Importance of Dua e Ahad
by Laila Ali
All schools of thought share a unanimous belief in the importance of Imam Mahdi (a.s.) Put aside the difference in beliefs of locality,
purpose, characteristics and aims of the Imam (a.s.), it is incumbent upon all Muslims to believe in the Mahdi (a.s.). Those that
believe the Mahdi (a.s.) was born 1,200 years ago speak of how he plays a major role in the world today. People have called upon him
and received an answer, myself included, as he is always present and hears our plea.
In fact, such is the importance of recognizing the Imam (a.s.) of our time, that if one
fails in doing so, s/he has died the death of ignorance.
Uthman 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".
Death in the Age of Ignorance means dying outside the fold of Islam and the one that
fails to recognize the Imam (a.s.) of ones time has been introduced as a disbeliever.
So if Imaan and Faith are linked to recognizing the Imam of our time, we must pay
attention on how to recognize, as this is a pre-requisite for Imaan and Faith.
If one does not have faith in the Imam of their time, then how is it possible to recognize him? And if one does not posses this
certainty, then how would one attain an understanding or appreciate their teachings?
Therefore, the matter of belief in the Imam (a.s.) is of the utmost importance and establishing a relationship with him, is even more so.
Dua e Ahad is an Oath of Allegiance to Imam Mahdi (a.s.) and it's importance has been emphasized by our 6th Imam (a.s.).
Imam Sadiq (a.s) narrates that...
“One who recites this supplication for 40 mornings; he will be accounted amongst the helpers of Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s). And if he
happens to die before the reappearance of Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s), Allah will raise him up from his grave so that he may assist the Holy
Imam (a.t.f.s).
For every word that he recites in this supplication, Allah will grant him 1000 good deeds and will erase from his scroll of deeds 1000
sins”.
This supplication is of an Allegiance (ahad) to the Holy Imam (a.t.f.s). It's recitation every morning after Fajr, ensures the renewal of
this covenant.
The reciter finds himself under the leadership of Imam (a.t.f.s).
The reciter beseeches Allah (s.w.t.) to include him among the helpers and aides of
Imam (a.t.f.s) and to grant him the opportunity to attain martyrdom in his presence.
Also, he requests Allah (s.w.t.) that should he die before the reappearance of Imam
(a.t.f.s), Allah should raise him up from his grave so that he may assist him (a.t.f.s) in
his mission, and there is a fervent appeal to Allah to grant him the honour of seeing
Imam (a.t.f.s). There is also an acknowledgement that the difficulties of this nation can
be solved only by the reappearance of Imam (a.t.f.s) and that believers see it as being
close while others deem it to be distant.
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