Quotes From The Salaf - 1

Quotes From The Salaf
Imaam Maalik said:

“The last generations of this ummah can only be reformed by that which reformed its first generations. What was not part of the religion then cannot become part of the religion now.” [Ash-Shifa’ by Al-Qaadi ‘Ayaad, vol. 2, p. 88]

‘Umar Ibn Al-Khattaab said:

“If a caller were to call from the sky saying, ‘O people! All of you will enter Paradise except one’, I would fear that it was me. And if a caller were to call from the sky saying, ‘O people! All of you will enter Hellfire except one’, I would hope that it was me.”[]

Salamah Bin Dinar said:

“Hide your good deeds (from the people) just like you hide your evil deeds.” [Abu Nu’aym, Bayhaqee]

Some of the Salaf said:

“I do not know which of the two blessings upon me is greater, the blessing that Allaah ‘azza wa jall guided me to Islam from amongst all the religions, or the blessing that Allaah ‘azza wa jall guided me to the Sunnah from amongst all the groups, sects. They are two great blessings: the blessing of Islam and the Sunnah.” []

Imaam Aboo Haneefah said:

“Adhere to the Athaar (narrations) and the Tareeqah (way) of the Salaf and beware of newly invented matters, for all of it is innovation.” [Reported by As-Suyootee in Sawn Al-Mantaq Wal-Kalaam, p. 32]

Imaam Ahmad Ibn Hanbal used to say:

“Ash-Shaafi’ee was like the sun for the world and like a pardon for the people.” []

Maalik Ibn Dinaar said:

“Whoever proposed to the world, then the world would not be satisfied until he gave up his Deen as dowry.” [Al-Bayhaqi, Al-Zuhd Al-Kabeer, p.100]

Bakr Ibn ‘Abdullaah Al-Muzani said:

“If you see someone older than you then respect him saying, ‘He has beaten me to Islâm and righteous action.’ If you see someone younger than you then respect him saying to yourself, ‘I have beaten him in sins’.” [Al-Bayhaqi, Al-Zuhd Al-Kabeer, p.100]

Once ‘Umar Ibn ‘Abdul ‘Azeez was advised:

“O ‘Umar, beware of being the ally of Allâh in open, while being His enemy in secret. If one’s nature in open and secret do not equate then he is a hypocrite, and the hypocrites occupy the lowest level in Hellfire.” [Al-Bayhaqi, Al-Zuhd Al-Kabeer, p.100]

Zuhree said:

“Aboo Salamah used to debate with Ibn ‘Abbaas, (and) because of this, he was hindered from great knowledge.” [Jaami Al-‘Uloom Wa Al-Hikam, 1/518]

Ahmad Ibn Harb said:

“There is nothing more beneficial to a Muslim’s heart than to mix with the righteous and to watch their actions, while nothing is more harmful to the heart than mixing with the sinners and watching their actions.” [Al-Bayhaqi, Al-Zuhd Al-Kabeer, p.100]

Maymoon Ibn Mihraan said:

“Do not debate with the one who is more knowledgeable than you, for if you do that he will hoard form you all his knowledge and he won’t be harmed by anything that you say to him at the least.” [Jaami Al-‘Uloom Wa Al-Hikam, 1/517]

Muslim Al-Makkee narrated:

“Once I saw Ibn Az-Zubair go into rukoo’ so I read soorah al-Baqarah, Aali Imraan, an-Nisaa’ and al-Maa’idah and he did not raise his head!” [Az-Zuhd of Aboo Daawood, p. 348]

Aboo Qatn narrated:

“I never saw Shu’bah making rukoo’ except that I thought he forgot, nor have I ever seen him sitting between the two prostrations except that I thought he forgot.” [As-Siyaar, 7/207]

Ibn Wahb narrated:

Once I saw (Sufyaan) Ath-Thawree in the Haram after maghrib prayer offering voluntary prayer. Then he went down into sujood (prostration) and he didn’t raise his head until the adhaan for ‘ishaa was made.” [As-Siyaar, 7/296]

‘Abdaan narrated:

“Hudbah Ibn Hakeen used to make tasbeeh in rukoo’ and sujood more than thirty times.” [As-Siyaar,11/99]

‘Alaa narrated:

“Once I came to the masjid of Waasit and the mu’adhdhin made the adhaan for dhuhr. Afterwards Mansoor Ibn Zaadhaan came and began offering prayer. I saw that he made sujood eleven times before the iqaamah was made for the prayer.” [Hilyah, 3/58]

Some of the students of Abu Ash-Shaykh reported that they never entered upon Abu Ash-Shaykh except that he was offering prayer.” [As-Siyar, 16/278]

‘Aa’ishah said:

“I used to enter the building in which the Messenger of Allah and my father were buried while I was dressed lightly, saying: ‘These are just my husband and father.’ However, when ‘Umar was buried, by Allah, I never entered this building except that my clothing was wrapped tightly around my body, out of shyness from ‘Umar.” [Mustadrak, 4/7]

‘Abdul-Kareem Al-Jazaree said:

“A pious man never debates.” [Ash-Shu’ab, 8129]

Imaam Bukhaaree said:

“I heard Aboo ‘Aasim say, ‘Since I have known backbiting to be forbidden, I have never backbitten anyone.’ “ [Siyaar A’laamun Nubulaa, Vol. 9, Pp. 480-485]

Aboo ‘Aasim said:

“Whoever seeks hadeeth has sought the highest of affairs, so he must be the best of the people.” [Siyaar A’laamun Nubulaa, Vol. 9, Pp. 480-485]

Aboo Bakr Bin Aiyash said:

“If you saw Habib bin Abu Thabit while in Sujud, you would think that he had died because of his long prostration.” [As-Siyar, 5/291]

‘Ali Bin Al-Fudayl said:

“I saw ath-Thawri went into Sujud while praying, and I performed Tawaf around the House seven times before he raised his head from Sujud.” [As-Siyar, 7/277]

Mu’awiyah Bin Murrah said:

“I lived during the time of seventy of the Companions of Muhammad (saw) and had they lived among you today, they would not recognize any of your acts except the Adhan!” [Hilyat al-Awliyaa, 2/299]

Aboo Al-Ashhab said:

” ‘Umar passed by a garbage dump and stopped there, and it was as if his companions were bothered by it (the smell). He said, ‘This is the world of yours which you are so eager  for and you weep over.’ ” [‘Umar Ibn Al-Khattaab, His Life And Times, By ‘Ali Muhammad As-Sallaabi, Vol. I, p. 288]

