An Excerpt from the Sermon of the Holy Prophet (saww) to welcome the Blessed Month of Ramadhan. February 28, 2025 / editor
![“When they became oblivious to warnings, We showered them with everything they desired. But just as they became prideful of what they were given, We seized them by surprise, then they instantly fell into despair.” (Q6:44)
Aside from the general meaning of the verse, another possible meaning according to Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (a) is
When they became oblivious to warnings,
that when the people neglected their duty of being loyal [to Imam Ali (a)] after they had been commanded to do so,](https://enlighteninginspirations.ir/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Imam-al-Mahdi-ajtf-in-the-Holy-Quran-4-791x1024.png)
![Jabir bin Abdullah al-Ansari is reported to have said, “I asked the Holy Prophet (s): We know Allah and His Messenger, but who are those with authority, the obedience to whom Allah has attached to Him and to His Messenger?”
The Holy Prophet (saww) replied, “O Jabir, Those with authority are
my successors. The first of them is Ali ibn Abi Talib (a), followed by al-Hasan (a) and then al-Husayn (a). Then comes Ali ibn al-Husayn (a) and Muhammad ibn Ali (a) [also known as al-Baqir (a)]. You, Jabir, will live to meet him. When you do meet him, convey my salaams to him.
After him comes, al-Sadiq (a), followed by al-Kadhim (a). Then comes al-Ridha (a), al-Taqi (a), al-Naqi (a) and al-Askari (a).
The last of them is the one who will have the same name as me.
And it is he, al-Mahdi (ajtf). whose occultation (ghaybat) will take a long time. No one will believe in him except the true believers.”](https://enlighteninginspirations.ir/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Imam-al-Mahdi-ajtf-in-the-Holy-Quran-3-791x1024.png)
![Imam al-Sadiq (a) is reported to have said, “ The pious ones are the shias of Imam Ali (a) and the unseen is Imam al-Mahdi (ajtf). The proof of these words is seen in the verse below:
They ask, “ Why has no [other] sign been sent down to him from his Lord?” Say, [O Prophet] The knowledge of the unseen is with Allah alone. So wait! I too am waiting with you.” (Q10:20)](https://enlighteninginspirations.ir/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Imam-al-Mahdi-ajtf-in-the-Holy-Quran-1-791x1024.png)
![Imam Ali (a) has said, “… Verily this world has turned back and announced its departure, and
the Hereafter has come forward and its approach is visible. Indeed, today is the preparation and tomorrow is the race. The place to run to is Paradise while the end [for the loser] is Hell. ...”
Proper repentance is the
precondition for a pious life of virtue. A famous tradition beautifully states, “He who
repents from sin is like one who has no sin,”](https://enlighteninginspirations.ir/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/trancience-2-1024x663.png)
