Qualities of the Shiaa

Imam Ali (AS) asked Nawf al-Bakali, ‘Do you know who my Shiaa are, Nawf? to which he replied, ‘By Allah, no. Imam replied, ‘My Shiaa have parched lips and empty stomachs. They are those whose faces disclose asceticism, for they are ascetics by night, lions by day.

Imam al-Hasan (AS) said in answer to a man who said to him, ‘Verily I am one of your Shiaa, ‘O Aabdallah, if you are truly obedient to us in our commands and prohibitions, then you are telling the truth. But if not, then do not add to your sins by falsely claiming such a dignified position that you are not worthy of. Do not say, ‘I am one of your Shiaa, but say rather, ‘I am one of your adherents and one of your lovers and an enemy to your enemies. You are [doing] good and aiming towards good.

Imam al-Baqir (AS) said, ‘Our Shiaa are none other than those who are consciously wary of their duty to Allah and obey Him. They are known solely for their humbleness, their humility, their returning promptly whatever is entrusted in their care and their Abundant remembrance of Allah.

Imam al-Sadiq (AS) said, ‘Verily the Shiaa of Ali were those who restrained their stomachs and their sexual desires, who struggled and fought intensely, who worked hard for their Creator, who hoped for His reward and feared His punishment. If you have seen such people, then they are the very Shiaa of Jaafar.

Imam al-Sadiq (AS) said, ‘Test our Shiaa with regard to three things: the prayer times to see how well they observe them, their secrets to see how well they guard them from our enemies, and their wealth to see how they help out their fellow brothers with it.

Imam al-Sadiq (AS) said, ‘Verily our Shiaa are those who possess four eyes: two in their head, as well as two in their heart. Actually, all people are such, except that Allah has opened their [the Shiaas] eyes, and blinded others [as a result of their rejection of His guidance].