''So I took that as my benefit from Damascus''

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).