The Clay from Which the Believers and Unbelievers Are Made

The Clay from Which the Believers and Unbelievers Are Made (additional)

The Clay from which the Believers and Unbelievers are made (additional)

The Messenger of Allah, recipient of divine supreme covenant, Was the First to Respond to the Call of Allah, the Majestic, the Glorious, and Testify That He Is the Lord

How They Answered While They Were as Small Particles

Creation of the Creatures with Belief in Oneness of Allah in Their Nature

Believers as Offspring of Unbelievers

When Allah, the Majestic, the Glorious, Wills to Create a Believer

The Coloring (referred to in the Holy Quran) Is Islam

Serenity Is Belief

Purely Sincere

On the Shari’ a (System of Laws)

The Fundamentals of Islam

Islam Is to Spare Lives (and to Keep the Trust) But Reward Comes From Belief

Belief Is Inclusive of Islam but Islam Is Not Inclusive of Belief

Another Chapter on the Same Issue That Islam Is Before Belief

No name

Belief Spreads In all Parts of the Body

Advancement in Belief

Degrees of Belief

Degrees of Belief (Additional)

Description of Islam

Qualities of a Believer

Description of Belief

Superiority of Belief over Islam and Certainty over Belief

The Essence of Belief and Certainty

Contemplation (Thinking)

The Noble Qualities (of Man)

Excellence of Certainty

To Agree With the Decision (of Allah)

Leaving It to Allah to Be the Person in Charge of Affairs, and Having Trust in Him

Fear and Hope

Hopefulness Toward Allah, the Most Majestic, the Most Holy

To Profess One ’s Shortcomings

Obedience and Piety

Restraint from Worldly Matters (Sins)

Chastity

Abstaining From Unlawful Matters

Fulfilling Obligations

Balanced and Continuous Good Deeds

The Worship

The Intention

Part of Previous Chapter

Moderation in Worship

One Who Has Learned to Receive Rewards from His Lord for a Certain Deed

Patience

Gratitude and Thankfulness

Excellence in Moral Behaviors

Delightful Appearance

Truthfulness and Trust

Bashfulness

Forgiveness

Suppressing one ’s Anger

Forbearance

Silence and Controlling the Tongue

Gentleness in Dealings

Friendliness

Humbleness

Love for the Sake of Allah and Hate for the Sake of Allah

Condemnation of Worldly Matters and Abstaining Thereby

Additional Ahadith on the Above Subject

Contentment

Adequacy

Promptness in Good Deeds

Fairness and Justice

Independence from People

Good Relation with Relatives

Kindness to Parents

Concern for the Affairs of the Muslims, Giving Them Good Advice and to Benefit Them

High Regards for the Elderly

The Believer’s Mutual Brotherhood

The Rights of One Who Accepts the Belief and Then Severs Away

Brotherhood in Belief is not Due to Religion it only is a Way of Recognition

The Rights of a Believer on his Brother (in belief) and his duty to observe Such Rights

Compassion and Leniency

Visiting Brothers (in belief)

Greeting with Handshake

Holding in One ’s Arm

Kissing

Speak of and Remember the Brothers (in belief)

To Please the Believers

Assisting a Believer in his Needs

Endeavor to help a Believer

Relief for the Suffering of a Believer

Providing Food for a Believer

Providing Clothes for a Believer

To Show Kindness to and Honor a Believer

In the Sen’ice of Believing People

Giving Good Advice to the Believers

Improving Good Relations Among People

To Revive the Believer

Inviting one ’s Own People to Belief

Not to Invite People to Belief

Allah Grants Religion only to Whomever He Loves

Sound Religion

Al-Taqiyyah, Guarding and Cautiousness

Silence and Restraint against Publicity

A Believer’s Signs and Qualities

The Rarity of Believers

1ـ حَدَّثَنِي الْحُسَيْنُ بْنُ مُحَمَّدٍ الأشْعَرِيُّ عَنْ مُعَلَّى بْنِ مُحَمَّدٍ الزِّيَادِيِّ عَنِ الْحَسَنِ بْنِ عَلِيٍّ الْوَشَّاءِ قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا أَبَانُ بْنُ عُثْمَانَ عَنْ فُضَيْلٍ عَنْ أَبِي حَمْزَةَ عَنْ أَبِي جَعْفَرٍ (عَلَيهِ السَّلام) قَالَ بُنِيَ الإسْلامُ عَلَى خَمْسٍ عَلَى الصَّلاةِ وَالزَّكَاةِ وَالصَّوْمِ وَالْحَجِّ وَالْوَلايَةِ وَلَمْ يُنَادَ بِشَيْ‏ءٍ كَمَا نُودِيَ بِالْوَلايَةِ.

1. Al-Husayn ibn Muhammad al-Ash’ari narrated to me from Mu’ alia ibn Muhammad al-Ziyadi from Hassan ibn Ali al-Washsha’ who has said that narrated to us Aban ibn ‘Uthman from Fudayl from abu Hamza from abu Ja’far (a.s.) who has said the following: “Abu Ja’far (a.s.) has said, ‘Islam is based on five principles. It is based on Prayer, Charity (al-Zakat) Fasting, Hajj and al-Wilayah (Divine Authority of A ’immah). The call to none of the other principles has been so emphatic as it has been to al-Wilayah.’” 

2ـ عَلِيُّ بْنُ إِبْرَاهِيمَ عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عِيسَى عَنْ يُونُسَ بْنِ عَبْدِ الرَّحْمَنِ عَنْ عَجْلانَ أَبِي صَالِحٍ قَالَ قُلْتُ لأبِي عَبْدِ الله (عَلَيهِ السَّلام) أَوْقِفْنِي عَلَى حُدُودِ الإيمَانِ فَقَالَ شَهَادَةُ أَنْ لا إِلَهَ إِلا الله وَأَنَّ مُحَمَّداً رَسُولُ الله وَالإقْرَارُ بِمَا جَاءَ بِهِ مِنْ عِنْدِ الله وَصَلَوَاتُ الْخَمْسِ وَأَدَاءُ الزَّكَاةِ وَصَوْمُ شَهْرِ رَمَضَانَ وَحِجُّ الْبَيْتِ وَوَلايَةُ وَلِيِّنَا وَعَدَاوَةُ عَدُوِّنَا وَالدُّخُولُ مَعَ الصَّادِقِينَ.

