We normally state that we (Iran) are the country of the true...
“Truly my companions are only those who are the strongest in Wara’, fear the punishment of Allah and are hopeful of the reward of Allah - these are my companions.” As we know, Taqwa is a lower level of Wara’, as Taqwa means that we keep away from sins, whereas Wara’ means that we keep away from doubtful things. Imam Ja’far b.
Muhammad as-Sadiq (as) has said that, “My companions are those who are the strongest in Wara’; fearful of Allah; are hopeful of His reward and surround themselves with the commandments of Allah.” We have taken the issue of being a Shi’a as something very simple to attain such that through the mere performance of the Tawassul, Ziyarat and Du’a, we consider ourselves as Shi’a!
We do not wish to lower the worth and value of Tawassul and Ziyarat, however there are many other things which must be performed - and this is what it means to be a Shi’a. To be a Shi’a means to be self-sacrificing; show altruism; possess cognizance of Allah; be a person of Taqwa, and other such ethical traits. Our entire life, our house, our market place, our religious programs, our travels, our entire presence must all take on the aroma of Wilayah of the Ahlu'l Bayt (as).
Thus, we must first start with ourselves and families and must implement the Wilayat which Imam ‘Ali b. Musa al-Riza (as) has spoken of in the tradition under discussion. Therefore, those of us who make the claim of being a Shi’a must first ask repentance for lying!
We must first start with ourselves and our own purification and attainment of the rank of being a Shi’a, and must realize that to be a Shi’a of ‘Ali (as) does not only mean the performance of the mere acts of Tawassul, Ziyarat, and Du’a. We pray that Allah (SwT) gives us the ability to truly be the lovers of Allah (SwT) in place of just claiming this station such that when we claim that 'We are the Shi’a of ‘Ali” we are in that form of a Shi’a that would be pleasing to Imam Ja’far b.
Muhammad as-Sadiq (as) and to Imam ‘Ali b.