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IMITATING GOOD MANNERS

346

“Anas went on a journey with Jarir the son of Abdullah Bujali. Jarir served Anas even though he was older than himself. Anas said to him: ‘Don't do this.’ He replied: ‘I saw the Ansar serve the Prophet, praise and peace be upon him, with such devotion that I made a vow that whenever I am in the company of any of them I would serve them.’"

Bukhari and Muslim with a chain up to Anas the son of Malik who related this.

THE MERITS OF BEING IN THE COMPANY

OF PIOUS PEOPLE

Allah, the Exalted says:

“When Moses said to his (assisting) youth:

'I will not give up until I reach the point

where the two seas meet

even though I should go on for many years.'

But when they came to the point where the two met,

they forgot their fish,

which made its way burrowing into the sea.

And when they had gone further,

he said to his assisting youth:

'Bring us our breakfast;

we are worn out from our journey.'

He replied: 'What do you think, I forgot the fish

when we were resting on the rock.

None but satan made me forget to mention this –

it made its way into the sea in a marvelous fashion.'

'This is what we have been seeking,' said he

and they retraced their footsteps

and found one of Our worshipers

to whom We had given from Our Mercy

and whom We had taught knowledge of Ours.

Moses said to him:

'May I follow you so that you can teach me of

that you have learned of righteousness?’” 18:60-66 Koran

“And be patient with those

who call to their Lord morning and evening,

desiring His Face.

And do not turn your eyes away from them

desiring the good things of this life....” 18:28 Koran