44. Muhammad bin al-Hasan bin Ahmad bin al-Walid narrated to us, saying: Muhammad bin al-Hasan al-Saffar narrated to us, from Ahmad bin Abi Abdullah, from Muhammad bin Ali, from Muhammad bin Aslam, from al-Hasan bin Muhammad al-Hashimi, from Umar bin Udhaynah, from Aban bin Abi Ayyash, from Sulaym bin Qays al-Hilali, from the Commander of the Faithful who said:

I asked him: 'What is the least that makes a man misguided?' He said: 'That he does not recognize the one whom Allah has commanded to obey, whose allegiance He has made obligatory, and whom He has made His proof on His earth and His witness over His creation.' I asked: 'Who are they, O Commander of the Faithful?' He said: 'They are those whom Allah has associated with Himself and His Prophet, saying: "O you who believe, obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you." [4:59]' I kissed his head and said: You have clarified for me, relieved me, and removed all doubt that was in my heart.