In the epoch of occultation...

In the epoch of occultation, the world was never bereft of pure, ethical and sincere scholars, nor will it be deprived of such personalities in the future. Ameerul Momineen Ali b. Abi Talib (a.s.) in one of his sermons said: ‘Lord, I know that knowledge will not be erased, its sources will not discontinue altogether and You will not leave Your earth without Your Proof. The Proof who lives among the people being well known but disobeyed or he is afraid and hidden.

You will never keep the earth void of Your Proof otherwise Your Signs will be invalidated and Your Friends would be misled after You have granted them guidance.’ (from here the discussion of scholars commences) ‘Where are they and how many are they? They are very few in number but are of great position before Allah, the Majestic. They follow the Holy Imams (a.s.).

(They follow) the guiding leaders (Imams (a.s.)), establish in themselves the discipline of the Imams (a.s.) and practice their way of life. In such conditions, knowledge will lead them to the true faith and their souls then accept the call of the leaders of knowledge. The traditions of the Imams (a.s.) that are difficult for others, are easy for them to understand.

(Traditions concerning the virtues, mastership and obedience of Ahlul Bayt (a.s.) and especially the traditions about Wilayat al-Takweeni as well as Tashreei of Ahlul Bayt (a.s.), which their opponents deny, are easily accepted by the scholars.) These scholars acknowledge that following and obeying the Holy Imams (a.s.) is obligatory like following and obeying Allah. They are friends of Allah. They are in dissimulation ( تقيّه ) because of the fear of enemies.

Their pure souls have reached a lofty position i.e. physically they are among the people but spiritually they are away from them. The scholars are hidden and silent in the oppressive government and are awaiting the divine kingdom. Allah will soon establish truth with His Words and banish falsehood. Glad tidings to them for their patience and forbearance in the period of occultation. I desire to see them in the era of reappearance.

May Allah soon bring us together with them in Paradise along with their pious parents, spouses and children.[^2] Please reflect on this tradition considering the era when there was attack on religious beliefs from all sides and restrictions were imposed on revealing one’s creed. Government restrictions were the order of the day. Facilities were few.