Believing People are of Two Kinds

“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.”

“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.’”