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13. Definition of the Classes of the Believers

Having given a definition and the signs of the Hujjat, I will proceed to the
description of the "people of order."

They are divided into two categories- the strong and the weak. The "strong"
(obviously for "weak") are those who acquired the knowledge of the Hujjat
[Fol. 15v.) and preach in his favour amongst the new converts. the sign of
their activities consists in the acceptance of the teaching of the Hujjat, which
they transmit to the weak, living in accordance with the rules of the shari'at.[1]

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[1] Here obviously the author, or, mor probably, later scribes, have altered the
order of words at the beginning, which should have been "weak" first, and
"strong" last, as otherwise there is no sense in the passage.

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Those called "the weak" (strong?) are the people who resign themselves
entirely in accepting the teaching, instruction and interpretation (of religion).
They must live in accordance with the spiritual ( aqli) prescriptions of the
shari'at. The strong are the da'is, senior ma'dhuns, the teachers, junior
ma'dhuns, and the weak are the mustajibs. Whichever he may be, strong or
weak, a believer cannot attain to the Divine guidance (ta'yid) until he acquires
the degree of the Hujjat in the acknowledgement of the Imamat.[1]
What are the spiritual ( aqli) prescriptions of the shari'at? Will not the
prohibition of eating grapes and drinking wine, etc., be removed? Yes, the
ritual prescriptions, as reciting the formulas of the profession of the religion,
ablutions, fasting, prayers, paying the tithe, pilgrimage and religious war, may
be cancelled if the believer is acting in accordance with the interpretation
(ta'wil) of these commandments, but only when there is no necessity for the
taqiyya.

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[1] This obviously does not mean that anyone can become a Hujjat, but simply
would acquire the knowledge of the Hujjat's wisdom, by accepting his
teaching.


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