Letter of Abi Abdillah (a. s) to a group of Shia — Hadith 1

dians or as helpers. So do not let them scare you, and do not let them repulse you all from the consideration by the truth which Allah (azwj) has Specialised you with from the tricks of the Satans (la) from the Humans, and their plots in your affairs. You should repel the bad by that which is good in what is between you and them, seeking by that the Pleasure of your Lord (azwj) by being obedient to Him (azwj). And they are such that there is no good with them. It is not permissible for you to display to them the Principles of the Religion of Allah (azwj) (Usool Al-Deen) for they are such that they would hear something from you, be inimical against you, and raise (the issue) against you, and strive for destroying you, and place in front of you that which you dislike. And there is no remedy for you from them in the government of the corrupts. So understand your status in what is between you and the people of the falsehood, for it does not befit the people of the truth to descend to the level of the people of the falsehood. (This is due to the fact) that Allah (azwj) did not Make for the people of the falsehood who does not understand His (azwj) Perspective, the status which is with Him (azwj) for the people of the truth. The Statement of Allah (azwj) in His (azwj) Book where He (azwj) Said: “[38: 28] Shall We treat those who believe and work deeds of righteousness, the same as those who do mischief on earth? Shall We treat those who guard against evil, the same as those who turn aside from the right? ” He (azwj) has Honoured yourselves rather than the people of the falsehood. And do not make Allah (azwj) Blessed and High, and for Him (azwj) is the Highest Example, and your Imams (asws), and the Religion which you have made it to be for yourselves, to be exposed (vulnerable) to the people of the falsehood. Allah (azwj) would be Angered against you, so you will perish. So, do not do it, do not do it (strictly observe Taqeeya). O righteous people! Do not abandon the Commands of Allah (azwj), and the Command from your affairs for the obedience to Him (azwj), lest Allah (azwj) Alters the Blessings for you. Love for the sake of Allah (azwj) (the ones of similar qualities to yourselves), and hate for the Sake of Allah (azwj) the ones who oppose you. And extend your cordiality and your advice to the ones who possess your qualities, and do not extend it to the ones who have abandoned your qualities, and are inimical towards you, and rebel against you, and wish for calamities