Summary Article: Imam Al-Mahdi (P.B.U.H) and the Acceptance of Repentance
Nosratolah Aity
Translated by: Mujtaba Al-Helu
There are two groups of narrations about the essence of repentance and its acceptance in the era of the Debut, though apparently different.
One group considers the era of occultation a golden chance for repenting, since after the Debut of Imam Al-Mahdi, the sinners shall be deprived of this chance.
Nevertheless, the other group of narrations claims that the era of Debut is a time of perfection, which permits all the humans to transcend from their follies and flaws.
In order to reach to a logical conclusion, it seems that the second group refers to the genesis and initial period of the Debut, when Imam Al-Mahdi seeks perfection for all his subjects. On the other hand, the first group refers to a late stage after the divine illumination of the holy Debut and Imam›s efforts to guide humanity, after which, he shall resort to power to gain social and religious purity.
Additionally, the first group of the narrations might be a reference to those who reject the right path, despite their acquaintance with it; while the second group includes those who were ignorantly led astray.
However, the second group of narrations are more acceptable, since it undergoes logical measurements that accord with the principles of the holy Quran.
