This points to the fact that 'Ali (as) was trained and brought up as the helper...

This points to the fact that 'Ali (as) was trained and brought up as the helper, brother, assistant, supporter and protector of the Prophet (S), and in instances where everyone else ran away, it was only 'Ali (as) who stayed to defend the Prophet (S) and the best example of this was during the battle of Uhud. What is the difference between assistance (نصرت) and confirming (تأييد)? If these two words are used separate from one another (not in one sentence), then they carry the same meaning.

However, when they are used together, then the meaning of confirming (تأييد) is to help one in spiritual affairs while assistance (نصرت) is in the meaning of the physical help one gives to another person. This tradition quoted above has a message for everyone and it tells us that 'Ali (as) did not reach to the rank that he possessed for nothing. Rather, through his helping the religion of the Prophet (S), he reached to that grand status.

Helping the religion of the Prophet (S) is not achieved through holding gatherings (majalis) to commemorate joyous occasions in the Islamic calendar, nor is it achieved through simple recitation of poems, nor even going for Ziyarat.

Rather, that person who claims to be of the Tashayya' (Shia), must traverse on the path of being a fighter for the religion, especially during our present time where various types of attacks are being leveled against the Shia, and those things which the Shia hold sacred. Of course, this enmity against the Shia clearly shows that the spread of the teachings of the Ahlul Bait (as) and the Shia beliefs are on the increase and thus, the enemies have also risen up against us and our beliefs.

One of the proofs of the truthfulness of the Shia beliefs is the sources and references for all of our beliefs can also be found in the books of the Ahlus Sunnah. In addition, all of the spiritual greatness that have been recorded about the Ahlul Bait (as) in our books are also mentioned in their books!

When it comes to defending the issue of Wilayah and the teachings of the Ahlul Bait (as), we must do so with logic and related proofs and continue such discussions with a cool head and complete control of our entire presence. It is our hope that Insha-Allah, we are able to be living examples of “أيده بنصره” and that we too can assist the school of the Ahlul Bait (as)! [^1]: Surat al-Anfal (8), Verses 62 and 63 [^2]: Mustadrak Safinat al-Bihar, vol. 2, pg. 50 Previous…