A Discussion with a Man From Medina About the Length of the Ghayba

It is narrated from Ali bin Ahmad from Muhammad bin Abu Abdillah al-Kufi from Musa bin Imran al-Nakhii from his uncle Husain bin Yazid from Ali bin Abi Hamza from Yahya bin Abul Qasim from Imam Ja’far Sadiq bin Muhammad that the latter was asked about the verse: “Alif Lam Mim. This Book, there is no doubt in it, is a guide to those who guard (against evil). Those who believe in the unseen…” (2:1-3) The Imam said: Here the pious means the Shias of Ali and the unseen implies the hidden proof of Allah. It is proved by the verse: “And they say: Why is not a sign sent to him from his Lord? Say: The unseen is only for Allah; therefore wait- surely I too, with you am of those who wait.” (10:20) Thus the Almighty Allah has informed that unseen is His sign and Proof. It is proved by the verse: “And We made the son of Maryam and his mother a sign.” (23:50) Meaning a proof.