If a man seeks knowledge to act according to it, his knowledge gratifies him, and if he seeks knowledge for other than acting according to it, then his knowledge [merely] increases him in pride and haughtiness.
Category: Words of Wisdom
Men are of three types
So he who knows himself to be upon evil, then it is befitting for his fear and apprehension to predominate his hope and anticipation.
Leading the prayer
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.
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.