The Feeble-minded People

“Once I asked abu Ja’far (a.s.) about how much religious knowledge people must have. The Imam said, ‘Religion is vast but the Khawarij (those who turned against Amir al-Mu’minin, Ali ibn abu Talib (a.s.)) group has narrowed it down upon themselves due to their ignorance.’ I asked, ‘May Allah keep my soul in service for your cause, can I tell you what kind of religion I believe in?’ The Imam said, ‘Yes, you may do so.’ I said, ‘I testify that no one deserves to be worshipped except Allah and I testify that Muhammad is His servant and messenger. I affirm to whatever he has brought from Allah. I love you {AM al-Bayt) and disavow your enemies and those who have suppressed you, kept (unjust) control over you and who have usurped your rights.’ The Imam said, ‘You are not ignorant of anything. This, by Allah is what we follow.’ I asked, ‘Is one who does not know this (cause) safe?’ The Imam said, ‘No, except the feeble- minded people.’ I asked, ‘Who are they?’ The Imam said, ‘Your women and children.’ Then he said, ‘Consider ‘Umm ‘Ayman. I testify that she is of the people of paradise, but she did not know what you believe.’”