5. Humayd ibn Ziyad has narrated from Muhammad ibn ‘Isa from al-‘Abbas ibn Hilal al-Shamiy who has said the following: “I once said to abu al-Hassan , ‘I pray to Allah to keep my soul in service for your cause, those who eat tasteless food, wear garments of rough texture and appear very humble are very attractive to people.’

He (the Imam) said, ‘Has it not come to your notice that Yusuf was a prophet and the son of a prophet who wore gowns decorated with brocades and buttons of gold. He would sit in the gathering of the pharaohs and issue judgments. People did not need his dress. They however needed his justice. What is needed of an Imam is that when he speaks he must speak the truth, keep his promise and must rule with justice. Allah does not make food unlawful or drinks which are lawful. He however, has made unlawful the unlawful things of small or large quantity; and Allah, most Majestic, most Glorious, has said, ‘Who has made unlawful the beautiful things that Allah has brought out for His servants of the fine and clean sustenance?’ (7:32)”