How Love of the World Blinds Humanity from Recognizing the Awaited Savior
In a time where consumerism, luxury, and self-indulgence dominate modern life, the idea of a divinely guided leader calling humanity back to justice, truth, and spiritual purity may seem distant—even threatening. Yet this is exactly what Imam Muhammad ibn al-Hasan al-Mahdi (AJ), the 12th Imam in Twelver Shia Islam, is destined to do.
His reappearance will challenge the very foundations of materialistic ideologies, shaking the systems built on greed, oppression, and moral decay. Therefore, it is no surprise that materialism is not just a distraction—it is one of the main forces that fuel resistance against Imam Mahdi (AJ).
This article explores the deep relationship between materialism and the opposition to the Mahdi, and how excessive attachment to the dunya (world) becomes a barrier to recognizing divine truth.
What Is Materialism?
Materialism refers to the excessive love, pursuit, and dependence on worldly possessions, pleasures, and appearances—often at the expense of spirituality, justice, and morality. It includes:
- Obsession with wealth and luxury
- Measuring success by money, fame, or status
- Prioritizing the physical world over spiritual truth
- Distrusting or mocking religious ideals that challenge comfort
Materialism is not merely owning things—it’s when things own you, and faith is pushed aside.
The Qur’an on the Danger of Materialism
The Holy Qur’an warns repeatedly about how the love of dunya corrupts hearts:
“Beautified for people is the love of that which they desire—of women and sons, heaped-up sums of gold and silver, fine branded horses, and cattle and tilled land. That is the enjoyment of worldly life, but Allah has with Him the best return.”
—Surah Aal-e-Imran (3:14)
The Qur’an makes it clear: when people become deeply attached to material things, they become resistant to divine truth—especially when it demands sacrifice, reform, or detachment.
Imam Mahdi’s Mission: A Threat to the Materialistic World
The reappearance of Imam Mahdi (AJ) is not simply a spiritual event—it is a global revolution. His goals include:
- Ending oppression and unjust systems
- Restoring economic fairness
- Removing the grip of the elite over the poor
- Calling people to live with humility and sincerity
- Replacing false values with divine justice
To a heart full of dunya, these goals feel threatening. Those who are deeply invested in unjust wealth, luxury, and selfish power will oppose him, fearing the loss of what they have built.
Hadith: Love of Dunya is the Root of All Evil
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
“The love of this world is the root of all evil.”
This deep-rooted love leads to:
- Refusing to give charity
- Justifying oppression for profit
- Ignoring divine laws to gain status
- Mocking those who choose spiritual paths
These behaviors create a society that will reject the Mahdi, because he will call them to truth, simplicity, and justice—not to luxury and ego.
Materialism Makes People Unprepared for the Imam
Imam Mahdi (AJ) is described in narrations as a man of piety, simplicity, and deep spiritual insight. His true followers will be those who:
- Detach themselves from worldly arrogance
- Value truth more than comfort
- Are willing to give up material benefit for the sake of divine justice
But materialism makes people:
- Unwilling to change
- Fearful of losing wealth and status
- Blind to the signs of truth
- Distrustful of anyone who challenges the status quo
This is why, according to hadiths, only a small group of sincere individuals will immediately recognize and support Imam Mahdi when he appears.
Historical Parallels: Why Prophets Were Rejected
Throughout history, prophets and Imams were opposed most fiercely by the wealthy and powerful, because they threatened their grip on material gain.
- Prophet Moses (AS) was resisted by Pharaoh and his elite
- Prophet Jesus (AS) was rejected by corrupt religious and political leaders
- Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) faced persecution from Quraysh elites who feared loss of wealth and power
Imam Mahdi (AJ) will follow in their footsteps—and he too will face rejection from the materialistic classes of his time.
Modern Materialism: A Global Obstacle
Today’s materialism is not just personal—it’s institutional:
- Consumerism is glorified
- Luxury is equated with success
- Religious values are called “backward”
- Media promotes greed, desire, and egoism
In such a climate, the idea of a just, divine leader who calls for modesty, truth, and moral reform is resisted not just by governments, but also by the masses.
The Role of Believers: Purifying the Heart
To be among the true supporters of Imam Mahdi (AJ), one must begin by detaching from materialism. This does not mean rejecting all worldly things—but placing them beneath spiritual purpose.
Steps to take:
- Live simply and ethically
- Give generously in charity
- Prioritize moral values over financial gain
- Seek knowledge and justice over fame and status
- Pray for his return and actively await with action
Conclusion: Love of the World Is the Enemy of Love for the Mahdi
Materialism doesn’t just distract—it enslaves the heart, making it deaf to the call of divine truth. That is why so many will either oppose Imam Mahdi (AJ) or fail to recognize him—not because they don’t believe in God, but because they can’t let go of their love for dunya.
To stand with the Mahdi, we must first free ourselves from what stands between us and truth. Only then can we truly await his arrival—not with fear or resistance, but with readiness, love, and faith.“O Allah, purify our hearts from attachment to this world, so we may be worthy of seeing Your Wali (Imam Mahdi).”
