One of the basic foundations of faith in the Redemption is the realization that each and every person can hasten the Redemption. It isn't enough for us to simply believe in Moshiach and await his coming, but it is incumbent upon each one of us to add to our Torah learning and performance of mitzvot in order to hasten his arrival.
Our Sages have pointed to certain mitzvot that have the special ability to bring the Redemption closer. The most noteworthy among them is charity, concerning which our Sages say, "Great is charity which brings closer the Redemption." Repentance, too, can bring the Redemption one second sooner, as Maimonides states: "The Torah promised us that ultimately Israel will repent at the end of their exile. and immediately they will be redeemed."
Also, the desire for the Redemption actually acts to hasten its coming, as it says, "The generation who desires My sovereignty, immediately." And especially, according to what is explained by our Sages. It is imperative for each one of us to pray and request the Redemption: This also has a special power to hasten the Redemption.
Other mitzvot and activities have been strengthening our faith (since the exodus from Egypt was in the merit of our faith in G-d); unwarranted love (to counteract the unwarranted hatred which caused the exile); studying the inner dimension of Torah (as it says in Raya Mehemna that we will go out of exile in the merit of our future study of the Zohar); studying the Mishna and also bearing children (since "the son of David will not come until all of the souls have come down").
It should be pointed out that it is important when doing these mitzvot to have the intention of bringing the Redemption closer, for this intention itself hastens the Redemption.