2. Ali ibn Ibrahim has narrated from Muhammad ibn ’Isa from Yunus ibn ‘Abd al- Rahman from ’Ajlan ibn Salih who has said the following: “I requested Abu ‘Abdillah (a.s.) ‘Teach me, please, the principles of beliefs. The Imam said, ‘They are: to testify and affirm that there is no one who deserves to be worshipped except Allah, to testify and affirm that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah and to affirm that whatever he has taught is from Allah. (It is of the principles of beliefs) to affirm and accept that there is prayer five times every day. (It is of the principles of beliefs) to pay Zakat (charity), to fast in the month of Ramadan and to perform Hajj of the House (of Allah). (It is of the principles of beliefs) to love those who love us ( A ’immah from the family of the Messenger of Allah), to disown our enemies and to become part of the group of the truthful ones. (All such issues are of principles and obligatory matters).”’ 

3ـ أَبُو عَلِيٍّ الأشْعَرِيُّ عَنِ الْحَسَنِ بْنِ عَلِيٍّ الْكُوفِيِّ عَنْ عَبَّاسِ بْنِ عَامِرٍ عَنْ أَبَانِ بْنِ عُثْمَانَ عَنْ فُضَيْلِ بْنِ يَسَارٍ عَنْ أَبِي جَعْفَرٍ (عَلَيهِ السَّلام) قَالَ بُنِيَ الإسْلامُ عَلَى خَمْسٍ عَلَى الصَّلاةِ وَالزَّكَاةِ وَالصَّوْمِ وَالْحَجِّ وَالْوَلايَةِ وَلَمْ يُنَادَ بِشَيْ‏ءٍ كَمَا نُودِيَ بِالْوَلايَةِ فَأَخَذَ النَّاسُ بِأَرْبَعٍ وَتَرَكُوا هَذِهِ يَعْنِي الْوَلايَةَ.

3. Abu Ali al-Ash’ari has narrated from al-Hassan ibn Ali al-Kufi from ‘Abbas ibn ‘Amir from Aban ibn ‘Uthman from Fudayl ibn Yasar from abu Ja’far (a.s.) who has said the following: “Abu Ja’far (a.s.) has said, ‘Islam is based on five principles. They are: Prayer, al-Zakat (charity) fasting, Hajj and al-Wilayah. The call to none of the other principles has been so emphatic as it has been to al- Wilayah. People accepted the other four but they left aside this [al-Wilayah].’” 

4ـ مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ يَحْيَى عَنْ أَحْمَدَ بْنِ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عِيسَى عَنِ الْحُسَيْنِ بْنِ سَعِيدٍ عَنِ ابْنِ الْعَرْزَمِيِّ عَنْ أَبِيهِ عَنِ الصَّادِقِ (عَلَيهِ السَّلام) قَالَ قَالَ أَثَافِيُّ الإسْلامِ ثَلاثَةٌ الصَّلاةُ وَالزَّكَاةُ وَالْوَلايَةُ لا تَصِحُّ وَاحِدَةٌ مِنْهُنَّ إِلا بِصَاحِبَتَيْهَا.

4. Muhammad ibn Yahya has narrated from Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn ’Isa from al-Husayn ibn Sa’id from al-‘Arzami from his father from Abu ‘Abdillah (a.s.) who has said the following: “Abu ‘Abd Allah (a.s.) has said, ‘The tripod of Islam consists of prayer, al-Zakat (charity) and al-Wilayah. No one of these can be considered correct without the other two.” 

5ـ عَلِيُّ بْنُ إِبْرَاهِيمَ عَنْ أَبِيهِ وَعَبْدِ الله بْنِ الصَّلْتِ جَمِيعاً عَنْ حَمَّادِ بْنِ عِيسَى عَنْ حَرِيزِ بْنِ عَبْدِ الله عَنْ زُرَارَةَ عَنْ أَبِي جَعْفَرٍ (عَلَيهِ السَّلام) قَالَ بُنِيَ الإسْلامُ عَلَى خَمْسَةِ أَشْيَاءَ عَلَى الصَّلاةِ وَالزَّكَاةِ وَالْحَجِّ وَالصَّوْمِ وَالْوَلايَةِ قَالَ زُرَارَةُ فَقُلْتُ وَأَيُّ شَيْ‏ءٍ مِنْ ذَلِكَ أَفْضَلُ فَقَالَ الْوَلايَةُ أَفْضَلُ لأنَّهَا مِفْتَاحُهُنَّ وَالْوَالِي هُوَ الدَّلِيلُ عَلَيْهِنَّ قُلْتُ ثُمَّ الَّذِي يَلِي ذَلِكَ فِي الْفَضْلِ فَقَالَ الصَّلاةُ إِنَّ رَسُولَ الله (صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وآلِه) قَالَ الصَّلاةُ عَمُودُ دِينِكُمْ قَالَ قُلْتُ ثُمَّ الَّذِي يَلِيهَا فِي الْفَضْلِ قَالَ الزَّكَاةُ لأنَّهُ قَرَنَهَا بِهَا وَبَدَأَ بِالصَّلاةِ قَبْلَهَا وَقَالَ رَسُولُ الله (صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وآلِه) الزَّكَاةُ تُذْهِبُ الذُّنُوبَ قُلْتُ وَالَّذِي يَلِيهَا فِي الْفَضْلِ قَالَ الْحَجُّ قَالَ الله عَزَّ وَجَلَّ وَلله عَلَى النَّاسِ حِجُّ الْبَيْتِ مَنِ اسْتَطاعَ إِلَيْهِ سَبِيلاً وَمَنْ كَفَرَ فَإِنَّ الله غَنِيٌّ عَنِ الْعالَمِينَ وَقَالَ رَسُولُ الله (صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وآلِه) لَحَجَّةٌ مَقْبُولَةٌ خَيْرٌ مِنْ عِشْرِينَ صَلاةً نَافِلَةً وَمَنْ طَافَ بِهَذَا الْبَيْتِ طَوَافاً أَحْصَى فِيهِ أُسْبُوعَهُ وَأَحْسَنَ رَكْعَتَيْهِ غَفَرَ الله لَهُ وَقَالَ فِي يَوْمِ عَرَفَةَ وَيَوْمِ الْمُزْدَلِفَةِ مَا قَالَ قُلْتُ فَمَا ذَا يَتْبَعُهُ قَالَ الصَّوْمُ قُلْتُ وَمَا بَالُ الصَّوْمِ صَارَ آخِرَ ذَلِكَ أَجْمَعَ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ الله (صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وآلِه) الصَّوْمُ جُنَّةٌ مِنَ النَّارِ قَالَ ثُمَّ قَالَ إِنَّ أَفْضَلَ الأشْيَاءِ مَا إِذَا فَاتَكَ لَمْ تَكُنْ مِنْهُ تَوْبَةٌ دُونَ أَنْ تَرْجِعَ إِلَيْهِ فَتُؤَدِّيَهُ بِعَيْنِهِ إِنَّ الصَّلاةَ وَالزَّكَاةَ وَالْحَجَّ وَالْوَلايَةَ لَيْسَ يَقَعُ شَيْ‏ءٌ مَكَانَهَا دُونَ أَدَائِهَا وَإِنَّ الصَّوْمَ إِذَا فَاتَكَ أَوْ قَصَّرْتَ أَوْ سَافَرْتَ فِيهِ أَدَّيْتَ مَكَانَهُ أَيَّاماً غَيْرَهَا وَجَزَيْتَ ذَلِكَ الذَّنْبَ بِصَدَقَةٍ وَلا قَضَاءَ عَلَيْكَ وَلَيْسَ مِنْ تِلْكَ الأرْبَعَةِ شَيْ‏ءٌ يُجْزِيكَ مَكَانَهُ غَيْرُهُ قَالَ ثُمَّ قَالَ ذِرْوَةُ الأمْرِ وَسَنَامُهُ وَمِفْتَاحُهُ وَبَابُ الأشْيَاءِ وَرِضَا الرَّحْمَنِ الطَّاعَةُ لِلإمَامِ بَعْدَ مَعْرِفَتِهِ إِنَّ الله عَزَّ وَجَلَّ يَقُولُ مَنْ يُطِعِ الرَّسُولَ فَقَدْ أَطاعَ الله وَمَنْ تَوَلَّى فَما أَرْسَلْناكَ عَلَيْهِمْ حَفِيظاً أَمَا لَوْ أَنَّ رَجُلاً قَامَ لَيْلَهُ وَصَامَ نَهَارَهُ وَتَصَدَّقَ بِجَمِيعِ مَالِهِ وَحَجَّ جَمِيعَ دَهْرِهِ وَلَمْ يَعْرِفْ وَلايَةَ وَلِيِّ الله فَيُوَالِيَهُ وَيَكُونَ جَمِيعُ أَعْمَالِهِ بِدَلالَتِهِ إِلَيْهِ مَا كَانَ لَهُ عَلَى الله جَلَّ وَعَزَّ حَقٌّ فِي ثَوَابِهِ وَلا كَانَ مِنْ أَهْلِ الإيمَانِ ثُمَّ قَالَ أُولَئِكَ الْمُحْسِنُ مِنْهُمْ يُدْخِلُهُ الله الْجَنَّةَ بِفَضْلِ رَحْمَتِهِ.

