5. My Father said:

`Ali ibn Ibrahim ibn Hashimsaid on the authority of his father, on the authority of `Ali ibn Ma`bad, on the authority of `Abd Allah ibn Sinan, on the authority of his father that I was in the presence of Abu Ja`far al-Baqir when a Kharijite entered his presence and asked him: “O Abu Ja`far, who do you serve?” He replied: “Allah.” He questioned: “Have you seen Him?” He answered: Eyes cannot see him through vision, but hearts can see Him through certainty of faith. He is neither recognized with analogy, nor perceived with the senses, and cannot be compared to people. He is attributed through signs and recognized through indications. There is no oppression in His Judgement. Such is Allah; there is no god but Him. He said: “Then the man left while saying that `Allah knows best where to place His Message.”