities. The governance structure of the 12th Imam (AS) will consider the subject’s interests in this world and the hereafter, unlike the government’s today whose primary concern is material in nature. To add to this point, governments today propagate vice. Adultery, more commonly known as “common-law” is part of the legislation in many of the so-called “civilised” countries making it a recognised form of vice. Promiscuity is licensed, alcohol is openly sold and usury is entrenched in the economy. Based on the Hadith of Imam Ali (AS), such governments are far removed from the true reality of divine governance and there is no way they can establish justices in its perfect form.
The famous Du’a that we recite every Friday, lamenting the absence of the 12th Imam (AS), has important elements of the government of the Imam (AS). The antithesis of the Imam’s government can derived from the statements mentioned. This means that a statement like, “Where is the awaited saviour who will set the have-nots and the depressed on their feet?” means that the have-nots and depressed are not on their feet and that they are being oppressed.
The following statements show what we want in the government of the 12th Imam (AS) that we do not have and will never have until he appears.
“Where is the The Hope who will put and end to tyranny and oppression?
Where is the preserved guaranty who shall give new life to rule of law and refined way of life?
Where is the Chosen in preference good who shall raise the spirits of the people and give currency to justice and fairplay?
Where is the hope-giving confidante who shall make full use of the "Book" and define the sphere of action?
Where is he who shall blot out dogma in the matter of religion and his (Muhammad’s) children?
Where is he who shall break up meddlesome trouble and tampering?
Where is he who shall pull down the foundations of confusion (polytheists) and hypocrisy?
Where is he who shall stamp out corruption, vice, reaction and injustice?
Where is he who shall trim the outgrowth of despair, longing and hardships?
Where is he who shall erase the traces of unfairness and self-seeking conceit?
Where is he who shall untie the twisted knots of falsehood and disruption?
Where is he who shall separate senselessness and insolence from the people?
Where is he who shall tear up by the roots obstinacy, corruption and apostasy?
Where is he who shall love dearly the favourites of Allah and take pains to tame and train the transgressors?
Where is he who shall make people familiar with "words of wisdom"?
Where is the ultimate (Divine) source of plenty and prosperity?
Where is the "Divine aspect" the God-fearing may look up to?
Where is the link that connects the cosmic complex?
Where is the authority who shall communicate and make known the true point of view?
Where is the author of the conception of peace, fairplay and welfare?
Where is the defender of the traditions of the Prophets and their children?”
And most importantly for our hearts that burn at the tragedy of Karbala:
“Where is the investigator of the blood of the Martyrs of Karbalaa?
Where is he who shall get the upper hand over the perpetrators of crime and greed?
Where is he who shall not rest until he answers the cries of help when called upon?”
Judging by these statements that we recite, we are extremely far from the ideal model of governance and that is why we are asking about the whereabouts of the Imam (AS) who will come and establish these conditions.
Governance of the 12th Imam (AS) – Governance within Religion
The key aspect of the governance of the 12th Imam (AS) that is missing in contemporary governance is that his government will be based on the true Islam, the religion that Allah (SWT) has ordained for mankind. Islam is not a religion confined to belief and worship. It is a complete system of belief, worship, ethics, politics and society. This is very different from the democracy or dictatorship of today.
The government of the 12th Imam (AS) will mark the final victory, of the forces of righteousness, peace and justice over those of evil, oppression and tyranny; of the world-wide spread of the Islamic faith; the complete and all-round establishment of high human values; the formation of a utopian and an ideal society and lastly the accomplishment of this ideal at the hands of a holy and eminent personality called the Mahdi (AS).
This final government under the Mahdi (AS) is a Qur'anic concept, which in very clear terms, predicts:
1. The final victory of Islam.
It is He who has sent His messenger with the guidance and the religion of truth to make it prevail over every other religion. However much the disbelievers may dislike it.
(Surah al-Tawbah, 9:33 and Surah As-Saff, 61:9)
2. The absolute supremacy of the good and the pious.
Indeed We have written in the Psalms after the Torah had been revealed: The righteous among My slaves shall inherit the earth.
(Surah al-Anbiya. 21:105)
3. The final collapse of the oppressors and the tyrants.
We willed to show favour to those who were persecuted in the earth and to make them leaders and masters. It was also Our will to give them power in the earth and to show Pharaoh, Haman and their hosts to experience from their victims what they feared most.
(Surah al-Qasas, 28:5-6)
4. A bright and happy future for humanity.
Moses told his people to seek help from Allah and exercise patience. The earth belongs to Him and He has made it the heritage of whichever of His servants He chooses. The Final Victory is for the pious.
(Surah al-A'raf 7:128)
Therefore this belief of the coming of the 12th Imam (AS) is not an outcome of any wishful thinking; it is grounded in the Holy Quran. It is a result of the working of the system of nature, the evolutionary process of history, man’s confidence in the future and the total rejection by him of pessimism about the destiny of mankind.
