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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Pretension and Conceit A Seal of Musk SUBLIME TRADITION & AN EXPLANATION BY IMAM AL-KHOMEINI, MAY HIS SHADE PROLONG As we conclude these sheets, we would like to cite a sacred tradition narrated by al-Kulaini (may Allah be pleased with him) in his sacred book Al-Kafi from the Master of those who believe in the Unity of Allah, namely the Commander of the Faithful (a.s).

Sheikh al-Saduq (may Allah be pleased with him) has narrated a similar one from Imam Abu Abdullah al-Sadiq (a.s). It is one of the pieces of advice by the Prophet (a.s) to Ali (a.s).

The tradition is thus rendered through isnad to Abu Abdullah (a.s) who said that the Commander of the Faithful (a.s) had said, "There are three distinctive marks of a pretender: He is energetic [in feigning acts of adoration] when he sees people, is lazy when alone, and loves to be praised in all his affairs." Imam al-Khomeini, may his shade prolong, has said the following : Since this disgusting sin may be hidden, not known by even the person with which lie is afflicted: He claims his deed is sincere, whereas in his innermost, he is among the pretenders.

For this reason, they have stated a mark of identification so one may thereby identify his innermost, and he may thus start curing himself of it : One sees himself, when alone, as having no desire to undertake acts of obedience to Allah. When he forces himself to perform an act of worship, as he is accustomed to doing, he does so without energy or desire. Rather, he performs it as incomplete, impure.

But if he is present in mosques or congregations, he keeps himself busy with an act or adoration as he is seen by the public. So he does it with energy, with connection, with pleasure, and with an attentive heart. He loves to prolong his bowing and prostrating during his prayer, performs what is commendable, well carries out its parts and requirements.

If his mind wakes up to such doing, and if lie asks himself about the reason for doing that, the nafs will then place its trap on the principles of adoration and, in order to deceive one, says, "Your energy with regard to worship in mosques is more rewarding," or that prayers with a congregation is such and such.

Or lie may be in a congregation other than the mosques, so it says to him, "It is highly commendable for one to undertake a well done job so others may emulate him, follow his example, or have the desire for the creed. " It thus deceives one through any means it can.