10 Benefits I Gained from Damascus *Al Haafidh adh Dhahabee*

Abdur Rahmaan ibn Abee Haatim ar Raazee stated: “I arrived at Damascus and came across the students of Hadeeth. I passed by the circle of Qaasim al Joo’ee, I saw a group of people sitting around him while he was speaking, I loved the sight of them. I heard him saying: “Gain five Characteristics from the people of your time: if you are present in a gathering – you are not known, if you are absent – you are not missed, if you are present – you are not asked for counsel, if you speak – your words are not accepted, and if you do something – you are not rewarded for it. I also advise you with five: if you are oppressed – do not be oppressive, if you are praised – do not be pleased, if you are criticized – do not be sad, if you are belied – do not get upset, if people betray you – do not betray them.” Abu Haatim stated: “So I made this the benefit that I gained from Damascus.” SubulasSalaam