3. Ali ibn Muhammad and Muhammad ibn al-Hassan have narrated from Sahl ibn Ziyad from al-Qasim ibn al-Rabi‘ from ‘Ubayd ibn ‘Abdallah ibn abu Hashim al-Sayrafi from ‘Amr ibn Mus‘ab from Salma ibn Muhriz who has said that he heard abu Ja‘far say the following.

“Of the knowledge that we have received is the interpretation of the Holy Quran and its laws, the knowledge of the changes of time and the happenings therein. When Allah wants good for a people, He makes them to understand. If He would make to understand one who does not want to understand such a person turns away as if he has heard nothing. The Imams paused, briefly, then said, “Had we found keepers and trusted people for our knowledge, we would have said it (all to him). Allah is the best supporter.”