Since enlightenment and guidance of people in religious and...

Since enlightenment and guidance of people in religious and spiritual affairs was not linked to political issues, it was not opposed by the power-seekers. And even if they desired to oppose them in this aspect, the people would not have accepted it, since the people were aware of their intellectual ability. From the meaning of the word “ wilayah ” (authority), primarily the leadership and administration of social affairs, governing, and maintaining order are understood.

“And we made them leaders who guide at our command, and we revealed to them the performance of virtuous deeds.” [^3] In addition to these, many other verses and traditions such as the tradition of thaqalayn , s afinah , aman , and other traditions indicate this point. Thus, it has come in the tradition of thaqalayn : “Do not precede the Ahl al-Bait, and do not go before them.” In other words, be their followers.

If greater attention is paid to the content of the mentioned verses and traditions, it will become known that they indicate both dimensions of leadership; thus the Shi‘a have always considered the Imam the possessor of both positions, political leadership, and spiritual leadership, and have considered others to be usurpers.

The usurping rulers also knew this reality – that according the Shi‘a, the Imam’s leadership is absolute – and thus, occasionally though they were confident that the Imam of the time did not intend to rise, they would act cautiously. As an example, Mansur had this belief with regard to Imam as-Sadiq (peace be upon him).