In Burhan it is narrated from Amirul Momineen (as) that he...

In Burhan it is narrated from Amirul Momineen (as) that he said regarding the verse: “And seek means of nearness to Him.” “I am the Waseela to Him.”[^3] In Miraat al-Anwaar quoting from the book of al-Waahida from Tariq bin Shahaab it is mentioned that he said: in a tradition, Amirul Momineen (as) said: “Imams of Aale Muhammad (S) are Waseela to the Almighty Allah and the means of connection to His mercy…”[^4] Also in the book of Riyaaadh al-Jinaan it is narrated from Jabir that the Holy Prophet (S) mentioned the excellence of himself and his family when he said: “We are Waseela to Allah.”[^5] In some Ziarats it is mentioned: “And I make them a Waseela for gaining Your pleasure.” It is mentioned in Dua Nudbah that: “And I have made them source of gaining Your nearness and Waseela for obtaining Your satisfaction.” In Dua of the Chief of the worshippers (as) on the Day of Arafah it is mentioned: “And You made them Waseela to Yourself and a path towards Paradise.”[^6] From this we learn that Waseela denotes this same Imam.

On the basis of this taking Waseela towards the Almighty Allah is performing an act that is source of satisfaction and nearness of His Eminence, and as the Almighty Allah has appointed a guide for every nation and an Imam for every people. He says: “And (there is) a guide for every people.” He appointed the Imam (as) as a Waseela towards Himself, thus it is necessary for every community to recognize their guide and Waseela and to do all that takes one near to him and earns his pleasure.

Because without recognizing him, it would not be possible to become proximate to him. From this point of view, it is mentioned in a tradition accepted by both sects (Shia and Sunni) that: “One who dies without recognizing the Imam of his time, dies the death of Ignorance (infidelity).”[^7] On the basis of this, one who does not recognize the Imam of his time is like one who has not recognized any of the Imams and that which proves this matter are those widely related traditions, some of which we shall quote in the coming pages: Husain (as) came to his companions and said: “O people, Allah, the Mighty and Sublime did not create human beings except that they should recognize Him.