The Imams (a.s.) are the only true guides

about the words of Allah. “(Muhammad), you are only a Warner. For every nation there is a guide. (13:7)” The Imam (a.s.) said that at all times there is a guide from us who guides people to the teachings of the Holy Prophet (s.a.) Of the guides who possess Divine authority after the holy Prophet (s.a.) is Amir al-Mu’minin (a.s.) and his successors one after the other.”

“I asked Abu ‘Abdallah (a.s.) about the meaning of the words of Allah: “(Muhammad), you are only a warner, and for every nation there is a guide.” (13:7) He (a.s.) replied, “The Messenger of Allah (sw) is the warner and Amir al-Mu’minin (a.s.) is the guide. O Abu Muhammad, is there a guide today?” I said, “Yes, may Allah take my soul in service for your cause, there has always been a guide from you, one after the other, until this (noble task) is being carried on by your own self.” He (a.s.) said, “May Allah have mercy on you, O Abu Muhammad. Had it been like the coming of guidance to man and then he would die with his death, the guidance would also die and the whole book would die, but it lives and it continues with new generations as it has done so with the people in the past.”

asked Imam abu Ja’far (a.s.) about the meaning of the words of Allah, “. . For every nation there is a guide. (13:7)” The Imam (a.s.) said, “The Holy Prophet (s.a.) is the Warner and Amir al-Mu’minin (a.s.) is the guide. Let it be known, I swear by Allah, that guidance never departed us, it is with us and will always be with us until the Day of Judgment.”