5. Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn Yahya al-`Attar said: My father said, on the authority of Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn `Isa, on the authority of `Ali ibn al-Hakam, on the authority of `Abd Allah ibn Bukayr, on the authority of Hamzah ibn Humran that I said to Abu `Abd Allah al-Sadiq :

“We have something to discuss.” He said: “Go ahead.” I said: We believe: Verily, Allah, the Mighty and High, commands us what to do and what not to do. He has decreed and intended the length of life and traces for every soul. He gave each soul the ability to obey Him and to fulfill His Commands. However, if people were to neglect this, they would be questioned about the capability and strength to obey Him. He then said: “This is the righteous way, if you do not revert from it.”