ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Islamic Thought (Ma‘arif Islami) Book Two Section Two: Period of Occultation General Objectives After studying this discourse, students are expected: To know the continuity of the interpretation and practice of religion during this period of occultation; To be acquainted with the characteristics and sources of ijtihād ; and To know some rational and textual proofs for the guardianship of the jurist [ wilāyah al-faqīh ] and be acquainted with its theoretical dimensions.

Introduction Since the Imām of the Time ( ‘atfs ) is not present during the period of occultation, flawless interpretation of the religion is naturally not possible and there is deprivation of ideal political leadership. So, the function of religious authority and political leadership of the Imām ( ‘atfs ) is not exercised. As such, the people will be deprived of the religious authority and political leadership of the infallible Imām ( ‘atfs ) and they have no option but to engage in “waiting”.

However, these questions are raised: Has the religion of Islam offered a solution to these two important issues (interpretation and implementation of the religion)? Or, have the Imāms ( ‘a ) shown a way to their Shī‘ah during the period of occultation? We shall examine the reply to these related questions in the two succeeding sections on religious authority and political leadership.

Religious authority Without doubt, flawless interpretation of the religion comes to an end with the occultation of the infallible Imām ( ‘atfs ). During this period, nothing further will be added to the corpus of the ḥadīth of the Infallibles ( ‘a ) and the main religious sources. From the existing religious sources, which include the traditions of the Infallibles ( ‘a ), the religious duties of the faithful can be inferred such that they have sufficient basis for the performance of duties.

However, all people cannot deduce their duties from the religious sources. Therefore, naturally, they must refer to those who are capable of doing this important task. In this manner, during the occultation of the Imām ( ‘atfs ) the position of intellectual authority is assumed by the ‘ulamā’ —who are well-versed in religious principles and capable of deducing the laws.

Of course, even during the time of the presence of the Imāms ( ‘a ), not all people had the opportunity to consult the Imām of their time.