حياة السلف بين القول والعمل

Muslim ibn Amr, may God have mercy on him, said: Those who serve the Sultan should not be deceived by them if they are pleased with him, nor should they change towards them if they are angry with him, nor should they find what they have burdened with too much, nor should they be persistent in asking them. [Uyun al-Akhbar 1/62].

On the authority of Saeed bin Al-Musayyib, may God have mercy on him, he said: Do not fill your eyes with the helpers of the oppressors except with disapproval from your hearts, so that your deeds are not rendered worthless. [Al-Siyar (its abridgment) 1/485].

On the authority of Ibn al-Qasim, may God have mercy on him, he said: There is no good in being close to rulers or in getting close to them. [Al-Siyar (its abridgment)].

On the authority of Muhammad ibn Wasi’, may God have mercy on him, he said: “To chew reeds and eat dust is better than to be close to the Sultan.” [Al-Hilya (its abridgment) 1/414].

On the authority of Musa bin Ismail, he said: I heard Hammad bin Salamah, may God have mercy on him, say to a man: If the ruler calls you to recite to him, “Say, He is God, the One,” then do not go to him. [Al-Hilya (its abridgment) 2/336].