Abdullah Ibn Zayyaat reports: I requested Imam Reza (peace be on him), “Invoke to Allah for me and for my family.” He (peace be on him) retorted, “Don’t I already do it (i.e. pray for you)? By Allah! Your deeds are presented to me every day and night.”
Abdullah says that I found it hard to digest. Imam (peace be on him) (knowing what was in my heart) remarked, “Don’t you read the Book of Allah – Mighty and Majestic be He – And say: All of you act; soon Allah, His Messenger and the believers will see your actions (Surah Taubah (9): Verse 105). I swear by Allah! He is Ali Ibn Abi Talib (peace be on them both).” (i.e. the word believers in the verse implies Ameerul Momineen (peace be on him)).
(Kafi, vol. 1, p. 219, H. 4)
First and foremost, there is no doubt that our Imam, Hazrat Imam Mahdi (may Allah hasten his reappearance) loves us more than anyone else; even more than our parents. His love for us knows no bounds. One of the signs of love is that the one prays for the beloved and constantly remembers him in all his invocations.
Secondly, this act of praying for us is done by Imam (peace be on him) proactively as is evident from the above tradition. That is, even if we don’t remember and pray for him, he (peace be on him) remembers us and prays for us.
Thirdly, as is categorically mentioned in the above tradition, that our deeds are presented to our Master (may Allah hasten his reappearance) every day, morning and evening. Nothing is hidden from him. Now, it is our duty that we strive to perform only those actions that take us near him and keep away from the actions that become the cause of his annoyance or even anger.
Nevertheless, in both cases, whether we do good deeds or commit sins, Imam (peace be on him) prays for us. If we do good, he asks Allah to increase our taufeeqaat. Allah forbid, if we sin, he (peace be on him) requests Allah to forgive our sins and keeps us on the right path.
Hence, it is our duty to constantly present ourselves on the doorstep of our Master and keep imploring for each and everything like a child asks his parents for everything, big or small.
O Imam-e-Zamana! We know we are very sinful and never stand up to your expectations. But you are a noble soul and the son of noble ancestors, please overlook our bad conduct and keep praying for us!
May Allah the Almighty hasten his reappearance!