Ma`rifat

This text is a commentary on the interpretation of the Qualities of the real Shiites from the perspective of Imam Baqir in his recommendations to Jabir ibn Yazid Ja'fi. According to Imam Baqir, one of the characteristics of the true Shiites is their avoiding greed and tasting the sweetness of asceticism and contentment by curtailing theirs desires. In moral discussions, contentment versus greed, asceticism versus worldly attachments, and the attainment of the sweetness of asceticism are all achieved through curtailing one’s desires. Basically, a distinction must be made between attachment to the world and effort in worldly affairs. Attachment to the world and targeting it in life means the love of the world, and this is the root of many evils and wrongs, but making efforts in the worldly affairs to earn money and make scientific progress is not condemned. One of the best ways to detach from the world is to spend some one’s earnings in the cause of God. Also, a distinction must be made between long-term desires and ambitiousness. The desires that lead to perfection and nearness to God are lofty and desirable.