In Islaam, after the Book of Allaah, we do not know of any book more authentic than the Muwatta of Imaam Maalik.
Category: Words of Wisdom
If he missed the congregational prayer
If Sa’eed ibn ‘Abdil-’Azeez missed the congregational prayer, he would weep.
Never missed the first takbeer
al-A’mash was nearly seventy years [of age], yet he never missed the first takbeer [at the start of the congregational prayer].
Even though he had an excuse not to go
‘Aamir ibn ‘Abdillaah heard the mu.adhin [calling the adhaan], and said: ‘Take me by the hand [to the masjid].’
Wash your hands of him!
If you see a man who is careless in [catching] the first takbeer [at the start of the congregational prayer], then wash your hands of him!
In the masjid, and ready for prayer
For [the last] thirty years, the mu.adhin has not called the adhaan except that I have been in the masjid [ready for the congregational prayer].
The congregational prayer
I have not missed the prayer in congregation for [the last] forty years.
Using the least amount of water doing wudhoo
I have not seen anyone use the least amount of water purifying himself [doing wudhoo] than [Imaam] ash-Shaafi’ee.
Sleeping a little at night
al-Haafith ‘Abdul-Ghanee visited me in Asbahaan, and [whilst here] he would only sleep a little at night; instead [spending most of his time] praying and reciting [the Qur.aan] or weeping.
Always giving away in charity
Never would an hour pass him except that he would give something away in charity, and if he did not have anything [to give away in charity], he would [then] pray two rak’ahs [of voluntary prayer].