Importance of Du'a (supplication) for the reappearance of Imam Mahdi (aj)

Imam Ali (as) says:
“Supplication is a shield for believers. When a door is knocked repeatedly, it opens”
(Usool kafi, vol.4 chapter of Supplication is the weapon of a believer, pg.215, H.4)
Imam Sadiq (as) said to one of his companions:
“Should I indicate to you a thing for which Holy Prophet (sawa) has not provided for any exception?”
The companion, “Please do”; Imam (as), “Supplication, it changes a certain decree (Qadha)”
[Usool kafi, Ch: Supplication changes calamities and decree, Pg.216, H:6]

Imam (as) folded his wrist tightly and said “By Allah, if a servant prays to Allah with the depth of his heart then Allah would certainly fulfill his wishes”
[Usool kafi, Ch: Effects of supplication, pg:224, H:5]

Imam Sadiq (as) says:
“Pray and never say whatever should have happened has happened and whatever is decreed should happen”.
[Usool kafi, Ch:Merits of Supplication, Pg 211, H.3]

Supplication has its effects:
“We should believe in Bada (change). Allah has a manner (shaan) each day. He writes whatever He wishes and He erases whatever He wishes. Qadha (Decree) and Qadr (Measure) are not a barrier to Supplication. There are possibilities of alteration in “Lawh-e-Mahwo Isbat”. Apart from this, supplication is also a reason for Qadha and Qadr. Therefore, it is ordered to supplicate”. (Usool kafi)

In another tradition, Imam Jafar Sadiq (as) said:
Supplication removes the decree and stops it in the manner such that a tight rope is loosened” (Ibid)

We all are aware the best of all the supplications is supplicating for the reappearance since reappearance is not only our final wish but a solution to all our problems, whether hidden or apparent.
Master of the Time (aj) wrote in a tawqee to Ishaq bin Yaqoob:
“Pray excessively for my reappearance, since in my reappearance lies a solution to all your problems”
(Kamaluddin, Vol. 2, Pg. 485)

Imam (as) wrote in a Tawqee to the author of Kamaluddin:
“Had our shias, may Allah give them tawfiq, remained united in fulfilling our promises, then our meeting would not have been delayed” (Biharul Anwar, Vol. 53, Pg. 176)

On the effects of supplication, the following tradition of Imam Sadiq (as) is very noteworthy:
“When the calamities over the Bani Israeel became severe, they prayed to Allah wailing. Allah revealed to Moosa (as) and Haroon (as) to relieve Bani Israeel from the chastisements of the Pharaoh. This was at a time when there were 170 years left in their 400 year long punishment. Allah reduced 170 years of punishment.”
Imam (as) further says that:
Your condition is also such that if you pray to Allah for reappearance, then Allah will certainly cause an early reappearance and if you do not pray then this affair will attain its completion.” (Tafseer Ayashi, Vol.2, Pg. 155)

The author of Mikyal ul Makarim writes under this tradition as under:
Imam (aj)’s reappearance is from those events in which “Bad’a” (change/alter) is possible, i.e. there can be changes to the appointed time (Mikyalul Makarim, vol. 1 pg. 347)
It can also be concluded from some traditions that one of the rights that Imam (aj) has upon us is that we should pray for his reappearance.
Imam Jafar Sadiq (a.s.) says, “It is one of our right on our Shias, that they should hold their chin and supplicate thus:

يَا رَبَّ مُحَمَّدٍ عَجِّلْ فَرَجَ آلَ مُحَمَّدٍ- ياَ رَبَّ مُحَمَّدٍ اِحْفَظْ غَيْبَةَ مُحَمَّدٍ- يَا رَبَّ مُحَمَّدٍ اِنْتَقِمْ لِاِبْنَةِ مُحَمَّدٍ-
“O Lord of Mohammad, hasten the reappearance of sons of Mohammad. O Lord of Mohammad, protect the occultation of Mohammad. O Lord of Mohammad, hasten the revenge of daughter of Mohammad.” (Saheefa Mahdiyyah, Pg 195)

This supplication benefits the one who supplicates as well.
This supplication is the cause of deliverance from the darkness of the occultation. Imam Hasan Askari (as) says:
None will remain safe during occultation except for the one whom, Allah keeps steadfast and gives him an opportunity to pray for reappearance. (Kamaluddin, vol. 2, Pg 368)
In another tradition, he (as) narrates thus:
“When you realize that from amongst the clan of Progeny of Mohammad, an Imam is in occultation and you are barred from his visitation, then invoke Allah and pray for his reappearance. This will solve your problems.” (Kamaluddin, Ch. 32, H.)

There are many connections between supplication and reappearance. Some of these are reflected as below:
Supplication not only results in hastening of the reappearance, but also causes many bounties to descend, like forgiveness of sins, ascension of bounties, fending off calamities, prolonging of life, stability of sustenance, entering heaven, intercession of Aale Mohammad, safety from thirst on the day of judgement. The author of Mikyal has mentioned 110 benefits of praying for reappearance.

We reiterate that supplication can hasten the reappearance. Reappearance can be delayed by not praying. The incident of Bani Israeel would suffice as an example.
Some people say, “Imam (aj) will reappear when Allah wishes”. These people try to belittle the effects of supplication in this manner. This is true that the affair of reappearance actually lies in the hands of Allah. وَ اَمَّاظُهُوْرُ الْفَرَجُ فَاِنَّهُ اِلَي اللهِ
“And certainly, the authority of reappearance lies with Allah”. (Occultation Shaikh Toosi, Pg. 177).

However, keeping the traditions in mind, we can arrive at a conclusion that the reappearance of Imam (aj) is certain and the appointment of time for reappearance also lies with Allah. But, our prayers can bring near the time of reappearance. Allah’s promise can be fulfilled with our supplications.

A tradition from Imam Hassan (as) makes it obligatory to pray for reappearance like the daily 5 prayers. (Mikyalul Makarim, vol. 1, Pg. 333)

None should conclude of the foregoing discussions that, God forbid, Imam is in need of our prayers. He is not in need of our supplications. Rather, we are in need of his mercy. Its mentioned in a tradition that: “One who considers that Imam is in need of our supplications, then he is an unbeliever” (Tarjuma Mikyalul Makarim, vol. 2, Pg. 166).

Imam is needless of whatever is with the people. Whatever we pray for him, will benefit us alone. Whenever Allah wills and Imam reappears, every one will be benefited. World and its valuables are valueless for Imam Zaman (aj). He is concerned only for the Will of Allah and cares for the achievement of His Will.”