5. Ali ibn Ibrahim has narrated from his father and ‘Abd Allah ibn al-Salt all of them from Hammad ibn ’Isa from Hariz ibn ‘Abd Allah from Zurara from abu Ja’far (a.s.) who has said the following: “Abu Ja’far (a.s.) has said, ‘Islam is based on five issues. It is based on prayer, charity (al- Zakat), Hajj, Fasting and al-Wilayah.’’ 

Zurara has said, ‘I then asked the Imam, “Which of these is more important than the others?’” The Imam said, ‘Al-Wilayah is more important. It is the key to the others. The person who possesses Divine Authority is the guide to the other principles.’

I then asked, ‘Which is the next important?’ The Imam said, ‘Thereafter is prayer. The Messenger of Allah has said, “Prayer is the pillar of your religion.’” 

I then asked, ‘Which is the next important among them?’ The Imam said, ‘Al-Zakat is the one thereafter. Allah has mentioned it next to prayer but He has mentioned prayer first. The Messenger of Allah has said, “Al-Zakat removes sins.’” 

I then asked, ‘Which one is important thereafter?’ The Imam said, ‘Hajj is important thereafter. Allah, the Most Majestic, the Most Holy, has said, “It is a duty of the people to Allah to perform Hajj of the House if they are capable to do so. Whoever rejects it should know that Allah does not need anyone in the world.” (3:97) The messenger of Allah has said, “Performing Hajj that is accepted is more virtuous than twenty Rak’at optional prayer. Whoever walks around the House seven times and performs the two Rak’at prayers thereafter properly Allah will grant him cover.” He (The Messenger of Allah) did say on the ninth of the month of Dil Hajj and on the tenth of the month of Dil Hajj in Muzdalifa (a place in Makka), what he wanted to say.’ 

I then asked, ‘Which one is important thereafter?’ The Imam said, ‘It is fasting.’ 

“I then asked, ‘Why is fasting the last of all in importance?’ The Imam said, ‘The Messenger of Allah has said, “Fasting is a shield against the fire.’” 

The narrator has said that the Imam said, ‘The best of all things is that for which, if you miss, you do not find an alternative accept going back to achieve it. Prayer, al-Wilayah and Hajj are not of matters replaceable with their own kind. On the other hand if fasting is missed on a journey one has the choice to fast on other days as remedy, or compensate for the sin with expiation and no fasting is necessary as a remedy. In the cases of the other four issues there is no alternative for them.’ 

The narrator has said that the Imam then said, ‘The topmost, the peak of the issue, the key and the door to it and the pleasure of the Beneficent (Lord) is to obey the Imam properly after knowing him clearly. Allah, the Most Majestic, the Most Holy, says, “Whoever obeys the Messenger he has obeyed Allah and whoever turns away from such obedience then you should know that We have not sent you to guard them.” (4:80) ‘Without recognizing the Divine Authority of the Imam, the deputy of Allah, no one has the right to receive any reward from Allah, the Most Majestic, the Most Holy. This is true even though in his lifetime he may stand up in worship the whole night, fast during the day, give all his belongings in charity and perform Hajj every year. So also it is if he does not acknowledge the Divine Authority of his Imam with which all of one’s deeds can take place with the guidance of the Imam. Without al- Wilayah, one is not considered of the people of belief.’ Thereafter the Imam said, ‘Allah will admit, those of them who do good deeds into paradise through His extra mercy.’” 

