Thus , al - Samarri 's death marked the beginning of the second or Major Occultation .
Shia believe , based on the last Saf'ir's deathbed message , that the Twelfth Imam had decided not to appoint another deputy .
Al - Samarri 's death marked the beginning of the second or Major Occultation .
Shia believe , based on the last Saf'ir's deathbed message , that the Twelfth Imam had decided not to appoint another deputy .