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Benefit from an Occult Imam Whenever the discussion of occultation crops up, queries of various kinds invade the minds of the people. The most common among them being as to what is the benefit of an Imam who is in occultation? In other words, what is the purpose of having a leader with whom neither we can come in contact nor meet In this article, we shall attempt to convey to our readers the answer to the query and make people realize as to how can one derive advantages from an Imam during occultation. Benefits during Occultation The root of this question lies in the fact that the criteria for measuring the benefits of a particular thing are relative, artificial and man made. In other words, if something is appar­ently useful and profitable for him, it is beneficial, not otherwise. Such queries are raised because we do not seem to obtain any apparent benefit from Imam Mahdi (a.s.) during his occultation. Although, it is a genuine problem, yet we must know that if we are not receiving benefits from Imam (a.s.), it is due to our own shortcomings. Our laziness and defects may have closed the gates of beneficence for us. Criteria of Utilitarianism Before the questions are answered, it will not be out of place to ask that is it necessary that Allah should create only that thing...

Occultation of Imam (a.s.) – An Immense Deprivation Allah, the Blessed, the High says in the Holy Quran: “The day when We will call every people with their Imam” (Surah Bani Israel , Verse 71) Allah, the High at various places, has promised guidance to the people. To fulfill His promise, He sent Prophets and Messengers (peace be on them all) one after another, who called people towards His religion, recognition and worship. When the Prophethood was completed with the advent of the last prophet Mohammad (s.a.w.a.), He introduced Imamat in the progeny of Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) so that people may turn to them and save hemselves from straying and attain eternal happiness. The greatest and the highest bounty of Allah from amongst His bounties is the presence of Imam (a.s.). No other bounty can match this bounty. Other bounties have reached their relative position due to this bounty, without which all other endowments are imperfect. As it is mentioned in the Holy Quran, “This day (on the day of Ghadeer) I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor on you and chosen for you Islam as a religion.” (Surah Maaedah, Verse 3) “And as for the favor of your Lord, do announce (it).” (Surah Zoha, Verse 11) Our guidance and salvation depends upon the fourteen infallibles therefore, it is obligatory upon us that we discuss...

Remembering Imam (a.s.) – An important responsibility Our responsibilities during the major occultation (Ghaibat) of Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) have been dealt with in great detail in the book, ‘Mikyalul Makarem Fi Favaidid Dua lil Qaem’ (a.t.f.s.) by Ayatullah Mohammad Taqi Musawi Isfahani (r.a.). He has highlighted the responsibilities in the second volume of the book. Just by looking at the responsibilities outlined in the book it should be clear to the reader that fulfilling these duties is beneficial to us and forsaking them is detrimental to our interests. We realize that executing these responsibilities is proof of our love and attachment for Imam (a.t.f.s.). Performance of action is an important indication of strength of faith. Moreover, it makes one successful in this world and the hereafter. We will discuss one important responsibility, which is fairly easy to observe and very beneficial. The duty is remembering Imam (a.t.f.s.) and reminding thers about him (a.t.f.s.). This responsibility can be accomplished individually as well as socially. The first step in fulfilling this duty is to increase our love towards Ahle Bait (a.s.). Books are laden with traditions regarding the love of Ahle Bait (a.s.). Here, we will outline three traditions dealing with the topic. (1) Imam Jafar Sadiq (a.s.) says: ‘Surely for every act of worship, there is another superior to it and the love of us – Ahle Bait – is...