7. Ahmad ibn Muhammad has narrated from Ali ibn al-Hakam from al-Husayn ibn abu al-‘Ala’ whos has said that I mentioned to Imam abu ‘Abdallah عليه السلام our expression about the successors (of the Prophets صلى الله عليه وعلى آله وسلم) “That obedience to them is obligatory”, the Imam عليه السلام said, ‘It is very true because they are the people about whom Allah, the Most Holy, the Most High, has said, “Believers, obey God, His Messenger, and your (qualified) leaders. . .’ (4:59) It is they about whom Allah, the Most Holy, the Most High, has also said, ‘Only God, His Messenger, and the true believers who are steadfast in prayer and pay alms, while they kneel during prayer, are your guardians (5:55)’”