The worst time, the worst people

It is reported that Abû Hâzim Al-Ashja’î – Allâh have mercy on him – said:

If you find yourself in a time when speech is accepted as knowledge and knowledge is accepted as deeds [instead of putting it into practice], then you are in the worst time and with the worst people.

Abû Bakr Al-Daynûrî, Al-Mujâlasah wa Jawâhir Al-’Ilm` 4:338.

Abû Hâzim Salmân Al-Ashja’î (died circa 100H) was one of the eminent Tâbi’în. He was a fully reliable transmitter of hadîth and a companion of Abû Hurayrah – Allâh be pleased with him.