Off-topic but since you are "revert" from sunnism, do you take part in the Muharram self-flagellation rituals? How about tatbir (rituals with blood-letting) ? [You do not have to answer it if you don't want to] Matam yes i do. Tatbir? No. And I'm not sure honestly if there part of aqeedah. "Imam and occultation: you might have an incomplete understanding of this. The Imam is very much alive and a working at shaping this world, but not in front of people. He is working "behind the scenes" so to speak, in many forms, one of which is guiding many of the top scholars who have guided us for over a millenium. Again, the worth of our Imam is incomprehensible. It is like the water left on a needle after you take it out of the ocean, and comparing it with the ocean. This goes back to the Imam's perfect relationship with Allah, and our (my) very flawed one with The All Merciful" I dont believe any of these beliefs. ^