By Cyril Anderson

Part 3/3

The imams from the ahlilbait (as) did not come so that, centuries later, we could simply express our love for them.  They did no come only for a small group of Muslims who choose to call themselves “Shias.”  (And even those self-righteous Shias who think so would do well to reflect on the stringent criteria in terms of piety and character that the imams expected of their “true Shia,” and ask themselves honestly whether they fit the bill any better than those they choose to criticize.)  No.  The imams came as spiritual leaders for ALL Muslims.  They came to try to elaborate on and continue the message of Muhammad, to clarify it and ensure that it was properly and fully transmitted to and understood by the people.  They left a heritage, a legacy of their words, their actions, and their writings to fulfill this mission to future generations.  Our mission is to continue the chain that brought this legacy to us, by passing it on and sharing it with the Muslims.  Anything we do that drives people away or prevents them from having access to that legacy is a failing of that mission, and a failing of their memory.  May God give us the strength and capability guiding our efforts through His infinite light so that we may handle properly this weighty burden.

~Bi rah’matika yaar’hamar-rah’imeen~

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