He replied...

He replied: He who commands the people to walk on the straight path of Allah and guides them to good deeds and the worship of Allah and prevents them from evil and sins and does not help the deviated ones and does is angry upon anyone on behalf of those who betray the trust and is not pleased with the command of the oppressors except him who fears harm to himself or to his religion at a time when he does not have helpers who may oppose the sinners and hence he mixes with them by way of Taqaiyyah [dissimulation].

Ali bin Ibrahim says that “whom We chose from among Our servants” means the Imams (a.s.) and the oppressors among Aale Muhammad are, excepting the Imams (a.s.) those who deny the right of the Imam but accept the leadership of the Imam (a.s.). The foremost are the Imams. And there is a narration from Imam Sadiq (a.s.) regarding “about those whom We chose from among Our servants” that they are Aale Muhammad and that the ‘foremost’ are the Imams.

Imam Baqir (a.s.) is reported to have said that this verse has been revealed in our praise and that the ‘foremost’ is the Imam (a.s.). According to another report, he has also said that ‘foremost’ is the Imam and that this verse has been revealed in the praise of the sons of Fatima and Ali (a.s.) In Kashaful Ghumma , there is a narration from Dalaile Humairi that Abu Hashmi Ja’fari said that I requested Imam Askari (a.s.) to explain this verse.

He said that all the three groups are from Aale Muhammad and the one who is oppressor himself is he who does not accept the Imam. Abu Hashim says: Hearing this, tears rolled down from my eyes and I wondered what kind of ‘greatness’ is this which has been granted by Allah to Aale Muhammad?! The honourable Imam understood my confusion and said looking at me: The matter of Imam is higher and the rank of the Imam is greater than what has come to your mind about the honour and dignity of Muhammad (S).

So praise Allah for having connection with them and for you belief in their Imamate. On the Day of Qiyamat, you will be called with them. So, O Abu Hashim! Be happy because you are on the right path.