"It must be bourne in mind that after the death of the Prophet the belief in the walayat of the Imam from his progeny is as important a part of our religion as the belief in the wilayat of the Prophet in his life time. This is supported by the Tradition according to which the Prophet is reported to have said at 'Ghadeer Khum', "Am I not more precious to you than your own selves?" This is an echo of the Quranic verse which says, "The Prophet is more dear to the 'Momins' than their own selves to them. It is said, than in response to this question of the Prophet, when the 'Momins' said "Yes, you are dearer to us than our own selves", the Prophet said, "O God, be witness to their admission". After this he said, "Ali is master of one who acknowledges me as his master. O God love those who love Ali. Help those who help Ali. Desert those who desert Ali. Let the truth accompany Ali wherever he goes." "