Al-Shâfi’î saw me sitting in his circle, and there was some ink on my shirt I was trying to hide. He said, “Young man, why are you hiding it? Having ink on ones clothes is a sign of lofty conduct: to the sight it is black, but to the insight it is white (with the light of knowledge).”

It is reported that ‘Abdullâh b. Al-Mubârak – Allâh have mercy on him – said:

Ink on the clothes is the perfume of the scholars.

- Some put this in verse (from Arabic):

The ink-pot’s ink is the perfume of men
As saffron is the perfume of women
So the former befits the garments of those men
As the latter the garments of wives

It is reported that Imâm Ahmad said, seeing the students of hadîth approaching with their ink-pots:

These are the lanterns of Islâm.

Al-Khatîb Al-Baghdâdî, Al-Jâmi’ li-Akhlâq Al-Râwî, articles 508, 509, 512 .

More:

1. The Recommendation for Men to Smell Pleasant [wearing perfume]
2. The hard life now for the good life later
3. The Companions’ Sincerity in Knowledge
4. Actions speak louder
5. Hot Fashion

This is from Sayings of the Salaf - English translations of narrations from the Salaf - the earliest believers, our righteous predecessors, and true scholars of Islam. Selected and translated by Owais Al-Hashimi

If you fear becoming deluded and impressed by your deeds then remember whose pleasure you are seeking, and the joy (Paradise) in which you want to be, and what punishment you fear. Whoever thinks about these things will diminish his deeds.

Al-Dhahabî, Siyar A’lâm Al-Nubalâ` 10:42.

More:

1. Abû Bakr to ‘Umar on his Deathbed
2. No poverty after Paradise and no wealth in the Fire
3. Righteous Women and the Maidens of Jannah
4. The Absurdity of Envy
5. Righteous Fear vs. Sinful Delusion

This is from Sayings of the Salaf - English translations of narrations from the Salaf - the earliest believers, our righteous predecessors, and true scholars of Islam. Selected and translated by Owais Al-Hashimi

I heard Al-Shâfi’î say, “A man does not become complete in this life except when he has four [qualities]: religiousness (al-diyânah), trustworthiness (al-amânah), safeguarding [from sin] (al-siyânah) and sobriety (al-razânah).”

Al-Bayhaqî, Manâqib Al-Shâfi’î 2:189.

More:

1. A Treatment for Egotism
2. Studying Manners
3. I’m the Man [the youngster who puts himself forward]
4. Reputation
5. Planting Nifâq

This is from Sayings of the Salaf - English translations of narrations from the Salaf - the earliest believers, our righteous predecessors, and true scholars of Islam. Selected and translated by Owais Al-Hashimi

When I see a man from the Adherents of Hadîth, it is as if I have seen the Prophet – Allâh’s peace and blessings be upon him – alive.

Al-Khatîb Al-Baghdâdî, Sharaf Ashâb Al-Hadîth article 85.

More:

1. Son, have you put it into practice?
2. At the Doorstep of Knowledge
3. I sit with the Salaf
4. Opinionated Enemies of the Sunnah
5. Don’t ask the Polytheists

This is from Sayings of the Salaf - English translations of narrations from the Salaf - the earliest believers, our righteous predecessors, and true scholars of Islam. Selected and translated by Owais Al-Hashimi

Abû Nu’aym, Hilyatu Al-Awliyâ` 1:250.

It is related from Al-Rabî’ b. Sulaymân, “Muhammad b. Idrîs Al-Shâfi’î used to complete reciting the Quran in the month of Ramadan sixty times, all in the prayer.”

Ibid. 4:107

It is reported that Abul-Ash-hab said, “Abû Al-Rajâ` [Al-Atârudî] would complete with us a recitation of the Quran in the night prayers of Ramadan every ten days.”

Ibid. 1:348

It is reported that Qatâdah used to complete a recitation of the Quran once every seven nights, and when Ramadan came, once every three nights. During the last ten nights, he would complete a recitation every night.

Ibid. 1:364

It is reported that Al-Bukhârî used to complete a recitation [of the Quran] once a day in Ramadan, and would pray after Tarâwîh every night, completing another recitation every three nights.

Al-Dhahabî, Siyar A’lâm Al-Nubalâ` 12:439

Notes

After mentioning some similar examples from the Salaf, Ibn Rajab says in Latâ`if Al-Ma’ârif p319:

The prohibition of reciting the Quran in less than three days [found in some ahadith] refers to doing so regularly [throughout the year]. As for virtuous times, like Ramadan – especially the nights in which it is hoped Laylatu Al-Qadr will occur – or virtuous places, like Makkah – for those who enter it and are not residents there, then it is recommended to increase in reciting the Quran, making the most of the time and the place. This is the position of [Imam] Ahmad, Ishâq [ibn Râhûyah] and other Imams, and the practice of others [from the Salaf] indicates [they held the same position].

More:

1. Reciting the Quran like a Song
2. More than Recitation
3. Umar and the night prayers of Ramadan
4. How the Salaf were (and weren’t) when hearing the Quran and Dhikr
5. Who to Love and Trust, Hate and Suspect [signs of sincerity]

This is from Sayings of the Salaf - English translations of narrations from the Salaf - the earliest believers, our righteous predecessors, and true scholars of Islam. Selected and translated by Owais Al-Hashimi