The Ghaybah Kubrah, also known as the Major Occultation, is a significant event in the history of Shia Islam. It began in the year 329 AH/941 AD and continues to this day, marking a period where the Shia believe Imam al-Mahdi, the twelfth and final Shia Imam, went into occultation, or disappeared from public view. The commencement of Ghaybah Kubrah has a fascinating story behind it, highlighting the political and social upheaval that was taking place during that time.
Before delving into the story, it is essential first to understand the concept of Imamate in Shia Islam. The Shia believe in the concept of divine leadership, which was bestowed upon the twelve Imams. These Imams are believed to be infallible and appointed by God to guide the community after the Prophet Muhammad's death. The twelfth and final Imam, Imam al-Mahdi, is believed to have gone into occultation and is expected to return as a messiah figure who will bring justice to the world.
The story of the commencement of Ghaybah Kubrah begins with the eleventh Imam, Hassan al-Askari, who passed away in 260 AH/872 AD. Before his death, Imam al-Askari informed his followers that he would have a son who would be the twelfth and final Imam. However, this son, Imam al-Mahdi, was born after his father's death, and thus his birth was kept a secret.
During the minority of Imam al-Mahdi, several agents from his camp tried to contact the Shia community in Iraq through his representatives known as Na'ib, but this effort faced significant issues, and the agents were being arrested, tortured, and some even executed in the hands of the Abbasid Caliphs. The Abbasids believed that the concept of Imamate was a threat to their rule, and thus they sought to suppress the Shia community.
After the arrival of Imam al-Mahdi, he lived a secluded life with his followers, and only a handful of individuals knew his true identity. The Abbasids made several attempts to locate him, but they were unsuccessful. Meanwhile, the Shia community continued to wait for the arrival of Imam al-Mahdi, hoping that he would reappear soon.
In the year 329 AH/941 AD, Imam al-Mahdi went into occultation, creating a new chapter in the Shia history. This event was marked by a letter that was sent by Imam al-Mahdi's representative, Abu al-Qasim, to his followers. This letter is known as the "Letter of Abu al-Qasim" and was addressed to his close companion and companion of his father, `Uthman ibn Sa`id al-`Amri.
The letter revealed that Imam al-Mahdi had gone into occultation due to the dangers posed by the Abbasids. The letter also stated that Imam al-Mahdi would only contact his followers through his representatives, known as A'yaam, and that they should seek guidance from them.
The commencement of Ghaybah Kubrah signified a new era in the Shia history, where the followers of Imam al-Mahdi had to adapt to a new reality. The Shia community had to adjust to the fact that they would no longer have direct access to their Imam and had to rely on his representatives for guidance. Furthermore, the Ghaybah Kubrah marked a new phase in the struggle against the Abbasid Caliphate, with the Shia community continuing to resist their oppression.
Despite the challenges faced by the Shia community during this period, they continued to preserve their faith and traditions. The Shia community continued to commemorate the martyrdom of their Imams and hold mourning ceremonies even during the period of Ghaybah Kubrah. Additionally, the followers of Imam al-Mahdi continued to await his return, maintaining the hope that he would appear soon and bring justice to the world.
In conclusion, the Commencement of Ghaybah Kubrah was a significant event in the Shia history. It marked a new phase in the struggle against the Abbasid Caliphate and highlighted the challenges faced by the Shia community during this period. The Ghaybah Kubrah also demonstrated the resilience of the Shia community and their commitment to preserving their faith and traditions. Today, the Shia community continues to await the return of Imam al-Mahdi and maintains the hope that he will soon bring justice to the world.
©️ Freedom Fighters Ng -By Muhammad Jawad
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