The Existential and Legislative Effects of the Imam of the Time- at the Occultation Period

The existence of “Imam” is a complete exemplification of the Divine favor for the religiously responsible people, the guardian and the executor of Islam’s legislative system, the spiritual director of Ummah and the philosophy of Creation.
The how of realization of these mentioned goals and effects through the absent Imam is a question asked from long time ago and answered by the Infallible Imams and Imamate scholars. However, as far as the author knows- a work which studies all aspects of this issue has not been written up yet. The current paper has researched the effects of the absent Imam in the two domains of “creation” and “legislation”. The ultimate and subjective role of Imam in the system of creation, the preservation of legislative system, the spiritual guidance, political and scientific leadership with a mediator, special providence, communication through prayer and pilgrimage are all the subjects addressed in this paper.