Occultation
WordNet
noun
(1) One celestial body obscures another
WiktionaryText
Noun
- An astronomical event that occurs when one celestial object is hidden by another celestial object that passes between it and the observer when the nearer object appears larger and completely hides the more distant object
- Describes the state of an Imam that has been hidden by Allah. (see Muhammad al-Mahdi)
- "The example of the Imam in occultation is like the sun behind the clouds. You may not see it, but it continues to sustain and aid you."