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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Al-mahdi (a.s.) Philosophy and Reason Behind Occultation Discussion on Occultation is a vast topic and traditions in this regard are many.

What is necessary for us to know is the following: Is there anyone to ask about the philosophy behind Occultation and is there anyone who can say: Since I do not know the reason behind Occultation, I do not believe as you do in the existence of Mahdi and I further say: if as per what you say, Mahdi is the Imam, then it is necessary for him to appear amongst the people and walk in the market-places!

We say: Concerning the numerous 'Mustafiza' traditions which we previously mentioned and few more of which we shall inform you about later on, Mahdi the Expected one is Abul-qasim Muhammad-ibn-Hassan Askari who was born on 15th Shaban 256 AH. Besides, we have also mentioned to you the names of those learned scholars who have approved the above point. Since Allah is All-Wise, He would never Command nor forbid any matter or action except out of prudent Knowledge.

The same is true for this particular matter. All that Prudent Knowledge is referred to those charged with a duty because, in the Holy presence of God, there exists no want and His Holy Self is Needless and All-Sufficient. Thus every action of God is in conformity with Prudent interests whether we realize those interests or not and whether we perceive those reasons or not.

From the known affairs where not even a single person dispute is this that every voluntarily and in-voluntarily incidents and affairs which occur in this world should be as per the Divine prudency and rather as per the Divine Will. Amongst these affairs, the most important of them is the Occultation of Mahdi (A.S.). Based on this principle, the Occultation of Mahdi must be as per prudency and wisdom, whether we perceive it or not and whether we understand its reason or not.

If we do not believe in what we have said, we are helpless in denying an affair for which we do not possess any reason of its denial - Firstly that Mahdi is the same Muhammad-ibn-Hassan Askari. Secondly that he is hidden from the views. (Its meaning will be mentioned later on). Thirdly that his Occultation has taken place by the Will and Decree of Allah.

If you pay attention and deliberate over each of these three affairs, you will realize that denying any one of them will not be rationally and traditionally permissible.