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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Discussion On Imam-e-zaman(a.t.f.s.) Longevity: a Philosophical Perspective ========================================= According to philosophy, every thing has a cause. Thus, nothing can come into existence without cause occurs. And anything that comes into existence, for it to become non-existent, another cause is required.

So, just as it is essential that for every existent there should be a cause, it is also necessary that for its non-existence, there must be some reason. For, if there is no Surah Aale Imran (3): 185 Surah Zumar (39): 30 68Surah Yaasin (36): 68 cause, the first cause (of existence) will provide continuity to its effect. Therefore, whatever exists is due to a cause and whatever ceases to occur is again because of some reason.

If we have proof for the existence, we must have proof to establish that it no longer exists; otherwise, we must believe in the perpetuity of its existence. Based on this principle of logic, Islamic jurisprudence has a law named "Isteshaab". If I have placed this card on the table and have a proof that I have done this work, then if I want to say that the card is not on the table, I must furnish evidence in support of my claim.

Of course, to prove that the card is not on the table is the responsibility of the one who makes such a claim and not me, who believes that the card is on the table. No doubt, "Evidence is the responsibility of the claimant while oath is for the one who denies" is a well-established principle of jurisprudence.

But if the claimant has brought the proof for the existence of the thing that he claims exists, then it is for the opponent to provide evidence for its non-existence because it is a new claim and not just denial. If it is established that 'A' lives, then the one who claims that he is dead, must bring some proof for his claim, otherwise it will be assumed that A continues to live. Let us cite an instance for better understanding of the issue. Suppose, one day we plant fifty trees on the road.

The first day when we see these fifty trees, the question that crops up in our minds: Till when will these fifty trees continue to live? Immediately, we will remember this law and say to ourselves that till the time it is necessary for them to survive, they will continue to do so provided no obstacles or impediments come in the way of their lives.