Mahdi's Revolution -- in light of Quranic verses
[Given below is a translated (and edited) excerpt from an Urdu translation of the "Biharul Anwar". (vol. 11) by Mullah Muhammad Baqir Majlisi, translated into Urdu by Maulana Syed Hasan Imdad and published by Mehfooz Book Agency, Martin Road, Karachi (1992). We admit, that unfortunately, and due to lack of resources, the translation of this excerpt is unprofessional and non-academic, since it has only been done with a view to bring forward the lesser known meanings of Quranic verses as a thought-provoking invitation to the intellectually curious and aware people, to study the Quran in the light of the sayings of the Imams of the Prophet's household. (The English translations of the Quranic verses have mostly been taken from M. Pickthall and A. Yusuf Ali.) ]
It is not our claim that the Quranic verses given below definitely have the meanings indicated and hinted at. However, we appeal to the discerning readers of the Quran, to observe that this Holy Quran is a miracle of the Prophet Muhammad (s), an ever-lasting miracle, a book of guidance which will continue till the end of the world, with its meanings and injunctions being ever-current and applicable. Also, "The Excellence of the Holy Quran over all other expressions, is like the excellence of Allah over His creation!" Its meanings are no ordinary meanings, and it is expected from a miraculous book, that it will at times refer allegorically, at times declare with clarity, at times give hints and indications, that it will have hidden meanings and secrets, known only to those, who are the "inheritors of this book". (Quran, 35:32)
A verse can have more than one meaning, or an apparent meaning and a hidden meaning, both being correct. In the light of the above, we request the readers to go through these verses, carefully pondering over them, keeping in mind that mostly these reports have been attributed to the Imams of the Prophet's House, who were the most erudite and knowledgeable of their times. May all of us be guided towards the Path of Allah, and stay firm on it...
01) Surah Hud, Verse 8 (11:8)
If We delay the Penalty for them for a definite term
It has been narrated from Imam Ali (a) that by the words "Ummat-e-Madooda", the companions of Imam Mahdi (a) are being referred to, and they are limited (or counted), and a little more than 310 (313).
they are sure to say "What keeps it back?"
The people would say by way of joking that what prevented Imam Mahdi (a) from re-appearing and why is it delayed.
Ah! on the day it (actually) reaches them nothing will turn it away from them and theywill be completely encircled by that which they used to mock at!
It has been narrated from Imam Jafar Sadiq (a) that the "Ummat-e-Madooda" will be the same in number as the Muslim army in Badr and they will gather near Imam Mahdi (a) like the rain-clouds collect.
02) Surah al-Ibrahim, Verse 5 (15:5)
We sent Moses with Our Signs (and the command) "Bring out thy people from thedepths of darkness into light and teach them to remember the Days of Allah."
According to Tafseer Ali b. Ibrahim, the Days of Allah are:
1) The Day of re-appearance of Imam Mahdi (a)
2) The Day of Death
3) The Day of Judgement
The same has been narrated from Imam Muhammad Baqir (a) and Imam Jafar Sadiq (a).
03) Surah Bani Israel, Verses 4 to 8 (17:4-8)
"And We decreed for the Children of Israel in the scripture:"
According to Tafseer Ali b. Ibrahim, that it was written in the scripture of Bani Israel and was foretold to them
"Ye verily will work corruption in the earth twice, and ye will become great tyrants."
Then the address is to the Muslims that you will spread corruption and dissent twice in the earth and will break promises and try to usurp away what is not yours (caliphate).
"So when the time for the first of the two came, We roused against you slaves of Oursof great might who ravaged (your) country, and it was a threat performed "
The first instance of the two is the Battle of Jamal and the steadfast warriors are those of the party of Imam Ali who dominated and defeated them.
"Then we gave you once again your turn against them, and We aided you with wealthand children and made you more in soldiery, (Saying): If ye do good, ye do good foryour own souls, and if ye do evil, it is for them (in like manner). "
Then a second opportunity will be provided to you, (Bani Umayyads against the Family of Muhammad) and they will be allowed an abundance of wealth and numbers. Then if they do good, it will be better for them and if they do evil (against Imam Husain and his imprisoned family), then you will reap its results.
"So, when the time for the second (of the judgments) came (We roused against youothers of Our slaves) to ravage you, and to enter the Temple even as they entered itthe first time, and to lay waste all that they conquered with an utter wasting."
The second instance will be the re-appearance of Imam Mahdi (a) who will defeat you and will enter the Masjid (Ka'bah) with the same glory with which they entered it before (i.e. Prophet Muhammad and his companions).