6ـ مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ يَحْيَى عَنْ أَحْمَدَ بْنِ مُحَمَّدٍ عَنْ صَفْوَانَ بْنِ يَحْيَى عَنْ عِيسَى بْنِ السَّرِيِّ أَبِي الْيَسَعِ قَالَ قُلْتُ لأبِي عَبْدِ الله (عَلَيهِ السَّلام) أَخْبِرْنِي بِدَعَائِمِ الإسْلامِ الَّتِي لا يَسَعُ أَحَداً التَّقْصِيرُ عَنْ مَعْرِفَةِ شَيْ‏ءٍ مِنْهَا الَّذِي مَنْ قَصَّرَ عَنْ مَعْرِفَةِ شَيْ‏ءٍ مِنْهَا فَسَدَ دِينُهُ وَلَمْ يَقْبَلِ [ الله ] مِنْهُ عَمَلَهُ وَمَنْ عَرَفَهَا وَعَمِلَ بِهَا صَلَحَ لَهُ دِينُهُ وَقَبِلَ مِنْهُ عَمَلَهُ وَلَمْ يَضِقْ بِهِ مِمَّا هُوَ فِيهِ لِجَهْلِ شَيْ‏ءٍ مِنَ الأمُورِ جَهْلُهُ فَقَالَ شَهَادَةُ أَنْ لا إِلَهَ إِلا الله وَالإيمَانُ بِأَنَّ مُحَمَّداً رَسُولُ الله (صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وآلِه) وَالإقْرَارُ بِمَا جَاءَ بِهِ مِنْ عِنْدِ الله وَحَقٌّ فِي الأمْوَالِ الزَّكَاةُ وَالْوَلايَةُ الَّتِي أَمَرَ الله عَزَّ وَجَلَّ بِهَا وَلايَةُ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ (صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وآلِه) قَالَ فَقُلْتُ لَهُ هَلْ فِي الْوَلايَةِ شَيْ‏ءٌ دُونَ شَيْ‏ءٍ فَضْلٌ يُعْرَفُ لِمَنْ أَخَذَ بِهِ قَالَ نَعَمْ قَالَ الله عَزَّ وَجَلَّ يا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا أَطِيعُوا الله وَأَطِيعُوا الرَّسُولَ وَأُولِي الأمْرِ مِنْكُمْ وَقَالَ رَسُولُ الله (صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وآلِه) مَنْ مَاتَ وَلا يَعْرِفُ إِمَامَهُ مَاتَ مِيتَةً جَاهِلِيَّةً وَكَانَ رَسُولَ الله (صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وآلِه) وَكَانَ عَلِيّاً (عَلَيهِ السَّلام) وَقَالَ الآخَرُونَ كَانَ مُعَاوِيَةَ ثُمَّ كَانَ الْحَسَنَ (عَلَيهِ السَّلام) ثُمَّ كَانَ الْحُسَيْنَ (عَلَيهِ السَّلام) وَقَالَ الآخَرُونَ يَزِيدَ بْنَ مُعَاوِيَةَ وَحُسَيْنَ بْنَ عَلِيٍّ وَلا سِوَاءَ وَلا سِوَاءَ قَالَ ثُمَّ سَكَتَ ثُمَّ قَالَ أَزِيدُكَ فَقَالَ لَهُ حَكَمٌ الأعْوَرُ نَعَمْ جُعِلْتُ فِدَاكَ قَالَ ثُمَّ كَانَ عَلِيَّ بْنَ الْحُسَيْنِ ثُمَّ كَانَ مُحَمَّدَ بْنَ عَلِيٍّ أَبَا جَعْفَرٍ وَكَانَتِ الشِّيعَةُ قَبْلَ أَنْ يَكُونَ أَبُو جَعْفَرٍ وَهُمْ لا يَعْرِفُونَ مَنَاسِكَ حَجِّهِمْ وَحَلالَهُمْ وَحَرَامَهُمْ حَتَّى كَانَ أَبُو جَعْفَرٍ فَفَتَحَ لَهُمْ وَبَيَّنَ لَهُمْ مَنَاسِكَ حَجِّهِمْ وَحَلالَهُمْ وَحَرَامَهُمْ حَتَّى صَارَ النَّاسُ يَحْتَاجُونَ إِلَيْهِمْ مِنْ بَعْدِ مَا كَانُوا يَحْتَاجُونَ إِلَى النَّاسِ وَهَكَذَا يَكُونُ الأمْرُ وَالأرْضُ لا تَكُونُ إِلا بِإِمَامٍ وَمَنْ مَاتَ لا يَعْرِفُ إِمَامَهُ مَاتَ مِيتَةً جَاهِلِيَّةً وَأَحْوَجُ مَا تَكُونُ إِلَى مَا أَنْتَ عَلَيْهِ إِذْ بَلَغَتْ نَفْسُكَ هَذِهِ وَأَهْوَى بِيَدِهِ إِلَى حَلْقِهِ وَانْقَطَعَتْ عَنْكَ الدُّنْيَا تَقُولُ لَقَدْ كُنْتُ عَلَى أَمْرٍ حَسَنٍ. أَبُو عَلِيٍّ الأشْعَرِيُّ عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عَبْدِ الْجَبَّارِ عَنْ صَفْوَانَ عَنْ عِيسَى بْنِ السَّرِيِّ أَبِي الْيَسَعِ عَنْ أَبِي عَبْدِ الله (عَلَيهِ السَّلام) مِثْلَهُ.

6. Muhammad ibn Yahya has narrated from Ahmad ibn Muhammad from Safwan ibn Yahya from ‘Isa ibn al-Sariyy abu al-Yasa’ who has said the following: “Once I said to Abu ‘Abdillah (a.s.) ‘Teach me, please, the basic principles of Islam that are necessary for everyone to know to his limits of understanding, and if he fails to learn them to the necessary levels his religion is destroyed and Allah does not accept his deeds. What is the limit of learning about the deeds with which someone’s religion can take proper shape and Allah may accept his deeds? What are the limits and degrees of the permissible level of ignorance and lack of knowledge of certain aspects of these principles?’ “The Imam said, ‘The matters necessary to learn are to testify that no one deserves to be worshipped except Allah, that Muhammad (a.s.) is the Messenger of Allah, that whatever he has brought from Allah is the truth and to affirm that paying Zakat (charity) is a right. (Of such necessary matters is) to affirm al-Wilayah (Divine Authority of ‘ A’immah ) that Allah, the Most Majestic, the Most Holy, has made obligatory upon the other people to obey and acknowledge the Divine Authority of certain members of the family of Prophet Muhammad (a.s.).’ I (the narrator) then asked the Imam, ‘Is al-Wilayah of an exclusive nature?’ The Imam said, ‘Yes, Allah, the Most Majestic, the Most Holy, has said, “O believers, obey Allah, obey the Messenger and those among you who possess Divine Authority.” (4:59) The Merssenger of Allah has said, “Whoever dies without knowing who the Imam of his time is, he is considered as a person dying in the time of ignorance (as an unbeliever).” There was the Messenger of Allah and there was Ali (a.s.) but others said there was Mu’awiyah. Then there was al-Hassan (a.s.) and then there was al-Husayn (a.s.). Others said that there were Yazid ibn Mu’awiyah and Husayn ibn Ali. They were not equals and certainly they were not equals, meaning thereby Ali, al-Hassan and al-Husayn with Mu’awiyah and his son Yazid.’ He has said that the Imam remained calm for a while and then said, ‘Do you want me to tell you additional facts?’ Hakam ibn al-’A’War said, ‘Yes, may Allah keep my soul in service to your cause.’ The Imam said, ‘Then there was Ali ibn al-Husayn (a.s.) then there was Muhammad ibn Ali, abu Ja’far. The Shi’a before abu Ja’far did not know the rules of Hajj, the lawful matters and the unlawful matters until there was abu Ja’far (a.s.). He opened it (system of religion) for them and explained to them the rules of their Hajj, the lawful and unlawful matters. People began to realize that they needed him very much while before they would ask other people for what they needed. This is how the facts are. The earth does not remain without an Imam and one who dies without knowing, who his Imam is, he is as though he was of the people of the dark ages of ignorance. The time when you need al-Wilayah most urgently is the time when your soul reaches here (pointing to his throat) and the world is cut off from you and then you say, ‘I have certainly been on the good side of the affairs, (a supporter of al-Wilayah).”’’ Abu Ali al-Ash’ari has narrated from Muhammad ibn ‘Abd al-Jabbar from Safwan from ‘Isa ibn al-Sariyy abu al-Yasa’ from Abu ‘Abdillah (a.s.) a similar Hadith. 

