Imam Askari (a.

Imam Askari (a.s.) has said that a man who gives preference (in obedience) to his two spiritual fathers, Muhammad and Ali (a.s.) over his biological parents is addressed by the Almighty Allah: I chose you and gave you honour before (in front of) your spiritual parents as you opted for their respect compared to your biological parents.

Then the Imam said: According to the Divine word ‘and the near of kin’, those respected personalities are your religious relatives, Allah has ordered you to recognize their right as we took promise from Bani Israel and O followers of Muhammad! I have taken similar promise from you that you must recognize the near ones of Muhammad (S) who are, after Muhammad, the Infallible Imams and…