THE PHILOSOPHY OF IMAM MAHDI'S OCCULTATION (AJTF)

[Taqavi]

What is the philosophy of the Occultation of Imam Mahdi (AJTF)?

 

Numerous wisdoms regarding the Occultation of Imam Al-Mahdi (AJTF) have been mentioned in the narrations, some of which are as follows:

1.    Testing and Recognizing True Believers:

The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) has stated that the testing of people is one of the wisdoms behind the Occultation, so that only true believers will remain steadfast in their belief in his Imamate. [1] Imam Kazim (AS) narrates that when my fifth son is in hiding, you should safeguard your faith and not be misled from your religion. He will experience a period of Occultation that will cause some believers to stray from their beliefs; this Occultation is a test from Allah for His servants.[2] The late Kulaini also reported a narration with this meaning from Imam Sadiq (AS).[3]

2.    Preserving the Imam’s Life from Oppressive Rulers:

The Imam’s occultation ensures his safety and protects him from harm caused by tyrannical rulers. For instance, Zurarah bin A'yan reports that Imam al-Baqir (AS) mentioned that there is indeed a period of Occultation for our Mahdi (AJTF) before his reappearance. I asked, “What is the reason for his Occultation?” The Imam pointed to his abdomen and said, “He fears for his life (that he will be killed).” [4]

3. No Oath of Allegiance to Any Tyrant or Oppressor: 

The Commander of the Faithful (AS) stated, “When our Mahdi (AJTF) rises, no one’s pledge of allegiance will be upon him, and for this reason, his birth will occur secretly, and subsequently, he will be in Occultation.” This emphasizes that the Imam will not submit to any oppressive ruler, and his Occultation is part of this divine plan. [5]

However, it is essential to emphasize that all these points represent wisdoms regarding the Occultation of Imam Al-Mahdi (AJTF), but none of them can be considered the main cause for his Occultation. The true cause for the Imam's Occultation is ultimately a mystery known only to Allah and the Imams themselves.

As Abdullah ibn Fadl Hashemi reported, Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (AS) "the Imam’s Occultation is a necessity imposed upon him, so much so that the people of falsehood will doubt during this period." I asked, “Why is he in Occultation?” He replied, "The cause for his Occultation is something that we have not been permitted to reveal to you." I said, “What wisdom is there in his Occultation?” He said: “The wisdom of his Occultation is the same wisdom that existed in the Occultation of the divine saints before him. The cause of his Occultation will become clear after his reappearance, just as the reasons behind the actions of Prophet Khidr (AS)—such as breaking the ship, killing the boy, and erecting the wall— were not understood by Moses (AS) until the time of separation arrived.”[6]

In conclusion, it can be stated that the true cause and philosophy behind the Occultation of Imam Al-Mahdi (AJTF) is one of the divine mysteries, of which only Allah and the infallible Imams (AS) have complete knowledge. Nevertheless, according to the statements of the infallible Imams (AS), several matters have been proposed as the wisdom behind the Occultation, some of which were mentioned.

 

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[1] . Bihar Al-Anwar: Al-'Allama Al-Majlisi, Vol: 23, P: 289.

[2] . Al-Ghaybah: Sheikh al-Tusi Vol: 1 P: 166

[3] . Al-Kafi: Sheikh al-Kulayni Vol: 1 P: 336

[4] . Al-Ghaybah: Al-Nu'mani, Muhammad bin Ibrahim, Vol: 1, P: 177 / Al-Kafi: Sheikh Al-Kulayni, Vol: 1, P: 337 / Kamal Al-Din va Tamam Al-Ni'mah: Sheikh Al-Saduq, Vol: 2, P: 481.

[5] . Kamal Al-Din va Tamam Al-Ni'mah: Sheikh Al-Saduq, Vol: 1, P: 303 / Bihar Al-Anwar: Allamah Al-Majlisi, Vol: 52, P: 96 / A'lam Al-Wara Be-Alam Al-Huda: Sheikh Al-Tabarsi, Vol: 2, P: 272.

[6] . Kamal Al-Din va Tamam Al-Ni'mah: Sheikh Al-Saduq, Vol: 2, P: 482.