First of all, the more the knowledge (Ma’refat) of a person, the more benefit he would reap. Obviously, there exists a vast difference between the request of an ordinary man and the request of a great scholar. The former seeks bread and butter; while the latter (like Allamah Hilli) would request Hazrat to provide the key to his scholarly problem, and consequently open for him hundreds of doors of knowledge.
Another point is that if a person has several children, he would act with each of them in a different manner. Hazrat Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) treats Shaikh Hasan Iraqi[122] (who accompanied Hazrat for one full week) in one way, and behaves with the fascinated youth who met him in Mashad in another way. He even writes letter to Shaikh Mofid and addresses him as“honourable brother” .[123] Thus, Imam’s way of behaviour depends on the visitor’s state of heart; his nature of love and affection and also on the type of grace that Imam deems fit. That which is needed is purity of heart and the one who possesses this quality possesses a great capital.
The position of religious leaders is intact. They have been named as Imam’s“Nayeb-e-Aam” (common deputies). They are Imam’s special servants. They run Imam’s divine school of thought during his occultation. Besides them, there are few others too who are the servants and slaves of this kind master. They see him everyday and are besides him. Imam too showers his special grace upon them.
Thus, true religious scholars and Jurisprudents (Faqihs) guard the Wilayat( Leadership) and religion of Hazrat Mahdi. They are his sincere lovers and special servants. Naturally, their dignity and position holds special importance as compared to the common people.