ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books The Faith of Shi'a Islam the Meaning of "shi'a" in the Opinion of the Household of the Prophet ========================================================================= The Imams of the Household (A.S.) did not receive the leadership of Islam, although, however, they never had any designs towards it. So they devoted themselves to educating the Muslims, and to instructing them as Allah had ordered.

They remained with those who were faithful to them, and confided in them their secrets, took great pains to teach them all the religious commandments and instill in them religious knowledge, and showed them what is of advantage to man and what is harmful. They recognised no-one as Shi'i or as one of their followers unless he obeyed the commands of Allah, kept himself apart from his desires and carried out what they taught and guided him towards.

Only to love them will not suffice to save someone, it. that person also follows his desires. making excuses for his disobedience to Allah, because they have clearly said that love of them will save no-one unless it is accompanied by pure actions, truth, honesty, piety and virtue. Imam Baqir (A.S.) said: O Khuthayma! Say to our friends that we can be of no help to them before Allah unless their actions are pure, and that they cannot attain our friendship and love except through their virtue.

For surely, one who reveres justice, but does not act in accordance with it, will be stricken with grief and remorse more than anyone else. The Imams desired and expected their followers to guide others and show them the correct path of goodness, and they instructed them to call the people to the truth by good actions, saying that this was more important than calling by word.

Call the people unto the truth by your behaviour, so that they can see your obedience, and know that you are truthful and obedient. We shall give some extracts here from conversations between the Imams and their followers, so that the reader may see how they were anxious to educate the people. From Imam Baqir's conversation with Jabir al-Ju'afi: O Jabir! How can someone who claims to follow us be content with only loving us?

I swear that our follower is one who carries out his duty to Allah and fears Him. Our followers are known by their humility.