Indeed the lovers of Imam (a.

Indeed the lovers of Imam (a.t.f.s.) have found a strange soothing effect in his name that helps them overcome the most trying of calamities. The path towards the love of Imam (a.t.f.s.) is strewn with thorns. It is an examination for those who claim to tread the path of his love. It is a path with many temptations and distractions. It is slippery and beguiling. It has dangerous twists and turns. However, Imam (a.t.f.s.) has not deserted his lovers.

His help and guidance always helps them negotiate the perils of this path. A small ray of his light is sufficient to ease the murkiness and gloom of this path. The strong bond of love can help the lovers overcome every hurdle on the path. The (readers of this path must understand the prerequisites and conditions of love so as to reach Imam (a.t.f.s.). We have only briefly outlined a few of those pre-requisites.

Seeking favours only from the beloved: One of the most important prerequisites of sincere love is that one does not go to anyone else to seek his demands. He only approaches the beloved in this regard. To maintain contact We must maintain close contact with our beloved ones - our relatives, our friends, our immediate family members, our brethren-in-faith. A companion of Imam Sadiq (a.s.) asked him, 'One believer is drowning and another is being deviated by some people.

Who should we rescue?' Imam (a.s.) replied, 'Go to the rescue of the one who is being deviated.' Then Imam (a.s.) elaborated, 'Keep close contact with the one whose faith is exposed to danger, always maintain close relations with him. Rescue his hereafter.' This is the need of the hour today - to keep in contact with the believers in distant areas and to introduce the Imam of their time (a.t.f.s.) to them. This is our most important duty today.

It is not a difficult task, provided we work with dedication and an unshakeable spirit of sacrifice. Patience and forbearance Love is the greatest test of patience and forbearance. Even death does not act as a hurdle for the person. Love is such a powerful force that it takes a person towards his beloved, step by step, ignoring all obstacles in the path. Maintaining relations Maintaining relations with the relatives is an important duty and benefits the society as a whole.

It is a crucial responsibility in this period and a fundamental proof of love for Imam (a.t.f.s.). Acquiring knowledge Love for Imam (a.t.f.s.) and ignorance about him are two opposite events.