In the preceding narrations, there is a clear allusion that the Muslims who are upon the true affair and Gnosis of the Family of Muhammad are few. They are not the majority of those who claim their guardianship.
Our Master al-Kazim (may his glory be exalted) said: "The earth was opened from error. So whoever does not know this affair is astray."1
Because the command, the authority, and the power were in the hand of the enemy of God, Qabil (Cain) (may God curse him) and his party. As for the sons of Light, they took estrangement as a path and dissimulation as a companion.
From Abu Bakr al-Hadrami, our Master Assadiq (may his glory be exalted) was asked about a people from the islands of the sea who bear witness that there is no god but God and that Muhammad is the Messenger of God. He said: "Astray. Indeed, the affair was opened with error."2
Also, our Masters commanded us to take what is contrary to the common people, so that we do not incline to their falsehood, and because the truth is in opposing them. And the "common people" in one facet are the "enemies of 'Ali", and in another facet, they are the "detractors".
Our Master Assadiq (may his glory be exalted) was asked about something narrated from him, and its opposite is also narrated from him: "Which of them should we take?" He said: "Take what opposes the people, and what agrees with the people, avoid it."3
From Muhammad ibn 'Abdillah, I said to our Master al-Rida (may his glory be exalted): "What should we do with two conflicting reports?" He said: "If two conflicting Hadiths come to you, look at which of them opposes the common people and take it. And look at what agrees with their reports and leave it."4