Henry Corbin’s Understanding and Realization of Imām Zamān (mGehr) and Shiʿism

Once, Henry Corbin asked Allamah Ṭabāṭabāʾī (mGbhs):

“Does Imāmiyyah Shiʿism (Twelver Shiʿism) have a true and hopeful message that can save humanity today? Or can the spirituality of Shiʿism, which is reflected in the concepts of Imāmology, Imām Zamān (mGehr), his Occultation, and his Emergence, solve the problem of spiritual secularism in the West?”

Allamah Ṭabāṭabāʾī (mGbhs) answered his question in a profound and comprehensive manner. However, I* will only refer to his answer briefly.

The Allamah believed that the truth and mystery of existence can be understood through three ways:

1. Through wisdom:
This is the path followed by philosophers, based on rational reasoning and observable realities.

2. Through Shiʿa mysticism and Gnosticism:
This path is based on the purification of the soul, intuition, and contemplation.

3. Through religion [Shiʿism] and its principles:
This path is based on understanding the inner reality of all things.

As for Imām Zamān (mGehr), the Allamah did not offer an imaginative interpretation of the Occulted Imām. Rather, he described the Emergence of the Imām within the course of human social life.

Consequently, Henry Corbin embraced Shiʿism. He also made significant progress in Shiʿa Gnosticism. He wrote several books related to Shiʿism, including Traités des Compagnons Chevaliers and Temple and Contemplation.

 

*I refers to the translator.