Tradition

أَبْلِغْ شِيعَتَنا أَنَّهُ لا يُنالُ ما عِنْدَ اللّه إلاّ بِعَمَل.

Imam al-Baqir (‘a) is narrated to have said to one of his companions: “Tell our Shias (followers) that no one will reach divine blessings and mercy except through their actions.”1

Brief Commentary

These words of Imam al-Baqir (‘a) are an answer to those who imagine that it is enough to simply mention that one is a Shia or express affection towards the family of the Prophet in order to achieve salvation. Such people believe that one can achieve the greatest rank before God simply through such lip service, while we know that Islam is based upon action, and the true Shias are those whose actions are based on the teachings of the Prophet (S) and his Ahl al-Bayt (‘a). Therefore, we should realize that the real Shia of the Prophet (S) and his Ahl al-Bayt (‘a) are those who are truly following in their footsteps, and that words and expressions of love alone are not enough.

• 1. Usul al-Kafi, vol. 2, p. 300, Al-Amali, p. 370.