In the words of the religious leaders, especially Amir al-Mu’minin, the relationship between the Imam and the community is addressed under the title of mutual rights of the community, or the duties of the Imam towards the community and the responsibilities of the people towards the Imam.
The supplications in the Sahifa also mention this truth, each in its own unique way, which is the expression of truths through the medium of supplication. Imam Sajad (peace be upon him) said in this regard:
“O God! Softened the heart of Your representative towards Your friends, and make his hand generous towards Your enemies. Grant him kindness, mercy, compassion, and tenderness, and make us among those who listen to him, obey him, follow his path, and assist him in supporting and defending him, so that we may draw closer to You and Your Prophet, may Your blessings be upon him and his family.”[1]
In this part of the prayer, implicitly, the values of leadership in managing human resources and the Islamic community are emphasized, highlighting gentleness, confrontation with the enemy, and compassion towards the people. On the other hand, the responsibilities of the people towards the just Imam and the benevolent reformer are also outlined:
1- The necessity of obedience and compliance with him in social and governmental matters as well as religious programs.
2- The necessity of seeking the satisfaction and approval of the Imam.
3- The necessity of supporting the Imam and defending his authority.
Additionally, it can be concluded from the above passage that obedience to and support of the Imam is itself a source of reward and spiritual value, bringing one closer to God.
It must not be overlooked that Imam Sajad refers to the Imam as the just divine leader, not anyone who rules over people by oppression and without the necessary qualifications of knowledge and faith. Because both before and after this prayer, the characteristics of the just Imam and divine leadership are clearly mentioned, eliminating any doubts.
In another part of the Sahifa, we read:
“O Lord, send blessings upon the purest of his family whom You have chosen to carry out Your command, the treasurers of knowledge, the guardians of the religion, Your successors on earth, and Your proof over Your servants.”[2]
In this passage, Imam Sajad (peace be upon him) explicitly points out several key points:
1- The divine nature of the position and status of the infallible Imams (peace be upon them).
2- The specific characteristics of the Imams among the family of the Prophet, and that not all the wives and relatives of the Prophet (peace be upon him) held the status of purity and infallibility.
3- The Imams (peace be upon them), as descendants of the Prophet (peace be upon him), are the protectors of religion and spiritual values after him.
4- The Imams (peace be upon them), in addition to their spiritual leadership, hold the divine authority in the social system, and as long as they are present among the community, the leadership of both the religion and worldly affairs belongs to them alone.
“Extracted from the book ‘Imam Sajad (peace be upon him), The Beauty of the Devout Worshippers,’ written by Ahmad Torabi (with slight changes)”
Footnotes:
[1] Sahifa Sajjadiya, Dua 47, Section 63
[2] Sahifa Sajjadiya, Dua 47, Section 56