Sofyan Thowri was one of the experts of tradition and a top religious scholar of his time. A student of Imam Sadiq (A.S) who was greatly impressed by his knowledge. Therefore, he was a great follower and supporter of the Infallible Imams and Imam Sadiq (A.S) in particular.
One day he requested Imam Sadiq (A.S) to narrate a prophetic tradition or make a preaching. Imam Sadiq (A.S) accepted and said: "You Sofyan, when God the Almighty bless you with some blessing, if you wish to have it permanently, express your thankfulness to God very much. This is because God has said that He will increase your blessings if you prove to be thankful. And when your sustenance and livelihood is belated beseech forgiveness from God very much because God has asked human beings to seek forgiveness from their God since He is the best forgiver. Thus, He bestows His blessings upon you and increases your wealth and offspring. And when you are afraid of a ruler repeat "la hawla wa la quwwata illa Billah" (There is no power and strength except that of Allah) because it is a key to the treasuries of the Heaven."
Thowri was over-thrilled and said: "What three invaluable lessons!"
This story also shows the very high scientific and religious rank of Imam Sadiq (A.S) among the ulema. In his time, ulema from all sects gathered around him to learn lessons from his endless treasury of knowledge.
It should be noted that the discord in religious jurisprudence among various Islamic schools of thought is not a fault with the religion; rather it is a blessing bestowed by God on the believers to accumulate an invaluable wealth of Islamic law and jurisprudence to be a source of honor for the Muslim community.
These discords never ended in conflicts or propaganda whatsoever during the time of the Infallible Imams. Even today, these discords and diversity of ideas must not target solidarity of Muslims and must not turn to be a weapon in the hands of the enemies of Islam.
Understanding of these differences as well as diversity of ideas and discords will help cementation of the solidarity among Muslims. It is hoped that Islamic sects will step beyond slogans soon and act upon their common beliefs to strengthen solidarity and sovereignty of the Muslim community.
source : www.tebyan.net
