He said again...

He said again: "Sir, I am inclined to discuss with your good self on the ability to perform the religious duties." The Imam turned his face to Hamzah ibn Taiyar[^4] and commanded him to answer. Taiyar started to explain the relevant points and replied to his question.

At last, the Syrian said: "Sir, I'd like to discuss with you regarding the unity of God." (Hisham ibn Salem) says the Imam (a) pointed at me and said: "O Hisham discuss with him." Then, after our discussion on unity, the Syrian urged: "I want to discuss the subject of Imamate and Wilayah.

The Imam (a) turned his face to Hisham ibn Hakam and said to him: "You should argue about this matter with that man." Hisham, like an experienced champion entered this discussion and did not give his opponent any chance to speak. Hisham's logical and charming speech attracted and enchanted the Syrian so much that he became all ears. The whole time Hisham was engaged in discussion, the Syrian was whole-heartedly listening to his high and lofty style of speech just like a soulless statue.

Imam al-Sadiq (a) who was listening to this speech, smiled very gently in such a manner that his teeth were visible. Then the Syrian returned to his senses and suddenly said. "Now I see, your intention was to make me understand that there were such remarkable persons amidst your Shi'as and followers.

The Imam said: "Yes, my intention was just that." Then the Imam (a) said: "O Syrian brother, Hamran ibn A'yan came out victorious over you by distorting the facts and using clever speech and set forth his questions to you in a suitable and proper time; and you could not reply to him. Aban ibn Taghlab, a companion of the Imam, confused right and wrong to oust you from the combat of the debate and asked you questions to which you could not give the proper answers.

But Zarareh defeated you with the help of analogy[^5] and allegory. Taiyar, another companion is just like that bird which sits sometimes and then rises up and you are just like that wingless bird which has no power to rise up after sitting down once. Hisham ibn Salem used to put questions again and again cleverly. But Hisham ibn Hakam entered the arena with reasoning and diction and argued with you by means of logical reasoning.

"O Syrian brother, God has mixed up right with that of wrong in such a way in this world that to distinguish between them is difficult for the layman. For this reason, He has sent His apostles to separate the right way from that of the wrong one.