‘Umar saw a beggar asking people (for charity), with a sack full of foodstuff on his back. He took the food and gave it to the Zakah camels, then said to him, “Now ask for what you want.” [‘Umar Ibn Al-Khattaab, His Life And Times, By ‘Ali Muhammad As-Sallaabi, Vol. I, p. 287]

Qaasim al-Joo’ee said:

“I advise you with five matters: (1) when you are treated unjustly, do not behave unjustly; (2) when you are praised do not become happy; (3) when you are criticised, do not become upset; (4) when you are not believed, do not become angry; (5) and if the people act deceitfully towards you, do not act deceitfully towards them.” [Related by Ibn al-Jawzee in Sifatus-Safwaa, 2/200]

‘Alee Ibn Abee Taalib said:

“Whoever moves a handspan away from the body of the Muslims has gone beyond the pale of Islaam.” Musannaf Ibn Abee Shaybah, 15/24]

Al-Hasan Al-Basri said:

“There is not a day that the sun rises upon except that it calls out, ‘O Son of Adam, I am today: a new creation and your actions I am witnessing. Use me wisely for I shall never return to you until the Day of Judgement.‘” []

It is reported that a man was closely watching Bishr As-Sulaimi, who was prolonging his prayer and praying it well.

When Bishr completed his prayer, he said to the man, “Do not be deceived by what you have seen from me. For indeed, Iblees the Devil (shaytaan) – may Allaahu curse him – worshiped Allaah for thousands of years and then ended up being what he is now!” [Bahrud-Dumoo, p.171]

‘Umar Ibn Al-Khattaab once said to Al-Ahnaf Ibn Qais:

“O Ahnaf, the more one laughs, the less dignity will he posses. Whoever jokes (excessively or indecently) is a person who will be taken lightly. Whoever does something frequently will become known by that thing. Whoever speaks often, errs often; the more often one errs, the less modesty will he possess; whoever has a low level of modesty will also have a low level of piety; and when one has a low level of piety, then his heart dies.” [Sifatus-Safwah, 1/1449]

‘Abdullaah Ibn Ja’far (may Allah have mercy on him) addressed his daughter saying:

(1) Avoid jealousy, as it is the key to your divorce; (2) Avoid complaint, as it instigates anger; (3) Adorn yourself for him, and make sure you wash away any bad odours by frequent bathing. []

Imaam Ahmad said:

“Nothing compares to seeking knowledge, for the person who has corrected his intention. He intends to remove ignorance from himself and from others.” [Majmoo’ Al-Fataawa 26/50]

Some of the salaf used to say:

“From amongst the punishments of committing sins is that they lead to more sins and from the rewards of performing good deeds is that one performs more good deeds, so if a slave performs a good deed another good deed calls towards him proclaiming do me too!” [Ad-Daa Wad-Dawaa]

‘Abdullah Ibn Al-Mubarak said:

“I borrowed a pen in Syria and I forgot to return it to its owner. When I came back to Marw [in Iran], I realised that this pen is still with me. So I went back to Syria and returned it to its owner.” [Khatib Tareeh, 10/167]

It was said to imam Ahmad bin Hanbal:

“A man fasts, prays and stays in seclusion at the masjid, is that more beloved to you or if he speaks against the people of bida’ (innovation)?”

He replied:

“If he fasts, prays and stays in seclusion he benefits only himself, but if he speaks against the people of innovation, that benefits all the muslims so that is better.” [Majmoo’ Al-Fatawa]

‘Abdullâh Ibn Mas’ood said:

“Women are but an ‘awrah (something private to be covered). A woman might leave her house without there being any problem with her, but the Shaytân seeks her out and says [to her], “You will not pass by anyone except that you will impress/please him.” A woman puts on her clothes and is asked where she is going, to which she replies, “To visit a sick person,” or “to attend a funeral”, or “to pray in the masjid”; but a woman never worships Allâh in the way she does when she worships Him in her house.” [Al-Tabarânî. Graded sahîh by Shaykh Al-Albânî in Sahîh Al-Targhîbi wa Al-Tarhîb Vol. 1 p84]

Sa’d bin Ibraheem said:

Zinneerah was a roman slave and became a muslimah. The mushrikeen tortured her until she lost her sight because of the severe torture. The mushrikeen said “The laat and ‘uzzah took her sight”. She said, “I disbelieve in al-laat wal ‘uzzah” and Allaah returned back her sight. [Al-‘Isaabah Fee Tamyeez As-Sahaabah, by Ibn hajr al-‘Asqalaani]

Umar Ibn Al-Khattaab said:

“Do not think evil of anything that comes from your brother, Muslim’s tongue, whenever there is a way to interpret it in a good way.” [Al-Farq Bayna An-Naseehah Wat-Ta’yee]

Abdullah ibn Mubarak said:

“Many a big deed becomes small due to its intention, and many a small deed becomes big due to its intention.” []

‘Umar b. Al-Khattaab said:

“No man can have anything better after faith (îmân) than a woman of righteous character, loving and child-bearing. And no man can have anything worse after unbelief (kufr) than a sharp-tongued woman of bad character.”

[Al-Haafidh Abul-Qaasim Al-Asbahaanî, Al-Targheeb Wa Al-Tarheeb, article 1528]

Abu Hurayrah said:

“The slave will be brought between the Hands of Allah – the Exalted – on the Day of Resurrection, and Allah will Say to him: ‘Did you love one of my awliya’, so that I can join you with him?’” []

Al-Hasan Al-Basri said:

“Being harsh against a fasiq brings you closer to Allah – the Exalted.” []

Ibn as-Sammak said, on his deathbed:

“O Allah! You Know that, even if I had disobeyed You, I loved those who obeyed You! So, make this for me a means of nearness to You!” []

Al-Hasan Al-Basri said:

“Do not become proud merely because you worship often, for consider what happened to Iblees (Satan) after he spent a great deal of time worshiping.” []

‘Umayr Bin Ishaq said:

“I saw from the Companions of the Messenger of Allah more than I had not seen of them, and I have never seen people greater in softness than them, and I have never seen people less in harshness than them.” [Ad-Darimi in his Sunan, 1/63]

Ibn Mas’ood said:

“It is a must for the recitor of the Qur’an to recite at night when the people are sleeping, and during the day when they are eating, and with weeping when the people are laughing, with piety when they are heedless, and with sadness when the people are happy.” []

A man asked Hasan Ibn ‘Alee: “I have a daughter and people have proposed to her, so to whom should I marry her?”

