Hadith 250

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 (a. s. ), 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. ’”