Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (a.s.) once said to one of his
companions:
“O Jabir! It is not enough that a person says, “I am Shiah and I love the Prophet (s.a.w.a.) and the Prophet’s family and the Imams (a.s.)”. By Allah, a Shiah is the one who is perfectly pious and obedient to Allah’s commands. Anyone else is not a Shiah no matter how much they say
they love Ali (a.s.) and no matter what they call themselves.”
“O Jabir! Our Shias are known by these signs:
(a) They are truthful, trustworthy and loyal;
(b) They always remember Allah;
(c) They offer their prayers, observer fasts, and recite the Quran;
(d) They act nicely towards their parents;
(e) They help their neighbours, take care of orphans and say nothing but good of people;
(f) They are worthy of people’s trust and confidence.”
Jabir was listening attentively. When the Imam (a.s.) finished, he said: “O son of the Prophet (s.a.w.a.), among the Muslims there are very few who possess these qualities.”
The Imam (a.s.) replied:
“Allah forbid you imagine that just to claim to love us is enough to be a Shiah. No not at all. A person who says, “I love Ali (a.s.) but doesn’t follow the actions of the Prophet (s.a.w.a.), his claim will be of no use.”
“O Jabir! Our real friends and shias are obedient to the commands of Allah, and everyone who is disobedient to Allah is our enemy.” “O Jabir! Always be pious and chaste, and perform good deeds so as to enjoy the blessing of the Paradise. Know that the best and most honorable before Allah are the pious and the chaste.”
Questions
- What type of person is a Shiah?
- To be a Shiah, is it enough to simply claim that you love Ali (a.s.)?
- Who are the best and most honourable persons in the sight of Allah?
- What must we do to become perfect human beings and enjoy the blessings of Paradise?
- Which of the signs of a Shiah do you have? Which are the ones you do not have?
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