He said, “Marry her to one who fears Allaah, for if her loves her, he will honor her; and of he hates her, he will not wrong her.” []

Al-Qaasim ibn al-Haafiz ibn ‘Asaakir said:

“My father used to pray in congregation and read Qur’aan regularly. He would complete it every week, and every day in Ramadaan.” [As-Siyar, 20/562]

Ibraaheem al-Nakha’i said:

“Al-Aswad used to complete the Qur’aan in Ramadaan every two nights.” [As-Siyar, 4/51]

Imaam Al-Baghawee (d. 516) said:

“So the scholars from the people of the sunnah are united upon the prohibition of quarrelling and argumentation, and upon discouraging others away from learning or discussing theological rhetoric.” [Sharhus Sunah 1/216]

Imaam Ash-Shaafi’ee said:

“That a slave meets Allaah with everything He forbade except shirk is better for him than theological rhetoric. Indeed I have seen things from the people of theological rhetoric that I do not think a Muslim would say.” [Aadaabush Shaafi’ee, by Ibn Abee Haatim, p. 182]

Imaam Ash-Shaafi’ee also said:

“Whoever manifests nationalism or theological rhetoric and calls to it, then he has apostated from the testimony (shahaadah)…” [Al-Hujjah, by Isma’eel Ibnul Fadhl, (7/b)]

Imaam Ahmad said to Al-Mu’tasim during the days of his trial, “I am not a person of argumentation or theological rhetoric. I am only a person of narrations and reports.“ [Al-Mihnah, by Hanbal Ibn Is-haaq, p. 54]

Aboo Anas Hamad Al-’Uthmaan said:

“The evil of the Jews and Christians is open and clear to the common Muslims; as for the people of innovation, then their harm is not clear to every person… This is why the Scholars see that to refute the people of innovation takes precedence over refuting the Jews and Christians.” [Zajarul Mutahawwin, p. 96]

Imaam Ahmad said:

“Whoever indulges in theological rhetoric will become a failure. Moreover, indulging in theological rhetoric will lead one to become like the jahmiyyah.” [As-Sunnah p. 235]

Imaam Ahmad said:

“Verily a person of theological rhetoric will never succeed, ever. You will never see anyone studying theological rhetoric, except that there is a corruption in his heart.” [As-Sunnah, p. 235]

Imaam Ahmad said:

“Do not sit with the people of theological rhetoric, even if they defend the sunnah.” [Manaaqibul Imaam Ahmad, p. 205]

Imaam Ash-Shaafi’ee said:

“…If a man were to include in his will that another man should get his books of knowledge after his death, and amongst them were books containing theological rhetoric, then the books of theological rhetoric could not be included in that, since they are not (books of) knowledge.” [Thammul Kalaam, q/213]

Imaam Ash-Shaafi’ee said:

“If I wanted to, I could have written a large book against every opponent. However theological rhetoric is not my kind of thing, and I do not like that anything from it (theological rhetoric) should be attributed to me.” [Thammul Kalaam, q/213]

Imaam Ash-Shaafi’ee said:

“If Allaah puts a man to trial by causing him to do every prohibited thing, except ascribing partners to Allaah, then this is better than Allaah putting him to trial by misleading him into theological rhetoric.” [Manaaqibush Shaafi’ee p. 182]

Imaam Maalik said:

“Even if a man commits all of the major sins, except for shirk with Allaah, and refrains from all these desires and innovations…” (and from them he mentioned theological rhetoric) “…he shall enter paradise.” [Al-Hilyah (6/325)]

Imaam Maalik said:

“Whoever seeks knowledge through theological rhetoric will deviate. Whoever seeks wealth through alchemy will become bankrupt. Whoever seeks after strange narrations will become a liar.” [Thammul Kalaam (q/173/a)]

Is-haaq Ibn ‘Eesaa said:

“I heard Imaam Maalik censuring argumentation in the religion, saying, ‘Every time someone comes who can argue better than another, he wants us to abandon what Jibreel brought to Muhammad (saw) (because of his arguments).’ ” [Sharaf As-haabil Hadeeth, p. 5]

Imaam Aboo Haneefah said:

“May Allaah curse ‘Amr Ibn ‘Ubayd, for verily he made way for the people to become engrossed in theological rhetoric that does not benefit them.” [Thammul Kalaam, by Al-Harawee Pp. 28-31]

‘Abdullaah Ibn Al-Mubaarak said:

“The first step towards (seeking) knowledge is the (sincerity of) intention, then it is listening, then it is understanding (this knowledge), then it is memorising (this knowledge), then it is acting (upon this knowledge), then it is spreading (this knowledge).” []

Aboo Haatim Ar-Raazee (d. 264) said:

“A sign of the people of innovation is their hatred of the people of narrations.” [Ibnut-Tabaree in As-Sunnah, 1/189]

Imaam Al-Awzaa’ee (d. 157) said:

“Adhere to the narrations from those who have preceded, even if the people reject you, and beware of the opinions of men, even if they beautify it with speech. So indeed the affair will become clear (for others), while you are upon a straight path regarding it.” [Bayhaqee in Al-Madkhal (no. 233) with an authentic chain of narrators]

Imaam Al-Awzaa’ee (d. 157) said:

“So make yourself patient upon the Sunnah, stop where the people stopped, speak with what they spoke with, and refrain from what they refrained from. And follow the path of your Righteous Predecessors (Salafus Saaliheen) for verily, sufficient for you is that which was sufficient for them.” [Al-Hijjah by Ismaa’eel Ibnul-Fadhl, 6/a-b]

‘Abdullaah Ibn Mas’ood said:

“Follow and do not innovate, for indeed you have been sufficed, and every innovation is misguidance.” [Saheeh. Reported in Ahmad in Az-Zuhd p. 162]

Imaam Ash-Shaafi’e said:

“Stick to the people of hadeeth, since they are the most correct from amongst the people.” [Siyar A’laamin Nubulaa’, 10/60]

Imaam Ahmad said:

“And Jahm Ibn Safwaan falsely alleged that whosoever described Allaah with something that He described Himself with in His Book, or something that is narrated from His Messenger; that he was a disbeliever, and that he was from the Mushabbihah.” [Ar-Radd ‘Alal Jahmiyyah, p. 104]

