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

3. The Socio-political Repercussions of Ghayba

The Occultation bears profound socio-political implications for the Shia community. It simultaneously leads to a deepened sense of community resilience while exposing vulnerabilities to hegemonic narratives. The anticipation of the Imam’s return evokes a spectrum of psychological states among believers, ranging from hope to despair. Al-Tusi’s treatise compels the faithful to cultivate a sense of agency during this protracted period of waiting, forging a practical approach to navigating the complexities of injustice and oppression.

Integral to this awareness is the idea of “Infallibility,” where the Imam, through divine grace, possesses immunity against error and sin. Al-Tusi’s work postulates that recognizing the infallibility of the Imam fortifies community unity against external societal turmoil, thus reinforcing an undeniable bond amongst believers toward a common goal: awaiting the Imam’s reappearance.