Is preparation for occultation necessary? If so, how should it be done?

Question: Is preparation for occultation necessary? If so, how should it be done?

Answer: Preparing for the occultation is necessary for everyone. First of all, everyone should continuously try to acquire religious knowledge, according to their own capacity. This may be done by sitting with scholars, participating in religious gatherings, consistently reading religious books and performing our religious obligations related to the different parts of life, as well as staying away sins.

Secondly, we should help others as much as possible with regards to increasing their religious knowledge. We can also help the scholars by making them acquainted with the believers so that they may become familiar with Islamic teachings, culture and acting on religious instructions. Aside from this, it is necessary to be aware of the plots by the enemies of Islam and the Ahlulbayt (as) to eliminate Islam, and learn the ways to counter them. It is important to support the [righteous] Islamic-based government and its leadership. At the same time, we should always seek readiness and steadfastness from Allah through supplication with humility.