Sufyaan Ath-Thawree said:

“Innovation is more beloved to Iblees (the Devil) than sins. This is because sins are repented from whereas innovations are not repented from.” [Majmoo’ Al-Fataawaa (11/472)]

Al-Hasan Al-Basree said:

“Do not sit with a person of innovation, for indeed he will put a disease in your heart.” [Al-I’tisaam of Ash-Shaatibee, 1/172]

Imaam Aboo Haneefah said:

“He becomes angry and He becomes pleased; and it is not to be said ‘His Anger is His Punishment‘ and ‘His pleasure is His Reward‘. We describe Him as He has described Himself, One Eternal, He does not beget, nor is he Beggotten, and there is none equal to Him, the Ever Living, All Capable, All Hearing, Ever Watchful, All Knowing.” [Al-Fiqhul Absat p. 56]

Imaam Maalik was asked “Will Allaah be seen on the day of Judgement?“

So he replied: Yes, Allaah says “And some faces shall be shining and radiant upon that day, looking at their Lord.” [75:22] [Al-Inqitaa’ p. 36]

Imaam Ahmad said:

“Whoever alleges that Allaah will not be seen in the Hereafter is a disbeliever who has rejected the Qur’aan.” [Tabaqaatul hanaabilah, 1/59]

Ar-Rabee’ Ibn Sulaymaan said:

I heard Imaam Ash-Shaafi’ee saying, regarding the statement of Allaah the Mighty and Magnificent, “No! verily they will be veiled from their Lord that day.” [83:15] ‘Through this He has taught us that there will be people who will not be veiled, looking at Him, finding no difficulty whatsoever in that.‘ [Al-Inqitaa’, p. 79]

Imaam Ahmad Ibn Hanbal said:

“Allaah speaks continuously, and the Qur’aan is the Speech of Allaah the Mighty and Majestic, it is not created. And in no way is Allaah to be described with anything more than what He – the Mighty and Majestic – has described himself with.” [Kitaabul-Mihnah p. 68]

Imaam Ahmad said:

“Whosoever alleges that Allaah does not speak, then he is a disbeliever. Verily we relay these narrations as they have come.” [As-Sunnah, p. 71]

Imaam Bukhaaree said:

“Allaah, all Praise and Glory be to Him, speaks with a sound. Those who are close can hear it just as those who are far can hear it. And this is only so for Allaah. And in this is a proof that the sound of Allaah does not resemble the sound of mankind.” [Reported in Bukhaaree’s Khalq Af’aal al-‘Ibaad. cf. Al-Juday’, p. 165]

‘Alee Ibn al-Hasan Ibn ash-Shaqeeq said, “I said to ‘Abdullaah Ibn al-Mubaarak (d. 181), ‘How are we to know our Lord?‘ He (‘Abdullaah Ibn al-Mubaarak) replied: “He is above the seventh Heaven, above His Throne, and we do not say as the Jahmiyyah say, ‘He is here upon the earth’.” [Ar-Radd ‘Alal Mareesee, of ad-Daarimee, p. 24. And Ar-Radd ‘Alal Jahmiyyah, p. 50]

Al-Awzaa’ee (d. 157) said:

I asked Az-Zuhree (50H-124H) and Makhool about the ayaat pertaining to the sifaat (Attributes of Allaah), so they said, ‘Leave them as they are.‘ [Sharh Usoolul I’tiqaad, of al-Laalikaa’ee, 3/430]

Al-Waleed Ibn Muslim (d. 194) said:

I asked (Imaam) Maalik, Al-Awzaa’ee, Imaam Layth Ibn Sa’d, and Sufyaan Ath-Thawree, may Allaah have mercy upon them, concerning the reports relted about the Attributes, so they all said, “Leave them as they are without asking ‘how’,“. [Sharh Usoolul I’tiqaad, of al-Laalikaa’ee, p.118]

Imaam Ahmad Ibn Hanbal said:

“These hadeeth should be left as they are… We affirm them and we do not make any similitude for them. This is what has been agreed upon by the scholars.” [Manaaqib Imaam Ahmad, of Ibn al-jawzee, Pp. 155-156]

Imaam Aboo Haneefah (d. 150 AH) said:

“The Qur’aan is the speech (kalaam) of Allaah, written in the mus-hafs, preserved in the hearts, recited by the tongues, and revealed to the Prophet (saw),” [Fiqh al- Akbar]

and in another place he mentions more specifically that:

“..the Quraan is not created…” [Fiqh Al-Akbar, 301]

Imaam Maalik (d. 179 A.H.) was asked concerning one who says that the Qur’aan is created, what should be done to him: He replied:

“He should be forced to repent, and it he refuses, then his head should be cut off!” [Al-Laalikaa’ee, 494]

Imaam ash-Shaafi’ee (d. 204 A.H.) stated:

“Whoever states that the Qur’aan is created is a disbeliever.” [Al-Khamees, p.14]

Imaam Ahmad ibn Hambal (d. 241 A.H.) stated:

“It has been narrated from many of our Salaf that they used to say, ‘The Qur’aan is the kalaam of Allaah, and it is not created.‘ This is also what I believe…” [As-Sunnah of ‘Abdullaah Ibn Ahmad, 108]

Al-Laalikaa’ee said (about the above four narrations):

“…no one refuted or contradicted them, and whoever did so, they were forced to repent, or they were commanded to be killed or banished…” [1/344]

Abul-’Aaliyah (d. 90H) said:

“You must stick to the original state of affairs which they were upon, before they divided.”

Imaam Az-Zuhree (d. 124H) said:

“The people of knowledge who came before us used to say, ‘Salvation lies in clinging to the sunnah.’ ” [Ad-Daarimee, 96]

Sufyaan Ath-Thawree (d. 161H) said:

“No word or action will be correct until it conforms with the Sunnah.”

Imaam Maalik (d. 179H) said:

“The sunnah is like the ark of Noah. Whoever embarks upon it reaches salvation and whoever refuses is drowned.” [Majmoo’ Al-Fataawee 4/57]

Aboo Dardaa said:

“Whoever holds that going off in the morning or going off later in the day to gain some knowledge is not jihaad, then he is deficient in his intellect and deficient in his opinion.”

