Al-Amālī 1, narration 12

Translation

12. He said: Abul Qasim Ja’far ibn Muhammad reported to me from his father, from Sa’d ibn Abdillah, from Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn Isa, from al-Husayn ibn Saeed, from Muhammad ibn Abu Umair from al-Harith ibn Behram, from Amru ibn Jamee’ that: Abu Abdillah, Ja’far ibn Muhammad, peace be upon him told me: "Whoever comes to us seeking Fiqh, Qur’an and its exegesis, let him in. And whoever comes to reveal such secret (fault of the others) which Allah (in His Mercy) has concealed, discard him!" Someone said: "May I be your ransom, may I mention my present situation?" He said: "(Yes), if you so wish." He said: "By Allah, I am persistent upon sin since long time, and I intend to transform myself, but I cannot." He said: "If what you say is true, then Allah loves you, and He does not prevent your transformation except that you may fear him (more by being mindful, and not conceited)."

Translation: Mulla Asgharali M M Jaffer — published with the edition, reproduced verbatim.