Other Questions 27item Which Imam is the subject of being known? What is the idea of Asha’rite about the philosophy of Imamate? What is meant by recognizing the Imam? What are the beliefs of Materidite regarding the philosophy of Imamate? What is the opinion of Imamites Shi`a (Imamiyah Shi`a) about the Imams after the Prophet (s.a.w.) Are the reasons suggested by those who call Imamate one of the fundamental principles acceptable? What is the view of different Islamic ideologies about the necessity of Imamate and leadership in the Islamic society? What is the idea of Imamite Shia and Sunnite about Imamate as one of the Fundamentals of Religion (Osul) or Fundamental Principles (Forou)? What is the philosophy and objective of Imamate in view of Mu’tazilite? What does Mu’tazilite scholars say about philosophy of Imamate? What are the proofs of those who consider Imamate as one of the Fundamentals of Religion? Why is the Imamate superior to the prophecy? What’s the reason behind Imam Mahdi’s occultation? [On the commands of Allah, Hazrat Vali-e-Asr is in occultation right from the commencement of his Imamat. Hence as opposed to his forefathers (a.s.), Imam's meetings with his Shias have been few and far between. By and large, the problems of the people have been presented before his esteemed self in the form of letters and “Areeza” (“Areeza” is a letter of requests written by the Shias to the Imam of their time). And Imam (a.s.) too has reciprocated in a similar manner. The letters of Imam-e-Zaman (a.s.) are terminologically called as “Tawqee”. These Tawqees have been assimilated in several books. Hazrat Ayatullah Syed Hasan Shirazi (may Allah purify his soul) has compiled these letters in a book by the name of “Kalemat-ul-Imam al-Mahdi”. This single book contains all the letters of Imam (a.s.) which are found in different books. Originally the book was written in Arabic. Dr. Syed Hasan Sabzawari has translated this book into Persian by the same name. The answers to the questions mentioned below, have been given by Imam (a.s.) himself. These replies have been compiled from various letters that were sent to him (a.s.) in the course of his Ghaibat. To that extent the letters of Imam (a.s.) constitute “half a meeting” with him, and the same is being presented in your service. We pray to Allah that this endeavour is accepted by our pure Imam (a.s.) We look forward to that day when we can present to you an interview conducted by personally meeting Imam (a.s.). Inshallah] At any point of time can the earth ever remain devoid of the Proof of Allah (Hujjat)? [On the commands of Allah, Hazrat Vali-e-Asr is in occultation right from the commencement of his Imamat. Hence as opposed to his forefathers (a.s.), Imam's meetings with his Shias have been few and far between. By and large, the problems of the people have been presented before his esteemed self in the form of letters and “Areeza” (“Areeza” is a letter of requests written by the Shias to the Imam of their time). And Imam (a.s.) too has reciprocated in a similar manner. The letters of Imam-e-Zaman (a.s.) are terminologically called as “Tawqee”. These Tawqees have been assimilated in several books. Hazrat Ayatullah Syed Hasan Shirazi (may Allah purify his soul) has compiled these letters in a book by the name of “Kalemat-ul-Imam al-Mahdi”. This single book contains all the letters of Imam (a.s.) which are found in different books. Originally the book was written in Arabic. Dr. Syed Hasan Sabzawari has translated this book into Persian by the same name. The answers to the questions mentioned below, have been given by Imam (a.s.) himself. These replies have been compiled from various letters that were sent to him (a.s.) in the course of his Ghaibat. To that extent the letters of Imam (a.s.) constitute “half a meeting” with him, and the same is being presented in your service. We pray to Allah that this endeavour is accepted by our pure Imam (a.s.) We look forward to that day when we can present to you an interview conducted by personally meeting Imam (a.s.). Inshallah] What is the reason for the sending of Prophets (a.s.) and Imams (a.s.)? 12