Aboo Haneefah said:

“…The most excellent of actions, after the obligatory duties, is seeking knowledge.”

Ka’b al-Ahbaar said:

“The student of knowledge is like the one who goes off in the morning, or later in the day to fight in the way of Allaah, the Mighty and the Majestic.”

Muhammad Ibn Sireen said:

“There were people who abandoned knowledge and sitting with the scholars, and [instead] took to their chambers and prayed until their skin dried [from exertion in worship]. Thereafter they began to contradict the Sunnah and thus were destroyed. By Allaah, never does a person act without knowledge, except that he spoils and corrupts more than he fixes and rectifies.” [Al-Asbahaanee, Al-Targheeb Wa Al-Tarheeb 3:98]

Aboo Darda said:

“Indeed my greatest fear concerning standing on the Day of Judgement is that it will be said to me: You have learned, hence what have you done with your knowledge?!” [Jaami’ Bayaan al ‘Ilm Wa Fadlih, #647]

Sufyaan AthThawre said:

“Knowledge is three hand-spans: the first breeds arrogance, the second breeds humility, and in the third, you realize you know nothing.” []

Ibn Abi Dunya wrote:

Abdullaah said, “It has been narrated to us on the authority of some wise men that tawakkal (reliance on Allaah) has three stages: Firstly, not complaining, secondly, being content and thirdly, loving it (by firmly believing that Allaah always decrees what is best for His creation).” [Tawakkal ‘Ala Allaah, 1/47]

Imam Al-Shafi’ee said:

“… I was fatherless and my mother couldn’t afford paper for me. When I found a bone, I wrote on it.” [Jami’ Bayan-il-‘ilm, 157]

It is narrated in “Kitab Al-Ilm” of Abu Khaithama:

Anas Ibn Malik (radialahuanhu) used to tell his son: “O my son! Secure knowledge by writing”. [Kitaab Al-‘Ilm, 120]

It is narrated in “Kitab Al-Ilm” of Abu Khaithama:

“I have indeed seen them (people) writing on their palms with stalk reeds in the presence of Al-Baraa”. [Kitaab Al-‘Ilm, 147]

Ash-Sha’bi said:

“If you hear anything, then write it down, even if you have to write it on a wall.” [Kitaab Al-‘Ilm, 146]

Shaykh Nasir Al-Umar wrote:

Jaabir Ibn Abdullah undertook a one month journey to the land Al-Shaam, in order to hear a single hadith from Ibn Unais, which was: “The people will be gathered barefooted, naked, and uncircumcised on the Day of Judgement”. [Kitaab Al-‘Ilm, Page 1]

Imam Shafi’ said,

“All humans are dead except those who have knowledge … and all those who have knowledge are asleep, except those who do good deeds … and those who do good deeds are deceived, except those who are sincere … and those who are sincere are always in a state of worry.” []

Qaasim al-Joo’ee said:

“Seize the benefit of five things from the people of your time: (1) when you are present, you are not known; (2) when you are absent, you are not missed; (3) when you are seen, your advice is not sought; (4) when you say something, your saying is not accepted; (5) and when you have some knowledge, you are not given anything for it.” [Related by Ibn al-Jawzee in Sifatus-Safwaa, 2/200]

Haani’, the freed slave of ‘Uthmaan said:

“Whenever ‘Uthmaan (ra) used to stand over a grave, his beard would become wet from tears.” [Al-Hilya, 1/61]

Maalik Ibn Deenaar said:

“By Allaah! If it was possible for me not to sleep, I would not sleep out of fear that the punishment would descend and I am asleep. By Allaah! If I had some helpers, I would spread them out among the dunyaa and give them orders to cry out to the people, ‘O mankind! The Fire! The Fire!’ “ [Al-Ihyaa, 4/567]

Once ‘Alaa Ibn Muhammad entered upon ‘Ataa as-Sulaymee (rahimahUllaah), and he had passed out, so he asked his wife Umm Ja’far: “What is the matter with ‘Ataa?” She replied: “Our neighbour lit her clay oven so he looked towards it thereupon he passed out.” [Tadhkiratul Huffaadh, 1/216]

Muslim Ibn Ibraaheem said:

“Hishaam Ad-Dastawaa’ee (rahimahUllaah) never used to put out his lamp at night until morning and used to say, ‘Whenever I see the darkness, I think about the darkness of the grave.‘ “ [Al-Hilyah, 6/221]

Mu’aadh (ra) said:

“One day Aboo Bakr (ra) entered a garden and there was a finch standing in the shade of a tree, so he sighed deeply and then said: “Glad tidings to you o bird! You eat fruit, receive shade from the trees and then you pass on to no reckoning; only if Aboo Bakr was like you!” “ [Al-Mutamanniyeen, p. 71 – Note that there is some ikhtilaaf on the authenticity of this narration]

It was narrated that Imaam Ahmad would not pray behind his uncle, Ishaq Ibn Hanbal, nor behind his sons, nor would he speak to them because they had taken a stipend from the Sultan. [Al-Bidayah Wan-Nihayah, 14/386, and Hilyah Al-Awliya’ 9/176]

‘Alee Ibn Al-Madeenee was asked about his father, to which he replied, “Ask someone else.” They said, “We are asking you.” So he lowered his head and then raised it saying, “This is Deen (a matter of religion), my father is Dha’eef.” [Ibn Hibbaan in Al-Majrooheen, 2/52]

Abu Dharr Al-Baghandee stated, “Do not narrate upon the authority of my father, for he is a liar.” [Tareekh ibn ‘Asaakir, 55/173]

‘Alee ibn Al-Husayn ibn Al-Junayd stated, “I heard Abu Dawood saying: My son ‘Abdullaah is a liar.” [Tareekh ibn ‘Asaakir, 55/173]

Shu’bah stated, “I named my son Sa’d (contentment), but he is neither content nor is he successful.” [Meezaan Al-’Itidaal, 4/113]

Abu ‘Urubah Al-Haraanee said concerning al-Husayn ibn Abee As-Sirree al-‘Asqalaanee, “He is my maternal uncle but he is a liar.”[Ad-Du’afaa lil-’Uqaylee: 2/118]

Abu Dawood As-Sijistaanee stated:

“‘Ubbaad ibn Suhayb approached Shu’bah requesting a favor that he does not speak about Abaan ibn Abee ‘Ayaash. Shu’bah said: ‘Give me three days to think about it’. After three days he said, ‘I thought about what you said and I do not see the permissibility of remaining silent about him.’” [Al-Majrooheen, 1/96]

