God’s People

What those who sit with leaders should be like Abdullah ibn Abbas tells of how his father once said to him: “My boy, I see how the Commander of the Faithful, Umar ibn al Khattab, invites you to his meetings and takes you into his confidence. He also turns to you as well as to the other Companions for advice. I am going to give you three pieces of advice which are worth remembering: firstly, fear God, and never let it be said of you by Umar that you told a lie; secondly, keep his secrets well, and thirdly, never speak ill of anyone in his presence.” Amir says that each one of those pieces of advice was better than a thousand. “Better than ten thousand,” rejoined Abbas. (AI-TABARANI)