The Four Special Deputies

3. Ali ibn Muhammad al-Samari (d. 941 CE) – The final deputy, al-Samari’s tenure was marked by the revelatory period leading up to the Imam’s second occultation. His unexpected passing just six days prior to the sending of his final message from the Imam emphasized the limitations of human agency in the face of divine will. Al-Samari’s death signified the closure of the special deputies’ period, thus ushering in the era of the “Lesser Occultation.”

4. Formation of Delegated Authority – Each deputy served not merely as informants but as representatives of the Imam’s authority. This delegation facilitated the administration of religious affairs, yet it also raised critical questions about the nature and limits of authority in Islam. The deputies, unified by their commitment to ensure continuity in religious scholarship and community governance, played an integral role in shaping the narrative of Shia Islam during the occultation.

Theological Implications