Religion plays the leading role in our lives. Most estern intellectuals and sociologists philosophers, even the Shiite ones have tried to obliterate the role of religion in life and pretend that religion was only necessary for
a specific period of time. For example in past people used to turn to religion in order to cure different diseases. (E.g. To drink the dissolved printed sura 1in a bowl of water)

Today it is claimed that due to medicine development, there is no need to apply religious methods. \"Peter Ludwig Burger\" the American retired sociology professor of the University Of Boston, in his book \"Sacred Canopy\", calls religion a shelter that dominates our lives and all our deeds must be supervised under which.


Despite other Europeans, Berger believes that the more complicated issues are, the more we need religion. (E.g. whenever you have a toothache, you go to the dentist;     or if you have a headache, you take a pill.) 


Does the above example imply that the role of religion is being trivialized??? 

The role of religion is not trivialized, rather, it\'s changed.


Eschatology or religious study of extremity is a western school of thought, which introduces 2 viewpoints about the ultimate.


1- Ultimate is merely resurrection day. Meaning that we put this world aside and just think of the judgment day, which is against our (Moslems) belief in savior.



(All the religions and schools of thought simultaneously believe in two things:  

A- The hereafter.

B- A perfect world rebuilt by the savior.

"و نرید
ان نمنّ علی الذین استضعفوا فی الارض\".

"We are
to indebt (send them the savior) those who were weakened and oppressed on the earth.


2- To believe in the hereafter in which the righteous and the faithful only are prosperous.


Surely, spirituality conforms to human nature. Even the cruelest people in history have been influenced by justice. Accordingly, after martyrizing Imam Ali (a.s),
the hypocrite Ibn Muljam (God may curse him!) went to Muavieh Ibn Abu Sofyan,(the cruel ruler) and told him about his own living problems. Muavieh gave him a great many gifts. He prayed for Muavieh when leaving, so: \"Oh, Lord! Thank you for replacing a just ruler (Muavieh) with a cruel one (Imam Ali)."


On hearing this, Muavieh got very angry, took the presents back, crying and said:      
"Nobody is as just and righteous as Imam Ali is, on the whole earth."


Generally speaking, human nature has a tendency towards affection, justice and kindness.
The universal government that we are going to be facing when the savior comes embraces these features; brotherhood, beauty, sympathy, wisdom, justice and all the good. We all love peace and wisdom. I.e. Human nature is in accordance with these features, even if in some cases they are in contrast with his benefits. The brave have always been admired throughout history, even the soldiers fighting in the wrong path.



The characteristics of Imam Mahdi's government:


1- Imam Mahdi's
government is global. It is not particular to any special religion or area. Many non Moslems will accept his invitation as well.

2- The religion offered by Imam Mahdi is unique in the world. There will be no disagreement on the religious orders among people.


3- This government
will be established in order to fight against oppression and cruelty.


There are three types of oppression:

A- Oppression of one's own soul.

B- Oppression of others.

C- Oppression of God.


None of the oppressions will be permitted in Imam Mahdi\'s global government.


4- True justice:
Nowadays most people are not satisfied with what they are, (their appearance, life conditions, living place, etc). Every one seeks better life conditions. Today's world is full of differences in creed and behavior. Every one
thinks he is right. In the present era, it\'s difficult to tell the good from the bad.




Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said: "The believer moves on the right path as if he is holding a flame of fire in his hands, walking on (striding) a narrow rope."


5- Living in Imam Mahdi's government will completely be religion-based. I.e. Religion will enter all aspects of our lives. Business, eating, sleeping, speaking, smiling and frowning should be based on religion that is they should have certain extremes.


Imagine a triangle with three vertices: Mercy, Logic, Jihad (holy war)


If these three consider in the world, Imam Mahdi certainly reappear.




Mercy is located in the apex of this triangle and logic and holy war (jihad) are the other two vertices. These are the three principles that Prophet Muhammad
(pbuh) and his family put emphasis on and Imam will put them into practice as well. If mercy is expanded throughout a society, the society will be best prepared for the advent. Mercy should start from our own home and then spread throughout the whole world. (First reform your manners, then the others!) How ever, mercy is not enough by itself. In facing and treating some people we should use logic and in treating the others, we should go through the holy war (jihad).


****
QURAN

As mentioned before, these three principles will also be put into practice in Imam Mahdi\'s government. Meaning that, if one does something wrong, he will
first be made aware of his wrong deed with good temper and affection. The consequences of his actions will then be advised to him softly and logically. If he is not convinced, he will be deterred from his deeds.
If he intends to fight, the government will have an armed conflict with him, otherwise he must pay the poll-tax to the government. The present monarchies in the world pay less attention to the individuals in society. The only thing which is important to them is to make people calm down and to prevent rebellion and violence. For their purpose, they\'ve kept people\'s minds busy through various hobbies and ntertainments.


Butů In Imam Mahdi's government people are not left alone. There are certain programs for each moment of our lives.




But how do people admit such a government with such qualities???

1- Imam Mahdi will be so kind to all people that they will be embarrassed.

2- Imam Mahdi will explain the issues in a logical way that anyone (in the right mind and nature) will be convinced. All the logicians, scholars and scientists
will submit as they see his logic.


3- Finally, the remained group are the black-hearted who they don't accept any logic or mercy. (Deaf, dump, and blind, they will not return (to the right
path) - 2:18 Quran) Imam Mahdi will fight against them. According to the narrations, Imam Mahdi\'s government will be so powerful in which the frightened enemies will hide under the ground, however the shias will find them. But clearly these people are small in number, because most people are conscientious and good natured.

May Allah guide us to the right path, to use these three principles.