Abu Ja’far Muhammad ibn ‘Ali, peace be upon them both, told me, "O Abu Nu’man, do not support the lies and allegation against us, for that will distract you from the Straight Path; and do not devour people’s wealth by using our name, for that will earn you nothing but poverty. O Abu Nu’man, do not push yourself hard to be a head (i.e. leader), for you may end up being a tail (i.e. following the people rather then leading them). O Abu Nu’man, you will surely be stopped and asked, and there is no escape from that! If you remain truthful, we will confirm your truthfulness; and if you lie, we will confirm that you are a liar. O Abu Nu’man, let not people delude you, for that which is your fate, shall reach you in spite of them! And do not let the days prevent you from this and that for with you there is One Who protects you. Do good deeds, for I have not seen any quicker expiation in pursuit of the old sin, than a good deed."