Definition and Meaning of Wakalat al-Khassah
Wakalat al-Khassah (الوكالة الخاصة) in Twelver Shi’ism refers to the concept of designated special deputies who act on behalf of the Hidden Imam during his Lesser Occultation. This term combines “Wakalat” (agency or representation) and “al-Khassah” (special or specific), illustrating the role of these deputies as intermediaries between the Hidden Imam and the community.
Etymology and Background
- Arabic Origin: The term “Wakalat” (وكالة) is derived from the Arabic root wa-ka-la (و-ك-ل), which means to delegate or entrust. “al-Khassah” (الخاصة) means special or specific, indicating a unique agency.
- Linguistic Analysis: This underscores the deputized individuals’ unique role, differentiating them from general representatives within the religious framework.
Historical Facts and Dates
- Background: The concept was rooted in necessity following the Twelfth Imam’s occultation. From 873 to 941 CE, the period known as the Lesser Occultation (Ghaybat al-Sughra) occurred.
- Notable Deputies: The four successive deputies were:
- Abu Amr Uthman ibn Sa’id al-Asadi (d. 874)
- Abu Jafar Muhammad ibn Uthman (d. 917)
- Abu Qasim Husayn ibn Ruh al-Nawbakhti (d. 938)
- Abu al-Hasan Ali ibn Muhammad al-Samari (d. 941)
- Transition to Greater Occultation: With the death of Abu al-Hasan Ali ibn Muhammad al-Samari in 941 CE, the Greater Occultation (Ghaybat al-Kubra) began, where no direct representatives of the Hidden Imam existed.
Cultural Differences and Similarities
- Shi’a Traditions: In Twelver Shi’ism, the role of the Hidden Imam and his deputies takes precedence, contrasting with Sunni practices where caliphs and imams are openly accessible.
- Persian Influence: Particularly seen in Iran, twelvers place significant emphasis on clerical leadership, with historical figures like Ayatollah Khomeini centralizing this role.
Synonyms, Antonyms, and Related Terms
- Synonyms: Special Agency, Deputized Representation
- Antonyms: General Representation, Open Succession
- Related Terms:
- Ghaybat al-Sughra: Lesser Occultation
- Ghaybat al-Kubra: Greater Occultation
- Hidden Imam: The Twelfth Imam in occultation
Exciting Facts
- Ayatollah Khomeini’s Influence: Ayatollah Khomeini’s theory of “Wilayat al-Faqih” brought the idea of general deputyship to the forefront, creating a paradigm shift in Shia political theology.
- Special Deputy Claims: The founder of the Bábí movement, Sayyid ‘Ali Muhammad Shirazi (the Báb), uniquely claimed deputyship in the 19th century.
Quotations from Notable Writers
- Ayatollah Khomeini on clerical authority: “The Faqih (leader) derives his authority directly from the Imams and represents them in even their occultation.”
- Hossein Nasr: “The role of the deputies provided the Shia community with spiritual guidance and a direct connection to their Hidden Imam.”
References and Suggested Literature
- Algar, Hamid. “The Roots of the Islamic Revolution in Iran”. Open Press, 2004.
- Nasr, Seyyed Hossein. “Islamic Philosophy from its Origin to the Present”. SUNY Press, 2006.
- Momen, Moojan. “An Introduction to Shi’a Islam”. Yale University Press, 1985.
Additional Translations
- Arabic: الوكالة الخاصة
- Persian: وکالت خاص
- Urdu: وکالت خاصہ
### What is the primary meaning of "Wakalat al-Khassah" within Twelver Shi'ism?
- [x] The designation of special deputies during the Lesser Occultation.
- [ ] A specific form of prayer.
- [ ] A concept related to Islamic architecture.
- [ ] A type of judicial ruling.
> **Explanation:** Wakalat al-Khassah refers specifically to the designation of four deputies during the Lesser Occultation period who acted as intermediaries on behalf of the Hidden Imam.
### During which period did the Wakalat al-Khassah function?
- [x] The Lesser Occultation (Ghaybat al-Sughra)
- [ ] The Greater Occultation (Ghaybat al-Kubra)
- [ ] After the Islamic Revolution
- [ ] The Abbasid Caliphate
> **Explanation:** The Wakalat al-Khassah functioned during the Lesser Occultation (873-941 CE), when the Twelfth Imam was in a state of concealed presence.
### How many specific deputies were there in Wakalat al-Khassah?
- [x] Four
- [ ] One
- [ ] Ten
- [ ] Seven
> **Explanation:** There were four successive deputies who were entrusted with representing the Hidden Imam during the Lesser Occultation.
### Who was the last special deputy in Wakalat al-Khassah?
- [x] Abu al-Hasan Ali ibn Muhammad al-Samari
- [ ] Abu Amr Uthman ibn Sa'id al-Asadi
- [ ] Abu Jafar Muhammad ibn Uthman
- [ ] Abu Qasim Husayn ibn Ruh al-Nawbakhti
> **Explanation:** Abu al-Hasan Ali ibn Muhammad al-Samari was the last of the four special deputies, marking the end of the Lesser Occultation.
### What significant event began with the death of the last special deputy?
- [x] The Greater Occultation (Ghaybat al-Kubra)
- [ ] The formation of the first Abbasid Caliphate
- [ ] The beginning of the Ottoman Empire
- [ ] The arrival of the Safavid dynasty
> **Explanation:** Following the death of Abu al-Hasan Ali ibn Muhammad al-Samari in 941 CE, the Greater Occultation began where the Hidden Imam had no specific deputies.
### What is the term for the Greater Occultation in Arabic?
- [x] Ghaybat al-Kubra
- [ ] Ghaybat al-Sughra
- [ ] Wilayat al-Faqih
- [ ] Imamate
> **Explanation:** The term for the Greater Occultation in Arabic is "Ghaybat al-Kubra."
### Which modern religious figure applied the concept of general deputyship to consolidate his authority?
- [x] Ayatollah Khomeini
- [ ] Abu al-Hasan al-Ashari
- [ ] Zayd ibn Ali
- [ ] Al-Ghazali
> **Explanation:** Ayatollah Khomeini advanced the concept of "Wilayat al-Faqih," becoming the general deputy, practicing guardianship of the jurist, in the absence of the Hidden Imam.
### The founder of which movement claimed special deputy status in the 19th century?
- [x] The Bábí movement
- [ ] The Wahhabi movement
- [ ] The Islamic Renaissance
- [ ] The Hanafi school
> **Explanation:** The founder of the Bábí movement, Sayyid ‘Ali Muhammad Shirazi (the Báb), uniquely claimed special deputy status in the 19th century.
Farewell, Dear Reader. May your journey in Islamic studies continue to inspire and enlighten you. Keep seeking knowledge, for it is the key to understanding and peace.
— Leila Al-Najjar
