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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Imam Al-mehdi (may Allah Hasten His Return) Chapter 12 - the Major Occultation After the year 329 A. H., when the major occultation commenced the special deputation of Imam-e Zaman terminated - If anybody claims during the major occultation to be a mediator and a deputy, then, according to the declaration of Imam-e Zaman himself, that claimer is a liar.

In the Holy Imams’ traditions, the purpose of the Imam’s going into occultation is com-pared to the sun being behind the clouds yet being a source of vitality and life for living creatures.

Likewise, while the Imam is behind the curtain of occultation, he is still a source of the existence and remaining of the world.46 During the major occultation many people have had meetings with His Eminence (Imam al-Mehdi - a.s.), and have managed to meet him, but none of them have claimed to be able to see him or to represent him, because only the four special deputies) of the Imam had the honour of meeting with His Eminence whenever they wished.

Some of the names of these fortunate per-sons who have had the honour of meeting the Imam are mentioned in the authentic book. Among these personalities are ‘Allamah Hilli the matter without claiming to have perceived him: "O my son!

If success in discovering the truth and mysteries has been granted to you, then I will inform you regarding Imam al-Mehdi (a.s.) in such a way that you will never have any doubt, and you will not need intellectual proofs and recorded traditions; because His Eminence is certainly alive and exists, and as long as Merciful Allah does not allow him to plan events, he is excused from revealing and declaring his workings.

And this matter is not exclusively to him, but was usual among many prophets and their successors. Then you must know with confidence and consider it as your faith and creed. And know that the insight of your father into His Eminence is brighter than his knowledge of the world." The honour of seeing Imam-e Zaman was not exclusive to some special Shi’ite scholars only, but many devout and illiterate people have also had this honour.

We are completely amazed when we see people who at one time used to commit sinful and indecent acts, but who after their repentance, and after having their hearts filled with love for Imam-e Zaman, also had an opportunity to meet him, and among them were also our Sunni brothers.