"It may be that your Lord will have mercy on you, "
Here the address is to the Ale Muhammad (descendants of the Prophet) that you will be helped against your enemies
"but if ye repeat (the crime) We shall repeat (the punishment)"
Here the address is to Bani Umayyads again that if they will repeat their mischief (by siding with Sufyani), Our treatment (through the Imam Mahdi) will also be repeated.
04) Surah Taha, Verse 113 (20:113)
"...or that it may cause them to take heed" (Surah Taha, 20:113)
So that they may take heed and understand the clash between Imam Mahdi (a) and Sufyani. (Tafseer Ali b. Ibrahim)
05) Surah Anbiyaa, Verses 12 to 15 (21:12-15)
"And, when they felt Our might, behold them fleeing from it!"
That is, when the Umayyads will feel the power of the military force of Allah.
"(But it was said unto them): Flee not, but return to that (existence) which emasculatedyou and to your dwellings, that ye may be questioned."
When Imam Mahdi will summon them, the Bani Umayyads will flee to Rome but the Imam will find them and make them surrender their concealed treasures.
"They cried: Alas for us! Lo! we were wrongdoers. And that cry of theirs ceased not tillWe made them as a field that is mown as ashes silent and quenched. "
Although the words in this verse depict an event which has occurred in the past, but actually it refers to the future. (Tafseer Ali b. Ibrahim)
06) Surah Anbiyaa, Verse 105 (21:105)
"And verity We have written in the Psalms, after the Reminder: My righteous slaveswill inherit the earth "
i.e. the Imam Mahdi (a) and his companions.
07) Surah al-Hajj, Verse 39 (22:39)
Sanction is given unto those who fight because they have been wronged; and Allah isindeed Able to give them victory
It is commonly believed that this verse is for the Prophet Muhammad (s) when the Quraysh forced him to leave Mecca, however it refers to the struggle of Imam Mahdi (a), when he will set out to avenge the innocently shed blood of Imam Husain (a).
08) Surah al-Hajj, Verse 60 (22:60)
"That (is so). And whoso hath retaliated with the like of that which he was made tosuffer and then hath (again) been wronged, Allah will succour him..."
(through his son, the Mahdi of the Prophet's House.)
09) Surah al-Hajj, Verse 41 (22:41)
"(They are) those who if We establish them in the land establish regular prayer andgive regular charity enjoin the right and forbid wrong: with Allah rests the end (anddecision) of (all) affairs."
It has been narrated from Imam Muhammad Baqir (a) that this verse is about Ale Muhammad (descendants of the Prophet) and all the Holy Imams uptill Imam Mahdi (a) and his companions, whom Allah, the Almighty, will grant with government from the East to the West (over the entire face of the earth). He, will establish His religion through them. He, through Imam Mahdi and his companions, will destroy all innovations and evils, just as the evil-doers had tried to destroy the truth. Then, there will not be any transgression or oppression anywhere in the world. They, (the companions of Imam Mahdi) will enjoin good to the people and forbid them from evils.
10) Surah ash-Shu'araa, Verse 4 (26:4)
"If (such) were Our Will, We could send down to them from the sky a Sign to whichthey would bend their necks in humility."
It has been narrated from Imam Jafar Sadiq (a) that their (Umayyads') necks will bend down in humility and the "Sign" is the call and announcement from the heavens, which will proclaim the name of Imam al-Mahdi (a).
11) Surah an-Naml, Verse 62 (27:62)
"Is not He (best) who answereth the wronged one when he crieth unto Him andremoveth the evil, and hath made you viceroys (inheritors) of the earth?"
It has been narrated from Imam Jafar Sadiq (a) that this verse is about Imam Mahdi (a), who will be offer prayers at the place of Ibrahim (Ka'bah) in great distress and Allah will bless him with peace and His succour and removing his obstacles, will establish his vicegerency throughout the world. (Tafseer Ali b. Ibrahim)
The same has been narrated from Imam Muhammad Baqir (a).
12) Surah al-Ankabut, Verse 10 (29:10)
"And if help comes (to thee) from thy Lord..."
That is, the Imam Mahdi (a).
"...they are sure to say "We have (always) been (Muslims) with you!" Does not Allahknow best all that is in the hearts of all Creation?"
13) Surah as-Shura, Verses 41 to 42 (42:41-42)
"And whoso defendeth himself after he hath suffered wrong for such, there is no way(of blame) against them,..."
