During the night time...

During the night time, they are as monks (they stay up in the night, busy in prayer and the worship of Allah) while during the daytime, they are as lions (active, energetic, and involved in the activities of the world and their community).” In this concise tradition, there are seven characteristics mentioned which one must possess in order to be classified as a Shia. Truly, a veiled and hidden (comprehensive) world of subject-matter and responsibilities has been given to us in this saying.

It is possible that the meaning of “a fortified stronghold” could mean that: “Our Shia are those who are not influenced by the negative propaganda of the enemies.” Right now, the state of culture of the world is in a very dangerous phase. Our youth are being faced with this (cultural) menace - yet have we found any way to strengthen the inner will of our youth in relation to this cultural onslaught?

If we are not able to destroy the causes of this sickness, then we must at least strengthen ourselves (in defence). This point must also be kept in mind that during the time of the infallible A`immah, one of their greatest complaints was that some of their Shia used to speak openly about their (the A`immah's) secrets. The people of that time were told not to speak about the great rank and status which the A`immah possessed to just anybody.

The stations of: Knowledge of the Unseen of the Imam; the Intercession of the Imam for his followers on the Day of Judgement; The Imams being the custodians of the knowledge of the Messenger of Allah (S); them being witnesses and observers of all of the actions of the Shia and also their rewards and punishments and… were all issues that the common people and the enemies of the Ahlul Bait did not have the ability to hear or accept.

There were some Shia that were very simple minded and would sit in any gathering and would speak about whatever they wanted (about the A`immah) and this act of theirs did not bring about anything except for division, enmity and hatred (for the A`immah).

Therefore, the Imam has said, “Our Shia are they in whose chests (hearts), secrets and trusts are kept.” The A`immah have also said that their Shia are those who do not spread secrets of others without any reason; they do not seek to cause division between two people and even worse than this, they do not go to extremes in the religion such as those which have recently come about.