Shawal 10 - Start of Imam (AS)’s Ghaibat-e-Kubra

10th of Shawwal - Start of the Ghaibat-e-Kubra (greater occultation) of Imam-e-Zamana (a.s.). According to other reports, the date was 4th or 9th of Shawwal 329 A.H.

Birth and Imamate:

The promised Mahdi, who is usually mentioned by his title of Imam-e-Asr (the Imam of the "Period") and Sahib az-Zaman (the Lord of the Time/Age), is the son of the eleventh Imam. His name is the same as that of the Holy Prophet (SAW). He was born in Samarrah on the 15th of Shabaan in 256 A.H./868 A.D. and until 260 A.H./872 A.D. when his father was martyred, lived under his father's care and guidance.

As soon as the 12th Imam was born he did sijda (prostration) and proclaimed the oneness of Allah and the Prophet hood of the Prophet Mohammad (pbuh&hf)

He also recited the 5th aya of Suratul-Qasas "And We intend to bestow (Our) favours upon those who are weak in the land and make them the Imams (leaders) and make them the heirs". On his right hand was written the 82nd aya of Suratu Bani Israel "The truth has come and falsehood has vanished; Indeed falsehood (is a thing by nature) vanishing". The 11th Imam only told a handful of his most trusted believers of the birth of his son and to a few of his household slaves.

One of the women slaves called Naseema relates that when she went to see the baby Imam in his cradle she greeted him with salaam and was replied to. She then sneezed and the Imam said: "Yarhamukillah - it is a blessing from Allah and you have 3 days immunity from death".

The last Imam (a.s.) was hidden from public view and only a few of the elite among the Shiahs were able to meet him. After the martyrdom of his father he became Imam and by Divine Command went into occultation (ghaybat). Thereafter he appeared only to his deputies (naibeen) and even then only in exceptional circumstances.

Ghaibat (occultation) of the last Imam (a.s.):

The Imam's ghaibat (occultation) was in two phase - Ghaibat-e-Sughra (minor occultation) was for about 69 years - 260 A.H. (872 A.D.) to 329 A.H. (939 A.D.) and the Ghaibat-e-Kubra (greater occultation) started in 329 A.H. (939 A.D.)and will continue until Allah (swt) so wills.

GHAIBAT-E-SUGHRA (160 A.H. to 329 A.H.):

During Ghaibut-us-Sughra, the Imam (a.s.) appointed four deputies/representatives to represent him among the people. After the death of the fourth deputy, the Imam (a.s.) went into Ghaibut-e-Kubra (major occultation). This was on the 10th Shawal 329 A.H.

The 4 representatives were:

1. Uthman bin Saeed (A.R.)

It is said that at the age of 11 years he was a servant in the house of the 9th Imam later to enjoy the confidence of Imam. He occupied the same position of trust with the 10th and 11th Imam who told their Shias that after him they would not see the 12th Imam and would have to obey Uthman. After the 11th Imam's martyrdom Uthman moved to Baghdad and disguised as a butter seller. He served the 12th Imam for 18 months and received a letter near his death from Imam (a.s.) telling him to appoint his son Mohammed as the next representative.

2. Muhammad bin Uthman (A.R.)

He continued in his fathers footsteps also acting as a butter seller. As instructed by Imam he appointed Husayn bin Rawh as the next representative after his death in 305 A.H.

3. Husayn bin Rawh (A.R.)

His kuniyya was Abul Qasim. He managed to keep his activities a secret from the rulers whilst maintaining good relations with them. It is to him that we address the 'ariza' to be delivered to Imam. He served faithfully until he died in Sha'ban 326 a.h. revealing the appointment of Ali bin Muhammad Samry after him.

4. Ali bin Muhammad Samry (A.R.)

He served for only three years. A week before his death he received a letter from the Imam (a.s.) telling him of his forthcoming death and that there would be no representative after him and that Imam (a.s.) was now going into Ghaibat-e-Kubra (major occultation). Imam (a.s.) would then appear when Allah (swt) wills it. Ali bin Muhammad Samry (a.r.) died on 15th Shabaan 329 A.H.

GHAIBAT E KUBRA (329 A.H. to present):

Imam's ghaibat is described by the Aimma like that of Prophet Yusuf (A.S.) who was amongst his brothers yet they did not recognise him.

Imam is known to meet a believer on various occasions:

- At the time of trouble

- He is present at every Hajj

Few Responsibilities During Ghaibat-e-Kubra:

1. Pray for the safety of Imam (a.s.) at all time

2. Be in waiting for Imam (a.s.) at all times

3. Give Sadaqa for Imam (a.s.)

4. Pray for his re-appearance

5. Whenever faced with difficulty (whether small or big) ask for assistance from Imam (a.s.)
6. Whenever his name is heard or recited, one should stand if possible, send salaams on him, and bow.
7. If possible perform Hajj/Umra for Imam (a.s.). (Hajj-After own Wajibat)