Definitions
Occultation (غَيْبَة - Ghaybah)
Occultation (Arabic: غَيْبَة, Turkish: Gaybet) refers to the “hidden” state of the Twelfth Shia Imam, a pivotal doctrine in Shi’ism, particularly Twelver Shi’ism. The concept encompasses two distinct periods: the Lesser Occultation (غیبت صغری - Ghaybah al-Sughra) and the Greater Occultation (غیبت کبری - Ghaybah al-Kubra).
Lesser Occultation (غیبت صغری - Ghaybah al-Sughra)
The Lesser Occultation, which began in 873, is the period during which the Twelfth Imam, Muhammad al-Mahdi, continued to communicate with the Shia community through four successive appointed agents or deputies. The last of these deputies, Abu’l-Hasan Ali ibn Muhammad al-Samarri, passed away in 944.
Greater Occultation (غیبت کبری - Ghaybah al-Kubra)
The Greater Occultation commenced immediately after the end of the Lesser Occultation in 944 and continues to the present day. During this period, the Twelfth Imam is hidden and no longer communicates through specific agents. Instead, the leadership and interpretation of Shariah law are vested in Shia jurists (فقهاء - Fuqaha’), who are considered the Imam’s general representatives.
Etymology
The term “occultation” comes from the Latin occultare, meaning “to hide” or “to conceal.” The Arabic term غَيْبَة (ghaybah) derives from the root word غ-ي-ب (gh-y-b), meaning “to be hidden”, “unseen”, or “absent”. In Turkish, the term is Gaybet.
Relevant Literature
For those looking to delve deeper into the concept of Occultation in Shia Islam, the following books are recommended:
- “The Occultation of the Twelfth Imam: A Historical Background” by Jassim M. Hussain - Offers a comprehensive historical perspective on the origins and development of the Occultation doctrine.
- “The Shiite Religions: A History” by Heinz Halm - Provides insights into the history and beliefs of Shia Islam, including the concept of Occultation.
- “Islamic Messianism: The Idea of the Mahdi in Twelver Shi’ism” by Abdulaziz Abdulhussein Sachedina - Explores the theological underpinnings of the Mahdi and the significance of Occultation within Shi’ism.
Takeaways
- Occultation is a central tenet in Twelver Shia Islam, encompassing the periods of Lesser and Greater Occultation.
- Lesser Occultation (873-944) was characterized by the Imam’s indirect communication through deputies.
- Greater Occultation (from 944 to present) signifies the absence of direct communication, with Shia jurists taking on religious authority.
- The concept underscores the belief in the continued spiritual leadership of the hidden Twelfth Imam, who will reappear as the Mahdi.
Conclusion
Understanding the notion of Occultation (Ghaybah) is crucial for grasping the distinct theological and historical developments in Twelver Shi’ism. It provides insight into how Shi’ite Muslims perceive leadership, religious authority, and the eschatological expectations surrounding the awaited Mahdi.
By studying Occultation, one gains a deeper appreciation of the complexities within Islamic theology and the nuanced ways in which spiritual legacy is maintained within the Shia tradition.
