He manifested among them [as they were] 1 and moved just as they move—exalted be God far above dependency and cessation. He created for Himself seven veils and twelve stations through which He manifests through them at all times. Within the twelve He moves, manifests, and is recognized as the Commander of the Faithful; His outward is the Imamate and the Testamentary Succession (al-wasiyyah), while His inward is Lordship (al-rububiyyah). The final of His personages is the one who rises with equity (al-qaim bi-al-qist)—there is no god but He.
Thus, it is firmly established that He is [distinct] 2 from the Lineage. Whoever asserts that the Meaning is simply one among the number of the Imams is identical to Abu Dhuhaybah himself, may God curse him.
And he stated in The Book of Examination and Inquiry: "The questioner asked: 'Is the Commander of the Faithful then [included] 3 within the Lineage of the Imamate?' The respondent replied: 'If He and they were one and the same,