40-29 It has been narrated that Al-Fadhl ibn Sahl and Hisham ibn Ibrahim decided to go to Ar-Ridha’ . Upon entering (his home), they told him that they had come there regarding a private affair and asked to see him in private. Then Al-Fadhl brought out a letter in which there were pledges to emancipate and divorce which cannot be broken and there is no set expiation for breaking them. They said, “We have come toyou to say what is right and is the truth. We know that the rule belongs to you. O son of the Prophet! We know that it is your right. We have in our minds the same things that we express in words. We swear by the emancipation of our slaves and divorcing of our wives - that which cannot be replaced by the payment of any expiation - and that we go on the Hajj pilgrimage thirty times in bare feet, that we are determined to kill Al-Ma’mun and turn over the rule to you so that you can get back what is rightfully yours.” However, Ar-Ridha’ paid no attention to them, and even blamed them and cursed them. He told them, “You have not been grateful and have also endangered your life. I am not in agreement with you either.” When Al-Fadhl and Hisham heard this, they realized that they had made a big mistake. They decided to go see Al-Ma’mun after hearing what Ar-Ridha’ had told them. They told Ar-Ridha’ , “We said this in order to test you.” Ar-Ridha’ told them, “You are lying. You have in your minds the same thing that you expressed in words. However, you did not find me in agreement with your wishes.” Then when they went to see Al-Ma’mun they said, “O Commander of the Faithful! We went to see Ar-Ridha’ and we talked to him trying to find out what he thinks about you.” And Al-Ma’mun said, “You succeeded.” When they left Al-Ma’mun, Ar-Ridha’ visited him in private and let him know what had been said and recommended that he protect himself against them. When he heard this from Ar-Ridha’ , Al-Ma’mun realized that Ar-Ridha’ was honest.