mahdi what benefit does the absent imam bring to the ummah now

[AnonymousMatrix]

Salam just have question about shia mahdi

if you believe that the final imam, has been hidden for over 1200 years, what benefit has he brought to the muslims during this entire period of absence? How is it just that Allah would make the guidance and survival of this ummah dependent on someone completely hidden, when the Quran says: ‘This day I have perfected for you your religion, completed My favor upon you, and approved for you Islam as your religion’? Doesn’t this verse show the religion was completed and perfected without the need for any hidden figure?

Jazakom Allah Khayr

[Abu Nur]

Salaam Aleikum,

Only Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَ تَعَالَى) knows how he have benefit us in the time of hidden Imam. The whole point of believing in ghaybah is exactly have full confidence and believe in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَ تَعَالَى) guidance and help. He will come when Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَ تَعَالَى) decide to make him appear to us.

[realizm]

22 minutes ago, AnonymousMatrix said:

 Doesn’t this verse show the religion was completed and perfected without the need for any hidden figure?

Jazakom Allah Khayr

... Or any khalifah succeding the Prophet... ? 

[Borntowitnesstruth]

42 minutes ago, AnonymousMatrix said:

Salam just have question about shia mahdi

if you believe that the final imam, has been hidden for over 1200 years, what benefit has he brought to the muslims during this entire period of absence? How is it just that Allah would make the guidance and survival of this ummah dependent on someone completely hidden, when the Quran says: ‘This day I have perfected for you your religion, completed My favor upon you, and approved for you Islam as your religion’? Doesn’t this verse show the religion was completed and perfected without the need for any hidden figure?

Jazakom Allah Khayr

One noticeable benefit is that people reveal their true nature while Imam is in occultation like some fabricate lies upon Allah (عزّ وجلّ) and die disappointing and misguiding others while some stay patient by reviving hope in Allah (عزّ وجلّ) and dying as those who struggled in the way of Allah (عزّ وجلّ). 

This occultation is same as occultation of Prophet Moses (عليه السلام) purging hasty from the patient, purging disbeliever from a believer. 

Although Allah (عزّ وجلّ) says Islam is complete but not without the condition of obedience of Ulil-Amr. So, if you don't follow any Ulil-Amr, your Deen is incomplete.

[AnonymousMatrix]

1 hour ago, Abu Nur said:

Salaam Aleikum,

Only Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَ تَعَالَى) knows how he have benefit us in the time of hidden Imam. The whole point of believing in ghaybah is exactly have full confidence and believe in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَ تَعَالَى) guidance and help. He will come when Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَ تَعَالَى) decide to make him appear to us.

Wa alaykom as Salam

Jazākum Allāhu khayran for your reply. I truly appreciate the importance of full trust in Allah’s guidance. However, since belief in the ghaybah (occultation) of the Mahdi is such a central tenet, may I kindly ask for clarification on a few points, based on what Allah revealed in the Qur’an and what is established in the Sunnah?

From this verse, we understand that Islam was perfected during the lifetime of the Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم), who conveyed the complete message. If a hidden figure was necessary for the survival of the religion, wouldn’t that imply the Deen was not fully perfected at the time of this verse?

Allah says:

"Messengers as bearers of good news and warners so that mankind will have no argument against Allah after the messengers." (Surah an-Nisā’ 4:165)

The role of divine representatives was always dhāhir (apparent), so that people had no excuse before Allah. If the final Imam has been hidden for over 1200 years, how can anyone benefit from his guidance directly? What then is the difference between his existence and non-existence in terms of practical guidance?

Allah also commands:

 

"And if you disagree over anything, refer it to Allah and the Messenger if you should believe in Allah and the Last Day." (Surah an-Nisā’ 4:59)

Referring back to Allah (the Qur'an) and the Messenger (Sunnah) is the methodology taught by Allah. There’s no indication that an infallible hidden leader is required in this process. (If one says this verse refers to the imams, how can someone disagree with an infallible Imam in the first place?)

 

We indeed believe in the unseen (al-ghayb), but that unseen is specifically what Allah has told us: belief in Allah, the Angels, the Last Day, etc. The argument that belief in the hidden Imam is part of tawakkul resembles the Christian belief in the Pope’s unseen infallibility.

 

We indeed believe in the unseen (al-ghayb), but that unseen is specifically what Allah has told us: belief in Allah, the Angels, the Last Day, etc. The argument that belief in the hidden Imam is part of tawakkul resembles the Christian belief in the Pope’s unseen infallibility.

The Qur'an teaches that our trust is on Allah directly, and that His religion is preserved:

"Indeed, it is We who sent down the Qur'an and indeed, We will be its guardian." (Surah al-Ḥijr 15:9)

The preservation and guidance of the Ummah is through the Qur’an and Sunnah, not a hidden person whom none can reach.

