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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Special Deputies Husain b. Rauh (r.a.) During the Period of the 2nd Special Deputy According to popular narrations, he was amongst the companions of Imam Hasan al-Askari (a.s.) and was considered amongst the close companions and supporters of the 2nd special deputy Janabe Muhammad b. ‘Uthman (r.a.). Husain b.

📌Rauh (r.a.) enjoyed the unequivocal confidence of the second deputy so much so that the latter divided the chiefs of the Imamia sects into various levels and grades and appointed Husain b Rauh (r.a.) at the highest and the foremost group. He was the first amongst the chiefs who was permitted to directly meet him (2nd deputy). Note A critical aspect of the lives of the deputies of Imam (a.t.f.s.) is underscored in the above discussion.

They were special Shias who performed their administrative duties in an extraordinary manner. Although they were in close contact with Imam (a.t.f.s.) and knew his residence, they ensured that it remained a secret from the prying eyes of others around them. This trait is even commendable when we consider that the period of short occultation was not a period of 1 or 2 years, but a long era spanning more than 7 decades.

Over this prolonged duration, to keep constant touch and contact with Imam (a.s.) and at the same time to regularly communicate the problems of the people to Imam (a.s.) and seek a solution from him (a.t.f.s.) underlines their capabilities. They had to deal with constant requests and pressures from the people for being allowed to meet Imam (a.t.f.s.) and they had to all along be careful never to disclose Imam’s (a.t.f.s.) location to the people.

The readers will appreciate the fact that if we try to conceal something, while the people are aware that we are trying to hide something from them, and we are also aware that people are trying to discover the hidden thing, then it is indeed a difficult task to conceal that hidden object from the inquisitive eyes of the people. It may be possible to divert their attention and delay the matter for a few days, but certainly not for a year or years or decades.

These points will help us appreciate how well Imam (a.t.f.s.) must have trained the deputies. Muhammad b. ‘Uthman (a.r.) had made Husain b. Rauh (r.a.) a link between himself and the agents around Baghdad. During this period, Husain b Rauh (r.a.) came to establish an influential presence in the court of the Bani Abbas rulers by virtue of a pre-determined plan.

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