Al-Imaam Ahmad used to praise those of Ahlus Sunnah who criticized him when he believed they were worthy of praise. A man approached him asking about Muhammad ibn Mansoor at-Toosee. He said; ‘If you do not take from Muhammad ibn Mansoor then who would you take from?’ The man said; ‘But he criticized you!’ He responded; ‘He is a righteous man who has been tested with us, so what are we to do [i.e. criticize him just because he criticized us?].” [Tabaqaat Al-Hanabilah: 1/195]

Aboo Haseen said:

“I went to Ibraheem to ask him about an issue, so he said, ‘Was there not anyone else between me and you that you could have asked (instead of me)?‘.” [The Book Of Knowledge, by Imaam Aboo Khaithama An-Nisaa’ee, #78]

Al-Hasan Al-Basree said:

“If a man sits amongst people, and they perceive him to be ignorant, when in fact he is not ignorant, then this is truly the Muslim who possesses understanding (of the Religion).” [The Book Of Knowledge, by Imaam Aboo Khaithama An-Nisaa’ee, #131]

Some of the salaf said,

“Were the kings and the sons of the kings to know what [state] we are in, thy would fight us over it with their swords.” []

Aboo Bakr as-Sideeq (ra) who said:

“Which sky will shade me? And which land will harbour me if I were to speak about the Book of Allaah without sound knowledge?” []

Ibn Mas’ood (ra) said:

“O people! Anyone who is questioned about that which he has knowledge of then let him speak, and anyone who does not have knowledge then he should say “Allaah knows best“, for certainly from having knowledge is to say “Allaah knows best” regarding that which you do not know.” []

Ash-Sha’bee was questioned about an issue and he said:

“I am not well-versed in it.” So his companions said to him: “We have become shy for you.” So he said: “But the angels did not become shy when it was said, “…we have no knowledge except what you have taught us…” [2:32] ”

Al-’Ijlee said about ‘Ubaydullaah Ibn Moosaa (120-213H):

“Reliable, a leader with regards to the Quraan, a scholar of it. I never saw him raising his head up, and he was never seen laughing.” [Siyar, 9/553-557]

Hafs Ibn Sayyaar said:

“I have not seen the like of Qabeesah (D. 215H). I have never seen him smiling. He was from the righteous worshippers of Allaah.” [Siyar, 10/130-135]

‘Umar Ibn Al-Khattaab is reported to have said:

“No amount of guilt can change the past, and no amount of worrying can change the future. Go easy on yourself, for the outcome of all affairs is determined by Allaah’s decree. If something is meant to go elsewhere, it will never come your way, but if it is yours by destiny, from it you cannot flee.” []

‘Umar Ibn Al-Khattaab is reported to have said:

“Remember the fire a great deal; for its heat is intense, its bottom is deep, and the stay therein is long.” []

One of the Salaf said, “One of the punishments of bad deeds is more bad deeds, and one of the rewards of good deeds is more good deeds.“ [Al-Jawab Al-Kaaf]

Shurayh said:

“If I am afflicted with a calamity, I praise Allaah for it four times: I praise Him because it wasn’t worse than it was, I praise Him when He gives me the patience to bear it, I praise Him for enabling me to say al-istirjâ’ (‘To Allaah we belong and to him we will return’; see Al-Baqarah: 154-156) in hope of a great reward, and I praise Him for not making it a calamity in my religion.” [Al-Dhahabee, Siyar A’laam Al-Nubalaa`, in his biography of Shurayh Al-Qaadee]

Al-Qaasim Ibn Muhammad, the grandson of Aboo Bakr, said:

“In my time the people were not impressed by speech, they were impressed by actions. Anyone can say whatever he wants.” [Aboo Daawood, Kitaab Al-Zuhd, p.354]

‘Umar ibn Abdil-’Aziz said:

“Become a scholar if you are able. If you are not able, then be a student. If you can not,then show love for them. If you are unable to do that,then (at least) do not hate them.” [Ibn Abdil-Barr in Jaami’u Bayaanil-‘Ilmi wa Fadhlihi, #143]

Fudail Ibn Iyyad was asked: “Until when one should seek knowledge?“ He said: “Until the inkwell is emptied in his grave.“ []

Muhammad Ibn Sireen said:

“I have never envied anyone over anything: if a person is going to be in the Fire, how could I envy him over some worldly matter when he is destined for the Fire?! And if he is going to Paradise, how could I be envious of a man of Paradise with whom Allâh tabâraka wa ta’âlâ is pleased?!” [Aboo Bakr Al-Daynooree, Al-Mujâlasah wa Jawaahir Al-‘Ilm, 2931]

It is reported that ‘Abdullâh b. Mas’ûd (ra) said:

One of the worst sins is when a man says to his brother, “Fear Allaah,” and he replies, “Worry about yourself.” [Aboo Bakr Al-Daynooree, Al-Mujaalasah Wa Jawâhir Al-‘Ilm, 2619]

Sufyan Ath-Thawree mentioned:

“We met a people who loved it when it was said to them “Fear Allah the most high!“. Today you find people become annoyed at this.” []

Aboo Dharr Al-Ghafari said:

“Make in the world two gatherings, a gathering in search for the Hereafter, and a gathering in search for the halaal. The third type of gathering will harm you and not benefit you, so do not desire it.” [al-Bukaa’u min Khashyatillaah (Taken from al-Hilyat al-Awliya of Abu Nu’aym)]

Salman al-Faarisee used to say:

“Three things make me laugh and three things make me cry.  I laugh at: (1) the one who is hopeful of the world yet death seeks him; (2) the one who is neglectful (of his Lord) while he is not neglected (by Him); (3) the one who laughs at the top of his voice, while he does not know whether he is pleasing his Lord or displeasing Him. Three things make me cry: (1) parting from our beloved Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and his Companions (may Allaah be pleased with them); (2) the terror of the onset of the pangs of death; (3) and the standing in front of the Lord of the Worlds while not knowing whether I will be turned towards the Fire or Paradise”. []

Sufyaan ath-Thawree used to spend the nights and the days crying and the people used to ask him: ”Why do you cry, is it due to the fear of Allaah?“ He said, “No.” They said, “Is it due to the fear of the Hellfire?“ He said, “No. It is not the fear of Hellfire that makes me cry, what makes me cry is that I have been worshipping Allaah all these years and doing scholarly teaching, and I am not certain that my intentions are purely for Allaah.“ []

