'I went to the door of the place in Sarkhas where al-Rida was being held captive in chains. I sought permission from the jailor [to visit him) and he said, 'There is no way that you will be able to see him.' I asked, 'Why?' He replied, 'Because he sometimes offers one thousand prayers in the space of one day and night. He stops praying for a while at daybreak, before noon and before sunset. During these times he sits on his prayer mat and converses intimately with his Lord.' I said to him, 'Then request him to grant me permission during these times'. So he asked permission for me [to visit). I entered and he was sitting on his prayer mat meditating.'