Indeed, when I exerted my utmost capacity in regard to the books I had compiled, and expended my effort in what was incumbent upon me of that, I found that the ritual prayer incorporates many limits, fasting includes an abundance of ordinances, the alms-tax comprises diverse meanings and pilgrimage contains numerous rites. And I found that bearing these august matters, adhering to this upright religion and acquiring insight into the conditions that I have mentioned cannot be attained except through one who precedes to it and an Imam who directs to it; and that he whom Allāh guides to it is soundly oriented upon His way and benefits from his knowledge and his actions, whereas he whom He leads astray strays from His way, his actions are rendered worthless, and he loses both the life of this world and that of the Hereafter: that is the unequivocal loss. And I came to know that the Imamate is a state by which are discerned the bounds of ritual prayer, the precepts of fasting, the meanings of the alms-tax and the rites of pilgrimage. I saw it to be the firmest, most eminent handhold, and the most trustworthy, well-charted path. I also saw many of those whose creed is correct, whose footing in the religion of Allāh is secure and whose humble reverence for Allāh is manifest, nevertheless turned aside by the Occultation; its duration had grown long for them until loneliness came upon them, and the differing reports and transmitted traditions cast them into confounded thinking. So, I gathered reports that dispel the confusion, give substance to the blessing, inform of the number and provide comfort from the loneliness caused by the protraction of time. From Allāh do I seek sound orientation upon that which is correct, and for righteous speech do I seek His assistance; and Him alone do I ask to safeguard the truth and preserve it for its people, and to protect its enduring abode and its temporary lodging.[1]
Commentary #1