As for the disbelievers, they are the slaves of slaves; proximity to God is not sought through them while they are disbelievers as long as they remain in His image, out of glorification and veneration for His image. But when they depart from the image and are turned into the metamorphosed state (Al-Masukhiyya), then proximity to God is sought through them.

These sayings indicate that he who knows God and obeys Him is never legally obligated (mukallaf) to uphold the outward (Al-Zahir). As for him who is otherwise, he is obligated by it.

Among the famous reports (Akhbar) transmitted in the books of Tawhid (Divine Unity) regarding this meaning is what was narrated from the Master Ja’far al-Sadiq—peace be from him—that he was asked about the "Difficult" (Al-Sa'b) and the burdensome (Al-Mustas‘ab)?" He said: "Benevolence toward the brethren (Birr al-Ikhwan). Whosoever lacks benevolence toward his brothers, let him perform the [religious] obligations (Al-Taklif) of fasting, prayer, labor, and striving. For he who possesses neither benevolence toward his brothers, nor fasting, nor prayer, nor labor, nor striving, is not a believer, according to the word of God—Mighty and Majestic is He: {And stop them; indeed, they are to be questioned} (Al-Saaffat: 24).