It has been narrated from Imam Muhammad Baqir (a) that the "one who defends himself after being wrong" refers to the Imam Mahdi (a) and his companions, who will struggle against the Umayyads, and the enemies of the Ahle Bait.
"...The blame is only against those who oppress mankind, and wrongfully rebel in theearth. For such there is a painful Penalty"
14) Surah al-Qamar, Verse 1 (54:1)
"The hour drew nigh..."
It has been reported that the hour of the re-appearance of Imam Mahdi, draws near. (Tafseer Ali b. Ibrahim)
15) Surah as-Saff, Verse 8 (61:8) and Surah Taghabun, Verse 8 (64:8)
"Fain would they put out the light of Allah with their mouths, but Allah will perfect Hislight however much the disbelievers are averse."
It has been reported that Allah, the Almighty, will perfect His light to Imam Mahdi (a) so that on his re-appearance, he will establish Islam (over all other religions) such that none will be worshipped, except Allah, throughout the world, and peace and justice will fill the earth, just as it would be filled with tyranny and oppression, at that time.
It has been narrated from Imam Muhammad Baqir, that even if you people turn away from it (the light of Allah), Allah will perfect it.
It has also been narrated from the Imam that in the verse:
Believe therefore in Allah and His Apostle and in the Light which We have sent down.(Surah Taghabun, 64:8)
The "Light" means, Imamat (Divine leadership of the Imams of Ahle Bait).
16) Surah as-Saff, Verse 13 (61:13)
And another (favor will He bestow) which ye do love: help from Allah and a speedyvictory: so give the Glad Tidings to the Believers. (Surah as-Saff, 61:13)
That, is a victory in this world, through the Imam Mahdi (a).
17) Surah al-Jinn, Verse 24 (72:24)
"At length when they see (with their own eyes) that which they are promised..."
That is, the victory of Imam Mahdi (a)
"...then will they know who it is that is weakest in (his) helper and least important inpoint of numbers."
18) Surah Tariq, Verses 15 to 17 (86:15-17)
As for them they are but plotting a scheme And I am planning a scheme Thereforegrant a delay to the unbelievers: Give respite to them gently (but for a while).
Then, when the Imam Mahdi (a) will re-appear, he will bring down all the tyrants and oppressors in the world.
19) Surah al-Lail, Verses 1 to 2 (92:1-2)
"By the Night as it conceals (the light);"
It has been narrated from Imam Muhammad Baqir (a) that here, the "Night" refers to the dark elements, which conspired against Imam Ali (a) to deprive him of his right, and he was told to adopt patience.
"By the Day as it appears in glory"
The "Day" refers to the Imam Mahdi (a), of the Ahle Bait, who will overcome all tyrants and oppressors, on his reappearance. And these words of the Quran are symbolic and the Prophet Muhammad (s) has conveyed it to us, (the Imams) and nobody except us knows what they mean.
20) Surah al-Mulk, Verse 30 (67:30)
"Say: Have ye thought: If (all) your water were to disappear into the earth, who thencould bring you gushing water?"
That is, if your Imam disappears from your sight, who can then bring his equivalent?
It has been narrated from Imam Ali Raza (a) that the "water of the springs" is the fountains of the knowledge of the Holy Imam.
It has been narrated from Imam Muhammad Baqir (a) that this verse refers to the Imam Mahdi (a). Allah addresses the people that if your Imam temporarily disappears, and you will not know his whereabouts, then who will guide you to the injunctions of Allah and give you the news of the earth and the heavens.
Imam Musa Kazim (a) has narrated from Imam Jafar Sadiq (a) that ask these people if their Imam disappears, who can be his replacement.
21) Surah Tauba, Verse 33 (9:33)
"He it is who hath sent His messenger with the guidance and the Religion of Truth,that He may cause it to prevail over all religion, however much the idolaters may beaverse."
This verse refers particularly to Imam Mahdi (a). He is the one who will establish firmly over all other religions and fill the earth with truth and justice, just as it will be filled with tyranny and oppression. (Tafseer Ali b. Ibrahim)
22) Surah al-Gashiya, Verses 1 to 4 (88:1-4)
"Has the story reached thee of the Overwhelming (Event)?"
It has been reported from Imam Jafar Sadiq (a) that Imam Mahdi will prevail over the people with his sword.
"On that day (many) faces will be downcast,..."
and their faces will be downcast because they will not have the strength to prevent or stop Imam Mahdi (a).
"...toiling (labouring hard),..."
When asked what this (A_milatun) means, Imam Jafar Sadiq (a) said that they went against the orders of the Holy Quran.
