The lack of enough companions and its role in the beginning of the twelfth Imam occultation

One of the pillars of Mahdism's discussion is "Occultation" and the most important components of the occultation is "the reason of its occurance". Therefore, the result of a precise understanding of the reason for the occultation, correct orientation and movement in order to solve it and lay the groundwork for the appearance. One of the reasons behind the disappearance of the twelfth Imam, which has received less attention, is the lack of enough companions. Considering that these companions - with the characteristics stated in the Hadiths - must be among the people of the time, understanding the extent of the influence of their readiness, firstly, in the occurrence of the occultation and secondly, in the realization of the Imam's appearance, causes movement, dynamism and the role of the real followers in the removal of occultation and the formation of the advent process.This research with a descriptive-analytical method, considering these two presuppositions: 1. The temporal nature of the occultation, 2. Characterization and separation between the cause, wisdom and purpose of the occultation, it has investigated the traditions of Imams in this field. What the analysis of existing narratives in this field yields, is that there are reasons for the occultation of the twelfth Imam, and one of the most important reasons for the Imam's disappearance can be found out in an important point as the lack of proper and enough helpers.