ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Discussion On Imam-e-zaman The Philosophy of Occultation-an Appendix The discussion was concerning the philosophy of occultation of Imam-e-Zaman (a.t.f.s.). The question was that why did Allah the Almighty make Imam-e- Zaman (a.t.f.s.) disappear? Was Allah helpless in creating another person or persons like Imam-e-Zaman (a.t.f.s.) that He had to preserve him for the appointed-day?

Is Imam-e-Zaman (a.t.f.s.) more important than the Messenger of Islam (s.a.w.a.) that Allah the Almighty did not preserve the latter but treasured the former? If Imam-e-Zaman (a.t.f.s.) is decreed to work with divine power after his reappearance, then why is it that he (a.t.f.s.) reappears now itself and utilizes the same powers to achieve the same objectives? When Imam-e- Zaman (a.t.f.s.) reappears, what will be the main factor or element in his success?

Certainly, these will be knowledge, power and perfection conferred on him by Allah the Almighty. Thus, he (a.t.f.s.) should bring those powers with himself at this very juncture to accomplish his purpose. So, why is there delay in reappearance? This discussion was pertaining the philosophy of occultation and our conclusion was that Allah has decided that man, in this world, should achieve perfection on his own volition.

In the discussion of creation, we studied that Allah the Almighty decided to appoint His Caliph on the earth and decreed that his actions should be on the basis of his own freewill, and not compulsion or coercion. That is, Allah the Almighty says that this is the path of caliphate and now, you tread it on your own volition. Once, you take a person in a helicopter and leave him on top of a mountain.

It cannot be said that he has climbed the height on account of his own efforts because he was carried. At another time, someone is ordered, 'Go!' He asks, 'Where?' 'I don't know' is the response that he receives. 'How? With what?' are the questions that he asks again and the answers are the same, 'I don't know'. Definitely, such an order is invalid and cannot be implemented.

If somebody is ordered, “This is the way, this is the mode of transport, this is the support and strength, and in short, all that you require, now go and tread the path yourself.” Here it’s possible that he may complete the journey in the shortest time possible or perhaps, he may take years or even decades and yet fail to reach the destination.