"...weary,..."
When asked the meaning, (of Na_sibah) the Imam said, that they turned away from "Those vested with authority" (Sahiban-e-Amr) and chose others instead of them.
"...scorched by burning fire"
When asked about this, (Tasla_na_ran hamiyah), the Imam replied that they will burn, in the fire of war, during Imam Mahdi's reign and in Hell-fire, in the Hereafter. (Thawab-ul-A'maal)
23) Surah al-Lail, Verses 1 to 2 (92:1-2)
The day that certain of the signs of thy Lord do come no good will it do to a soul tobelieve in them then, If it believed not before
It has been narrated from Imam Jafar Sadiq (a) that the "Signs" are the Holy Imams of the Prophet's Ahle Bait and that "the awaited sign" is the Imam Mahdi (a). Those who will not believe in him and the earlier Imams of his family, before his Qiyam (rising with the sword), and will believe in him, only after seeing his sword, will not benefit from their belated belief.
24) Surah Takwir, Verses 15 to 16 (81:15-16)
"Oh, but I call to witness, the planets that recede, The stars which rise and hide..."
It has been reported that when Imam Muhammad Baqir (a) was asked regarding the "star that hides" he replied that in 260 (a), an Imam will disappear from the sight of people and he will re-appear like a glowing star in darkness.
25) Surah Baqara, Verses 1 to 3 (2:1-3)
26) Surah Yunus, Verse 20 (10:20)
"Alif Lam Mim, This is the Scripture whereof there is no doubt, a guidance unto thosewho ward off (evil), Who believe in the unseen..."
It has been narrated from Imam Jafar Sadiq (a) that "muttaqin" means the Shias of Ali (a) and "ghaib" (unseen) means the Imam Mahdi (a) and the proof of this is the Quranic verse:
They say: "Why is not a Sign sent down to him (Muhammad) from his Lord?" Say:"The Unseen belongeth only to Allah. Then wait ye: I too am waiting with you."
It has been reported from Imam Jafar Sadiq (a) that "belief in the unseen" is belief in the re-appearance and revolution of Imam mahdi (a).
27) Surah Zariyat, Verse 22 (51:22)
And in the heaven is your providence, and that which ye are promised; (SurahZariyat, 51:22)
It has been reported that the "promised" event is the return of Imam Mahdi (a).
28) Surah al-Hadid, Verse 17 (57:17)
"Know ye (all) that Allah giveth life to the earth after its death!"
It has been reported from Imam Muhammad Baqir (a) that this verse hints to the fact that Allah will restore the world (through Imam Mahdi) after it will die, i.e. after the rule of tyranny and oppression, peace and justice will be established.
"We have made clear Our revelations for you, that ye may (learn and) understand"
29) Surah Nur, Verse 55 (24:55)
"Allah hath promised such of you as believe and do good works that He will surelymake them (Khalifas) to succeed in the earth even as He caused those who werebefore them to succeed others; ..."
It has been reported from Imam Jafar Sadiq (a) that this refers to the rule of Imam Mahdi (a).
"...and that He will surely establish for them their religion which He hath approved for them, a will give them in exchange safety after their fear. They serve Me. They ascribe no thing as partner unto Me "
30) Surah al-Qasas, Verse 5 (28:5)
"And We desired to show favor unto those who were oppressed in the earth, and tomake them leaders in faith (Imam) and to make them the inheritors"
It has been reported that when this verse was narrated in front of Imam Jafar Sadiq (a), he said, "We (the Ahle Bait) are the oppressed ones, referred to, in this verse."
It has also been narrated from Imam Ali (a) that the (oppressed) people referred to, in this verse, are the Ale Muhammad (Family of Muhammad) and with the Help of Allah, the Imam Mahdi (a) will humble their enemies.
See Imam Ali's saying, "This world will bend towards us...." (Nahjul Balagha, Saying 203)
31) Surah Sad, Verses 86 to 88 (38:86-88)
Say (O Muhammad, unto mankind): No reward do I ask of you for this (Quran) nor amI a pretender. This is no less than a Message to (all) the Worlds. And ye shallcertainly know the truth of it (all) after a while.
It has been reported from Imam Muhammad Baqir (a) about Imam Ali (a) that he said about this verse, that people will "know the truth" when the Imam Mahdi (a) will re-appear.
32) Surah al-Hadid, Verse 16 (57:16)
"...that they become not as those who received the Scripture of old but the term wasprolonged for them and so their hearts were hardened, and many of them areevil-livers."
