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].
Category: Words of Wisdom
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.
What bit me?
al-Imaam al-Bukhaaree رحمه الله was praying one night and a wasp bit him seventeen times. So when he finished praying, he said: ‘Have a look and see what hurt (bit) me.’
Little birds would descend and settle upon his back
When Ibraaheem at-Teemee would prostrate, little birds would [descend and] settle upon his back, as if he was a wooden fence.