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The nature of the relationship between the Imam and
the ummah is actually outlined by the Divine Message.
Imams represent it, as personified in their daily life.

Following are some examples of that great, high and
brilliant relationship.

3. His Humbleness
Once Imam Hussein passed by poor men eating crumbs
of bread on a mat. He greeted them and they invited
him to their meal. He sat among them and said: "If
your food were not alms, I would have eaten with you.
Come home with me," he asked them. There, he fed
them, clothed them and provided them with money.
One could easily detect the depth of his humbleness
through examination of this vivid testimony,
particularly when we take into consideration that Imam
Hussein was the political and ideological figure who
was appointed as the legitimate leader of the Muslims
by Allah, through His Messenger.
As for his social position, he was so matchless and
unique, that Ibn Abbas, the revered companion of the
Holy Prophet, used to hold the stirrup of his horse
when he would mount it. Ibn Abbas was older than
Imam Hussein, but he did this out of his respect for him.
It is because of his glorious social status that the
people would dismount from their horses and camels,
on the way to Mecca to perform their pilgrimage, as
long as he would travel on foot.
Another example reflecting his humble nature is that
of his acceptance of an invitation to having food with
the poor. He encountered a number of poor men.