It has been narrated from Imam Jafar Sadiq (a) that this (the prolonged term) refers to Imam Mahdi (a) (and his occultation).
33) Surah Al-e-Imran, Verse 140 (3:140)
"Such days (of varying fortunes) We give to men and men by turns..."
It has been reported from Imam Jafar Sadiq (a) that from the times of Hazrat Adam (a), two governments were formed: the Divine government and that of the Iblis (Satan). The Satanic rule is widespread (in the present-day world) and the Divine Government will be established by Imam Mahdi (during his days).
34) Surah Maida, Verse 3 (5:3)
"This day have those who reject faith given up all hope of your religion"
It has been narrated from Imam Muhammad Baqir (a) that the Umayyads and the evil-doers will give up all hope the day Imam Mahdi (a) will re-appear and they will be disappointed by the establishment of Ale-Muhammad.
35) Surah Tauba, Verse 3 (9:3)
"And an announcement from Allah and His apostle to the people on the day of theGreat Pilgrimage that Allah and His apostle..."
It has been narrated from Imam Muhammad Baqir (a) and Imam Jafar Sadiq (a) that the "day of the Great Pilgrimage" is the day of the re-appearance of Imam Mahdi (a) and the " announcement" (Azan) is his invitation to the people.
36) Surah Tauba, Verse 36 (9:36)
"Fight the pagans all together as they fight you all together."
It has been narrated from Imam Jafar Sadiq (a) that when Imam Muhammad Baqir (a) was asked about this verse, he said that the meaning of this verse will be seen by the people at the time of the rising of Imam Mahdi (a), who will establish the religion of Prophet Muhammad (s) to an extent that there will be no idolater left.
37) Surah an-Nahl, Verses 45 to 46 (16:45-46)
Are they who plan ill deeds then secure that Allah will not cause the earth to swallowthem, or that the Wrath will not come on them from directions they know not? Or thatHe will not seize them in their going to and fro so that there be no escape for them?
It has been narrated from Imam Muhammad Baqir (a) that the Prophet's covenant passed on to Imam Ali Zainul Abideen (a) and after him, it is with Imam Muhammad Baqir. Allah will do what He wishes, so you people stay attached with them (the Imams of the Ahle Bait) till a man from them (Imam Mahdi) will rise with 300 people, carrying the standard of Prophet Muhammad (s) and will head towards Medina. When he will pass a desert, he will say, 'This is the spot where a nation was swallowed by the earth', and this verse is about them.
It has also been narrated from Imam Jafar Sadiq (a) that these were the enemies of Allah, on whom stones rained and they were swallowed by the earth.
38) Surah Muddaththir, Verse 8 (74:8)
"For when the trumpet shall sound..."
It has been narrated from Imam Jafar Sadiq (a) that there will be an Imam from among us (Ahle Bait) who will be in occultation. And when Allah will wish so, He will stir his heart and make him rise.
39) Surah Baqara, Verse 148 (2:148)
So vie with one another in good works. Wheresoever ye may be, Allah will bring youall together.
It has been reported from Imam Jafar Sadiq (a) that this verse is about the Imam Mahdi (a) and his companions, whom Allah, the Almighty, will gather all together, at the same time.
40) Surah Rahman, Verse 41 (55:41)
"The guilty will be known by their marks"
It has been narrated from Imam Jafar Sadiq (a) as commentary of this verse, that it refers to Imam Mahdi (a). Allah, the All-Knowing, knows the guilty and the sinners, bu the Imam will recognize them by marks on their foreheads and he and his companions will put them all to sword.
41) Surah Sajda, Verse 21 (32:21)
"And verily We will make them taste the lower punishment before the greater,..."
It has been narrated from Imam Jafar Sadiq (a) that the "greater punishment" is the sword of Imam Mahdi (a).
42) Surah al-Qalam, Verse 15 (68:15)
"That, when Our revelations are recited unto him, he saith: Mere fables of the men ofold."
That is, people will deny and refuse to acknowledge Imam Mahdi (a) and will say that they do not recognize him as being from the progeny of Hazrat Fatima Zehra (a), just as the idolaters refused to acknowledge Prophet Muhammad (s).
43) Surah Muddaththir, Verses 38 to 48 (74:34-48)
"Every soul will be (held) in pledge for its own deeds; Except the Companions of theRight Hand. (They will be) In Gardens (of Delight);"
It has been reported from Imam Muhammad Baqir (a) that by "As-hab-e-Yameen" (Companions of the Right) means us (Imams) and our Shias.
