During the Minor Occultation (Ghaybat al-Sughrá), it is believed that al-Mahdi maintained contact with his followers via deputies (Arab. an-nuwāb al-arbaʻa or "the Four Leaders"). They represented him and acted as agents between him and his followers. Whenever the believers faced a problem, they would write their concerns and send them to his deputy. The deputy would ascertain his verdict, endorse it with his seal and signature and return it to the relevant parties. The deputies also collected zakat and khums on his behalf. COUNT 5
QSN1 How did al-Mahdi maintain contact during his Occultation? ANS1 via deputies QSN2 How did deputies represent al-Mahdi? ANS2 acted as agents between him and his followers QSN3 What would believers do when they had a problem? ANS3 write their concerns and send them to his deputy QSN4 What would the deputy endorse the concerns with? ANS4 seal and signature QSN5 What did the deputies collect in the Imam's behalf? ANS5 zakat and khums