The time for prayer entered upon a group of scholars; So it was said to one of them to lead [the prayer], but he declined.
Category: Words of Wisdom
Beautify knowledge
Beautify knowledge [by acting in accordance to it], and do not beautify yourself with it.
Potbellied and disgraced
It used to be the case a Muslim would [feel] disgraced, if he was told he was potbellied!
So what did you do with that which you knew?
Certainly, that which I fear the most is when I stand [before my Lord] to account [for my deeds], and it is [then] said to me: You had knowledge, so what did you do with that which you knew?
Answering the call to prayer
If the call to prayer was made and Ibraaheem ibn Maymoon al-Marwazee had raised his hammer, he would not strike with it (i.e. he would immediately stop work), [and instead go and answer the call to prayer].
Missing a prayer in congregation
Sa’eed ibn ‘Abdil-‘Azeez would weep if he missed a prayer in congregation (i.e. the obligatory congregational prayer).
The caravans of the pious and righteous have passed
Wake up O man! Night has passed, and day has arrived, and before you is a long journey and [yet you have] little provisions; The caravans of the pious and righteous have passed by and we have remained [behind].
Whoever is not concerned with the prayer
Whoever is not concerned with [preparing for] the prayer before its time, then he has not dignified or venerated it.
Let the workers work
I visited Ibraaheem ibn Haani whilst he was on his deathbed. [Whilst there] he called his son Ismaa’eel and said to him: Has the sun set [yet]?
Bordering on showing off
Whoever asks a question whilst he knows [the answer], then that is [considered to be] bordering on showing off.