The Imam has various attributes and qualities.
- The world and human life are governed by two systems: the system of creation (Takwīn) and the system of legislation (Tashrī‘).
The system of creation refers to the laws and order governing the entire universe and humanity, which are beyond human control.
The system of legislation refers to the laws that govern the discretionary actions of humans.
The Imam has positions and statuses both in the realm of creation and in the realm of legislation. In the realm of creation, with God’s permission, the Imam has the power to create, destroy, and intervene in all things in the world, which is referred to as Wilāyat Takwīnī (the authority in the realm of creation).
In the realm of legislation, the Imam has roles such as:
a) Governance: Which involves the execution of God’s just law, opposing oppressors, and preserving the religion of God.
b) Reference (Marja’īyat): Which involves explaining and elucidating divine laws and teaching Qur’anic sciences.
c) Spiritual Guidance: This is the most important and beneficial aspect of the Imam’s role towards humanity, where he guides a person’s inner self, moving their soul towards closeness to God.
One of the most important of these roles is the guidance of humans.
In addition to external guidance, the Imam possesses a type of inner guidance and spiritual attraction, which originates from the celestial realm. Through this, he influences the hearts of worthy individuals and leads them towards spiritual perfection. This is referred to as Hidāyat Bāṭinī (inner guidance).
Through this inner guidance, based on divine knowledge, the Imam purifies and illuminates hearts and moves souls towards God. With God’s permission, the Imam has oversight over the souls and spirits of individuals, helping those who are worthy and ready to be led towards the path of perfection. He is like a physician who is concerned about the health of his patient, ensuring no disturbance in their well-being.
There are many instances in history where the inner guidance of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them) is recorded. On this occasion, we will reflect on a beautiful story narrated about Imam Reza (peace be upon him):
“Ahmad ibn Abi Nasr Bazzanti” (2), one of the companions of Imam Reza (peace be upon him), says: Imam Reza (peace be upon him) sent me a mount to come to him in the village of Siriya (3). I mounted the Imam’s steed and arrived at his presence, remaining there until late at night. When Imam Reza (peace be upon him) prepared to rise, he said: “I don’t think you can return to Medina at this hour.”
I replied: “Yes, indeed, I cannot return, may I be your sacrifice.”
Imam said: “Stay with us tonight, and tomorrow, by God’s help, you can return to Medina.”
I said: “I am obedient to your command, may I be your sacrifice.”
Then, Imam ordered his servant: “Spread my bed for him, and place the blanket I sleep in over it, and put my pillow beneath his head.”
Bazzanti says: I thought to myself: “Who else but I has experienced such a night? God has granted me a position and honor that no other companion has received!” I further thought: “The Imam’s personal mount has come to pick me up; I am now staying in the Imam’s house. His servant has prepared my bedding with his own blanket, and I sleep on his pillow. Truly, none of the companions has experienced such an honor.”
He continues: I was sitting, thinking these thoughts, when suddenly Imam Reza (peace be upon him) spoke:
“When Sa’sa’a ibn Suhan (4), one of my grandfather Ali’s companions, fell ill, Imam Ali (peace be upon him) went to visit him and sat by his bedside. He showed kindness and affection, and when he was about to rise, he said: ‘Sa’sa’a! Do not allow my visit to become a cause for pride or boastfulness among your friends. Do not make it a standard for dignity and honor by telling others that I, Ali, visited you. I was simply fulfilling a religious duty. Do not consider it an achievement, but rather look at your deeds. My visit and attention to you will not save you; your actions will be what counts in the Hereafter.'”
Imam Reza (peace be upon him) told this story, then relied on his hands to rise, bid farewell, and left.
Indeed, Imam Reza (peace be upon him) knew the inner state of Bazzanti through his celestial power, and he guided him, protecting him from the dangers of pride and arrogance.
From the book “Imam Reza (peace be upon him), the Manifestation of God’s Compassion” by Ayatollah Syed Mohammad Zia Abadi (with additions and abridgment).