The Mutual Rights between the Imam and his Followers

“I asked abu ‘Abdallah (a.s.), ‘What are the rights of the Imam over the people?” He replied, “Of his rights over them is that they must listen to him and obey him.” I then asked, “What are their rights on him?” He replied, “Maintain among them equality and justice among the followers. When this prevails among the people then there would no fear as to who has taken this and that.”

this way, this way, this way and this way, meaning thereby front, back, right and left.”

“Amir al-Mu’minin (a.s) has said, ‘Do not be deceitful to your leaders, do not confuse your guides, do not be ignorant of your Imams and do not cut off the rope of your unity, least you will fail and be disgraced. On such foundation your affairs must be based and you must strictly live within such system. Had you been able to observe what those who lived before had observed and who had disregarded what you want to be accepted you would have acted fast, came out and listened. However, you can not observe what they had observed but the curtain will soon be removed.’

“I heard abu ‘Abdallah (a.s) say, ‘The Holy Prophet (sw) was given the news of his own death while he was in a good health and he did not suffer any pain.” He said, “The trusted Spirit came to him.” He said, “The Holy Prophet called for a prayer in congregation. He then ordered the Muhajir and Ansar (people from Makka and the people of Madina) to arm themselves. The people all came and the Holy Prophet climbed the platform, the pulpit and gave out the news of his own death and then said, “I warn of Allah the ruler after me over my followers for not being kind to the community of the Muslims. He must honor the elders among them and be kind to their weak, treat their scholars with dignity, must not harm to humiliate them. He must not allow them to suffer poverty that would turn them to disbelief, must not close his door to them to let their strong over run the weak ones. He must not use them in the (armed) campaigns for food that would banish the offspring of my followers. Then he said, (Certainly) I have delivered to you the message, gave you good advice so you must bear this testimony.” Abu ‘Abdallah (a.s) has said that this was the last words of the Messenger of Allah (sw) from the pulpit.”

“Honey and fig were brought to Amir al-Mu’minin (a.s.) from Hamadhan and al-Hulwan (places near Baghdad). He asked the his officers to call in the orphans. They were allowed to lick honey from the containers while he himself distributed them among the people. People asked, “Why should the orphans be allowed to lick the honey?” Amir al-Muminin (a.s.) replied, “The Imam is the father of the orphans. I just wanted to gave them a fatherly treat.”

“The Holy Prophet has said, ’Isma‘il have more authority over every believer than their own selves and after me Ali (a.s.) will such authority.” He was asked, “What is the meaning of that?” He said, “These are the words of the Holy Prophet (sw), ‘One who would pass away his debts and liabilities become my responsibility If one would live a legacy I will be the heir thereof. A man will have no authority over himself if would have no property and one will not authority over his dependents if would not provide their expenses. The Holy Prophet (sw) and Amir al-Mu’minin (a.s) and their successors have made it binding up on them. For this reason they have greater authority over them than their own selves. The general masses of the Jews accepted Islam only after these words of the Messenger of Allah (sw). They found peace for themselves and for their dependents.”

"The Messenger of Allah (sw) said: 'Any believer or Muslim who dies while leaving behind a debt not incurred for unlawful or extravagant reasons, it will be the responsibility of the Imam to pay it off. Otherwise, its sin is upon him. Allah, the Most Holy, the Most High, says: 'Welfare funds (zakat) are only for the poor, the destitute' (9:60). Such a person is bankrupt, and there is a share for him with the Imam. If he withholds it, then its sin is upon him.'"

"The Messenger of Allah (sw) 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."