I understand the emotional and spiritual significance of the awaited Mahdi in your belief. However, my sincere concern is that this concept of ghaybah contradicts the Qur’anic principles of open, accessible guidance and the completion of the religion.

From our perspective, the true Mahdi will come near the end of times—as the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) described in authentic ahadith—but he will not be hidden for centuries. Instead, he will be recognized by the Ummah when he appears, fulfilling Allah’s promise of eventual rectification—not perpetual ghaybah.

May Allah guide us all to what is most pleasing to Him and unite us upon the truth.

Allah knows best 

[AnonymousMatrix]

2 hours ago, realizm said:

... Or any khalifah succeding the Prophet... ? 

The difference between the two is that the Khilafah was a worldly leadership chosen by the people to manage affairs, while the completion of the religion refers to the guidance from Allah through the Qur’an and Sunnah fully perfected and needing no hidden or divinely appointed figure after the Prophet صلى الله عليه واله وسلم 

[Abu Nur]

9 hours ago, AnonymousMatrix said:

From this verse, we understand that Islam was perfected during the lifetime of the Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم), who conveyed the complete message. If a hidden figure was necessary for the survival of the religion, wouldn’t that imply the Deen was not fully perfected at the time of this verse?

Allah says:

"Messengers as bearers of good news and warners so that mankind will have no argument against Allah after the messengers." (Surah an-Nisā’ 4:165)

 

You are now comparing Messengerhood with an Imamah, two different concept and tasks. The completeness of the Religion exactly included the Imamah, it is demonstrated in the event of the Ghadir Khum. The Hidden Imam is necessary for the survival of the religion, because he have an role to take care of it in ghaybah and we are not aware his actions and how Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَ تَعَالَى) uses him in ghaybah. 

Quote

The role of divine representatives was always dhāhir (apparent), so that people had no excuse before Allah. If the final Imam has been hidden for over 1200 years, how can anyone benefit from his guidance directly? What then is the difference between his existence and non-existence in terms of practical guidance?

Show me the proof that divine representatives was always dhāhir. This include Prophet Isa (عليه السلام) when he went to occultation and his people were already divided, why did Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَ تَعَالَى) not make him appear and fix his people, why He made it exactly to appear at the same time of Imam Mehdi (عليه السلام)?

Quote

We indeed believe in the unseen (al-ghayb), but that unseen is specifically what Allah has told us: belief in Allah, the Angels, the Last Day, etc. The argument that belief in the hidden Imam is part of tawakkul resembles the Christian belief in the Pope’s unseen infallibility.

This makes no sense. Of course it is part of the tawakkul because for us it is part of the ghaybah. Any gaybah require tawakkul to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَ تَعَالَى). 

Quote

The preservation and guidance of the Ummah is through the Qur’an and Sunnah, not a hidden person whom none can reach.

It is in your own book that prophet defined what is that will preservative the guidance of the Ummah and it is not Qur'an and Sunnah, rather it is:

Narrated Zaid bin Arqam, may Allah be pleased with both of them:

that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:"Indeed, I am leaving among you, that which if you hold fast to them, you shall not be misguided after me. One of them is greater than the other: The Book of Allah is a rope extended from the sky to the earth, and my family - the people of my house - and they shall not split until they meet at the Hawd, so look at how you deal with them after me." 

Grade: Sahih (Darussalam)

Reference : Jami` at-Tirmidhi 3788
In-book reference : Book 49, Hadith 187
English translation : Vol. 1, Book 46, Hadith 378

Narrated by Imam Ahamd bin Hanbal via his own chain from Zaid bin Thabit who said :

Prophet [(صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم)] left for us two Caliphs. One is Book of Allah [(سُبْحَانَهُ وَ تَعَالَى)] a rope between Earth and Skies or vice versa and Another are my AhluBayt my Progeny. These two will not seperate from eachother untill they will meet me at Pond [of Kawthar].

Investigator of this book Allamah Shouib AlArna’ut says : This Hadith is Authentic along with its supportive Narrations.

The reason you say Sunnah is because it allows you to follow and listen every possible companion even if he is fasiq. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَ تَعَالَى) and the Prophet were very aware of this reality, so He made precisely an commandment that Ahlulbayt (عليه السلام) is the successful of the Prophet and the Khulafa and guidance of the Ummah after him.

Quote

The difference between the two is that the Khilafah was a worldly leadership chosen by the people to manage affairs, while the completion of the religion refers to the guidance from Allah through the Qur’an and Sunnah fully perfected and needing no hidden or divinely appointed figure after the Prophet صلى الله عليه واله وسلم 

There is no authority or an choice of people for any worldly leadership after the Prophet (saws), the Prophet clearly left an Khalifa after Him to be followed and it is Imam Ali Ibn Abi Talib (عليه السلام) and his Progeny.

