Tacit and Explicit Testimony as proof of abu ‘Abdallah Ja‘far ibn Muhammad al-Sadiq’s (a.s.) Divine Authority over the people after Muhammad ibn Ali ibn al-Husayn (a.s.)

“Abu Ja‘far (a.s.) looked at abu ‘Abdallah (a.s.) who was walking. The Imam (a.s.) said, ‘Do you see this (person)? This is of those about whom Allah, the Most Holy, the Most High, has said, “However, We have decided to grant a favor to the suppressed ones by appointing them leaders and heirs of the land,” [28:5]:

"When my father was about to leave this world he said, 'O Ja‘far, I recommend you to be good to my companions.' I then said, “May I be your ransom, by Allah, I will educate them as such that in any city where any of them would live he would not need to ask others for knowledge (of religion).”

he heard Abu Ja‘far (a.s.) say the following: “It is part of the success of a man to have a child who is similar to his father physically, ethically and in good character. I do not know anyone more similar to me physically, ethically and in good character than this son of mine." (meaning thereby Abu ‘Abdallah (a.s.))

“Once I was in the presence of Abu Ja‘far (a.s.) when Ja‘far (a.s.) came. Abu Ja‘far (a.s.) said, “He (Ja‘far) is the best of the people or the best of best among them.”

“Once I was in the presence of Abu Ja‘far (a.s.) when Ja‘far (a.s.) came. Abu Ja‘far (a.s.) said, “This (Ja‘far ) is the best of the people.”

“Once I was in the presence of abu Ja‘far (a.s.) that Ja‘far (a.s.) came. Abu Ja‘far (a.s.) said, “This (Ja‘far) is the best of the people.”

"A question was asked of Abu Ja‘far (a.s.) about al-Qa’im (the twelfth Imam (a.s.). He (Abu Ja‘far) tapped (at the shoulder of) Abu ‘Abdallah (a.s.) and said, 'This, by Allah, is the Qa’im (one who will establish the kingdom of Allah) of the family of Muhammad (s.w.).' ‘Anbasa has said, 'When Abu Ja‘far passed away, went to see Abu ‘Abdallah (a.s.) and told him of what I had heard (from Jabir). The Imam said, 'Jabir has spoken the truth.' He then said, 'You perhaps think that the every succeeding Imam after a preceding Imam is not al-Qa’im (also meaning the one who obeys and serves Allah).'

“My father entrusted me with all that is there (the sacred objects inherited from the prophets such as directive wills etc.). When he was about to leave this world, he asked me to call for him a few people to bear testimony. I then called for him four people from Quraysh among them was Nafi‘ Mawla ‘Abdallah ibn ‘Umar. He then said, “Write down: This is (like) what was the directive will of Jacob to his sons, “My sons, God has chosen this religion for you. You must not leave this world unless you are a Muslim (submitted to the will of the Lord of the Universe).” (2:132). Muhammad ibn Ali has recommended Ja‘far ibn Muhammad in his directive will and commands him to shroud him with his gown with which he would [erform his prayers on Fridays and prepare a turban for him out of his own turban. That he should shape his grave squirely and raise it four inches from the ground and open the knots of from all ends of his shroud when it is to bury him. Then he said to the testimony bearers, “You may go now, may Allah bless you.” I then asked him after they had left, “O father, you did not need to make a will for such matters.” He said, “My son, I did not like when you will be over come they would say, “No directive will was made in his favor.” I just wanted to establish a defence authority in your favor.”