3. Ahmad ibn Muhammad has narrated from Muhammad ibn al-Husayn from ‘Adallah ibn Muhammad from al-Kashshab. He has said that a number of our people have narrated from al-Khaythama who has said that abu ‘Abdallah said to him the following.

“O Khaythama, we are the tree of prophet-hood, the house of blessings, the keys to wisdom, the mine of knowledge, the station of the Messenger-ship of (Allah), the center wherein the angels interchange and the place for the secrets of Allah. We are the trust of Allah among the people and we are the great Sanctuary of Allah. We are the promised responsibility of Allah and we are His covenant. Whoever remains true to our covenant he has remained true to the covenant of Allah. Whoever disregards his covenant with us he has disregarded his covenant and responsibility towards Allah.”