The program began at 7:30 PM on Thursday, February 13, 2025 (corresponding to Bahman 25, 1403 in the Persian calendar) with the recitation of the uplifting Dua Kumayl. This was followed by Mr. Abolghasemi, the Cultural Counselor, who recited Dua al-Faraj and welcomed Iranian residents and Muslims. He extended his congratulations on the blessed birth of the Savior of humanity, Imam Mahdi (AJ), emphasizing that this auspicious occasion is an opportunity for all Muslims, especially Shia communities worldwide, to renew their allegiance to the Divine Guardian and benefit from its blessings.

He stated: "The birth of Imam Mahdi (AJ) is not just a historical event, but a turning point that carries within itself a message of hope, promise, and change for humanity. Imam Mahdi (AS) is introduced as the savior of humanity in the era of occultation, as a symbol of justice, peace, and liberation from oppression and corruption in the world."

The cultural counselor stated that the emergence of Imam Mahdi (AS) is certain. He will come to save the world from darkness, ignorance, and corruption and to bring it the light of guidance and justice. Humanity today, more than ever, is in need of such a savior. The problems that exist across the world and among different societies highlight the necessity of a unified, just, and divine leadership. As Imam Ali (AS) described Imam Mahdi (AS): "He is the one who will fill the earth with justice and equity, just as it was filled with oppression and corruption."

Imam Mahdi (AJ), through his reappearance, will show all people—even those who have drifted away from the essence of religion, where the truth lies and how living according to divine principles can bring peace and tranquility to all of humanity. His appearance will be beneficial and blessed not only for Muslims but for all people across the world.

 

He further stated that alongside the hope and promise of Imam Mahdi’s (AS) reappearance, we, as Shia and his followers, must prepare ourselves. We must pave the way for his arrival by increasing our awareness, strengthening our faith, and adhering to the principles of religion. As Imam Ali (AS) said, “Relief is in the hands of God, but the conditions for reappearance must be prepared.” These conditions are fulfilled through our spiritual and moral readiness—through repentance, self-purification, distancing ourselves from oppression and corruption, and striving for the betterment of society. Ultimately, we must never forget that Imam Mahdi (AS) is always present in our hearts. This spiritual and heartfelt presence should remain alive in our lives, fueling our hope for his reappearance and our efforts to build a better world.

In conclusion, he asked the Almighty God that during these blessed days, our hearts be illuminated with love and anticipation for the reappearance of Imam Mahdi (May Allah hasten his reappearance) and that his advent be made possible at the soonest time. Following this, the Cultural Counselor invited Hujjat al-Islam wal-Muslimeen "Al-Sibal Ibnu", a Filipino graduate of Al-Mustafa International University, to deliver a speech.

 

Mr. Al-Sibal Ibnu began by extending his congratulations to the brothers and sisters present on the blessed birth of the Imam of the Time (May Allah hasten his reappearance). He then stated, “The topic I wish to share with you tonight, on this special occasion, concerns our responsibilities as Shia during the period of Imam of the Time (AJ) occultation.

He continued, “We all know that Islam is not limited to mere faith and acceptance. Once we have accepted Islam as our religion and God as our Lord, the next stage is fulfilling our duties and responsibilities. As Muslims, since we recognize God as our Creator, we acknowledge His right to be worshipped and obeyed. With His infinite knowledge, He is fully aware of everything about us—what is good for us and what is harmful. Based on this knowledge, He has given us commandments and prohibited certain things for our benefit. Therefore, our responsibility is to obey His commands and worship Him.”

 

He also stated, “Regarding the Infallibles (peace be upon them), we know that out of His mercy, God willed to guide humanity toward perfection. To achieve this, He chose from among His creation those who were protected from any error or mistake—(Indeed, Allah desires to remove all impurity from you, O People of the Household… [Qur'an 33:33])—so that people would have no excuse for not following them. Therefore, if we seek to attain perfection, as God has commanded us, our responsibility is to follow and obey the Infallibles (peace be upon them).”

 

Mr. Al-Sibal Ibnu: “In past generations, before the Twelfth Imam and even for a few decades after the Minor Occultation, the Shia did not face significant difficulty in identifying their Imam. The generations before the Twelfth Imam lived alongside their Imams—some were his companions, others met individuals who personally knew the Imam, and at the very least, they received teachings or news from the Imam through someone who had directly heard from him. During the time of the Twelfth Imam, throughout the Minor Occultation, and even for some decades after the beginning of the Major Occultation, the situation remained somewhat similar. The likelihood of knowing and obeying the Imam was much greater for Shias of that time compared to those who came centuries later.”

 

He continued, “If there were problems in following the Imams—or even worse, if some people stood against their own Imam—it was not because they did not know him, but rather due to the corruption in their hearts. For example, in Karbala, some of the killers of Imam Hussain (a.s.) knew him better than we do. Many of the people of Kufa who refused to help Imam Hussain (a.s.) were well aware of who he was. The point here is that Muslims of that generation, and even for several decades after the Major Occultation began, had easier access to recognizing their Imam. He continued, “We were born centuries after the major occultation, and it has become much more difficult for us to recognize our imam. This is why false claimants of Mahdism keep appearing one after another—they know that later generations of Shia will struggle to identify their true Imam. Unfortunately, they are somewhat correct because we see that some Shia have fallen for these false claims, following and even defending these impostors. The primary reason for this is our lack of awareness about our own Imam. This is why today’s Shia have a responsibility to increase their knowledge about their Imam.”

He said, “Let us ask God, by the blessing of this sacred night, to keep us on the right path and grant us greater success in knowing our Imam. And if our sins have not yet been forgiven in the past days of Sha'ban, may He, God willing, forgive us in the remaining days and allow us to reach the month of Ramadan while being enveloped in His pardon and grace. ."O Allah, if you have not forgiven us...)

Mr. Al-Sibal Ibnu concluded his speech by reciting verses from the famous poem "News has come, news is coming" by the late Aghasi, which was written in honor of the position and dignity of Imam Mahdi (AJ).

The screening of selected video clips and the recitation of poems in praise of Imam Mahdi (may Allah hasten his reappearance) by some guests were among the other programs of this memorable night. In the end, the guests were treated to a blessed feast in honor of Imam Mahdi (aj).