To observe this bidding of Imam Sadiq (a.

To observe this bidding of Imam Sadiq (a.s.) is crucial, and we must spar no effort to secure that feeling of affiliation and proximity with our Imam (a.s.) in order: to gain Our Imam's (a.s.) special attention. The status of Imam Mahdi (a.s.) Traditions accredit Imam (a.s.) with an august and majestic standing. In Dua Nudbah we recite, 'Imam (a.s.) is that door of Allah's mercy that we have to access so as to reach Allah.' He is a path towards Allah's satisfaction and grace.

He possesses powers of intercession vis--vis the Almighty. He is among the Names of Allah, through which we have been commanded to seek mediation and arbitration. As the Quran declares, (Translation, 'And Allah's are the best names, therefore call on Him thereby.' (Araaf : 180) An exegesis of this ayat reveals a tradition from the Aimmah (a.s.), viz., 'By Allah! We are the best names (asmaae husnaa) through which Allah has commanded the Muslims to invoke Him.' (Mikyalul Makarim, vol.

1 page 271) Imam always responds to pleas of help and succour, as has been elucidated in his Ziarat. He never rebuffs the distressed and frightened. Indeed he is the means for the redemption of sins. He alone is the defender of the weak and oppressed.

And this is the purport of the following statement of Ziarate Jameaa, 'One who has associated himself with you has triumphed, and the one who has sought asylum with you is protected.' Observe this practice of turning to their chief in moments of anguish or when there is a fear of strike from the enemies.

In fact this has also been the custom of the believers, who in times of distress and difficulties have left their affairs completely in the hands of their Imam (a.s.), and have sought redressal from him alone. As a matter of fact, among the responsibilities of Imam (a.s.), is that he provides refuge to the hapless and a retreat to the outcast.

And in this regard it is observed that it a subject of any King is in distress and is confronted with a calamity or affliction then rationale suggests he should approach his leader, ruler, provided of course, the latter is virtuous and capable. Otherwise, then he will be the subject of intense criticism and censure.

And likewise, if in our moments of indigence and grief, we turn to someone other than our Imam for assistance, then we have forsaken one of the crucial obligations enjoined by Allah upon the Muslims and run the risk of incurring His wrath.