Al-Ghaybay (by al-Numani)

Al-Numani’s analysis meticulously details the implications of the Imam’s Occultation for Shia theology. One critical aspect is the concept of ‘Waiting’ (Intidhar). This period of waiting is imbued with a dual dimension—spiritual and practical. On one hand, it instills a sense of hope for the return of the Imam and the ushering of a just society. On the other, it necessitates a proactive engagement in community affairs and the pursuit of justice, aligning with the ethical paradigm established by the Imam himself. Herein lies a challenge: Can the practice of faith endure the test of time without direct leadership or guidance? Al-Numani would posit that it can, through the empowerment of the community and the cultivation of shared values.

The teachings of Al-Ghaybah further incite contemplation on the dynamics of unseen governance. In a contemporary world characterized by disillusionment and skepticism, the belief in a hidden guiding figure may seem implausible. Nevertheless, for Shia Muslims, this notion serves as a cornerstone of their existential orientation. The latent presence of Al-Mahdi offers a framework for understanding current socio-political realities. As believers perceive signs of the impending return, they grapple with the ethical implications of their actions in the present—an indispensable aspect of being a Shia Muslim.

Delving deeper, the discourse around Al-Ghaybah also intersects with the concept of divine justice. Shia teachings underscore the belief that the absence of the Imam is a divine test. How do believers reconcile the existence of evil and suffering in the world with the benevolence of God? Al-Numani articulates that the period of Occultation provides an opportunity for individuals to cultivate agency in the face of adversity, suggesting that divine justice operates through the moral responsibilities of individuals within a community.