The Infallible Imams, peace be upon them, are the means through which the blessings of God, Blessed and Exalted, reach us. God Most High has placed our provision in the heavens, even though He could have sent it to us without the heavens as an intermediary:
وَفِي السَّمَاءِ رِزْقُكُمْ وَمَا تُوعَدُونَ (22)
“And in heaven is your provision and all that you are promised.”
The use of means as intermediaries reflects their worth, honour and particular wisdom. This mediation draws the beings of the universe towards a truth and a hidden reality whose knowledge forms part of the mystery of creation.
This connection is also a special grace bestowed upon created beings, helping them advance and grow more swiftly.
It is clear that our dependence on God’s exalted intermediaries and means points to how far ahead they were: they had already outstripped others in attaining the distinctions of servanthood in realms before this world.
The reality of the wilayah of the Ahl al-Bayt, peace be upon them, is not confined to their earthly lives; it extends to all creation, beginning with Adam, peace be upon him.
Praising and extolling them must not undermine our monotheistic beliefs, for they are the words through which God’s oneness is made known.
... بِكُمْ فَتَحَ اللَّهُ وَبِكُمْ يَخْتِمُ وَبِكُمْ يَنْزِلُ الْغَيْثُ وَبِكُمْ يُمْسِكُ السَّمَاءَ أَنْ تَقَعَ عَلَى الْأَرْضِ إِلَّا بِإِذْنِهِ وَبِكُمْ يَنْفِسُ الْهَمَّ وَبِكُمْ يَكْشِفُ الضُّرَّ...
من لا یحضره الفقیه، ج2، ص: 615
“Through you God begins and through you He brings to a close. Through you rain falls, and through you He keeps the heavens from falling upon the earth, except by His permission. Through you grief is eased, and through you affliction is removed.”