THE QUALITIES OF A SHIA OF THE COMMANDER OF THE FAITHFUL IMAM ALI (A.S.)

The renowned Shia scholar Shaikh Saduq (r.a.) had compiled a book named “Sifat ush-Shia” meaning the Qualities of Shia. Jabir al-Jufi narrated from the Infallible Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (a.s.), who said, “O Ja’bir! Do you think that it is sufficient for those who claim being a Shia to say that they cherish us; the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.)’s Household?

By Allah I swear, our Shias are only those who fear and obey Allah. Their signs are:

Modesty

Submission

Fulfilment of the Trust

Very much reference to Allah (Zikr of Allah)

Fasting (not restricted to only obligatory fasting)

Offering Prayers (not restricted to obligatory prayers only)

Piety to their parents

Helping the Neighbors, specially the poor and destitute

Helping the indebted and orphans

Truthfulness

Reciting the Glorious Qur’an

Avoid mentioning people except for praising them

Most Trustworthy

Jabir said, “O son of Allah’s Messenger, we do not know anyone who bear such characters.” The Imam said, “No Jabir, do not misunderstand the matter. It is not enough for a man to claim that he loves and follows Imam Ali (a.s.). As a matter of fact, if he claims that he loves the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.), who is preferable to Imam Ali (a.s.) but he does not follow the Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.)’s traditions and does not act upon his (s.a.w.a.s.) instructions, such claim of love will be definitely useless. Hence, you should fear Allah and work for the cause of obtaining that which He has in possession. There is no relation between Allah and anybody. The most favorable and honorable servants of Allah are the most God-fearing and the most pious.

O Jabir, the only means through which a servant seeks to gain Allah’s favor is the obedience to Him. We, the Prophet’s Household, do not carry a patent for saving from Hell. Likewise, none of you has a claim against Allah. He who obeys Allah is only our disciple and whoever disobeys Him is our enemy. The loyalty to us cannot be gained except by means of diligent work and piety.”

Source:

               Sifat ul-Shia by Shaikh Saduq (r.a.)