‘Abdullāh bin Mubārak

It was said to 'Abdullāh bin Mubārak (may Allāh have mercy upon him): “Has there remained anyone who still offers advice?”

He responded: “Do you know anyone who accepts it?”

'Abdullāh bin Mubārak (may Allāh have mercy upon him) said: “The isnād (chain of narration) is part of the dīn. If it were not for the isnād, then any person would have said (about Islām) whatever he wished.”

'Abdullāh bin Mubārak (may Allāh have mercy upon him) said: “Perhaps a small deed becomes multiplied due to its [sincere] intention. Perhaps a great deed becomes small due to its [insincere] intention.”

'Abdullāh bin Mubārak (may Allāh have mercy upon him) said: “It is right that an intelligent person does not undervalue three (types of people): The Scholars, the Rulers, and (his Muslim) brothers. Whoever undervalues the Scholars will lose his afterlife, whoever undervalues the rulers will lose his worldly life, and whoever undervalues his brothers loses his good character and conduct.”