[Syed Ali Mehdi Shah Naqvi]

12 hours ago, AnonymousMatrix said:

Salam just have question about shia mahdi

if you believe that the final imam, has been hidden for over 1200 years, what benefit has he brought to the muslims during this entire period of absence? How is it just that Allah would make the guidance and survival of this ummah dependent on someone completely hidden, when the Quran says: ‘This day I have perfected for you your religion, completed My favor upon you, and approved for you Islam as your religion’? Doesn’t this verse show the religion was completed and perfected without the need for any hidden figure?

Jazakom Allah Khayr

salam

It's the same guidance that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَ تَعَالَى) gives us while being hidden. Imam (عليه السلام) is here among us, we just don't know till Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَ تَعَالَى) commands him to make it public. You never know brother when Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَ تَعَالَى) wants to guide or answer someone and something reaches a believer that he needed the most secretly, or certain events occur etc There are tons of ways but exactly how or when Imam guides, is hidden from us.

Just like Angels bringing Rain, Rizq it's all ghaib unseen yet you believe. Even though everything can be explained that it's natural, clouds are formed due to certain phenomenon and as for rizq, we do job or we get from parents etc still everyone believes in unseen angels doing all of that by Allah's permission

[Syed Ali Mehdi Shah Naqvi]

12 hours ago, AnonymousMatrix said:

when the Quran says: ‘This day I have perfected for you your religion, completed My favor upon you, and approved for you Islam as your religion’? Doesn’t this verse show the religion was completed and perfected without the need for any hidden figure?

i have a question

Since Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَ تَعَالَى) completed religion at Arfa or Ghadeer whatever you believe in, why do we need Quran at all today as a book? Why do we need hadith? Quran was compiled together after death of Rasool (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) means after verse Today i've perfected your religion was revealed.

If you say my question is stupid because Quran & Hadith are deen what was perfected by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَ تَعَالَى), then i have same response to that. Mahdi (عليه السلام) was mentioned by Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) in both shia and Sunni hadeeth and he was part of deen that was perfected. period. If there was no need of Mahdi (عليه السلام), Rasool (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) would've have told us anything about him.

[realizm]

10 hours ago, AnonymousMatrix said:

The difference between the two is that the Khilafah was a worldly leadership chosen by the people to manage affairs, while the completion of the religion refers to the guidance from Allah through the Qur’an and Sunnah fully perfected and needing no hidden or divinely appointed figure after the Prophet صلى الله عليه واله وسلم 

Brother, we cannot change history.

The Qur'an clearly mentions that we should obey Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَ تَعَالَى) and the Prophet (sawas).

The Prophet said 'Give me a paper and a pen so I write my orders to you'.

Some people judged that he was delirious and disobeyed because they thought they had whatever they needed and their religion was perfected. 

Then they strangely proceeded to an election.

Then the multiple fitna began. 

Does that really sound like those people knew what Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَ تَعَالَى) meant by perfected religion ? 

If you seek sincerely across various sources, you will find that the verses saying the religion was perfected came right after a particular event. And you will not see things the same way. 

 

 

[guest 2025]

He will have special abilities. He will be so intelligent and knowledgeable that geniuses will be like cattle in comparison to him. His iman will be so strong that all he has to do is shout "Allahu Akbar" and mountains will crumble. And he is also perfect in akhlaq.

So if a person like that is in charge, we will see a powerful and just figure crush the oppressors of the Muslims. 

Israel? Done. France harassing hijabis? History. America leeching the Middle East dry? No more.

And he will use his abilities and grace to establish khair in this world. Islam will grow. There will be a mosque on every street. The average person will be as knowledgeable as a sheikh.

 

To answer your question: We don't believe he is inactive. He is working behind the curtain, and we won't know the extent of what he did until he appears. For all we know he could have prevented countless wars and saved countless lives. And while the religion is perfected, we the Ummah have not implemented it perfectly. Judaism is actually true, it is the teachings of the true Prophet Musa (عليه السلام). But look at the Jewish ummah. And look at us and how we are so disappointing.

Why is the Imam hidden for all this time? Well if we're Sunni then why hasn't Allah allowed the Imam to be born for all this time? In either case, Allah who is the Most Wise and Most Knowledgeable does not see it fit to have an Imam take charge right now.

And you could also compare him to the Prophets who are alive today. Why isn't Nabi Isa (عليه السلام) active if he's alive? Why not Nabi Khidr (عليه السلام) or Nabi Elias (عليه السلام)? There's all these problems and they are so capable, why don't they just come out and take charge? And what have they been doing for all of these thousands of years?

