The Objection Regarding the Contradiction Between the Sāmari Letter and the Observations of Some Scholars

Introduction

Dar al-Hidaya : A prominent theological question arises regarding the Tawqi‘ al-Sāmari, the final letter from Imam Mahdi (AJ) before the beginning of the Major Occultation. The objection is as follows: If the Tawqi‘ declares that no one will meet the Imam after its issuance, how do we account for the credible testimonies of trustworthy scholars who claim to have encountered him?

This article addresses the alleged contradiction and provides a detailed explanation of the language and implications of the Tawqi‘, reconciling it with reliable historical accounts.

The Objection: Contradiction Between the Tawqi‘ and Scholarly Testimonies

The core of the objection lies in the interpretation of the final words of Imam Mahdi (AJ) in the letter to ‘Alī ibn Muhammad al-Samarī (d. 329 AH), the fourth and final special deputy. The letter warns that:

“Whoever claims to have seen me is a liar (kadhdhāb).”

Critics argue that this seems to categorically deny any possibility of post-occultation encounters. However, numerous reputable scholars, such as Seyyed Bahr al-‘Uloom and Muqaddas Ardabīlī, are recorded as having had experiences with the Imam.

Clarifying the Meaning of the Tawqi‘

The key to resolving this objection lies in carefully analyzing the wording of the Tawqi‘:

• The Imam does not say: “No one will ever see me again.”

• Rather, he says: “Claimants who say they have seen me will be liars.”

This phrasing shifts the focus from the fact of seeing to the act of claiming.

The Emphasis on “Claiming” (ادعا)

The Arabic term ادعا (iddaʿā) means to assert or to claim, particularly about something whose truth is not definitively proven. In Islamic jurisprudence and theology, a claim (daʿwā) requires bayyina (evidence) or qarā’in (contextual indicators) to be accepted.

Thus, the Tawqi‘ targets those who publicly claim to have met the Imam without irrefutable proof, especially those who might exploit such claims to:

• Seek leadership roles

• Create sectarian division

• Fabricate new doctrines or laws

This is especially relevant given the socio-religious chaos at the time and the Imam’s desire to protect his followers from imposters.

Differentiating Between Public Claims and Private Experiences

1. The Tawqi‘ Rejects Unauthorized Claimants, Not All Encounters

The intent of the Tawqi‘ is not to deny the possibility of encountering the Imam altogether, but to caution the public against accepting unverifiable claims.

2. Trusted Scholars vs. Opportunists

When well-known scholars such as:

• Seyyed Bahr al-‘Uloom

• Muqaddas Ardabīlī

• Shaykh al-Mufid (RA)

…report possible visions or spiritual experiences involving the Imam, they do so without seeking to lead the community, gain followers, or fabricate religious rulings.

Their piety, scholarship, and credibility set them apart from false claimants who exploit the occultation for personal gain.

Conclusion: Understanding the True Scope of the Sāmari Letter

The Tawqi‘ al-Sāmari should not be interpreted as an absolute denial of all encounters with Imam Mahdi (AJ). Instead, it:

• Warns against fraudulent claims that aim to mislead or control the community

• Does not negate the possibility of rare, private, sincere encounters, especially those experienced by individuals known for their knowledge and spiritual integrity

Scholars such as Seyyed Bahr al-‘Uloom and Muqaddas Ardabīlī, due to their impeccable character, are not dismissed under this warning. Their testimonies are not claims of official representation but rather humble experiences, never used to distort religious teachings.