On the dawn of the 9th of Rabi al-Awwal, the final divine proof reached the position of Imamate, ensuring that the people of the earth, even during the Minor and Major Occultation, would not be deprived of the blessings of the presence of the Guardian of the Age, whether hidden or manifest. For this reason, the beginning of the Imamate of Imam Mahdi (may God hasten his reappearance) on the 9th of Rabi al-Awwal, and pledging allegiance to the sole savior of humanity on this day, can be considered another Ghadir for the followers of the Imamate.
Fortunately, the Islamic Republic of Iran, established based on the principle of the Guardianship of the Jurist as the general deputy of Imam Mahdi (may God hasten his reappearance), has been the largest collective allegiance of Shi’a to the promised Mahdi in recent centuries. It has successfully preached the Mahdavi lifestyle as an undeniable principle across the world. Given the importance of this blessed historical day, the Jam-e-Jam newspaper held an interview with Hojjat al-Islam Dr. Seyed Sajad Izdehi, head of the Institute for Islamic Systems Research, which follows below.
Hojjat al-Islam Seyed Sajad Izdehi, discussing the philosophy of pledging allegiance to Imam Mahdi (may God hasten his reappearance), and the practical manifestations of belief in Mahdism, spoke to Jam-e-Jam about the meaningful connection between this allegiance and the awareness of the human community regarding current global events, as well as the defense of the oppressed, including support for Palestine as an extension of our allegiance to Imam al-Asr (may God hasten his reappearance). He said, “Belief in Mahdism is not an abstract or theoretical matter; it requires groundwork and active participation.”
Globalization of the Mahdavi Culture through Fighting Oppression
The head of the Institute for Islamic Systems Research reminded: “With passive attitudes and negligence toward the necessity of preparing for the reappearance, the expectation of the Mahdi’s return loses its meaning. Mahdism is a tangible reality, and the logic of this concept must be understood within society. The Islamic Revolution was the only revolution that realized the idea of Mahdism as the ultimate goal of religion and prepared the groundwork for the appearance of the savior in the world.”
If today, the Islamic Revolution has the loudest voice in support of the oppressed in the world, including Palestine, it is because it provides the prerequisites for the reappearance of the savior through a focus on justice, resistance against arrogance, and support for the deprived. This characteristic has existed in the essence of our revolution from the beginning, which was formed with the aim of globalizing the Mahdavi culture.
The “Soldier’s Oath”: One of the Highest Symbols of Allegiance to Imam al-Asr (may God hasten his reappearance)
Emphasizing the significance of ceremonies that are practical expressions of allegiance to Imam Mahdi (may God hasten his reappearance), he stated: “The participation of military personnel and senior commanders in the morning oath ceremony, ‘The Soldier’s Oath,’ at the holy site of the Jamkaran Mosque, is one of the highest and most prominent symbols of allegiance to Imam al-Asr in the Islamic Republic. Every official, in every position, must adopt the practice of renewing allegiance—not just in a single program or day, but throughout the entire year. The logic of allegiance to Imam Mahdi (may God hasten his reappearance) is to declare continuous loyalty and support for the savior.”
Events such as the Soldier’s Oath ceremony or the acts of the defenders of the holy shrines, who protect the borders of the country and the sanctuaries of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them), serve as reminders that we are always at the service of the Imam. On one hand, we fight against oppression, and on the other, we move forward toward the ideals of Mahdism with foresight. The symbols of Mahdism are important, but the gathering of those who believe in this truth is also of great importance. Therefore, symbols, civilizations, and cultures must all be organized toward one specific goal—Mahdism—and this organization must manifest in reality.
