The Mahdi Times March 2012 | Page 41

the days. They will always be attentive towards the service and obedience of Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.)." (Behaar ul Anwaar, volume 52, page 300) These are the 313. Their strength? He (as) said: "Ah! that I had power to suppress you, rather I shall have recourse to a strong support." (Surah Hud, verse 80) While explaining the above verse of the Holy Qur'an, Imam Sadiq (a.s.), quotes the words used by Hazrat Lut (a.s.) for his nation It is unfortunate that I do not possess the power and strength to control you. How excellent it would be, if I had the support of the people against you. Imam Sadiq (a.s.), while continuing his narration says, "The power and strength, which is desired by Hazrat Lut, is in fact the strength of Hazrat Qaem (a.s.) and the steadfastness of his companions.Each companion of Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) will possess the power and the capacity equivalent to 40 people. Their hearts will be stronger than iron. If they pass by a mountain, then they will reduce it to dust." (Kamaaluddin, volume, page 673) Their authority: "Imam Baqir (a.s.) in a prophecy says that, I see the companions of Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) controlling every thing in the East and the West. Every entity of this world will be involved in their obedience. Even the animals and the birds will be content in their obedience. The segments of the earth will take pride of pride themselves over each other saying that,Today, a companion of Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) has walked upon me." (Bihar al Anwaar, volume 52, page 327). In regards to Du'a al-Ahd, there is a narration from Imam asSadiq (as): "Whoever recites this supplication for 40 consecutive days in the morning will be of Imam Mahdi's companions, and if he dies before the reappearance of Hazrat Imam Mahdi (as), Allah will take him out of his grave so that he may serve as one of Imam Mahdi’s companions." What are these 313 like: In one tradition Imam Jafar Sadiq (a.s.) has mentioned the general traits of the companions of Imam Mahdi (a.s.): • They will conquer every city they enter with their standard. • They are like swift eagles, mounted on fast horses. • They will touch the saddle of Imam's (a.t.f.s.) mount to seek blessings. • They will be encircling Imam (a.t.f.s.) to safeguard him from all calamities and misfortune. • They will fulfill every desire of Imam (a.t.f.s.) with their heart and soul. • They will not sleep in the nights. • They will buzz like honeybees in their prayers. • They will pass the night in worship and in the morning they will be seen mounted on horses, ready for helping Imam (a.t.f.s.). • They will be devout worshippers by the night and like the lions in the day. • They will be more submissive and obedient to Imam than a maidservant. • Their hearts are stronger than iron. • They are like burning lamps and their hearts are like glowing beacons. • They will be having complete faith in Allah. There is no place for doubts in their hearts. • They are fearful of Allah and testify to His Unity. • They shall be tougher than stones. They will uproot the mountain only by turning towards it. • They are hopeful of martyrdom in the Way of Allah. • Their slogan will be "O Avenger of Hussain!" • When they march, their awe