Summary Article: The Role of Imam Al-Mahdi in Maintaining the Proofs of God and the Path to Salvation
Sheikh Hasan Al-Kashani
The divine role of Imamate must be clarified: it will not go invalid because of the denial of people. It would remain functional even if the Imam was not present among them. The Imam doesn’t necessarily do his functions publically, and is not limited to clarifying the instructions of Islam. He also maintains the Proofs of God. He is the only link with that world which is beyond our reach and perception. He is the gaurdian of God’s revelations and their explainer.
The Imam is also the protecter of the religion and the most truthful individual, because he is the only carrier of the divine message. He occupies that function whether he was present among us, or living in Occultation. He is also the witness of the deeds of this nation, regardless of his condition, because he is the upholder of divine proofs.