THE MAJOR OCCULTATION
After the year 329 A. H., when the major occultation commenced, the special deputation of Imam- e Zaman terminated. If anybody claims during the major occultation to be a mediator and a deputy, then, according to the declaration of Imam-e Zaman himself, that claimer is a liar.
In the Holy Imams' traditions, the purpose of the Imam's going into occultation is compared to the sun being behind the clouds yet being a source of vitality and life for living creatures. Likewise, while the Imam is behind the curtain of occultation, he is still a source of the existence and remaining of the world.
During the major occultation, many people have had meetings with His eminence (Imam al-Mahdi - A.S.). And have managed to meet him, but none of them have claimed to be able to see him or to represent him, because only the four special deputies (Nawwab al-khass) of the Imam had the honor of meeting with His Eminence whenever they wished.
Some of the names of these fortunate persons who have had the honor of meeting the Imam are mentioned in the authentic books.
Among these personalities are - 'Allamah Hilli, a famous scholar and a rhetorician of the Islamic world; Muqaddas Ardibili - the most pious person and most knowledgeable jurist of his time; Sayyid ibn Tawus - a pious and a virtuous narrator; Sayyid Bahru'l-'Ulum - a distinguished scholar; and other great and notable figures in Islam.
Yes, they saw the "sun" (Imam) with their own eyes, and their hearts were filled with the faith of Imamu 'l-'Asr (the Imam of the Period), and with sympathetic explanations they informed others about their meeting with His Eminence.
As an example, we can examine part of the will of Sayyid ibn Tawus which he wrote to his son in the year 650 A.H. In his own words he explained to his son, implying the truth of the matter without claiming to have perceived him:
"0' my son! If success in discovering the truth and mysteries has been granted to you. Then I will inform you regarding Imam al-Mahdi (a.s.) in such a way that you will never have any doubt, and you will not need intellectual proofs and recorded traditions. Because His Eminence is certainly alive and exists, and as long as Merciful Allah does not allow him to plan events, he is excused from revealing and declaring his workings. And this matter is not exclusively to him, but was usual among many prophets and their successors. Then you must know with confidence and consider it as your faith and creed. And know that the insight of your father into His Eminence is brighter than his knowledge of the world.
The honor of seeing Imam-e Zaman was not exclusive to some special Shi'ite scholars only, but many devout and illiterate people have also had this honor. We are completely amazed when we see people who at one time used to commit sinful and indecent acts, but who after their repentance, and after having their hearts filled with love for Imam-e Zaman, also had an opportunity to meet him, and among them were also our Sunni brothers.
One of the Sunni brothers was Hasan 'Iraqi who lived a life of immorality when he was young. One day, he suddenly awoke from the slumber of heedlessness and asked himself, "Was I created to commit these evil deeds?" Then he left the immoral place he was in and went directly to the mosque. By chance, a preacher there was speaking about Imam al-Mahdi (a.s.). 'Iraqi's fully disturbed soul turned into a heart flaming with enthusiastic love of the Imam. Henceforth, he invoked Allah after every prayer to give him the opportunity to see the Living Imam (Baqiyatullah ). Finally, his prayers were answered and for seven days and nights he learned the path of salvation in His Eminence's presence.
Thereafter, this man became known as one of the great scholars of Islam. 'Abdu'l-Wahhab Sha'rani, one of the great Sunni scholars, and the original relater of this anecdote, used to call him by the title, "My great master Shaykh 'Iraqi."
During the major occultation, letters were issued by His Eminence to individuals and great scholars of Islam. In those letters new difficult problems were solved, and necessary guidance was given. Among these letters there was one issued in the year 410 A. H. praising a distinguished scholar of Islam, Muhammad ibn Muhammad ibn Numan, alias Shaykh Mufid.
Shaykh Mufid has enjoyed a special rank for his knowledge and devoutness, and that letter was an acknowledgment of his efforts and worthy services. Even after the passing of many centuries, people still admire him with honor and respect.
The importance of this letter indicates the awareness of the Imam of the mistakes and immoral actions of some of the Shiites, and at the same time it gives hope in the purpose of his existence:
"We are well informed of all your affairs and none of them is hidden from us. We are aware of the problems which have occupied you from the time when you found pleasure and kept committing indecent deeds which your predecessors had avoided. We are aware from that time when your predecessors broke the covenant made with them, as if they knew not about it. We will not neglect or forget you lest calamity and troubles fall on you, and enemies have the opportunity to overpower you. Therefore, remember Allah and fear Him.
The valuable writings of Imam al-Mahdi (a.s.) during the major occultation are the most important guidance for his Shi'ites (followers). These writings can be referred to in the authentic Shi'ite books. However, we are now passing through a very sensitive period in the major occultation.
In Islamic traditions, when the subject of the occultation of the Twelfth Imam is discussed, reference is made to the complex nature of this Divine test. In this Divine test, the sincere and faithful Shi'ites are distinguished from others "and becomes as pure as a pure gold."
In Islamic traditions, a comparison is drawn between the sincere faith of the Shi'ites and the faith of a few followers of the Prophet Nuh (Noah-a.s.), who remained faithful despite their very difficult test, and who, by boarding the ark with Prophet Nuh (a.s.), were saved from the Deluge. Therefore, blessed are those who have passed the divine test and we hope to be among their rank.
THE SHI'ITES DURING THE IMAM'S OCCULTATION
So now, what is a duty of a Shi'ite? What responsibilities does he have?
Truly, are we reckoned among the real followers of His Eminence (Imam al-Mahdi -a.s.)?
