Rebellion (Bagh'i) against Islamic state: causing Kufr or "Fisq"?

"Bagh'i" or departing from the obedience of the Imam or the Islamic state in Fiqh and Islamic theology leads to some consequences including whether Bagh'i causes Kufr (disbelief) or "Fisq" (violating Islamic law). Among the scholars of Shia Imamiyyah, there are two theories regarding the rebellion against the Imam. But there has been no debate about the departing from the obedience of the Islamic state at the time of occultation of twelfth Shi'a Imam. This paper undertakes an analytical- jurisprudential study of the problem. By quoting, criticizing and investigating the views of the Muslim jurisprudents and the reasons of each group on this issue, we conclude that departing from the obedience of the Imam does not lead to Kufr; let alone withdrawing the obedience of an Islamic state in the era of occultation. But since the rebellion against the infallible Imam knowingly and deliberately is considered a major sin in Islam, it causes Fisq and deviance from the circle of justice. Bagh'i and departing form the obedience of the Islamic state also leads to Fisq in some cases.