On Ar-Ridha’s Noble Characteristics and His Worshipping

44-7 Al-Hakim Abu Muhammad Ja’far ibn No’aym ibn Shathan - may God be pleased with him - narrated that Ahmad ibn Idris quoted on the authority of Ibrahim ibn Hashem, on the authority of Ibrahim ibn Al-Abbas, “I never saw Abal Hassan Ar-Ridha’ عليه السلام be verbally crude with anyone under any circumstances. I never saw him interrupt anyone. He always waited for them to finish talking. I never saw him refuse to fulfill anyone’s needs that he was capable of fulfilling. He never stretched his legs out in front of anyone. He never leaned back in front of anyone. I never saw him reproach any of his servants or agents. I never saw him spit. I never saw him burst into loud laughter. Rather he عليه السلام would smile gently. When everyone left and they spread the tablecloth out for him to dine on, he عليه السلام called every one of his servants and agents - even the door-keeper to dine with him. He عليه السلام slept very little in the daytime. He عليه السلام was awake most of the time. He عليه السلام stayed up a lot at night - from the beginning of the night till early morning. He fasted a lot. He عليه السلام always fasted for at least three days each month. He عليه السلام used to say, “This fasting is like fasting all year long.” He عليه السلام often did good deeds and gave charity in secret. He عليه السلام did most of this in the darkness of the night. If anyone claims that he has seen anyone as noble as him عليه السلام, do not believe him.”