To love the Imam is not just a weak heartfelt inclination that does not have any effect in man’s actions and in his intention. In reality, a natural effect of love is that man moves in the direction of the loved one and tries to accomplish what that beloved one desires.
Of course, it is possible that just a small amount of love be found in one’s heart towards the Imam which is so weak that does not have any reflection in man's action. This kind of love is useless and one cannot be called a lover with him. A real love definitely have practical effects. The lover connects himself to the loved Imam and tries to bring the Imam’s desires into reality.
It is quoted from Imam Sādiq to have said,
«كَذَبَ مَنْ زَعَمَ أَنَّهُ مِنْ شِيعَتِنَا وَ هُوَ مُتَمَسِّكٌ بِعُرْوَةِ غَيْرِنَا»
“One who claims that he is among our followers (and loves us), but he practically follows others’ commands he is a liar.” (Bihār al-Anwār, vol. 2, p. 98, hadith 49.)
Imam Bāqir in another hadith says,
«مَنْ كَانَ لِلَّهِ مُطِيعاً فَهُوَ لَنَا وَلِيٌّ وَ مَنْ كَانَ لِلَّهِ عَاصِياً فَهُوَ لَنَا عَدُوّ»ٌ
“The one who is obedient to Allah, he is our lover and the one who disobeys Him, he is our adversary.” (al-Kāfī, vol. 2, p. 75, hadith, 3.)
The conclusion is this, if we claim to love our Imam, we have to obey him and should implement his desires in our life. Just the sole heartfelt inclination is not sufficient. Of course, the one who loves the Imam is not like those who hate him or those who do not believe in him. However, this mere love is not enough and a real Moslem has to prove with his action that his love is real.
