Why 'Awaiting'?
Intizar or
'awaiting' is innate in human nature. Everyone seems to be waiting for
somebody, or something to happen. Consciously or not, one sleeps at night
waiting for the dawn. He studies to aim for a degree. He works while
expecting a pay. As he is earning a living, he starts to contemplate for
marriage. Once married, he longs for a child. Ad infinitum...
As such, man is basically a 'waiting' creature in the sense that elements of
waiting are integral parcel of his life.
In like manner, human society, in whatever form it assumes---class, nation,
race, or denomination---is a 'waiting' society. All known cultures, a Muslim
sociologist argues, have two common characteristics. First, every culture
holds that in the distant past it had a 'golden age' during which there was
justice, peace, tranquility and love, and that this golden age came to an
end at some point in time and was followed by corruption, darkness, and
injustice. Secondly, they believe in a great and liberating revolution in
the future and a return to the golden age, the age of the victory of
justice, equality and brotherhood.
As a classical example, Messianism, or belief in a Messiah has existed in
human societies since time immemorial. It is a core common belief among the
three Abrahamic Faiths, viz., Judaism, Christianity and Islam.
Since after the reign of King Solomon, the Jews have been waiting for the
coming of a Messiah who, it is believed, would restore their lost glory and
grandeur.
Post-ascension of Jesus Christ is a period where the Christians have been
longing for the second coming of Christ.
The Muslims, on the other hand, have been expecting for the advent of Al-Mahdi
(The Guide) who, as a descendant of both Ishmael and Isaac, is believed to
have been the epitome of fulfillment of the Abrahamic Covenant:
"And (remember) when Abraham was tried by his Lord with certain Commands
(which he fulfilled). He said: 'I will make you the Imam of mankind.'
Abraham said: 'And also Imams from among my descendants?' He said: (Yes,
but) my Covenant does not extend to the iniquitous.'" Qur'an 2:124
...waiting for the Awaited Sun
© 1998-2004 Shajaratun Muntazirah
Email: [email protected]
Address: http://www.geocities.com/smuntazirah