"They will ask one another, and (ask) of the guilty: What hath brought you to thisburning? They will answer: We were not of those who prayed,..."
That is, we were not among the Shias of Ali (a) and the Ahle Bait (a).
(Since the prayers are incomplete without the love of Muhammad (s) and Ale Muhammad (s) in the hearts, and Durood on the lips)
"...nor did we feed the wretched. We used to wade (in vain dispute) with (all) waders,And we used to deny the Day of Judgment,..."
The "Day" (Youm-e-Din) is the Day of the Mahdi (a).
"...till the inevitable came unto us."
That is, the Day of Imam Mahdi's re-appearance.
"The mediation of mediators will not avail them then."
That is, the Apostle of Allah will not mediate for them on the Day of Judgement.
44) Surah Saff, Verse 9 (61:9)
"It is He Who has sent His Apostle with Guidance and the Religion of Truth that hemay proclaim it over all religions..."
It has been narrated from Imam Jafar Sadiq (a) that the interpretation (or fulfillment) of this verse has not materialized yet. It refers to the time of re-appearance of Imam Mahdi (a) and the idolaters and disbelievers will despise it. He will struggle against them and destroy them.
In another report from Imam, it has been narrated that "Deen-e-Haq", (Religion of Truth), means the Wilayat (authority) of Imam Ali (a), which has been ordained by Allah and His Apostle. At the time of Imam Mahdi's rising, the "Religion of Truth" will prevail over all other religions.
"...even though the idolaters may detest (it)."
That is, the Religion of Truth will prevail, even though the disbelievers will dislike and detest it (Wilayat of Imam Ali).
In another report, Imam Ali (a) has been quoted as saying that at that time (Imam Mahdi's re-appearance), there will not be any village or settlement, where morning and evening, the Azan will not be called out.
It has been reported that complete peace will prevail throughout the world at that time, the cross (sign of Christianity) will be destroyed, and no religion will remain, except Islam. There will be no Jizya (as everyone will be in the folds of Islam) and peace and justice will prevail throughout.
45) Surah al-Ma'arij, Verse 26 (70:26)
And those who believe in the Day of Judgment, (Surah al-Ma'arij, 70:26)
It has been narrated from Imam Muhammad Baqir (a) that by the "Youm-e-Din", the day of the re-appearance of Imam Mahdi (a) is meant.
46) Surah Bani Israel, Verse 81 (17:81)
And say: "Truth has arrived and Falsehood perished: for Falsehood is bound toperish."
It has been reported from Imam Muhammad Baqir (a) that when the Imam Mahdi (a) will re-appear, Falsehood will finally perish and Truth will be re-established.
47) Surah Ha-Mim Sajda, Verse 53 (41:53)
"Soon We shall show them Our Signs on the horizons and within themselves..."
It has been narrated from Imam Jafar Sadiq (a) that Allah will show their marred reflections in their selves and the skies will fall on them. In this way they will witness the signs of Allah
"...until it will be manifest unto them that it is the Truth..."
The Imam said that "Truth" is the re-appearance of Imam Mahdi (a) and this will definitely be shown to the people from Allah.
48) Surah Maryam, Verse 75 (19:75)
"Until when they see the (promised) warning of Allah (being fulfilled) either inpunishment or in (the approach of) the Hour,..."
It has been narrated from Imam Jafar Sadiq (a) that this refers to the rising of Imam Mahdi (a) and the "Hour" is that hour, and people will know then what punishment they will get from Imam Mahdi (a).
"...they will at length realize who is worst in position..."
near Imam Mahdi (a)
"...and (who) weakest in forces!"
49) Surah Luqman, Verse 20 (31:20)
"...and has made His bounties flow to you in exceeding measure (both) seen andunseen?"
It has been narrated from Imam Musa Kazim (a) that the "seen bounty" is the present and available Imam and the "unseen bounty" is the absent Imam (in occultation), who will be physically distant and concealed from the sight of people and on his re-appearance, he will access all the treasures of the earth and every distant, will be near for him.
50) Surah Shura, Verse 20 (42:20)
"Whoso desireth the harvest of the Hereafter,..."
It has been narrated from Imam Jafar Sadiq (a) that this means the recognition and acknowledgment of Imam Ali (a) and the Holy Imams (a).
"...We give him increase in its harvest. And Whoso desireth the harvest of the world,We give him thereof, and he hath no portion in the Hereafter."
That is, he will not have any share in the government of Truth, which will be established by Imam Mahdi (a).