Do not look at the [text of the] hadeeth, rather look at the isnaad [to see] if it is authentic [then look at the text of the hadeeth], otherwise do not.
Category: Words of Wisdom
Diligently taking notes
Ismaa'eel [ibn Zayd al-Jarjaanee] would write 90 pages [of knowledge] every night in small/fine writing.
The importance of taking notes
We used to do the rounds visiting the 'Ulamaa with az-Zuhree, and with him he had tablets and papers which he used to write upon all he heard [from the 'Ulamaa].
Out of respect for the knowledge of hadeeth
[al-Imaam] Maalik would not narrate hadeeth unless he was in a state of purity (wudhoo) - out of great respect for the [knowledge of] hadeeth.
They would divide the night into three
al-Hasan ibn Saalih, his brother and their mother used to divide the night into three parts, each would stand their third in prayer.
As a result of elongating his prayer
'Anas ibn Maalik رضي الله عنه used to pray until his feet swelled with blood - as a result of elongating his prayer - standing [in prayer] at night.
So he was not overcome by sleep
Safwaan ibn Saleem used to stand in prayer on the roof on a cold night so that he was not overcome by sleep.
Nor have I seen the back of a man
For fifty years, I never [once] missed the initial takbeer [upon beginning the congregational prayer], and nor have I seen the back of a man in the [congregational] prayer [since].
Nothing more desirable has remained
In this world, nothing more desirable has remained than prayer in congregation, and [subsequently] meeting the brothers.
I have not seen any better prayer
I have not seen any better prayer than that of Muhammad ibn Nasr. A house fly settled upon his ear, and he did not [even] try to brush it away.