The Final Decree (Tawqīʿ) and the End of Specific Deputyship

End of Specific Niyabat: Imam Mahdi’s Final Letter to Samari

One of the most decisive and widely accepted proofs for the end of specific Niyabat in Shia theology is the final letter (tawqīʿ) sent by Imam Mahdi (peace be upon him) to his fourth and last appointed deputy, ʿAlī ibn Muḥammad al-Samarī. This letter was issued just six days before Samari’s death and contains clear instructions that no one should be appointed to succeed him. It marks the transition from the Minor Occultation (Ghaybat al-Ṣughrā) to the Major Occultation (Ghaybat al-Kubrā).

The Text and Meaning of the Letter

The Imam wrote:

“O ʿAlī ibn Muḥammad al-Samarī, may God reward your brothers for your passing. You will die within six days. So prepare your affairs and do not appoint anyone to succeed you. The complete occultation has begun. There will be no appearance except by God’s permission, after a long time and when hearts have hardened and the earth is filled with injustice. Those who claim to see me before the appearance of the Sufyani and the Heavenly Call are liars and impostors.”

This statement is considered a clear and final declaration that no one will be appointed as a specific representative after Samari. It also warns against future claimants who falsely claim contact with the Imam.

Why This Letter Ends Specific Niyabat

• The Imam explicitly forbids Samari from appointing a successor.
• He announces the start of the complete occultation, ending the era of named deputies.
• He warns against impostors who claim to represent or see him before the prophesied signs.
• The letter is accepted by Shia scholars across centuries and cited in foundational texts such as al-Ghaybah by Shaykh al-Ṭūsī.

This letter is a cornerstone in refuting false claims of representation and confirming the doctrinal shift from direct appointment to reliance on general scholarly guidance.