7ـ عِدَّةٌ مِنْ أَصْحَابِنَا عَنْ سَهْلِ بْنِ زِيَادٍ عَنْ أَحْمَدَ بْنِ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ أَبِي نَصْرٍ عَنْ مُثَنًّى الْحَنَّاطِ عَنْ عَبْدِ الله بْنِ عَجْلانَ عَنْ أَبِي جَعْفَرٍ (عَلَيهِ السَّلام) قَالَ بُنِيَ الإسْلامُ عَلَى خَمْسٍ الْوَلايَةِ وَالصَّلاةِ وَالزَّكَاةِ وَصَوْمِ شَهْرِ رَمَضَانَ وَالْحَجِّ.

7. A number of our people have narrated from Sahl ibn Ziyad from Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn abu Nasr from Muthanna al-Hannat from ‘Abd Allah ‘Ajlan from abu Ja’far (a.s.) who has said the following: “Abu Ja’far (a.s.) has said, ‘Islam is based on five principles. They are al-Wilayah, (accepting the Divine Authority of ‘ A’immah ), the prayer, al- Zakat (charity), fasting in the month of Ramadan and al-Hajj.’” 

8ـ عَلِيُّ بْنُ إِبْرَاهِيمَ عَنْ صَالِحِ بْنِ السِّنْدِيِّ عَنْ جَعْفَرِ بْنِ بَشِيرٍ عَنْ أَبَانٍ عَنْ فُضَيْلٍ عَنْ أَبِي جَعْفَرٍ (عَلَيهِ السَّلام) قَالَ بُنِيَ الإسْلامُ عَلَى خَمْسٍ الصَّلاةِ وَالزَّكَاةِ وَالصَّوْمِ وَالْحَجِّ وَالْوَلايَةِ وَلَمْ يُنَادَ بِشَيْ‏ءٍ مَا نُودِيَ بِالْوَلايَةِ يَوْمَ الْغَدِيرِ.

8. Ali ibn Ibrahim has narrated from Salih ibn al-Sindy from Ja’far ibn Bashir from Aban from Fudayl from abu Ja’far (a.s.) who has said the following: “Abu Ja’far (a.s.) has said, ‘Islam is based on five principles: The prayer, al-Zakat (charity), fasting, al-Hajj and al-Wilayah. The call to no one of the other principles has been so emphatic as it was for al-Wilayah on the day of al-Ghadir (name of a place between Makka and Madina.)”’ 

9ـ عَلِيُّ بْنُ إِبْرَاهِيمَ عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عِيسَى عَنْ يُونُسَ عَنْ حَمَّادِ بْنِ عُثْمَانَ عَنْ عِيسَى بْنِ السَّرِيِّ قَالَ قُلْتُ لأبِي عَبْدِ الله (عَلَيهِ السَّلام) حَدِّثْنِي عَمَّا بُنِيَتْ عَلَيْهِ دَعَائِمُ الإسْلامِ إِذَا أَنَا أَخَذْتُ بِهَا زَكَى عَمَلِي وَلَمْ يَضُرَّنِي جَهْلُ مَا جَهِلْتُ بَعْدَهُ فَقَالَ شَهَادَةُ أَنْ لا إِلَهَ إِلا الله وَأَنَّ مُحَمَّداً رَسُولُ الله (صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وآلِه) وَالإقْرَارُ بِمَا جَاءَ بِهِ مِنْ عِنْدِ الله وَحَقٌّ فِي الأمْوَالِ مِنَ الزَّكَاةِ وَالْوَلايَةُ الَّتِي أَمَرَ الله عَزَّ وَجَلَّ بِهَا وَلايَةُ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ (صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وآلِه) فَإِنَّ رَسُولَ الله (صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وآلِه) قَالَ مَنْ مَاتَ وَلأ؛ّّ يَعْرِفُ إِمَامَهُ مَاتَ مِيتَةً جَاهِلِيَّةً قَالَ الله عَزَّ وَجَلَّ أَطِيعُوا الله وَأَطِيعُوا الرَّسُولَ وَأُولِي الأمْرِ مِنْكُمْ فَكَانَ عَلِيٌّ (عَلَيهِ السَّلام) ثُمَّ صَارَ مِنْ بَعْدِهِ الْحَسَنُ ثُمَّ مِنْ بَعْدِهِ الْحُسَيْنُ ثُمَّ مِنْ بَعْدِهِ عَلِيُّ بْنُ الْحُسَيْنِ ثُمَّ مِنْ بَعْدِهِ مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ عَلِيٍّ ثُمَّ هَكَذَا يَكُونُ الأمْرُ إِنَّ الأرْضَ لا تَصْلُحُ إِلا بِإِمَامٍ وَمَنْ مَاتَ لا يَعْرِفُ إِمَامَهُ مَاتَ مِيتَةً جَاهِلِيَّةً وَأَحْوَجُ مَا يَكُونُ أَحَدُكُمْ إِلَى مَعْرِفَتِهِ إِذَا بَلَغَتْ نَفْسُهُ هَاهُنَا قَالَ وَأَهْوَى بِيَدِهِ إِلَى صَدْرِهِ يَقُولُ حِينَئِذٍ لَقَدْ كُنْتُ عَلَى أَمْرٍ حَسَنٍ.

