Giving heed to the Proof of Allah
Prior to religious precepts and jurisprudence, prior to ethics and rituals, the concept of the Proof of Allah is the most fundamental pillar in Shi’i beliefs. Without believing in the Proof of Allah, no deed is accepted even if the person has not committed any jurisprudential sin.
With believing in the Proof of Allah, there is hope for forgiveness of sins- of course with special conditions and with the consent of anyone whose right has been abused-, and hope for going to Heaven, of course after enduring hardships in the world, the Barzakh (limbo) and the Qiyama (resurrection).
In Shi’i teachings, Proof of Allah, giving heed to him, acceptance of his Wilayat and his superiority, are the most fundamental beliefs which animate all deeds, behavior and even beliefs. Believing in the Proof of Allah is not merely verbal loving, rather submission to his commands, even if his commands may not be compatible with our feelings, is the sign of belief. In the great Arba‘een Walk the Shi’ah direct their attentions to the Proof of Allah, he whose cognition is necessary and his obedience obligatory. All the concentration, heed, need, eagerness, etc. are directed toward he whom Allah has introduced.
This is the clear meaning of Imam Baqir (PBUH)’s statement who has said:
“Certainly people have three obligations: Cognition of Infallible Imams (PBUT), submission to them and referring to them in their disagreements.” (Al-Kāfī, Vol. 1, p. 390)
Indeed in the Arba‘een Walk people are performing their Divine duties, for, performing Divine perceptions and law becomes meaningful only after the cognition of His Hujjats (PBUT).
It was the disregarding of the Proof of Allah throughout the ages which caused the world of Islam to be in the stage that it is now. One day they burned the house of the Proof of Allah, one day they killed him (Imam ‘Ali (PBUH)) in the Altar, one day they poisoned him (Imam Hassan (PBUH)) and threw arrows at his coffin, one day they slaughtered him (Imam Hussain (PBUH)) while he was extremely thirsty!!!
