Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books The Last Luminary and Ways to Delve Into the Light Responsibility 11: Absolute Obedience to the Imam Another responsibility of the believers is to obey the Imam, during the time of his advent and also during his occultation. Obeying him means that we must adhere to the legislations sent by Allah.
During the period of the occultation, obeying the Imam can be achieved by following the commandments of his noble ancestors which are found in the books of narrations. Imam ‘Ali b.
Surely the most hated of people in the sight of Allah is one who follows the tradition of the Imam, however does not follow him in his actions.”[^1] In a second tradition from one of the Imams it has been stated: كُونُوا لَنَا زَيْناً وَ لاَ تَكُونُوا عَلَيْنَا شَيْناً “Be a beautification for us (the Ahlul Bayt) and not a source of embarrassment to us.”[^2] In a final tradition for this responsibility, we quote the words of the sixth Imam, Ja’far b.
Certainly piety is attained by following our teachings so beautify yourselves with it, may Allah have mercy upon you, and hurt our enemies with it and Allah will enliven your spirits.”[^3] [^1]: al-Kafi, vol. 8, pg. 234, sec. 8, no. 312 [^2]: Biharul Anwar, vol. 68, pg. 151, sec. 19, no. 6 [^3]: al-Kafi, vol. 2, pg. 78, sec. al-Wara’, no. 13 Previous Next