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The Fabler-Preachers (Storytellers)
It is reported that Abū Qilābah – Allāh Have mercy on him – said:
It is only the storyteller-preachers (al-qusās) who have killed knowledge. A man listens to a storyteller for a year without really learning anything that will last, whereas a man who sits with a scholar for an hour learns what will last and benefit him before he even gets up.
Abō Nu’aym, Hilyatu Al-Awliyā` 2:287.
The Recommendation for Men to Smell Pleasant [wearing perfume]
It is reported from Abî Qilâbah that when Ibn ‘Abbâs – Allâh be pleased with him – went out to the masjid, the neighbors knew that he had passed due the pleasant scent [of perfume] that came from him.
It is reported that ‘Abdullâh [Ibn Mas'ûd] used to use perfume that had musk in it.
It is reported that ‘Uthmân b. ‘Ubaydillâh – the freedman of Sa’d b. Abî Waqqâs – said:
I used to see Ibn ‘Umar, Abû Hurayrah, Abû Qatâdah and Abû Usayd Al-Sâ’idî – Allâh be pleased with them – passing by us when we were still in school, and we could smell the scent of amber from them.
It is reported that ‘Abdullâh [Ibn Mas'ûd] could be recognized by the smell of his perfume as he approached.
It is reported from Nufay’ the freedman of ‘Abdullâh [Ibn Mas'ûd] that he said:
‘Abdullâh was one of the most pleasant scented people and wore the cleanest whitest thowb (garment).
It is reported that ‘Abdullâh b. Ja’far – Allâh have mercy on him – used to crush musk and apply it in his hair.
It is reported that Umm Razîn said:
I used to gift perfume to Ibn ‘Abbâs – Allâh be pleased with him. He said: “There is nothing the Quraysh like more.” She added, “And he would give us Al-Wars (a plant whose leaves are used to dye fabric).”
Ibn Abî Shaybah, Kitâb Al-Adab, articles 92 – 99.
Mixing with the Wrong Crowd
It is reported from Abû Qilâbah – Allâh have mercy on him – that he said:
Do not sit with the People of Desires (Bid’ah), for I fear that they will immerse you in their misguidance or mix up and confuse what you already know.
Ibn Battah, Al-Ibânah Al-Kubrâ Vol.1 p377.