THE FAITH OF SHI'A ISLAM

   Just as we believe in a prophet's infallibility, so also we believe that he must be endowed with the most perfect attributes -bravery (ash-shaja'ah), diplomacy (as-siyasah), sagacity (at-tadbir), patience (as-sabr), intelligence (al-fitnah), and quick-wittedness (adh-dhaka'), so that there is no-one who excels him in such qualities. Otherwise, it is not fit that he should lead people and administer the affairs of the whole world. He must be of good descendency, honest, truthful and free from all vices, from before the beginning of his prophecy as well, so that people can trust in him and so that he may deserves this great, Divinely-given position.