9. Ali ibn Ibrahim has narrated from Muhammad ibn ‘Isa from Yunus from Hammad ibn ‘Uthman from ‘Isa al-Sariyy who has said the following: “Once I asked Abu ‘Abdillah (a.s.) to teach me the principles of Islam in such a way that on holding to them my deeds can take pure and correct form and thereafter the ignorance of whatever I am ignorant of cannot harm me. The Imam said, ‘Of the principles of Islam are to testify and acknowledge that no one deserves to be worshipped except Allah, and that Muhammad (a.s.) is the Messenger of Allah. Of such principles is to affirm and acknowledge that whatever he has brought is from Allah, to pay al-Zakat (charity) is a right and that al-Wilayah which Allah, the Most Majestic, the Most Holy, has commanded to accept and acknowledge is al-Wilayah (Divine Authority) of Ahl al-Bayt of Muhammad (a.s.). The Messenger of Allah has said, “Whoever dies while he does not know who his Imam is, he is considered as one who has died in the darkness of ignorance.” Allah, the Most Majestic, the Most Holy, has said, “Obey Allah, obey the Messenger of Allah and the persons among you who possess Divine Authority.” (4:59). Imam Ali was there (possessed Divine Authority) and after him were Imam Hassan, Imam Husayn and Ali ibn al-Husayn and after them was Muhammad ibn Ali, recipients of divine supreme covenant, successively and thus it will continue. The land will not take an ideal shape without an Imam. Whoever dies while he does not know who his Imam is, he is considered as one who has died in the darkness of ignorance. What everyone of you will need very urgently when his soul will reach here (pointing to his chest) is to know him (the Imam) so that he can say it is certain that I have been holding to a genuinely good matter.”’ 

10ـ عَنْهُ عَنْ أَبِي الْجَارُودِ قَالَ قُلْتُ لأبِي جَعْفَرٍ (عَلَيهِ السَّلام) يَا ابْنَ رَسُولِ الله هَلْ تَعْرِفُ مَوَدَّتِي لَكُمْ وَانْقِطَاعِي إِلَيْكُمْ وَمُوَالاتِي إِيَّاكُمْ قَالَ فَقَالَ نَعَمْ قَالَ فَقُلْتُ فَإِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ مَسْأَلَةً تُجِيبُنِي فِيهَا فَإِنِّي مَكْفُوفُ الْبَصَرِ قَلِيلُ الْمَشْيِ وَلا أَسْتَطِيعُ زِيَارَتَكُمْ كُلَّ حِينٍ قَالَ هَاتِ حَاجَتَكَ قُلْتُ أَخْبِرْنِي بِدِينِكَ الَّذِي تَدِينُ الله عَزَّ وَجَلَّ بِهِ أَنْتَ وَأَهْلُ بَيْتِكَ لأدِينَ الله عَزَّ وَجَلَّ بِهِ قَالَ إِنْ كُنْتَ أَقْصَرْتَ الْخُطْبَةَ فَقَدْ أَعْظَمْتَ الْمَسْأَلَةَ وَالله لأعْطِيَنَّكَ دِينِي وَدِينَ آبَائِيَ الَّذِي نَدِينُ الله عَزَّ وَجَلَّ بِهِ شَهَادَةَ أَنْ لا إِلَهَ إِلا الله وَأَنَّ مُحَمَّداً رَسُولُ الله (صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وآلِه) وَالإقْرَارَ بِمَا جَاءَ بِهِ مِنْ عِنْدِ الله وَالْوَلايَةَ لِوَلِيِّنَا وَالْبَرَاءَةَ مِنْ عَدُوِّنَا وَالتَّسْلِيمَ لأمْرِنَا وَانْتِظَارَ قَائِمِنَا وَالإجْتِهَادَ وَالْوَرَعَ.

10. It is narrated from him (Ali ibn Ibrahim) from abu al-Jarud who has said the following: “Once I asked abu Ja’far (a.s.) ‘Do you know, O child of the Messenger of Allah that I love you ( Ahl al-Bayt). that 1 have disassociated myself from other people to associate with you only and that I support you ( Ahl al-Bayt )?’ The Imam said, ‘Yes, I know it.’ 1 then said, ‘I ask you to answer my question; my eyes are restricted, I walk very little and I am not able to visit you except every now and then.’ The Imam said, ‘What is your question?’ I then said, ‘What is the religion by which you obey Allah, the Most Majestic, the Most Holy, and the religion that your Ahl al-Bayt follow so that I will also obey Allah, the Most Majestic, the Most Holy, by the rules of your religion?’ The Imam said, ‘Although your introduction was brief, your question is a great question. By Allah, I will certainly teach you my religion and the religion of my ancestors by the rules of which we worship Allah, the Most Majestic, the Most Holy. It is to testify that no one deserves to be worshipped except Allah, that Muhammad (a.s.) is the Messenger of Allah, and that whatever (message) he has brought is from Allah. That it is obligatory to love and support those who support and love us ( Ahl al-Bayt ) and disassociate from our enemies. That it is obligatory to obey our commands, cherish the hope for the coming of the one from us who will rise with Divine Authority and to strive hard ( Ijtihad) for progress in the matters of religion and live a life of piety, warn’ (stay away from sins).”’ 

11ـ عَلِيُّ بْنُ إِبْرَاهِيمَ عَنْ صَالِحِ بْنِ السِّنْدِيِّ عَنْ جَعْفَرِ بْنِ بَشِيرٍ عَنْ عَلِيِّ بْنِ أَبِي حَمْزَةَ عَنْ أَبِي بَصِيرٍ قَالَ سَمِعْتُهُ يَسْأَلُ أَبَا عَبْدِ الله (عَلَيهِ السَّلام) فَقَالَ لَهُ جُعِلْتُ فِدَاكَ أَخْبِرْنِي عَنِ الدِّينِ الَّذِي افْتَرَضَ الله عَزَّ وَجَلَّ عَلَى الْعِبَادِ مَا لا يَسَعُهُمْ جَهْلُهُ وَلا يُقْبَلُ مِنْهُمْ غَيْرُهُ مَا هُوَ فَقَالَ أَعِدْ عَلَيَّ فَأَعَادَ عَلَيْهِ فَقَالَ شَهَادَةُ أَنْ لا إِلَهَ إِلا الله وَأَنَّ مُحَمَّداً رَسُولُ الله (صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وآلِه) وَإِقَامُ الصَّلاةِ وَإِيتَاءُ الزَّكَاةِ وَحِجُّ الْبَيْتِ مَنِ اسْتَطَاعَ إِلَيْهِ سَبِيلاً وَصَوْمُ شَهْرِ رَمَضَانَ ثُمَّ سَكَتَ قَلِيلاً ثُمَّ قَالَ وَالْوَلايَةُ مَرَّتَيْنِ ثُمَّ قَالَ هَذَا الَّذِي فَرَضَ الله عَلَى الْعِبَادِ وَلا يَسْأَلُ الرَّبُّ الْعِبَادَ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ فَيَقُولَ أَلا زِدْتَنِي عَلَى مَا افْتَرَضْتُ عَلَيْكَ وَلَكِنْ مَنْ زَادَ زَادَهُ الله إِنَّ رَسُولَ الله (صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وآلِه) سَنَّ سُنَناً حَسَنَةً جَمِيلَةً يَنْبَغِي لِلنَّاسِ الأخْذُ بِهَا.

