THE JEWISH NATION SHOULD TURN TO RELIGION AND REPENT WHEN AWAITING THE MOSHIACH [HAZRAT MAHDI (AS)]

There are two possible times for the arrival of the Moshiach [Hazrat Mahdi (as)]. First, the Moshiach [Hazrat Mahdi (as)] will come when the Jewish nation does teshuvah voluntarily. Second, there is a set time when the redemption will arrive regardless of our actions. As soon as either event occurs, the Moshiach [Hazrat Mahdi (as)] will come immediately.

Rabbi Alexandri said: Rabbi Yehoshua ben Levi noted a contradiction. It says “in its time” (Yeshayah 60:20), but it also says, “I will hasten it” (ibid.). [The answer is that] if [the Jewish people] deserve, “I will hasten it.” If they do not deserve, “[I will bring the redemption] in its time.”

[Sanhedrin 98a]

Rabbi Yochanan said: God, blessed is He, said to Israel, “Even though I set a limit to the date when [the Moshiach (Hazrat Mahdi (as)] will arrive, whether or not you do teshuvah he will arrive at the appointed time. Nevertheless, if you do teshuvah for even one day, I will bring him before the appointed time.

[Shemos Rabbah 25:16]

Therefore, God should have mercy, we believe that He set two times for [the end of] our servitude [exile]. One is the time [when the Moshiach will arrive if we do] teshuvah, and the second is the final time. Whichever occurs first will make us fitting for redemption; if we do teshuvah, [God] will [bring the Moshiach [Hazrat Mahdi (as)] immediately and] not pay attention to the final time… And if we do not do teshuvah, we will remain [in exile] until the final time.

[Rav Sa’adyah Gaon, Emunos V’Deos 8:2]