Kitab al-Ghayba (by al-Shaykh al-Tusi)

2. Theological Foundations of Kitab al-Ghayba

Al-Shaykh al-Tusi’s “Kitab al-Ghayba” articulates the nuances of the Occultation’s theological implications. The text delves into various dimensions — scriptural, narrational, and experiential. At its core, it elevates the belief in the Imam’s existence during Occultation to a critical element of Shia faith, directly contesting the implications of divine absences as mere theological gaps.

In this discourse, al-Tusi utilizes a rich array of hadiths to elucidate the expectations surrounding the Imam’s return. This compendium of narrations serves to bolster the concept of faith amid absence, inviting adherents to continuously nurture their connection to the Imam despite his physical absence. This connection forms the essence of “Tawakkul,” or reliance upon God, reinforcing the notion that divine will transcends physical embodiment.