One belief is that which is firm and steadfast in hearts, and one is that which remains temporarily in the heart and the breast up to a certain time. If you were to acquit (yourself) before any person, you should wait till death approaches him, for that is the time limit for being acquitted.
Certainly, our case is difficult and complicated. No one can bear it except a believer whose heart Allah has tried with belief. Our traditions will not be preserved except by trustworthy hearts and (men of) solid understanding.
O people! Ask me before you lose me, because certainly I am acquainted with the passages of the sky more than the passages of the earth,2 and before that mischief springs upon its feet which would trample even the nosestring and destroy the wits of the people.
(2) al-Saffar, Basa'ir, 31; on p. 202 from (3)
(5) al-Saduq, al-Khisal, II, 164;
(6) al-'Amidi, Ghurar, 80, narrated by (7)
(7) al-Hakim, al-Mustadrak, II, 466;
(9) Ibn Hajar, al-'Isabah, II, 509;
(10) al-Tabari, al-Riyad, 198;
(11) al-Suyuti, Ta'rikh al-khulafa', 124;
(12) Dahlan, al-Futuhat, II, 337;