The Mutual Rights between the Imam and his Followers
Al-Kāfi|Volume 1|Book 4|Chapter 104
8ـ عَلِيُّ بْنُ إِبْرَاهِيمَ عَنْ صَالِحِ بْنِ السِّنْدِيِّ عَنْ جَعْفَرِ بْنِ بَشِيرٍ عَنْ حَنَانٍ عَنْ أَبِيهِ عَنْ ابي جعفر (عَلَيْهِ السَّلام) قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ الله (صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِه) لا تَصْلُحُ الامَامَةُ إِلا لِرَجُلٍ فِيهِ ثَلاثُ خِصَالٍ وَرَعٌ يَحْجُزُهُ عَنْ مَعَاصِي الله وَحِلْمٌ يَمْلِكُ بِهِ غَضَبَهُ وَحُسْنُ الْوِلايَةِ عَلَى مَنْ يَلِي حَتَّى يَكُونَ لَهُمْ كَالْوَالِدِ الرَّحِيمِ. وَفِي رِوَايَةٍ أُخْرَى حَتَّى يَكُونَ لِلرَّعِيَّةِ كَالابِ الرَّحِيمِ.
8. Ali ibn Ibrahim has narrated from Salih ibn as-Sindi from Ja'far ibn Bashir from Hanan from his father from abu Ja'far عليه السلام who said: "The Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وعلى آله وسلم said: 'The imamate is not suitable for anyone except for a man who possesses three qualities: piety that safeguards him from the disobedience of Allah, forbearance that controls his anger, and excellence in guardianship over those under his care, such that he treats them with the compassion of a merciful parent." In another narration, it is stated, "to the extent that they regard him as a merciful father."
- Mirʾāt al-ʿUqūl fī Sharḥ Akhbār Āl al-Rasūl (4/344)
- Ṣaḥīḥ al-Kāfī