What’s the reason behind Imam Mahdi’s occultation?

The real reason behind Imam Mahdi’s occultation has not been revealed to us. According to Islamic narrations, the reason behind this matter will remain a secret until the Imam reappears.  What we do know is that Allah’s actions are all logical and out of wisdom.

In a letter to Is-haq ibnYaqub Imam Mahdi has said: “Do not ask about the reason behind (my) occultation for Allah has said in his book: ‘O you who believe, do not ask about things that if revealed to you, will upset you’, …While I am in occultation people will benefit from me just as they benefit from the sun which has been covered from their sights by clouds… Do not ask of what is not your business… and pray much for the hastening of faraj (relief) for it is your own relief.”

It has also been narrated from Imam Sadiq (AS) that: “The logic behind (the occultation) will not be revealed except after his appearance, just as the logic behind Khizr’s actions like making a hole in the ship, killing the child and rebuilding the wall were not revealed to Moses only after they were departing.”

• 29/07/2009 16:30 - Who must we refer to regarding Islamic matters during Imam Mahdi’s occultation?
• 29/07/2009 16:05 - What duas (prayers) are good to say for Imam Mahdi (AS)?
• 29/07/2009 15:57 - How will science progress when Imam Mahdi (AS) appears?
• 29/07/2009 15:51 - Does anyone know when Imam Mahdi will come out of occultation?
• 29/07/2009 15:43 - How do we benefit from Imam Mahdi (AS) during his occultation?

• 29/07/2009 15:17 - Is Imam Mahdi (AS) the manifestation (appearance) of God?
• 29/07/2009 14:04 - What are our duties during the occultation of Imam Mahdi (AS)?
• 29/07/2009 12:50 - Imam Mahdi