The Characteristics of True Shi ahs

This article is an exposition of the characteristics of true Shi’as in the eyes of the Infallible Imams (pbuh). What, in fact is the criterion for discerning true believers from false believers? We cannot assume that all those who believe in God are believers, or that due to one’s friendship of Imam Ali's (Commander of the Faithful) one is considered as Shi’a. Sometimes we suppose that we are true Shi’a, but when we make a study about the true Shias as shown in the narrations and conduct of the Prophet's household (pbuh), we find that we are far from being true Shi’a. Here Satan tries to mislead us and shows us the wrong way to success and prosperity. In brief, true Shi’as are those who perform their timely prayers in the appointed time, who are committed to preserving the secrets of the Prophet's household (pbuh) and who feel sympathy for their religious brothers and are beneficent toward them.