The Twelfth Preliminary Session of the International Conference on Comparative Studies of Ethics in Islam and Christianity
Topic: The Culture of Waiting for Imam Mahdi in Islam and Christianity 
Lecturer: Professor Charles Randall Paul, Founder and President of the Foundation for Religious Diplomacy in the United States
Date: March 5, 2024
Venue: Islamic Sciences and Culture Academy, Qom, Iran.

The Significant Role of the waiting in Islam: Hojatoleslam Dr. Hossein Elahi Nejad: Waiting holds a very important position in Islam. This culture is based on both Quranic foundations and traditions. God states in the Holy Quran: "…and do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, no one despairs of the mercy of Allah except the disbelieving people" (Yusuf 12:87). This verse forms the foundation of hope and awaiting. Numerous traditions exist on this subject. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, "The best deed of my nation is to await the relief from Allah." In another tradition, Imam Ali (AS) said, "Await relief and do not despair of the mercy of Allah, for the most beloved deed to Allah is awaiting the relief." Awaiting is an essential, doctrinal, and social belief that all Islamic groups hold to some extent, and it influences all aspects of life for Muslim awaiters, especially Shias, both individually and socially.

Commonalities of Awaiting in Islam and Christianity

The Doctrine of Appearance The first doctrine related to awaiting is the concept of appearance. There must be an appearance for the concept of awaiting to have meaning. The principle of the appearance and coming of a savior is a shared doctrine between Islam and Christianity.

Unknown Time of Appearance The second common doctrine is the unknown time of the appearance. Many traditions state that those who set a time for the appearance are liars. Imam Baqir (AS) said, "Those who determine a time for it are liars." Similarly, Christianity holds that no one knows the time of the savior's coming except God.

Appearance Occurring in the End Times Another commonality between Islam and Christianity is that the appearance occurs in the end times, making the end times the context for the savior's appearance.

The Return of Jesus at the Time of Appearance Another shared belief is the coming of Jesus at the time of the appearance. Muslims believe that Jesus will assist Imam Mahdi, while Christians believe that Jesus will come as the savior.

Ascension of Jesus to Heaven The ascension of Jesus to heaven is another common point between Islam and Christianity, referenced in both the New Testament and the Holy Quran. God says in the Quran, "Rather, Allah raised him to Himself. And ever is Allah Exalted in Might and Wise" (An-Nisa 4:158). The difference lies in that Muslims believe Jesus was not killed but ascended alive, while Christians believe he was crucified and resurrected before ascending.

Awaiting in All Conditions and Times for Appearance Both religions teach that awaiters must always be in a state of awaiting the appearance. Imam Sadiq (AS) said, "In such conditions, people must await the relief morning and evening." Similarly, Christians believe awaiters must be ready for the appearance at all times.

Prayers for the Appearance Both religions have specific rituals and prayers for the savior's appearance. For instance, Shias recite prayers like Dua Nudba and Dua Faraj, while Christians have prayers like the Lord's Prayer and the Eucharist, akin to Muslims' prayers for relief.

Return of the Dead (Raj'a) The concept of the return of the dead is another commonality, with traditions stating that certain believers and disbelievers will return during and after the appearance to witness the establishment of the global government or face retribution.

The Killing of Satan at the Time of Appearance Both religions have traditions about Satan being defeated at the time of the appearance. Islamic traditions state that Satan will be chained and killed by Jesus on Imam Mahdi's command. Similarly, Christian scriptures mention Satan being captured and defeated by the savior and believers.

Differences in Awaiting between Islam and Christianity

Individual and Social Aspects of Awaiting Awaiting in Christianity is often viewed individually, with less emphasis on social aspects due to secularism. In Islam, particularly in Shia beliefs, awaiting has both individual and strong social functions, emphasized by the Imams.

Preparation for Appearance In Christianity, preparation for the appearance is mostly individual, while in Islam, it requires comprehensive readiness in both individual and social dimensions, including political, cultural, and doctrinal aspects.

A Key Question and Ambiguity Christians believe Jesus was martyred by the Jews, yet today there is an alliance between Jews and Christians, with some believing cooperation with Jews and control over Palestine will hasten Jesus's return. Does this belief exist in Christianity?

Christian Views on Appearance Professor Charles Randall Powell: Muslims' readiness for the appearance is well-founded. Jesus is like a lamp that remains lit as long as oil is added. Christians' duty is not to know when and where Jesus will appear but to maintain their righteousness to be ready for his coming. Two views exist among Christians:

1. Jesus will come when the world is filled with injustice and sin.
2. Jesus will appear when the world is full of goodness and virtue.

Some Christians fear God will destroy them in the end times, while others believe they must work to build a virtuous society.

A Question to Address Dr. Hossein Elahi Nejad stated that Muslims' readiness for the appearance must be comprehensive. If society is completely prepared, what then is the role of the savior Imam Mahdi?

Response by Dr. Hossein Elahi Nejad Muslims' readiness means reaching a level of deserving the appearance, not that they are already complete in the actions the savior will perform. Muslims must be ready for the changes the savior will bring.

Different Views on the End Times

1. The end times began with the last divine religion and prophet.
2. Some Shia beliefs hold that the end times will start with the last Imam's appearance.
3. The end times accompany the savior's appearance.
4. The end times are not a specific period but a context for the appearance.

Impact of the End Times View on Life Professor Charles Randall Powell: Years ago, teaching the Old Testament, especially the Book of Daniel, I surveyed students on their views about the end times. Their estimations on how long it would take for the end times to arrive significantly affected their outlook on life. Those who thought the end times were imminent focused on personal matters, while those who believed it was far off considered societal interactions more important.

Friendship and Salvation Mr. Malekzadeh emphasized that the highest path to salvation is through friendship and creating love. This deep social perspective begins in one's community and expands to broader regions and religions until the appearance of Imam Mahdi.

Building a Complete Society Hojatoleslam Dr. Mohammad Ali Savadi: According to the Supreme Leader, awaiting is not just a wish but an action. Muslims must build a society close to the society of the appearance. Ayatollah Jawadi Amoli stated that each of the 313 companions of Imam Mahdi should be like Imam Khomeini, and our institutions must strive to develop such individuals.

Fighting Against Bad Actions Muslims' mission is to bring the world to its highest perfection through unity, including intra-religious, inter-religious, and even unity between believers and non-believers. Fighting bad actions rather than people themselves is essential.

The Challenge of Individual Purification and Social Readiness Audience question: How can individual purification and readiness for the appearance be achieved if society is not ready?

Response by Professor Charles Randall Powell In America, there is a saying about living in the world but not being of it. Despite global challenges, achieving personal purity and readiness requires divine assistance, and places of worship can provide guidance for good behavior and purification.

Conclusion Achieving a state of readiness for the appearance requires both individual and societal efforts, with a focus on comprehensive preparation and unity among all people.