ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Ethical Discourses: Volume 1 Discourse 5: Characteristics of The Shia – Part IV Our ethical discussion today is a continuation of the topic on the Greatness of the Shia ( فضائل الشيعة ). The late 'Allamah Majlisi has presented a very detailed discussion in relation to both the Greatness of the Shia ( فضائل الشيعة ) and the Characteristics of the Shia ( صفات الشيعة ) and he narrates many traditions in regards to these two issues.

It is very important that all of us read these traditions and know for ourselves - and then convey to others - the meaning of these traditions so that those people who feel proud just because they have the title of Shia attached to them will know that to be a follower of the teachings of the Ahlul Bait (and to be called a Shia) is not an easy task.

We narrate one tradition which even though does not direcly speak about the greatness of the Shia, however it addresses a responsibility that a true Shia must fulfill. In this short tradition from Imam Ja'far b. Muhammad as-Sadiq (as) addressed to Abu Basir, the Imam explains the characteristics of a Shia.

Isma'il from his father that he said, “I was with Abi 'Abdillah (Ja'far b. Muhammad as-Sadiq (as)) when Abu Basir entered our company. He was breathing heavily when the Imam turned towards him and asked him what was troubling him. Abu Basir said that old age had taken him over and he was finding it very difficult to breathe. He stated that he was on the verge of leaving this world, but worse than all of this, he was worried about what his state would be after death and where he would end up.