Al-Hasan Al-Basree said:

“The life of this world is made up of three days: yesterday has gone with all that was done; tomorrow, you may never reach; but today is for you so do what you should do today.” [Al-Bayhaqî, Al-Zuhd Al-Kabeer, p.197]

A man once asked Aboo Al-Dardaa’ for advice, so he said:

“Remember Allaah in good times and He will mention you in hard times. When you remember those who have passed away, consider yourself like one of them. And when you think of involving yourself in some worldly matter, consider first what it will lead to in the end.” [Al-Dhahabî in Siyar A’lâm Al-Nubalâ’, under the biography of Abû Al-Dardâ’]

‘Alee Ibn Abee Taalib said:

“The thing I fear for you most is following desires and having extensive hopes (about this worldly life). Following one’s desires blocks you from the truth, and having extensive hopes makes you forget the hereafter.” []

‘Alee Ibn Abee Taalib said:

“Verily, this worldly life is departing and the hereafter is approaching and each of them has its children. So be children of the hereafter, not children of this world, for today there are (opportunities to do) deeds and there is no reckoning, but tomorrow there will be reckoning and no deeds.” []

‘Uthman Ibn ‘Affaan said:

“Worrying about the dunya is a darkness in the heart, while worrying about the akhirah is a light in the heart.” []

Hatim al-Asamm said:

“The one who delays four things until four others will find Paradise. (1) (to delay) sleep until the grave, (2) (to delay) pride until after the accounting [of good and bad deeds], (3) (to delay) repose until after the crossing of the sirat (bridge to be crossed on the Day of Judgement), (4) and (to delay) desires until entering Paradise.” []

Sufyan al-Thawri said:

“Every act of disobedience committed due to passion, its forgiveness is hoped for. Every act of disobedience committed due to arrogance, its forgiveness is not hoped for because the root of Satan’s disobedience was arrogance, whereas the root of Adam’s lapse was passion.” []

‘Abdullaah Ibn Mas’ud said:

“A memoriser of the Quraan should be known for his long night prayers when people are asleep, his fasting when people are eating, his saddness when people are happy, his silence when people are talking nonsense, and his humbleness when people are not. He should be wise, gentle and not talk to much: he should not be rude, negligent, clamorous, nor hot tempered. “ [Ibn Al Jawzee, Sifaat As-Safwa: 1/413]

Ibn Kathir says in his Tafsir:

“A characteristic of the dunya is that it flees from the one who chases her, and it chases the one who flees from her.” [Tafsir Ibn Kathir, 4/197]

Jesus, the son of Mary, said:

“The example of a person who seeks dunya is like that of a person who drinks (salt) water from the ocean. The more he drinks, the thirstier he gets, until he is killed by it!” [Kitaab Dham Ad-Dunya, 3/342]

Wahb Bin Munbih said:

“The example of the dunya (worldly life) and hereafter is like the example of a man who has two wives. If he pleases one of them, the other one will be displeased.” [Kitaab Dham Ad-Dunya, 1/119]

Al-Hasan Al-Basree said:

“A man from amongst them (the Sahaabah) would seek knowledge until it was readily seen from his khushoo’ (humbleness), his zuhd (asceticism), his speech and sight.” [Siyar A’laam al-Nubalaa’]

Al-Hasan al-Basree said:

“If you see a man competing with you with regard to this world then compete with him concerning the Hereafter.” []

Wuhayb Ibn al-Ward said:

“If you are able to make sure that no one precedes you in hastening towards Allaah then do so.” []

Muhammad Ibn Yoosuf al-Asbahaanee, the worshipper, said,

“If a person hears of another person or knows of another person who is more obedient to Allaah than him, then that should grieve him.” []

Another from the Salaf said:

“If a man hears or knows of another man who is more obedient to Allaah than himself and this causes his heart to break – then this is not a case of vanity.” []

Imaam Ahmad records that ‘Ubaadah Ibn As-Saamit said to one of his colleagues:

“It is well possible that if you live a long life, you wil see a man who read the Quraan from the tongue of Muhammad (saw), or from one who read it from Muhammad, repeating it and reciting it, treating its lawful as lawful, and its prohibited as prohibited. He will pass you on the way to his house, and his status in your eyes will be as insignificant as the head of a dead donkey.” []

[Ahmad #17140 with a da’eef isnaad]

Ibn Mas’ood said:

“A time will come in which a believer will be regarded lower than a slave girl.” []

Sufyaan Ath-Thawree said:

“A person who sits with a heretic (an adherent of bid’ah) will not escape one of three things: (a) either he will become a trial (fitnah) for others, (b) or some deviation will occur in his heart and he will slip and be cast into the Fire by Allah, (c) or he will say to himself, ‘By Allah, I don’t care what they say, I am confident about myself,’ but whoever feels secure from Allah about his religion even for the blinking of an eye, Allah will take his religion away from him.” [Ibn Waddâh, Al-Bida’ p125]

al-Khatib al-Baghdaadee said:

“To the ‘aalim, ignorance is seen as ignorance and to the jaahil (grossly ignorant), knowledge is seen as ignorance.” [Kitaab al-Faqih wa’l-Mutafaqqih, 1/3]

Ibn Jawzi said:

“I believe that coming out of her house and roaming about the streets in itself is sufficient to cause trouble, let alone exhibiting her beauty and her body.” [Ahkaam’un Nisa]

‘Abdullaah Ibn Mas’ood said:

“It is more beloved to me to bite onto a red coal until it cools, than for me to say about something that Allaah has preordained, ‘Only if it didn’t happen.‘ “ [Az-Zuhd, of Aboo Daawood, p. 136]

Aboo Mas’ood Al-Balkhee said:

“Whoever is afflicted with tragedy and he rips up a garment or pounds on his chest then it is as if he has grabbed a spear and intends to fight his Lord, the Mighty and Majestic.” [Faydul Qadeer, 3/230]

Wahb Ibn Munabbih said:

“Whoever is afflicted with some type of calamity then Allaah has put him through the path of the Prophets (pbut).” [Al-Hilyah, 4/56]

Aboo Hafs Al-Fallaas said:

“I said to Yahyaa Ibn Sa’eed during his sickness: ‘May Allaah give you well being,‘ so he answered: ‘Whatever is fondest to Allaah is fondest to me.‘ “ [As-Siyar, 9/182]