 

[Ashvazdanghe]

Salam related thread

 

On 3/24/2025 at 3:07 AM, AnonymousMatrix said:

We indeed believe in the unseen (al-ghayb), but that unseen is specifically what Allah has told us: belief in Allah, the Angels, the Last Day, etc. The argument that belief in the hidden Imam is part of tawakkul resembles the Christian belief in the Pope’s unseen infallibility.

Lol even Christians don't believe in  "the Pope’s unseen infallibility." your misinterpretation comes from anti Shia rhetoric without understanding the concept of Tawakkul & hidden Imam .

On 3/24/2025 at 3:07 AM, AnonymousMatrix said:

From this verse, we understand that Islam was perfected during the lifetime of the Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم), who conveyed the complete message. If a hidden figure was necessary for the survival of the religion, wouldn’t that imply the Deen was not fully perfected at the time of this verse?

The Deen has been perfected when Amir Al Muminin Imam Ali (عليه السلام) has been declared by divine command as Imam & successor of prophet Muhammad (pbu) & his caliph which it has been stated by prophet Muhammad (pbu) which lineage of his successor as infallible Imams will be continued from lineage of Imam Hussain (عليه السلام) until Imam Mahdi (aj) ; which being hidden figure doesn't mean that he is not in our reach who has reach to anyone which he is aware of all of our affairs who he helps us in dire situation ;  which even in your sunni viewpoint you can't reach to your CEO/manager or boss anytime which you want but he is still in charge of you which still you can reach to him through protocols & proxies although maybe you don't have direct access to him which he can monitor your affairs in order to interference when his presence will be needed  in special conditions.

On 3/24/2025 at 3:07 AM, AnonymousMatrix said:

From our perspective, the true Mahdi will come near the end of times—as the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) described in authentic ahadith—but he will not be hidden for centuries. Instead, he will be recognized by the Ummah when he appears, fulfilling Allah’s promise of eventual rectification—not perpetual ghaybah.

This is our common between us  point which he will advent in end times which your logic has a huge problem which you don't have any strong proof or sign for recognizing him which concept of fake Mahdis is common between both of  Sunnis & Shia muslims which you have no procedure to deny them while we have crystal clear procedure for recognizing him ; which also when someone claims to be the true Mahdi so therefore he must be at least a mature man which according to your viewpoint  a sinful person who has committed great sins likewise Shirk can  become Mahdi by a simple oral repentance in one night even without making up his sins ; while according to Shia viewpoint he must be the infallible Imam from linage of prophet Muhammad (pbu) who has not committed any sin in his lifetime which also in opposition of you we have clear signs & proofs for recognizing him which his Ghaybah is not perpetual in opposition to your misunderstanding which his Ghaybah will end by divine will as "fulfilling Allah’s promise of eventual rectification" .

 

[Eddie Mecca]

On 3/23/2025 at 7:37 PM, AnonymousMatrix said:

Islam was perfected

Islam was perfected then but human beings will perpetually and continuously be in need of spiritual refinement until the Day of Reckoning...Also, if the so-called orthodox understanding is correct, Jesus and Idris are somewhere in the heavens...Khidr, Ilyaas and perhaps a few others (peace be upon them) are secretly on the Earth...I could redirect the question back at you...what's the purpose of them being alive in the modern era? How do we benefit from them being alive?

[Ansar Shiat Ali]

Wa alykum Al Salam. This question can be answered in two ways. 

Firstly, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَ تَعَالَى) says in the honorable Quran that he is establishing a successive authority on the earth in the story of Adam (عليه السلام) in Surat Al Baqarah. Knowing that an established authority, by Allah, is successive, the reason as to why the condition of one authority might be different doesn’t concern us. 

The second answer is what Imam al Mahdi (عجل الله تعالى فرجه الشريف) said in one of his authentic letters to a Shia that wrote the same question.

“As for the reason behind what has occurred regarding the occultation, Allah, the Almighty, says: 'O you who have believed, do not ask about things that, if they are shown to you, will distress you.' Indeed, every one of my forefathers had a pledge imposed upon him by the tyrant of his time, and I am emerging as they emerged, without pledging allegiance to any of the tyrants.

As for the benefit during my occultation, it is like benefiting from the sun when it is concealed by clouds from the sight. I am a sanctuary for the people of the Earth just as the stars are a sanctuary for the people of the heavens. Therefore, refrain from asking about matters that do not concern you, and do not burden yourselves with what you have been relieved of. Increase in supplication for the hastening of the Relief (Faraj), for it is your salvation.”

(Kitab Al Ghaybah, by Al Tusi)