- Shia says that the father of Imam Zaman ordered to hide the news of Imam Mahdi (a.s.) and not to tell except the trusted people. Even now, the Imam of their time is behind the veil of occultation. On the other hand, they say: If someone does not recognize the Imam of his time, he has died the death of ignorance (disbelief). How can this contradiction be resolved?!
The Promised Mahdi (A.S)
The Promised Mahdi (A.S)
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Explaining the Importance of "Imamate" in the view of Shia - 1:
In Shia's eyes, Imamate is one of the principles of religion, and not just the way Sunnis see it; that is an apparent responsibility equal to the head of the government, which is chosen by the people. Shiites consider Imams to be the successors of the prophets in implementing the decrees, establishing boundaries, maintaining the Shari'ah, educating and traning the people. That’s why they consider them innocent of mistakes and sins. It means something beyond the leadership and government over the people. In the Shia system of thought, all the duties of the prophets (except for revelation and what is similar to it) are fixed for the Imams. According to the Shia interpretation of the position of Imamate, the Imam is appointed by God and through the Prophet (peace and blessings of God be upon him). They have the same virtues and privileges of the Prophet (peace be upon him) (except the position of prophethood) and his work is not exclusive to the government. For this reason, believing in Imamate is considered a part of the principles of religion, not one of the branches of religion and practical duties.[1]
Considering the position of Imamate in Shia beliefs, we believe that after the Prophet of Islam (peace be upon him) there is an Imam in every age and time.[2] According to the Shia and Sunni from tradition of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him): “Whoever dies while not knowing the Imam of his time has died the death of ignorance[3]”.[4] , [5]
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[1] One hundred and eighty questions and answers, Makarem Shirazi, pp. 257 and 258.
[2] Our belief, Makarem Shirazi, p. 76.
[3] The period in Arabian peninsula befor Islam
[4] Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 32, p. 331: مَنْ مَاتَ وَ لَمْ يَعْرِفْ اِمَامَ زَمَانِهِ مَاتَ مِيتَةً جَاهِلِيَّةً
[5] Translated: https://makarem.ir/maaref/l/0428993