Period of Occultation

Critically, the Minor Occultation served to solidify the belief in the Imam’s ongoing presence, despite his physical absence. This theological underpinning instilled a sense of hope and collective identity among Shia Muslims during a period of uncertainty and turmoil, following the fall of the Abbasid Caliphate.

The Major Occultation

The Major Occultation began in 941 CE and persists to this day. In this phase, the Imam’s communication is perceived to be entirely indirect and through spiritual means rather than through physical representatives. Scholars have debated the reasons for this prolonged absence, attributing it to a divine decree whereby the Imam is shielded from adversaries and is poised to reappear at a time ordained by God.