HOPE
Most thinkers
and reformers believe that the only solution for putting the present world in order is the
establishment of a single world government based on justice.(12) Undoubtedly in order to check mutual
clash among the great powers of the world for the sake of expanding their spheres of
influence over weak nations. Also to abstain from the destruction of large masses in the
way of securing greater profits, to remove the problem of poverty and hunger which has
been caused solely for the sake of pillaging the wealth of the weak by the strong.
And finally to take a step towards liberation from difficulties so that people, like
hippies, do not, in despair, resort to narcotics in order to forget their wrong notions
about the futility of the world and all efforts and hopes. It is essential that a
government based on justice and authentic human values must take over the reins of affairs
of the whole world. It should unite all mankind into a single nation, and distribute all
wealth equally among human beings, fully control the military power of the world, and
place genuine human culture at the disposal of all.
Bertrand Russell, the great Western thinker and philosopher, says in
this connection:
“There is only one way to prevent war, and that is by setting up a
single world government which could solely control all the great and important weapons. In
my opinion if such a world government is set up, its establishment will be met with
agreement and satisfaction in some parts and must be effected by conquest in other
regions. I do not suppose that the human race possesses such an ability and statesmanship
to submit to the establishment of a world government willingly and wholeheartedly. That is
why I think that the use of force and pressure is necessary at the outset for its
establishment and preservation. “(13)
Thus, a great obstacle in this way is the lack of adequate force to
stand against the factors which start war and create other disorders. Today
the great powers of the world are in the hands of a group of selfish profiteers in whose
minds the only question that does not arise is to forsake their own chances in favor of
mankind and to set up a single world government on the basis of justice. For this reason
in order to attain such an ideal, it is necessary to have a well-informed and virtuous
leader who would rise with an immense power against these forces of oppression.
The presence of such a leader has long been felt by mankind for the
establishment of a society based on justice, and therefore, such a religious leader has
been spoken of,, in some form or other, by various peoples and nations. The Hindus call
him "Brahmin Kala"; Celtic groups name him "Arthur"; Zoroastrians
name this savior "Socianes"; the Jews call him "Joshua"; and the
Christians and Muslims give him the title of "Reformer" and "Mahdi".
Evidently enough, an individual, whose most important program is to combat
super-powers and to break up the organization of rioters, should have a power superior to
that of all others. So that he is able to remove them all in the shortest possible
time, and set up his wholly just rule in the world. Such a person can not attain his goal
unless he is supported by divine power,. And for this reason he has been considered by all
religions as an individual selected by God, and they have presented a picture of him and
his program, and with the lessening of time between these religions and the rise of that
reformer, his picture has become more vivid.
Accordingly, the Muslims are unanimous that in future a man of the Holy
Prophet's household who bears the same name, as he will rise by divine command, will
establish a single world government with a solid basis of brotherhood and equality. And
will put an end to all inequalities and human miseries (14)
The Quran
portrays the future most clearly in the following lines:
"God has promised to those of you who believe
and do good that He will most certainly make them rulers on the earth as He make rulers
those before them, and that He will most certainly establish for them their religion which
He has chosen for them, and that He will most certainly, after their fear, give them
security in exchange; they shall serve Me, not associating aught with Me.” (15)
The Shia traditions and narratives have given the following description
of Mahdi's program:
"He will
continue his armed combat until the total annihilation of oppressive governments.(16) He will be
aided by combatants and by the fear that God creates in the enemy's heart. As a result, he
will not turn to any land without hoisting the banner of Islam there.(17) In this way, he will conquer the
east and west(18)
and will set up a single world government on the basis of justice. Under his leadership of
the Islamic world society, human beings will be able to attain mental growth(19)
and acquire the highest levels of knowledge and insight.(20) Then the most perfect moral values Will
rule the world (21)
and under their auspices, unity and purity will be established among human beings.(22) He will divide
the wealth equally between people(23) and abolish all class differences, (24) that everyone
will have the possibility of activity and progress. consequently, the world will enjoy
such a degree of wealth and prosperity(25) that people Will have no need of seeking profit
in their dealings, and consider such an action as undesirable as usury. (26)
To be brief, all human societies, particularly the Muslims, are awaiting for
a bright future in which there is no fear and terror, no riot and confusion, no poverty
and hunger, and no sorrow and misfortune. It is this hope and expectation that have been
able to preserve human society so far against total destruction, and protect them against
the danger of drowning in this wild and stormy ocean, by sticking to a wooden plank until
they reach the safety of a ship. |