ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Al-Muraja'at Letter 6 Thul-Qi’da 12, 1329 A.H. You, thanks to Allah, can be convinced by a mere hint, without the need for an explanation, and you are above doubting the very fact that the purified offspring ( ‘itra ) are superior to all others. Their case is quite clear: they have surpassed those with qualifications and have distinguished themselves from seemingly equal peers.

They have carried from the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him and his progeny, the knowledge of the prophets, and from him have they digested secular and religious jurisdictions.

I References to Proofs Mandating Following the ‘Itra The Prophet, hence, has made them equal only to the Glorious Book and set them models of conduct for those endowed with reason, and the ark of safety when hypocricy with its tumultous waves overwhelms the security of the nation, safeguarding it against dissension if the tempests of division rage, the Gate of Salvation: whoever enters it is forgiven, and the strong Rope of Allah which is unbreakable.

II The Commander of the Faithful (as) Invites to Ahl al­Bayt's Sect The Commander of the Faithful is quoted in sermon 86 in Nahjul­Balagha as saying: "‘Where are you heading (Qur'an, 81:26),' and ‘where are you straying (Qur'an, 6:95, 10:34, 35:3, 40:62),' since the flags are poised up high, the Signs are clear, and the light­house is erected? So, where are you straying? Nay! How can you be blindfolded while you have among you the household ( ‘itra ) of your Prophet?

They are the reins of righteousness, the religion's flags, and the tongues of truth; therefore, accord them as you accord the Qur'an and approach them as thirsty camels approach the water. O people!

Take this[^1] from the last of the Prophets, Allah's peace be upon him and his progeny: ‘whoever among us passes away, he is not really dead, and whoever disintegrates (after dying) from among us does not really disintegrate; therefore, do not say what you do not know, for there is the greatest truth in what you deny. Accept the argument of one against whom you have no argument and it is: ‘Have I not dealt with you according to the Greatest Weight[^2] (Qur'an)?