7. Muhammad ibn al-Hasan ibn Ahmad ibn al-Walid said: Muhammad ibn al-Hasan alSaffar said: Muhammad ibn al-Husayn ibn Abu al-Khattab said, on the authority of `Ali ibn Asbat that Abu al-Hasan al-Rida was asked about the issue of ability.

He replied, “A servant is capable when he possesses four characteristics: his route is free from trouble, his body is healthy, he has all his limbs, and has a means of sustenance provided to him by Allah, the Mighty and High.” I asked, “May I be your ransom! Explain these reasons for me.” He explained, In order to be capable, a servant needs to have a route free from trouble. He needs to have a healthy body. And he needs to have all his limbs. He may intend to fornicate, but at first he does not find a woman then he finds one. Then, either he would be protected by Allah and he would stop from it as Yusuf did; or Allah would abandon him between him and his intentions. Thus, he would fornicate and would be labeled a fornicator. He has not obeyed Allah from compulsion, and did not disobey because he was coerced.