1. Muhammad ibn Yahya has narrated from Ahmad ibn Muhammad from Muhammad ibn Sinan from Nasir abu al-Hakim al-Khath’ami from Abu ‘Abdillah (a.s.) who has said the following: “There are two kinds of believing people: one kind is true to the covenant with Allah and has kept the stipulation as Allah, the Most Majestic, the Most Holy, has said, ‘Among the believers there are people who are true in their promise to Allah. . . .’ (33:23) This kind of believing people do not become subject to any fear, worldly or in the hereafter. They are those who intercede for others but need no intercession. There are the kinds of believing people who are like a sprouting plant that grows straight sometimes and not so straight under certain conditions. This kind of believing people may become subject to fear in this world as well as in the next life. They need intercession but cannot intercede for anyone.”

Translation: Muhammad Sarwar — attributed by Thaqalayn·The Arabic above is the original.

2. A number of our people have narrated from Sah ibn Ziyad from Muhammad ibn ‘Abd Allah from Khalid al-‘Ammi from Khidr ibn ‘Amr from abu ‘Abd Alllah (RecipientofDivineSupremeCovenant who has said the following: “I heard the Imam saying, ‘There are two kinds of believing people: one kind is true to the stipulations that He has made with him. He is with the prophets, the truthful ones, the martyrs and the virtuous ones. These indeed are good companions. Such ones intercede on behalf of others but they themselves do not need anyone’s intercessions on their behalf. Such believers do not suffer from any frightening thing in this world or in the hereafter. There are the believers who lose balance. Such believers are like a sprouting plant that deals with the wind as it goes. Such believers face the frightening things in this world and in the hereafter. They need others intercession on their behalf but they are in good hands.’”

Translation: Muhammad Sarwar — attributed by Thaqalayn·The Arabic above is the original.

3. A number of our people have narrated from Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn Khalid from Isma’il ibn Mehran from Yunus ibn Ya’qub from abu Maryam al-Ansari from abu Ja’far (a.s.) who has said the following: “Once a man in Basra stood before Amir al-Mu’minin (Ali ibn abu Talib) (a.s.) and asked, ‘O Amir al-Mu’minin, speak to us of brothers (in belief).’ The Imam said, ‘Brothers are of two kinds: Trustworthy brothers and smiling brothers. The trustworthy brothers are one’s palms, wings, the family and wealth. If they are trustworthy you may spend and work for them, be sincere to those sincere to him, and be the enemy of his enemies, conceal his secrets and faults and publicize his virtuous qualities. You (questioning person) must know that they are as rare as alchemy. On the other hand, you may enjoy the smiling brother’s association that you should not cut it off from them but do not seek anything beyond it of their conscience. Do for them as much as they do for you like a happy face and sweet expressions.’”

Translation: Muhammad Sarwar — attributed by Thaqalayn·The Arabic above is the original.