If mankind were to become like this...

If mankind were to become like this, they would not last; not even for the flickering of an eye. Survival of mankind is not possible except through courteous conduct and education. Therefore it became necessary for those possessing a sound nature and mind, to have an instructor, a guide, a leader who prescribes and proscribes (i.e infallible Imams), as well as a code of behaviour, (a forum of instruction allowing) the raising of questions and discussion of issues.

\n Knowledge of the Religion and what Allah has prescribed for His creatures is the highest truth attainable by the enlightened and sought after by the discerning and penetrating minds that are successful and unerring. This Knowledge comprises of the unity of Allah, His sacred laws and rulings, His prescriptions and instructions (ahkam wa Awaamir), His restrictions and prohibitions(Nahy wa Zawaajir).

Now, the proof has been established and responsibility for ones actions (takleef) is made incumbent. Furthermore, life is short and delaying ones obligations to do later (in the afterlife) is not possible.

Allah, exalted be his remembrance, has made it a condition that His creatures fulfil their complete obligations with understanding (\u2018ilm), certainty(yaqeen) and insight(baseera); so that one that does so will be praised in Allah\u2019s presence, deserving of a reward and a great recompense. \n However, the one who performs his duties without understanding or insight does not know what he performs nor does he know to whom he is carrying out his duties.

Moreover, if he is ignorant (of what he is performing), then he has no real faith in what he has carried out: he is not a believer. No one truly believes until they know what they are attesting to without any uncertainty or doubt. For the one who doubts, he will never possess longing and awe (of Allah), nor will he feel true humility(khudoo\u2019) or closeness (to Allah), similar to what the one who knows and has certainty experiences.

\n This is supported by Allah, Exalted and Powerful, who says (in the quran)\u201c except the one who bears witness to the truth with understanding\u201d(azZukhruf :86) This shows that ones testimony of faith (shahada) becomes admissible on the basis of linking understanding with witnessing. Were understanding not linked with witnessing, ones testimony of faith would be inadmissible.