If we study the lives of the devout Shi'ites (followers) of the Holy Imams before the Twelfth Imam, and consider their sacrifices without the slightest hesitation, we shall at once awake from our neglectful slumber and realize our weakness and guilt.
Were not Salman al-Farisi, Abu Dharr al-Ghifari, 'Ammar ibn Yasir and Malik al-Ashtar the followers of the contemporary Imam 'Ali, Amir al-mu'minin (a.s.), and are we too the followers of the Imam of our Age?
Was not Maytham at-Tammar, who did not cease to praise 'All, the Lord of the faithful, a follower of His Eminence 'All, and are we too, who are passing with the Imam of our Age through a strange period, the followers of His Eminence?
Were not the martyrs of Karbala', who with love sacrificed themselves while defending the Imam of their time, Husayn (a.s.), and were martyred, the followers of His Eminence. And are we too, who refuse to give our wealth, lives and other means in the way of the Imam of our time, His Eminence's followers?
Is a person like Hisham ibn Hakam, who in his extraordinary and valuable debates crushed and defamed the opponents of the Divine Leadership (Imamate) in such a way that he was called the "assistant of the Imam" by Imam as-Sadiq (a.s.), a Shi'ite? And are we too, who are sluggish in fulfilling our foremost duty to recognize the Imam of our time, Shi'ites?
From what we read of the glad tidings in the Qur'an and the traditions of the Holy Prophet and the infallible Imams, the Imam of the Age (Imam-e-Zaman) has special responsibilities which other Imams did not have. Imam-e-Zaman will establish a Universal Government. He will fill the earth with righteousness and justice. He will exploit the earth's treasures and natural resources. He will improve and develop the land, and in this way people's awareness and understanding will improve.
Therefore, do not the followers of His Eminence have a very particular duty? Should not the Shi'ites endeavor to obtain the competence and merit of being His Eminence's special companions when he reappears by Divine Command?
Therefore, let us see what our duties are and how we should observe them. Undoubtedly, our first duty is to become acquainted with him.
Recognizing Imam-e Zaman is so important and essential that in the Holy Prophet's traditions we read:
"He who dies without recognizing the Imam of his age is like one who had died during the jahiliyyah (the pagan era before the advent of Islam).
To die during the jahiliyyah means a death devoid of Islam and faith. And it is obvious that one who dies without recognizing the Imam of his age is counted in the group of the faithless.
In another tradition, Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (a.s.) is quoted as having said on the same subject:
"One who dies without having (accepted) the Imam, it is as if he died in the jahiliyyah, and people are not exempted from recognizing their Imam."
Therefore, we must endeavor to recognize His Eminence (Imam-e Zaman) for the sake of Islam and our faith, and so that we may be reckoned among those who have gained salvation and among the faithful.
Another duty of the Shi'ites during the major occultation, which the Holy Imam have alluded to, is the question of being ready for the Savior. Hence, the first step for salvation is to recognize the Imam of the age; and the second step is to be prepared for the establishment of just Government by His Eminence.
One who is waiting (muntazir) and preparing himself for the appearance of the Imam must have the characters and merits of the companions of Imam al-Mahdi (a.s.), and should sacrifice his life and wealth in his way. For this reason, Imam as-Sadiq (a.s.) said:
"One who waits for our commands is like a person who sacrifices his own blood in the way of Allah."
Yes, he who is really ready for the Imamul-'Asr (the Imam of the Period) becomes like a martyr in the way of Allah.
In another tradition, the same Imam told some of his followers about the person who is really waiting for the Imam-e Zaman, saying:
"One who dies while expecting the Government of al-Qa'im is like one who is in the presence of al-Qa 'im (Imam al-Mahdi - a.s.)."
After a pause he added:
"But he is like one who has been struck with a sword while accompanying him."
Then he insisted further by adding:
"Nay, by Allah! He is like one who has been martyred in the presence of the Messenger of Allah."
Are we reckoned among those who are expecting His Eminence? Are we at least waiting for the Divine Promise of the Authority of Allah (Waliyyu'llah) in the same manner as we wait for the return of our loved ones from a journey?
In another tradition, Imam as-Sadiq (a.s.) narrated the virtues of the companions of Imam al-Mahdi (a.s.) saying:
"If one takes pleasure in being among the companions of al-Qa'im, then he must wait for him and must act with good behavior and modestly. If he dies before the appearance of al- Qa'im, then he will be rewarded like one who has followed him. Then act diligently, and await, that this effort and awaiting will give you delight, 0' you who have found salvation."
So, one who is awaiting and has not ceased from good and worthy deeds should earnestly endeavor to be in an excellent and worthy position in such a way that Allah may shower His blessings on him.
So, we should pray to Allah that He may include us among those who are waiting for the Imam of the age, and that our acts and conduct may also symbolize the truth of our claim. Firstly, we should acquaint ourselves with His Eminence, the Imam, and then we should guide others, his opponents and enemies. We should gain the virtues of the companions of Imam al-Mahdi (a.s.), and should always be in the expectation of his appearance. Henceforth, we will be able to sacrifice our worthless souls and thus to make them worthy.
Shi'ites must have a devout link with His Eminence during the occultation.
Their hearts and souls should be filled with love and affection for him.
Their thoughts should be devoted to his service and their desire should be to meet him.
Their prayers should be to ask for the blessing of Allah to be showered on His Eminence, and their supplication should be for salvation.
Their existence should be one welded and fused unit, and their life should blaze with love for him.
