It is narrated from Sudayr Al-Ṣayrafī that he said: I entered upon our Master Abū ‘Abdillāh Al-Ṣādiq (may his glory be exalted), and I said to him: "By Allah, it is not permissible for you to sit [inactive]." He asked: "And why, O Sudayr?" I said: "Because of the multitude of your devotees, your followers, and your supporters. By Allah, if Amir Al-Mouminine had the followers and supporters that you have, neither Taym nor ‘Adī would have aspired to [his position]." He said: "O Sudayr, and how many might they be?" I said: "A hundred thousand." He said: "A hundred thousand!" I said: "Yes, and two hundred thousand." He said: "Two hundred thousand!" I said: "Yes, and half the world." He said: Then he remained silent about me. Then he said: "Is it easy for you to come with us to Yanbu’?" I said: "Yes." He ordered a donkey and a mule to be saddled. I quickly mounted the donkey. He said: "O Sudayr, do you prefer me with the donkey?" I said: "The mule is more beautiful and noble." He said: "The donkey is easier for me." So, I dismounted, he rode the donkey, and I rode the mule. We proceeded until the time for prayer came. He said: "O Sudayr, dismount so we may pray." Then he said: "This is a barren land (sabkhah), prayer is not permissible in it." We travelled until we reached a red land, and he looked at a boy tending goats. He said: "By Allah, O Sudayr, if I had followers equal to the number of these goats, it would not be permissible for me to sit [inactive]." We dismounted and prayed. When we finished praying, I turned to the goats and counted them. They were seventeen.¹

Our Master Abū ‘Abdillāh Al-Ṣādiq (may his glory be exalted) said: "Indeed, among those who claim this matter (Wilāyah) are some who are worse than the Jews, Christians, Zoroastrians, and those who associate partners with Allah."²

These reports are sufficient to explain the condition of those who falsely claim loyalty (Walāyah) in the time of our Master Al-Ṣādiq (may his glory be exalted).