The present inquiry is an attempt to study the historical...

The present inquiry is an attempt to study the historical background and circumstances of the occultation of the Twelfth Imam. The Imamites had political ambitions to obtain political power under the leadership of an Imam called al-Qa’im bi - l - sayf (the one who will rise with the sword).

This study tries to examine the role of these ambitions in his occultation and to trace as well the evolution of the underground Imamite organization ( al - Wikala ) and its role during the time of the Twelfth Imam's short occultation. It is essential to make a survey of the main sources of this study so that the viewpoint of each of them can be understood and the information they contain evaluated accordingly. Previous…