The guide must explain the commandments of the Creator for them.

The guide must explain the commandments of the Creator for them." Hisham asked: "Who is that guide and leader?" The Syrian replied: "The Prophet (s) of God." Hisham said: "When the Prophet (s) left this world, who became responsible for the guidance of these people?" The Syrian replied: "The Qur'an and the traditions of the Prophet." Hisham said: "Today, it is a very long time since the death of the Prophet (s).

Do you think the Book and the traditions alone can solve the disputes?" He replied: "Yes, of course, they are enough and sufficient." Hisham said: "If it is just as you say, then why do you and I dispute and why have you travelled such a long way from Syria?" Younus ibn Yaqub says, "When their discussion came to this point, the learned Syrian put his head down and became quiet." The Imam (a) asked him, "Why don't you speak?" He said: "What shall I say? I have no reply.

Because if I say we have no dispute, then I would be telling a lie. On the other hand, if I say: The Qur'an and the traditions of the Prophet (s) are enough for the solution of the problems, this would also be a false statement. This is due to the fact that it is not easy to understand the meaning of the Qur'an and the traditions. If we dispute and each of us is of the opinion that our own belief is right, then in this case what is the use of the Qur'an and the traditions of the Prophet (s)?

This discussion is not to my benefit." Imam al-Sadiq (a) said: "Ask Hisham himself the solution to your difficult problem." The learned Syrian turned his face towards Hisham and said: "O Hisham, tell me yourself who is the supervisor of the deeds of the people and who is their leader?

Tell me whether the Creator guides them Himself or the people are themselves responsible for their own leadership?" Hisham replied: "Neither one of these is correct, rather the Kind Creator has appointed leaders for the people from amongst themselves.

The Syrian said: "Whom has He appointed to invite the people to unity and friendship and separate the straight path from that of the wrong one, and the just from that of the unjust?" Hisham said: "Do you mean in the time of the Holy Prophet (s) or the present time?" The Syrian said: "The Prophet (s) during his own life was the guide of the people.