''Seize The Benefit Of Five Things From The People Of Your Time

Ibn Abee Haatim(.328H) Rahimahullaah said:

''I entered Damascus and came upon the students of hadeeth, and I passed by the circle of Qaasim al Joo'ee(d.248 AH). I found a group sitting around him and he was speaking. Their appearance amazed me; and I heard him saying:

''Seize The Benefit Of Five Things From The People Of Your Time:



When you are present,you are not known;


When you are absent you are not missed;


When you are seen, your advice is not sought;


When you say something, your saying is not accepted;


And when you have some knowledge, you are not given anything for it.



I Also Advise You With Five Matters:



When you are treated unjustly,do not behave unjustly;


When you are praised, do not become happy;


When you are criticised, do not become upset;


When you are not believed, do not become angry;


And if people act deceitfully towards you, do not act deceitfully towards them.''


Ibn Abee Haatim said:''So I took that as my benefit from Damascus.''

Related by Ibn al Jawzee in Sifatus-safwah(2/200).