19. A number of our people have narrated from Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn ‘Isa from Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn abu Nasr who has said the following:

“I mentioned something before al-Rida , and he said, ’Exercise patience. I hope Allah will do something good for you if He so wills.’ He then said, ’By Allah, He does not delay anything from a believer of the worldly things unless it is better for him than to do it for him quickly.’ He then belittled worldly things and said, ‘It is worthless.’ He then said, ‘An affluent person faces the danger of owing compulsory payments of the rights of Allah. By Allah, I may receive bounties from Allah, most Majestic, most Glorious, and I continue to be afraid’ - moving his hand- ’until I pay off what Allah has made compulsory upon me to pay.’ I then said, ’I pray to Allah to keep my soul in service for your cause, why you fear with such a prominent position before Allah?’ He replied, ‘Yes, I do and I am thankful to Allah for what He has granted me.’”