WHAT DOES PRESENCE MEAN?

 Another point which can possibly be discussed is the meaning of presence, by presence, do we mean scientific presence or actual presence?

            The great scholar, Allama Majlisi, writes in the explanation of this narration that: If the verb “فاحضرونا” is from the Arabic syntax chapter ‘افعال’, then this narration will mean: You must know that all of us are present before you by means of knowledge. Allama Majlisi intended scientific presence here.[1]  

It has arrived in a tradition narrated from Imam Reza (a.s.) regarding Khizr (a.s.) that:

إنّه ليحضر حيث ما ذكر، فمن ذكره منكم فليسلّم عليه‏

“He makes himself available whenever he is remembered, thus whoever amongst you remembers him, should greet him with Salaam”. [2]

His holiness Ayatullah Mustanbit writes in this regard: If such is the rank of Khizr (a.s.) who is the follower and subordinate of Imam Mahdi (a.s.), then to what extent would be the rank and status of Imam Mahdi (a.s.) himself, who is his leader and guide?[3]

            From this narration, we can deduce his holiness’ personal presence, in some of the time periods, but not his scientific presence.

            The issue of Presence is one of the most important issues regarding the teaching of the Holy Progeny (a.s.) and requires further explanation. Therefore, we will conclude this discussion by narrating a beautiful saying of Imam Ali (a.s.):

أحضروا آذان قلوبكم تفهموا

“(If you wish to experience the realities) open the ears of your hearts, so that you understand”.[4]