Adh-Dhahabee (rahimahullaah) said:

“If you see the innovative mutakallim saying: ‘leave out the Qur’aan and Sunnah and bring forth logic‘, then know that he is Aboo Jahl. [as-Siyaar, 4/472]

Muhammad Ibn ’Ijlaan said:

“Speech is of four types: [i] that you remember Allaah; [ii] that you recite the Qur‘aan; [iii] that you ask about knowledge and you are informed about it; [iv] or speak about that which concerns you from your worldly life.” [Ibn Abee Dunyaa in as-Samt, p. 263]

Al-Hasan Al-Basree heard a group of people arguing, so he said:

“These people have become bored with worship, and speech has become light upon (their tongue), and their piety has decreased and that is why they speak.” [Ahmad in Az-Zuhd and Aboo Nu’aym in Al-Hilyah]

Al-Awzaa’ee said:

“Whoever stands the night in prayer, Allaah will make easy for him his standing on the Day of Judgment.” [Siyar A’laam an-Nubalaa, 7/119]

Shurayh al-Qaadee (d.80H) said:

“Verily, the Sunnah has preceded your qiyaas (analogical deduction), so follow and do not innovate.” [Related by ad-Daarimee (1/66) and by al-Baghawee in Sharhus-Sunnah (1/216).]

Ibraaheem al-Harbee said, ‘I heard Ahmad (Ahmad Ibn Hanbal) say,

‘If you love that Allaah should keep you upon that which you love, then remain upon that which He loves, and the good is in the one who sees no good in himself.” [al-Aadaabush-Sharee’ah (2/31) by Ibn Muflih]

’Abdullaah Ibn Mas’ood (radiyallaahu ’anhumaa) said:

“Let not one of you blindly follow a man in his Religion, if he believes, he believes, and if he disbelieves, he disbelieves. If it is a must that you follow someone then let it be the dead, for indeed the living is not safe from fitnah.” [Sharh Usoolul-I’tiqaad (1/130) of al-Laalikaa‘ee]

‘Uthmaan Ibn Haadir said:

“I said to ’Abdullaah Ibn ’Abbaas, ‘Advise me.’ He said, ‘It is upon you to be upright, and follow the first affair (the way of the Prophet and his Companions), and do not innovate.’ “ [al-Ibaanah (1/319) by Ibn Battah]

Imaam Aboo ’Amr ’Abdur-Rahmaan Ibn ’Amr al-Awzaa’ee (d.179H) said:

“Stick to the aathaar of those who have preceded (man salaf), even if the people reject you. And beware of the opinions of men, even if they beautify it for you with speech. So the affair is young and you are upon a Straight Path with regards to it.” [Saheeh: Related by al-Bayhaqee in al-Madkhal (no. 233), al-Khateeb in Sharaf Ashaabul-Hadeeth (no. 6), Ibn ’Abdul-Barr in al-Jaami’ (1/170)]

‘Umar Ibn al-Khattaab (radhi-yallaahu ‘anhu) said:

“There is no excuse for anyone going astray thinking that he is upon guidance. Nor for abandoning guidance thinking it to be misguidance, since the affairs have been made clear, the proof established and the excuse cut off.” [Reported by Ibn Battah in “al-lbaantul-Kubraa” (no. 162) by way of al-Awzaa’ee. However, its chain is munqati’ (disconnected)]

‘Umar Ibn ‘Abdul-’Azeez said:

“There is no excuse for anyone, after the Sunnah, to be misguided upon error which he thought was guidance.” [as-Sunnah (no.95) of al-Marwazee]

Many of the pious predecessors would spend long periods of time in seclusion. When one of them was asked: “Do you not feel the bite of loneliness?” He replied: “How can I, when He has said that He is the companion of those who remember Him?” [Aboo Nu’aym, 8/217]

One of the Salaf said:

“How can one feel the bite of loneliness when he is with Allaah?” [Ibn Abee Ad-Dunyaa, Al-‘Uzlah #49]

One of the Salaf said:

“Whoever feels the bite of loneliness when alone does so because of his lack of solace with his Lord.” [Ibn Abee Ad-Dunyaa, Al-‘Uzlah #49]

Yahyaa Ibn Mu’aadh would frequently seclude and isolate himself. His brother censured him saying: “If you are a man amongst men, you need the company of men!” So he replied: “If you are a man amongst men, you are in need of Allaah!” [Extracted from “The Journey Of The Strangers” by Ibn Rajab, p. 96]

Awzaa’ee said, in the explanation of the hadeeth of the strangers:

“Islaam will not disappear, it is Ahlus Sunnah that will disappear to the point that there will only remain one of them in any one country.” [Laalikaa’ee, #19]

Al-Hasan would say to his colleagues:

“O Ahlus Sunnah! Be gentle with each other, may Allaah have mercy upon you, for you are from the fewest of people!” [Laalikaa’ee, #19]

Yoonus Ibn ‘Ubayd said:

“There is nothing stranger than the Sunnah and stranger still is the one who knows it.” [Laalikaa’ee, #21 & Ibn Batta, #20]

Yoonus Ibn ‘Ubayd also said:

“It has come to the point that one who knows the Sunnah will think it is something strange, and stranger than this person is who finds the Sunnah something familiar.” [Laalikaa’ee, #21 & Ibn Batta, #20]

Sufyaan Ath-Thawree said:

“Treat Ahlus Sunnah well, for they are the strangers.” [Laalikaa’ee, #49]

Ahmad ibn Harb stated:

“I worshipped Allaah for fifty years, I wasn’t able to find the sweetness of worship until I forsook three things: 1) I forsook seeking the acceptance of people, so I was able to speak the truth. 2) I forsook the companionship of the sinner, so I was able to accompany the righteous. 3) I forsook the sweetness of the life of this world, so I was able to find the sweetness of the afterlife.” [Adh-Dhahabee, Siyar]

‘Alee (ra) said in describing the strangers”

“They are then able to bear with ease what the opulent find burdensome, meaning that the person accustomed to a luxurious life will find it difficult to leave the comforts and lusts of this world. This is because he has nothing to replace his worldly life where he to abandon it and as such cannot bear the thought of losing it.” [Quoted by Ibn Rajab in “The Journey Of The Strangers”, translated by Shaykh Aboo Rumaysah]