3. al-Husayn ibn Muhammad has narrated from Mu‘alla ibn Muhammad from Ali ibn Asbat who has said the following

“He (abu Ja‘far Muhammad ibn Ali al-Rida came out to me and I looked at his head and legs so I would be able to describe him physically to our people in Egypt. I kept looking until he sat down and said, “ O Ali, Allah’s presentation of proofs in support of Imam’s Imamat (Leadership with Divine Authority) is the same as those in support of the prophet-hood of a prophet. Allah has said, “. . We gave knowledge and wisdom to John during his childhood (19:12). “. . When he attained maturity, God gave him strength, wisdom and knowledge. Thus, do We reward those who do good. (12:22) “. . When he grew-up to manhood and became forty years old,. .”(46:15). Allah may give authority to a child and He may do so when he is a fortyb years old man.”