The author of Yanabi-ul-Mawadda narrates from Shaikh Mohyiddin Arabi from his book Fotouhat-Makkiyah (chapter 366) about Mahdi (AS) and his ministers and says, “The Mahdi (AS) will emerge when religion would be on the decline. The one who would not accept will be killed and the one who would engage in debate with him will be defeated. He will so reveal the realities of religion that had the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) been alive, be too would have judged in the same manner. He will eradicate the (false) religions from the face of the earth. Then, except for the pure religion, no other religion would remain over the earth.”
This Hadith clearly indicates the religion of Islam will be revived and that the basis of the rulership will be religion. This is because the truth of Islam will be made obvious by the 12th Imam (AS) and the only way to success will be through Islam – because that is the way that Allah (SWT) has charted out for humankind.
The author of Yanabi-ul-Mawadda also narrates from the book “Manaqib” which narrate from Imam Ali-ibn-Musa Ar-Ridha who narrates from his father that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) while mentioning the virtues of his household and his Mi’raj (ascension to heaven) said: I asked: “O my lord, who are my legatees?” I heard a call saying: “O Muhammad (SAW)! Your legatees are those whose names have been written on the enclosure of my throne.”
“I looked and saw twelve lights. A green cover spread over each light and the names of my legatees were written on each of them where the first of them was Ali and the last of them Mahdi (AS). I asked: “O lord, are they the legatees after me?” I heard a call saying: “After you, they are my friends, chosen ones and proofs upon my creatures. They are your legatees. I swear by my glory and majesty that I will cleanse the earth from its tyranny by the hands of the last of the one who is Mahdi (AS). I will make him conquer the east and west. I will make the wind to conquer for him and make the clouds submissive to him. I will grant him power through some means and will help him by means of his own army. I will assist him through the angels until he gains power over my government and gathers the people towards my Tauheed (monotheism). Thereafter, I will expand his and extend the days for my friends until the day of judgement.
This Hadith indicates that the Imam (AS) will rule the entire world and that Allah (SWT) will support him in every way. Again, the notion of religion – whose basis is Tauheed, is identified as the key element on which the authority will revolve around.
The author of Eqdud-Durar narrates that Amir-ul-Mu’mineen Ali-ibn-Abi Talib (AS) while mentioning about Mahdi (AS) and his reforms said, “There is no heresy but that Mahdi will uproot it and there is no Sunnah (practice) but that Mahdi (AS) will enliven it.”
In the same book, there is a narration from the book Fara'ed-us-Simtain, which narrates from Abu-Imamah Baheli that the Holy Prophet (SAW) said, “The Mahdi (AS) will extract the treasures and will conquer the cities of the polytheists and infidels.”
It suffices to reiterate at this point that the government of the 12th Imam (AS) under the religion of Islam will, without doubt, cater to both the physical and spiritual needs of the mankind. So for example, coupled with the establishment of religion on the earth, will be the best utilization of the earth’s resources. And because the government will the government of Allah (SWT), the Barakah and blessings of the resources of the earth will multiply so much so that there will be no poor to give charity to.
Imam Muhammad ibn ‘Ali al-Baqir (peace be upon both of them) said : “When the Qa’im (AS) of the Ahlul Bayt makes his advent, he will divide (the riches) with equity and will show justice among the people. So whoever obeys him, has obeyed Allah; and whoever goes against him, has gone against Allah. Indeed al-Mahdi was named as such because he will guide to the hidden affairs.”
Conclusion
The only system that will bring pure justice and fairness and serve the interests of those governed is the government of the 12th Imam (AS). He (AS) will InshaAllah establish the law of the Creator on earth. This is the true form of government, the complete and most perfect, as it is designed by the Allah (SWT) for the created and administered by an appointee of the Creator Himself.
The appearance of the Mahdi (AS) is Allah's favour for the oppressed and the weak and is a means of their coming to power and gaining the promised Divine succession in the whole world. The holy Qur'an says:
We have decided to grant favour to the suppressed ones by appointing them leaders and heirs of the earth.
The main difference between Imam Mahdi’s (AS) government and the contemporary ones is that his source of the leadership is divine and therefore will undoubtedly serve the interests of the people. Whereas the purpose of contemporary models of governments are to satisfy selfish human desires, the purpose of the Imam’s (AS) leadership is to gather people towards Tauheed.
In conclusion, the appearance and revolution of the Mahdi (AS) is an inspiring Islamic belief. Its culmination is perfection. The results of the Imam’s (AS) leadership is that mankind will attain benefit for themselves like never seen before under any other government.
By:
Fatima Kanji-Chagpar
7 Angus Drive Tel: +1 416 498 8471
Toronto, Ontario E-mail: kanji_fatima@rogers.com or
M2J 2W9 fatema@chagpar.org
CANADA
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Amini, Ayatollah Ibrahim, translated by Dr. Abdulaziz Sachedina. Al Imam Al-Mahdi: The Just Leader of Humanity. Toronto: Islamic Education and Information Centre, 1996.
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Mugahi, Abdul-Rahim. The Awaited Savior of Humanity (al-Mahdi in the Eyes of the Ahlul Bayt); translated by Shaykh Saleem Bhimji. Stanmore, United Kingdom. The Islamic Education Board of the World Federation of Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri Muslim Communities.
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Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dictatorship (Accessed June, 2008)
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