11. Ali ibn Ibrahim has narrated from Salih ibn al-Sindy from Ja’far ibn al-Bashir from Ali ibn abu Hamza from abu Basir who has said the following: “Once I heard abu Basir asking Abu ‘Abdillah (a.s.) ‘May Allah keep my soul in service for your cause, teach me the religion that Allah, the Most Majestic, the Most Holy, has made obligatory for people to follow. Teach me the religion of which they must not remain ignorant and besides which no other religion is accepted. What is this religion?’ The Imam said, ‘Repeat your question.’ He repeated his question. The Imam said, ‘It (such religion) is to testify that no one else deserves to be worshipped except Allah, that Muhammad (a.s.) is the Messenger of Allah, and that it is obligatory to perform prayer, pay al-Zakat (charity), perform Hajj of the House if one has the ability and fast in the month of Ramadan.’ Then he remained silent for a little while and said twice, “ Al-Wilayah .” He then said, ‘This is what Allah has made obligatory upon His servants. The Lord on the Day of Judgment will not sk His servants why you have not done more than what I had made obligatory upon you. However, if someone does more good deeds Allah will grant him additional rewards. The Messenger of Allah has set up noble and beautiful traditions and it is very good for the people to practice them all.’” 

12ـ الْحُسَيْنُ بْنُ مُحَمَّدٍ عَنْ مُعَلَّى بْنِ مُحَمَّدٍ عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ جُمْهُورٍ عَنْ فَضَالَةَ بْنِ أَيُّوبَ عَنْ أَبِي زَيْدٍ الْحَلالِ عَنْ عَبْدِ الْحَمِيدِ بْنِ أَبِي الْعَلاءِ الأزْدِيِّ قَالَ سَمِعْتُ أَبَا عَبْدِ الله (عَلَيهِ السَّلام) يَقُولُ إِنَّ الله عَزَّ وَجَلَّ فَرَضَ عَلَى خَلْقِهِ خَمْساً فَرَخَّصَ فِي أَرْبَعٍ وَلَمْ يُرَخِّصْ فِي وَاحِدَةٍ.

12. Al-Husayn ibn Muhammad has narrated from Mu’ alia ibn Muhammad from Muhammad ibn Jumhur from Fadalah ibn Ayyub from abu Zayd al-Hallal from ‘Abd al-Hamid ibn abu al-‘Ala’ al-Azdi who has said the following: “I heard Abu ‘Abdillah (a.s.) saying, ‘Allah, the Most Majestic, the Most Holy, has made five things obligatory upon His creatures. He has given them permission in four but in one of them He has not given permission.’” 

13ـ عَنْهُ عَنْ مُعَلَّى بْنِ مُحَمَّدٍ عَنِ الْوَشَّاءِ عَنْ أَبَانٍ عَنْ إِسْمَاعِيلَ الْجُعْفِيِّ قَالَ دَخَلَ رَجُلٌ عَلَى أَبِي جَعْفَرٍ (عَلَيهِ السَّلام) وَمَعَهُ صَحِيفَةٌ فَقَالَ لَهُ أَبُو جَعْفَرٍ (عَلَيهِ السَّلام) هَذِهِ صَحِيفَةُ مُخَاصِمٍ يَسْأَلُ عَنِ الدِّينِ الَّذِي يُقْبَلُ فِيهِ الْعَمَلُ فَقَالَ رَحِمَكَ الله هَذَا الَّذِي أُرِيدُ فَقَالَ أَبُو جَعْفَرٍ (عَلَيهِ السَّلام) شَهَادَةُ أَنْ لا إِلَهَ إِلا الله وَحْدَهُ لا شَرِيكَ لَهُ وَأَنَّ مُحَمَّداً (صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وآلِه) عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ وَتُقِرَّ بِمَا جَاءَ مِنْ عِنْدِ الله وَالْوَلايَةُ لَنَا أَهْلَ الْبَيْتِ وَالْبَرَاءَةُ مِنْ عَدُوِّنَا وَالتَّسْلِيمُ لأمْرِنَا وَالْوَرَعُ وَالتَّوَاضُعُ وَانْتِظَارُ قَائِمِنَا فَإِنَّ لَنَا دَوْلَةً إِذَا شَاءَ الله جَاءَ بِهَا.

13. It is narrated from him (narrator of the Hadith above) from Mu’alla ibn Muhammad from al-Washsha’ from Aban from Isma’il al-Ja’fi who has said the following: “Once a man came to abu Ja’far (a.s.). He had a book with him. Abu Ja’far said, ‘This is the book of a polemicist who wants to learn a religion that if followed ones deeds are accepted.’ The man said, ‘May the blessings of Allah be with you, this is exactly what I want.’ Abu Ja’far (a.s.) said, ‘Such religion is to testify that no one deserves to be worshipped except Allah, Who has no partners. That Muhammad (a.s.) is His servant and Messenger. And that you affirm and acknowledge that whatever he has brought is from Allah. That one has love (in his heart) for us, Ahl al-Bayt, and disassociates himself from our enemies, obeys our commands, maintains piety and humbleness in life and has hope in the rise from us of one with the Divine Authority. For us there is a government and he will establish it when Allah wills.’” 

