The Imams عليه السلام never did and would not do anything except because of the covenant of Allah, the Most Holy, the Most High, and a command from Him and they did not go beyond such limits

2. Ahmad ibn Muhammad and Muhammad ibn Yahya have narrated from Muhammad ibn al-Husayn from Ahmad ibn Muhammad from abu al-Hassan al-Kinani from Ja‘far ibn Najih al-Kindi from Muhammad ibn Ahmad ibn ‘Ubaydallah al-‘Umari from his father from his grandfather from abu ‘Abdallah عليه السلام who has said the following. “Allah, the Most Holy, the Most High sent a document to His prophet صلى الله عليه وعلى آله وسلم before his death. He then said, “O Muhammad, this is your will to the noble ones in your family.” He asked, “Who are the noble ones in my family, O Jibril?” He then said, “They are Ali ibn abu Talib and his sons عليه السلام.” On the document there were several seals of gold. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وعلى آله وسلم delivered it to Amir al-Mu’minin Ali عليه السلام and commanded him to open one seal and follow the instructions for him therein. Amir al-Mu’minin Ali عليه السلام then opened one seal and followed the instruction in it. Then he delivered it to his son al-Hassan عليه السلام. He opened a seal and followed that which was therein. He then delivered it to al-Husayn عليه السلام. He opened one seal and found therein instruction that asked him to rise for martyrdom with a group of people. That there will be no martyrdom for them except along with and sale yourself to Allah, the Most Holy, the Most High. He followed all the instructions. Then he delivered it to Ali ibn al-Husayn عليه السلام. He opened one seal and found therein instructions therein that asked him to fix his gaze just before him and remain silent, secluded in your house and worship your Lord until your death will arrive. He did as he was instructed and then delivered it to his son Muhammad ibn Ali عليه السلام. He opened one seal and found therein instructions that asked him to speak to people and make them learn. Do not fear anyone except Allah, the Most Holy, the Most High because no one can harm you. He followed the instructions and then delivered it to his son Ja‘far عليه السلام. He opened one seal and found therein instructions that asked him to speak to people, make them learn, propagate the knowledge of your family (Ahl al-Bayt) and affirm the veracity of your righteous ancestors. Do not be afraid of anyone except Allah, the Most Holy, the Most High because you are secure and safe. He did as was instructed and then delivered it to his son Musa عليه السلام.In the same Musa عليه السلام will deliver it to the succeeding Imam and so on up to the appearance of al-Mahdi صلى الله عليه وعلى آله وسلم “