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In The Name of Allah, The Most Beneficent, The Most Merciful
We had said that Imam Sajjad (a.s.), while drawing similarities between Imam-e-Asr (a.t.f.s.) and the Prophets (a.s.), had compared his ‘trepidation and occultation’ to that of Prophet Moosa (a.s.).[1]
Ameerul Momeneen (a.s.) while briefing Kumayl says:
اللّٰهُمَّ بلٰى لأَ تَخْلَوَا الأَرْضُ مِنْ قَائِمِ للهِ بِحُجَّةِ اِمّا ظَاَهِراً مَشْهُوْرًا
وَ اِمّا خَائِفًا مَغْمُوْرًا
O My Allah (this is certain) never will this world be devoid of a Divine Proof notwithstanding if he is manifest or recognized or whether he is in a state of fear or angst hidden from the eyes of the people.[2]
In some narrations the word ‘Fear’ (خائف) has been categorically used for Hazrat Baqiyatullah (a.s.). As Imam Sadeq (a.s.) says:
“There will be an occultation before reappearance for Qaem (a.s.).” Zorarah says, ‘I asked Imam: Why?’ Imam replied: “He will be apprehensive of being killed.[3]”
One of the reason of Imam’s (a.s.) fear is the apprehension of being killed. This fear isn’t a psychological fear or uneasiness or in negative sense. But instead it is a question of insecurity. It was on the basis of insecurity that Hazrat Moosa (a.s.) had exited Egypt. As Holy Quran says: فَخَرَجَ مِنْهَا خَائِفًا يَتَرَقَّب (Moosa) exited from the city in fear, and awaiting.
The prayer which follows Ziyarat-e-Aale Yaseen, in this too, Imam (a.s.) is referred to as the ‘vigilant and fearful’
(اَلْمُرتَقَبَ الْخَا ئِف).
We are aware that Imame-e-Asr (a.t.f.s.) is from the treasures of Allah and gift of all the glad tidings given by the Prophets and there are lot of responsibilities on him. Like establishing justice and for that it is also necessary that he protects himself. More so, the oppressors and tyrants have narrowed down the living space and hence Imam (a.s.) had to go into seclusion. His father and grand fathers were martyred either by sword or poison and it is for this that Imam Mahdi (a.s.) was compelled to agree and live his life far from the clutches of the oppressors. The cause for this insecurity is due to non-availability of companions and helpers.
There could be other reasons for Imam’s (a.s.) fear. For instance the apprehension of a long extended occultation. Or the fear of delay in his reappearance. Another reason for Imam’s (a.s.) apprehension could be the believers who may become the victims of difficulties and afflictions in the era of occultation and as a consequence find themselves in Iblees’ trap and stray from the straight path of Imamate.
Allah has promised.
وَ لِيُبَدِّ لَنَّهُمْ بَعْدِ خَوْفِهِمْ اَمْنًا
He will most certainly, after their fear, give them security in exchange.[4]
[1] Al Muhajjatul Al Baizaae, Tradition 4, Page 338
[2] Nahjul Balagah saying 139
[3] Kamaaluddin 2-281 (chapter 44)
[4] Surah Nur (24): 55