The above-mentioned verse is also invoked to prove that the true ones...

The above-mentioned verse is also invoked to prove that the true ones, about whom God speaks and orders us to follow, are not particular to a special period of time. Rather, there should be an infallible imam in every age so that the order will be valid. It means that the infallibles are numerous and in our time, we have the duty to follow the proof of God in the earth; Imam Mahdi (a.s.), though we are the followers of his ancestors at every age.

Although they are not physically among us, the signs of their lives, which are their wise sayings, enlightens our hearts. Therefore, we should be with the true ones whose perfect examples are the Imams of guidance, and other believers who have this worthy feature of the pious.

In another verse, God says: “Of the believers are men who are true to the covenant which they made with Allah: so of them is he who accomplished his vow, and of them is he who yet waits, and they have not changed in the least.” [^6] In this relation, there are many verses in which the word ’true’ has been used more than a hundred times. It is the feature of God, the Messenger, the Imams, the pious, and the believers.

This word has also been used frequently about the belief in God, the Messenger, the confirmation of prophethood, the descend of punishment, and the adherence to the prophets. Certain signs too have been mentioned. Addressing the Jews, God says: “Say O you who are Jews, if you think that you are the favorites of Allah to the exclusion of other people, then invoke death if you are truthful.” [^7] Truthfulness has been mentioned in many traditions.

Imam Sadiq (AS) has been reported as saying: “God Almighty has not deputized any prophet save with truthfulness and to give back trusts to their owners whether good or bad.”[^8] About knowing the Muslims, Imam Sadiq (AS) has been reported as saying: “Do not be deceived by their prayers and fasting; for one may be accustomed to prayer and fasting and that he fears to give them up, but try them with the truthfulness in speaking and giving trusts back to their owners.” ^9 Ibrahim al-Makhariqi says: “I professed my faith to Imam Sadiq (AS), saying, ‘I bear witness that there is no god but Allah.