Hawzah News Agency - In the speeches of the Infallible Imams (PBUT) about the benefits of the hidden Imam, through a beautiful analogy, Imam Mahdi (PBUH) during occultation has been likened to the sun behind the cloud. Undoubtedly, this analogy was based on wisdom; therefore, Shiite scholars have mentioned valuable points in expressing this analogy, some of which will be mentioned:
1. The sun is the axis and center in the solar system. Imam Mahdi (PBUH) is also the axis and foundation in the system of human life.
2. The sun has numerous benefits in the totality of existence, only one of which is the emission of light. The Imam of the Time (PBUH) also has numerous benefits in the system of creation, only a small part of which depends on his visibility.
3. Clouds cover the sun for earthlings; but they never darken the earth. The veil of occultation also only deprives humans of the direct sight of the Imam and will never hinder his light on people.
4. Cloudiness is a consequence of the earth and earthlings, not the sun; occultation is also the result of human behavior.
5. Clouds are only an obstacle for those who are under them. If someone overcomes the gravity of the earth and rises above the clouds, the clouds will no longer be an obstacle for him. In occultation, if someone overcomes and dominates worldly desires and becomes exalted as is fitting, he may transcend the veil of occultation and attain the sight of that hidden sun.
6. In benefiting from the sun, there is no difference between those who believe in the sun and those who deny it. In benefiting from the Imam, there is no difference between those who deny it and those who believe in the Imam.
7. Only those people are truly waiting for the clouds to depart who are fully aware of the benefits of the sun. During occultation, too, knowing the Imam makes the expectation more real.
Therefore, there is no doubt that the extent to which creatures benefit from the sun of the universe is greater and more complete when there is nothing to block it; however, this does not mean that the presence of a veil over the sun eliminates all or most of the benefits; rather, this obstacle only eliminates or reduces some of the benefits.
The apparent existence of the Imam in the era of presence and revelation also means that all the benefits of the Imam can reach the people. Now, if something prevents the full blessings of the Imam from reaching others, it does not mean that his existence is in vain. The existence of the Imam behind the curtain of occultation is as useful as his existence in the prisons of oppressive rulers was useful. Of course, there are many differences between the prison of occultation and the prison of tyrannical rulers; but each of them prevents the full blessings of the Imam from reaching the world and humans in some way.
In short, the issue of occultation does not contradict the philosophy of the necessity of the existence of the Infallible Imam (peace be upon him); because the Infallible Imam is present during occultation and his benefits also reach others. Only a part of his benefits does not reach the people during occultation due to their own fault, and it is the people themselves who must prepare the conditions for the emergence of the Imam by making the necessary preparations.
This discussion continues...
Extracted from the book “Negine Afarinesh (The Jewel of Creation)”, with slight changes
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