Imam Ali (peace be upon him): It is narrated from Imam Sadiq (peace be upon him): The Commander of the Faithful Ali (peace be upon him) said: "Souls are like marshalled armies — those among them that recognise one another become intimate, and those that do not recognise one another differ." He said: "My Lord has trained me in my very self and in my inner being; so whatever I saw and approved of from the people of intellect and insight, I put it into practice; and whatever I observed from the ignorant and deemed ugly, I avoided it and showed my aversion to it. This method led me to the treasures of knowledge and the storehouses of gnosis. And for shrewd, understanding people there is no path safer and better than following the outstanding people of gnosis, for following such people is a clear road and a wholly sound path. These prophets are people whom Allah the Exalted has guided, so follow their guidance!"