Before familiarizing ourselves with these blessings...

Before familiarizing ourselves with these blessings, it is important to first understand that the condition for reaping the benefits of reciting this tradition is contingent upon two major criteria and that is: The servant must be a lover and Shi’a (devout follower) of the purified AhlulBayt (AS) The servant would join a gathering of devotees to the Prophet’s purified household where the Tradition of the Cloak is being recited.

There is no other criteria or qualification to this gathering except the above conditions. The attendees don’t have to be residing in any particular location such as a mosque or holy sanctuary. They don’t have to be living in a Muslim country or belong to a certain racial group. The skin of their color doesn’t matter neither does their educational or intellectual backgrounds. All that matters is their love and devotion to the Prophet’s AhlulBayt (AS) which unifies the Shi’as at every level.

It is interesting to note that the narration makes a distinction between the “Shi’as” and the “lovers”. What exactly is the difference between the two groups? Isn’t every Shi’a of AhlulBayt also a lover? And isn’t every lover of AhlulBayt also a Shi’a? Our Infallible Imams (AS) have described to us who exactly are the true Shi’as (supporters and followers) of the AhlulBayt.

It is narrated that one time a man went to his wife and said to her, “Go to Fatima the daughter of the Prophet and ask her if I am from their Shi’a or not”. The wife went to ask Lady Fatima (AS) and she answered, “Tell your husband that if he acts according to our commands and keeps himself away from what we forbid, then you are from our Shi’a; otherwise, you are not.” The wife returned back and conveyed the message to her husband who exclaimed, “Woe be to me!

And who is not free of sins and mistakes?! I am surely in Hell-Fire for whoever is not from the Shi’a is truly in Hell-Fire!” The man’s wife returned back to Lady Fatima and conveyed her husband’s remarks. Lady Fatima (AS) then said, “Tell him that is not the case. Our Shi’a are the best of the people of Paradise.

All our lovers and those who support our supporters, and those take our enemies as their enemies, and those who surrender to us by their hearts and tongues, are not from our Shi’a IF they disobey our orders and prohibitions at any time. Despite that, they are still going to Paradise.