Yes, from every side and place. He said to them: "You have testified to his faith." It is evident that the faith that the Mahdi meant is not confined to prayer; rather, it is part of it. He considered this a witness to the conviction in the heart. But if the heart is found empty, then all actions become worthless at that time and do not constitute faith. This is what he affirmed elsewhere when he said: "Worship is not valid except with faith and sincerity. Faith is conviction. And what worship is valid for one who has no conviction? Whoever says that worship is valid without conviction and sincerity has indeed been stubborn."

In the "Risalat al-Tawhid" (Treatise on Monotheism), we find further clarity on the Mahdi's view on this matter. This is through the conditions he set for faith to be valid. He translated this by saying: "Chapter on restricting 'There is no god but Allah' with restrictions in Sharia, not remaining in its absolute form." He aims by this to define the form of true faith by specifying its elements and outlining its pillars. We note in this regard that the Mahdi often uses the word "Tawhid" (monotheism) to mean faith. He named his followers "Muwahhidun" (monotheists) to indicate the fulfillment in them of the conditions and elements of faith as he saw them.

As for those conditions that he expressed as restrictions, they are as follows: a. That faith be based on knowledge, not its opposite. Perhaps in this, he is guarding against traditional faith. b. That it be based on certainty, not doubt. c. That it be based on sincerity, not polytheism. d. That it be accompanied by action, and reliance (on others) be kept away from it. e. That the utterance of the tongue corresponds with the conviction of the heart.

(See: Al-Baydaq, Akhbar Al-Mahdi: 221. Ibn Tumart, Risala fi Al-Ibadah: 8, 2537)