Human Distress in the End Times Paves the Way for the Advent of the Savior
Have you ever felt that your hope has been completely shattered by everyone and everything? Have you found yourself amidst a multitude of troubles that seem to have no solutions? In such moments, how do you typically react?
In our lives, there are times when we reach what is commonly referred to as the “end of the line,” where we completely lose hope for improvement. We may turn to anyone and anything that we believe might help us solve our issues, but often we either hit a dead end or receive a negative response. This state is known as distress. Distress signifies the peak of helplessness; a distressed person is akin to someone drowning, unable to find a way to be saved. Typically, individuals in this situation lose hope in all material means, and their hearts turn toward a higher, supernatural power—one that can resolve problems in ways beyond the usual methods and improve their conditions. That higher power is God.
One of the most important conditions for the acceptance of prayers is reaching a state of distress. In this state, a person’s prayer is sincere, pure, and free from polytheism. When individuals reach this stage, they recognize their absolute poverty and understand that, without divine will, they cannot fend off even the smallest dangers.
This final article in our series, “The Future of the World in the Quran,” focuses on the relationship between human distress and the advent of the Savior. Then it will explore humanity’s potential to reach the highest status after the Savior’s advent.
The Relationship Between Human Desperation and the Advent of the Savior
One of the most famous verses among Muslims is verse sixty-two of Surah An-Naml, often referred to as the verse of “Amman Yujīb” (One Who answers). It is recited in times of distress to alleviate difficulties. This verse not only introduces God as the sole source of resolving troubles and answering prayers, but it also provides insights about the future of the world and the advent of Imam Mahdi (AJ). In this verse, God states: “Or [ask them,] ‘Who responds to the distressed when they cry to Him, relieving [their] affliction, and [Who] makes you successors in the earth? Is it another god besides Allah? Yet you are hardly mindful!’”
Various interpretations attributed to the Infallible Imams (PBUT) indicate that this verse was revealed concerning Imam Mahdi (AJ), who embodies the one in distress. In a narration from Imam Baqir (PBUH), it is stated: “By God, I see the Mahdi (PBUH) leaning against the Black Stone, calling upon God by His right… Then he said: By God, the one in distress in God’s Book in the verse ‘Who answers the distressed one’ is him.”[1] In another hadith from Imam Sadiq (PBUH), it is mentioned: “This verse was revealed regarding Imam Mahdi from the family of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH); by God, he is the one in distress when he performs two units of prayers at the Station of Abraham and raises his hands in supplication to God. God answers his prayer, alleviates his troubles, and appoints him as the caliph on earth.”[2] 2
The truth is that Imam Mahdi (AJ) experiences a profound sense of distress during the period of occultation. He witnesses various forms of oppression, corruption, aggression, violence, and human deviations. However, due to the veil of occultation and his lack of physical presence in society, he faces significant limitations in his attempts to reform the world. This situation deeply troubles him and fills his heart with sorrow. Imam Mahdi (AJ) is the heavenly and spiritual father of all human beings on earth, possessing far more compassion for individuals than earthly parents do. It is challenging for a father to witness the sufferings of his children, and despite having the ability to save them, he finds himself unable to take action. The extent of the grief and pressure that this situation imposes on the heart of the Imam is truly unimaginable.
It is important to note that the reason for his occultation is neither the will of God nor any shortcomings on the Imam’s part; rather, the main cause of this occultation lies with people. Aside from a small number of individuals around the world who recognize the greatness of his status and his place in the system of creation, most people, even the Shia, remain largely unaware of the profound significance of Imam’s role or the extent of their responsibilities toward him.
Under these circumstances, if the Imam were to appear, his life would be in danger and he would certainly be martyred by corrupt and oppressive governments, just as the other Imams (PBUT) were martyred. Therefore, until the right conditions are created and a significant number of righteous individuals take action to prepare for his advent, the Imam’s occultation and global issues will persist.
When we talk about distress, we must remember that we ourselves are also distressed. At no point in history has there been as much distress on earth as there is in the current period. Right at this moment, as you are reading this article, dozens of people around the world have died from hunger. Millions of individuals across the globe lack even the most basic necessities of comfort and health. Each year, thousands take their own lives due to mental and spiritual crises. In areas like Palestine, the level of distress is so high that children do not even hope to grow up, as they witness many of their peers being martyred before their eyes every day.
This immense distress, sorrow, and pressure sometimes leads some believers to despair, to the point where they begin to doubt God’s promise of support and worry that conditions may remain this way forever. However, it is important to know that all of this is part of divine tests and serves as a preparation for people’s readiness for the coming of the Savior. Although witnessing these problems is very painful, it carries a positive message within: the nearness of the Faraj (relief). The mathematics of creation is designed in such a way that whenever hardship and darkness reach their peak, deliverance occurs. This law applies throughout the entire system of creation. If you pay attention, as the sun sets, darkness gradually begins to set in and reaches its peak in the late hours of the night. Then, within this darkness, a vertical light appears that marks the transition between the end of night and the dawn of morning. This light then gradually expands until it illuminates everything. The state of humanity in the end times follows this same pattern. The injustices, corruption, and inequities rooted in the dominance of global arrogance will gradually become so overwhelming that people will feel as if their ability to breathe is restricted, and only a savior can rescue them from this dire situation. When this state of distress reaches its maximum, the advent of the Savior will occur.
Reaching the Highest Human Status Under the Guidance of the Infallible Imam
The right to govern the world belongs solely to divine messengers and deputies of God on earth. Only these individuals know the true path and way of living, and they can guide humanity toward the purpose of creation and the pinnacle of bliss. Unfortunately, throughout history, this right has often been denied to them, and power has been held by those who think only of their personal interests. These individuals spare no effort in sacrificing the rights of others to pursue their illusory pleasures. It is evident that under the rule of such people, humanity not only fails to achieve its purpose of creation but is also deprived of the bare minimums of a normal life.
On the brink of the advent of the Savior, due to the severe distress engulfing the world, spiritually enlightened and aware individuals gradually come to the conclusion that the current situation can no longer continue. This equation must change, and the usurped right of leadership must be restored to its rightful owners in order to end the long-standing suffering of humanity. It is at this point that they rise up and revolt against the status quo. With the uprising of these individuals, the forces of truth gradually gain strength, paving the way for the establishment of a righteous government and the establishment of God’s religion in the world under the leadership of the infallible Imam.
Both Shia and Sunni Muslims believe that the person destined to end humanity’s enduring suffering and establish the True Religion globally is a descendant of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) known as Mahdi (AJ). With his advent, peace and security will encompass the world, allowing individuals to turn to God and implement divine laws in their lives without fear of threats or ridicule. In this environment, external temptations significantly diminish, making it far easier for individuals to achieve comprehensive growth and self-elevation. Under the leadership of the infallible Imam, humanity will be freed from the chains of its animalistic tendencies, and through servitude to God, it will attain the status of being God’s deputy on earth—a status even angels envy.
In subsequent articles, we will examine what this status is and how to achieve it.
[1]. Jafar al-Numani, Kitab al-Ghayba, p. 314.
[2]. Ali ibn Ibrahim al-Qummi, Tafsir al-Qummi, vol. 2, p. 129.
