ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Special Deputies The Need for Representation As we are aware, occultation is of two types: the Minor Occultation and the Major Occultation with the former being the foundation for the latter. Imam Hasan al-Askari (a.s.) was martyred in 260 A.H., within 5 years of the birth of Imam al-Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) in 255 A.H. Immediately after his martyrdom, the soldiers of the Abbassid Caliph surrounded his house. They were in search of his son, who was his successor.

These historical incidents in themselves are a proof of the danger to the life of Imam Hasan al-Askari’s (a.s.) son. Occultation was thus necessary for the protection of Imam Mahdi’s (a.t.f.s.) life and for the continuity of the institution of Imamat and successorship of prophethood.

The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) had already prophesied about this: ثُمَّ يَغِيْبُ عَنْهُمْ اِمَامُهُمْ مَآ شَآءَ اللهُ وَ يَكُوْنُ لَه غَيْبَتَانِ… ‘Then till Allah desires, their Imam will be hidden from them and he will have two occultations...’ [^1] Selection of the Special Representatives Subsequent to the martyrdom of Imam Hasan al-Askari (a.s.), the Shias were enveloped in the darkness of doubt and indecision.

The demise of Imam (a.s.) was not the sole reason for their condition, essentially it was also due to the political situation prevailing at that time. The atmosphere of fear and anxiety unleashed by the Abbassid Caliphs on the Shias and the lack of direct contact with the Imam (a.s.) aggravated things further. Soon the Shias disintegrated into different sects. The martyrdom of Imam Hasan al-Askari (a.s.) disturbed the Shias even more.

The situation worsened to such an extent that many Shias despaired of their faith. Such conditions marked the beginning of the minor occultation. Imam az-Zaman (a.s.) was physically absent from the midst of the people. To ensure his safety and well-being, Imam Hasan al-Askari (a.s.) had not introduced him to everyone, but only to the innermost circle of his Shias.

In the words of Shaykh Mufid (a.r.), ‘To the extent that he [Imam Hasan al-Askari (a.s.)] had not introduced his son to a large group of his followers’.[^2] However, it was not as if Imam Hasan al-Askari (a.s.) had not introduced his son and successor at all. The introduction was made, but only to the trustworthy ones. Ahmad b. Ishaaq al-Qummi was informed through a letter. He was instructed to inform reliable people about the birth of Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.).

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