But of them are some who wrong themselves and of them are...

But of them are some who wrong themselves and of them are some who are lukewarm [^6] , and of them are some who outstrip (others) through good deeds, by Allah's leave” (Qur'an 35:32) . He said: By those “who wrong themselves” (zalim) are meant those who do not recognize the right of the Imam; and by “the lukewarm (middling, fair)” (muqtasid) are meant those who know his right; and by those “who outstrip (others) by good deeds, by Allah's leave” are meant the Imams.

Imam Ja'far was asked by his son Isma'il: What will be the condition of the sinners among us? He said: “It will not be in accordance with your desires, nor the desires of the People of the Scripture. He who doeth wrong will have the recompense thereof, and will not find against Allah any protecting friend or helper” (Qur'an 4:123) . Imam Muhammad al-Baqir in a lengthy tradition says: There is no relationship between Allah and any one else.

Verily the person most liked among them in the sight of Allah is the most God-fearing, and one who acts most obediently to Him. I swear by Allah, no man can approach Allah, the Mighty and Glorious, except through obedience. We possess no immunity from the Fire, and not one of us has an argument which will prevail against Allah. He who is obedient to Allah is a friend to us; and he who is disobedient to Allah is an enemy to us. No one can reach (us) except through piety and good deeds.

And Noah said: “My Lord! Lo! My son is of my household! Surely Thy promise is the truth and Thou art the most just of Judges. “He said: O Noah! Lo! He is not of thy household; lo! he is of evil conduct, so ask not of Me that whereof thou hast no knowledge. I admonish thee lest thou be among the ignorant. “He said: My Lord! in Thee do I seek refuge (from the sin) that I should ask of Thee that whereof I have no knowledge.

Unless Thou forgive me and have mercy on me I shall be among the lost” (Qur'an 11:45-47) . And Imam Ja'far as-Sadiq was asked concerning the saying of Allah the Mighty and Glorious: “And on the Day of Resurrection thou (O Muhammad) seest those who lied concerning Allah with their faces blackened. Is not the house of the scorners in Hell?” (Qur'an 39:60) .

He said: (This refers to him) who claims to be Imam, without being one, even if he were an Alid and a Fatimid.[^7] And Imam Ja'far told his companions: There is no difference between you and those who oppose you save “that which is concealed” (al-mudmar). He was asked: And what is “that which is concealed”?