associates, and that people do not actually ask the Imams (PBUT) to do anything for them.

People, in fact, entreat to that special status the Imams (PBUT) have before Allah and the special love and care He has for them so much the Almighty Allah would give them what they request through those medium, in this case the Imams (PBUT).

The Almighty Allah says in the Noble Quran: (and seek the way of approach unto Him)_5;35, as He tells us that the Prophet Jesus is one of the illustrious dignitaries before the Glorious Allah: (And remember when the angels said: O Mary! Allah giveth thee glad tidings of a word from Him, whose name is the Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, illustrious in the world and the Hereafter, and one of those brought near unto Allah)_3;45.

This is another proof to the validity of seeking refuge with the dignitaries before Allah, especially when your request is restricted to His worship and obedience. I will explain this more later when we try to explain imploring to and approaching the Almighty Allah.

Anwar: The answer you gave me was concise yet very