He was neither harsh nor insulting. He held every blessing in high esteem, however small, and never spoke ill of it; indeed, he would not find fault with any food he tasted, nor would he eulogize it.

The life of this world and its concerns could not anger him, but when the truth was violated nothing could withstand his indignation until he had vindicated it. He never became angry for his own sake, nor did he seek retribution on his own behalf.

When he gestured, he did so with his whole hand; when he marvelled at something, he would turn his hand over. While speaking he joined his gestures, striking the inside of his left thumb with the palm of his right hand.

If anger overtook him, he would turn aside and avert his face; when he was pleased, he would lower his gaze. Most of his laughter was a smile, revealing teeth that glistened like hailstones.

Al-Hasan said: I kept this report from al-Husayn for a time, but when I finally told him I discovered that he had already preceded me. He had asked him about the very matters I inquired into, and I found that he in turn had questioned his father about the Prophet’s entrances, exits, and appearance, leaving nothing out.