Usul al-Kafi
Book 5:
The Book of Belief and Disbelief

Chapter 17
Supplement to the previous chapters

635. 1. Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (p): Some people talk about the Quranic verses without proper knowledge. For instance, the verse: He it is who has sent down to you the Book, in it are verses, basic or fundamental (of unambiguous and established meanings); they are the foundations of the Book, others are allegorical. But, those in whose hearts, is perversity, follow the part thereof that is allegorical, seeking discord and searching for its hidden meaning, but no one knows its hidden meanings except God and those who are firmly grounded in knowledge … (Q, 3:7).
Translator’s note: According to several authentic traditions, those who are firmly grounded in knowledge are the Ahlul Bait (p).(B5,C17,T1)

636. 2. Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (p) was asked: Is the one who says that there is no God but God and that Prophet Muhammad (p) is His prophet, a believer?
The Imam (p): And what about the performance of religious duties? Belief is that one should lead one’s life according to the teachings of Islam…(B5,C17,T2)

637. 3. Imam Jafar as-Sadiq (p): Belief means obedience to God and not to commit sins.(B5,C17,T3)