14ـ عَلِيُّ بْنُ إِبْرَاهِيمَ عَنْ أَبِيهِ وَأَبُو عَلِيٍّ الأشْعَرِيُّ عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عَبْدِ الْجَبَّارِ جَمِيعاً عَنْ صَفْوَانَ عَنْ عَمْرِو بْنِ حُرَيْثٍ قَالَ دَخَلْتُ عَلَى أَبِي عَبْدِ الله (عَلَيهِ السَّلام) وَهُوَ فِي مَنْزِلِ أَخِيهِ عَبْدِ الله بْنِ مُحَمَّدٍ فَقُلْتُ لَهُ جُعِلْتُ فِدَاكَ مَا حَوَّلَكَ إِلَى هَذَا الْمَنْزِلِ قَالَ طَلَبُ النُّزْهَةِ فَقُلْتُ جُعِلْتُ فِدَاكَ أَ لا أَقُصُّ عَلَيْكَ دِينِي فَقَالَ بَلَى قُلْتُ أَدِينُ الله بِشَهَادَةِ أَنْ لا إِلَهَ إِلا الله وَحْدَهُ لا شَرِيكَ لَهُ وَأَنَّ مُحَمَّداً عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ وَأَنَّ السَّاعَةَ آتِيَةٌ لا رَيْبَ فِيهَا وَأَنَّ الله يَبْعَثُ مَنْ فِي الْقُبُورِ وَإِقَامِ الصَّلاةِ وَإِيتَاءِ الزَّكَاةِ وَصَوْمِ شَهْرِ رَمَضَانَ وَحِجِّ الْبَيْتِ وَالْوَلايَةِ لِعَلِيٍّ أَمِيرِ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ بَعْدَ رَسُولِ الله (صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وآلِه) وَالْوَلايَةِ لِلْحَسَنِ وَالْحُسَيْنِ وَالْوَلايَةِ لِعَلِيِّ بْنِ الْحُسَيْنِ وَالْوَلايَةِ لِمُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عَلِيٍّ وَلَكَ مِنْ بَعْدِهِ صَلَوَاتُ الله عَلَيْهِمْ أَجْمَعِينَ وَأَنَّكُمْ أَئِمَّتِي عَلَيْهِ أَحْيَا وَعَلَيْهِ أَمُوتُ وَأَدِينُ الله بِهِ فَقَالَ يَا عَمْرُو هَذَا وَالله دِينُ الله وَدِينُ آبَائِيَ الَّذِي أَدِينُ الله بِهِ فِي السِّرِّ وَالْعَلانِيَةِ فَاتَّقِ الله وَكُفَّ لِسَانَكَ إِلا مِنْ خَيْرٍ وَلا تَقُلْ إِنِّي هَدَيْتُ نَفْسِي بَلِ الله هَدَاكَ فَأَدِّ شُكْرَ مَا أَنْعَمَ الله عَزَّ وَجَلَّ بِهِ عَلَيْكَ وَلا تَكُنْ مِمَّنْ إِذَا أَقْبَلَ طُعِنَ فِي عَيْنِهِ وَإِذَا أَدْبَرَ طُعِنَ فِي قَفَاهُ وَلا تَحْمِلِ النَّاسَ عَلَى كَاهِلِكَ فَإِنَّكَ أَوْشَكَ إِنْ حَمَلْتَ النَّاسَ عَلَى كَاهِلِكَ أَنْ يُصَدِّعُوا شَعَبَ كَاهِلِكَ.

14. Ali ibn Ibrahim has narrated from his father and abu Ali al-Ash’ari from Muhammad ibn ‘Abd al-Jabbar all of them from Safwan from ‘Amr ibn Harith who has said the following: “Once I went to see Abu ‘Abdillah (a.s.) and he was in the house of his brother, ‘Abd Allah ibn Muhammad, and I said, ‘May Allah keep my soul in service for your cause, what has brought you to this house?’ ‘Seeking privacy,’ said the Imam. I said, ‘May Allah keep my soul in service for your cause, can I state before you my religion?’ The Imam said, ‘Yes, you may do so.’ I then said, ‘I follow a religion (that requires me) to obey Allah and testify that no one else deserves to be worshipped except Allah Who has no partners. That Muhammad (a.s.) is His servant and messenger, that the Hour (of reckoning) will certainly come, that Allah will bring all people from their graves, that it is obligatory to pray, pay Zakat (charity), fast in the month of Ramadan and perform Hajj of the House. I affirm and acknowledge the Divine Authority of Ali ibn abu Talib after the Messenger of Allah, the Divine Authority of al-Hassan, al- Husayn, the Divine Authority of Ali ibn al-Husayn, the Divine Authority of Muhammad ibn Ali and your Divine Authority after him (your father), recipients of divine supreme covenant. You are my Imam. With such beliefs I live and with them I will die and such is my religion before Allah.’ The Imam said, ‘Such, O ‘Amr, I swear by Allah, is the religion of Allah and the religion of my ancestors and such is the religion that 1 follow to obey Allah in private and in public. Maintain piety before Allah and hold your tongue except from good and do not say, “I have guided myself.” In fact, Allah has guided you. Give thanks to Allah, the Most Majestic, the Most Holy, for the favor that He has done to you. Do not be of those who on their moving forward are hit in the eyes or when moving backwards are hit from the back. Do not allow people ride on your shoulders for if you do so they cause injury to your shoulders.’” 

15ـ مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ يَحْيَى عَنْ أَحْمَدَ بْنِ مُحَمَّدٍ عَنْ عَلِيِّ بْنِ النُّعْمَانِ عَنِ ابْنِ مُسْكَانَ عَنْ سُلَيْمَانَ بْنِ خَالِدٍ عَنْ أَبِي جَعْفَرٍ (عَلَيهِ السَّلام) قَالَ أَ لا أُخْبِرُكَ بِالإسْلامِ أَصْلِهِ وَفَرْعِهِ وَذِرْوَةِ سَنَامِهِ قُلْتُ بَلَى جُعِلْتُ فِدَاكَ قَالَ أَمَّا أَصْلُهُ فَالصَّلاةُ وَفَرْعُهُ الزَّكَاةُ وَذِرْوَةُ سَنَامِهِ الْجِهَادُ ثُمَّ قَالَ إِنْ شِئْتَ أَخْبَرْتُكَ بِأَبْوَابِ الْخَيْرِ قُلْتُ نَعَمْ جُعِلْتُ فِدَاكَ قَالَ الصَّوْمُ جُنَّةٌ مِنَ النَّارِ وَالصَّدَقَةُ تَذْهَبُ بِالْخَطِيئَةِ وَقِيَامُ الرَّجُلِ فِي جَوْفِ اللَّيْلِ بِذِكْرِ الله ثُمَّ قَرَأَ (عَلَيهِ السَّلام) تَتَجافى‏ جُنُوبُهُمْ عَنِ الْمَضاجِعِ. 

15. Muhammad ibn Yahya has narrated from Ahmad ibn Muhammad from Ali ibn al-Ni’man from ibn Maskan from Sulayman ibn Khalid from abu Ja’far recipient of divine supreme covenant, who has said the following: “Do you want me to teach you the root of Islam, its branch and its peak? I said, ‘Yes, may Allah take my soul in service for your cause.’ The Imam said, ‘Its root is prayer, its branch is al-Zakat (charity) and its peak is Jihad (the hard work in defense and preaching of the belief).’ The Imam then said, ‘If you want 1 can teach you about the gates to all good.’ I said, ‘Yes, please, May Allah keep my soul in service for your cause, do so.’ “The Imam said, ‘Fasting is a shield against fire, charity removes sins and of the gates to good is to stand up (for worship) during the night to speak of Allah.’ He then read (the words of Allah) ‘They do not allow their sides to rest in bed (but they stand up at night to pray to Allah).”’ (32:16) 

Al-Kāfi - Volume 2

Book 1, Chapter 13