(7) And by the same chain of transmission from Sheikh Abi al-Husayn, from his teachers, may Allah be pleased with them, from Ishaq ibn Ammar, who said: I said to my Master al-Sadiq al-Wa'd (the Truthful to the Promise), may His might be glorified: "May I be your ransom! I have a neighbor who fasts much, gives much in charity, and performs the Hajj frequently; he is a fine man." My Master said to me: "O Ishaq, and how is his reason?" I replied: "He has no reason." He said: "Then do not pay any heed to those deeds of his."

Reason and Etiquette

(8) And from him, from his men, from our Master al-Rida, may His might be glorified, that he said: "Reason is a gift from Allah, exalted be His name, while etiquette (adab) is an effort. Whoever exerts himself in etiquette can achieve it, but whoever tries to force reason will only increase in ignorance."

Reason and Beauty

(9) And from the trustworthy Sheikh, may Allah sanctify his person, from his men, from our Master Amir Almuminin, may His might be glorified, that he said: "Reason is a revealing cover, and character is an apparent beauty. Therefore, conceal the flaws of your character with your reason, and fight your whims with your reason; then affection will remain for you and love will be shown to you."