The Life of Abdullah ibn Al-Mubarak

Ibn al-Mubarak lived the verse wherein Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala said,
إِن َّمَا يَخْشَى الل َّهَ‏ مِنْ‏ عِبَادِهِ‏ الْعُلَمَاءُ‏ ۗ إِن َّ الل َّهَ‏ عَزِيزٌ‏ غَفُورٌ‏
"Indeed, from the slaves of Allah, it is only those who possess knowledge that truly fear
Him. Certainly, Allah is Exalted in Might, Most Forgiving."
[Al-Fatir: 28]
The fruits of his knowledge, deep insight and wisdom were clear in his life and displayed
through his actions and words.
Some statements of wisdom by Ibn al-Mubarak:
'How often does a small deed become big due to one's intention, and how often does a big
deed become small due one's intention!'
~
'When one of you learns enough of the Qur'an in order to pray, then let him occupy himself
in seeking knowledge for that is the tool through which the meaning of the Qur'an is known.'
~
'If you people wish to backbite, then backbite your own parents so that your reward does not
go out to a stranger, but rather to them!'
~
‘How many people carry the Qur’an in their hearts but the Qur’an curses them from inside
their hearts! If the bearer of Qur’an disobeys his Lord, the Qur’an calls him from inside his
chest saying, ‘By Allah, you have not carried me (i.e. memorised me) for this! Will you not be
shy from your Lord?’
~
'Repentance from backbiting is to seek Allah's forgiveness for the one you have backbitten.'
Sufyan ibn 'Uyaynah then said, 'Rather you should seek his forgiveness for what you've
said.' Ibn al-Mubarak replied, 'No, you should not harm him twice.'
~
'Those of you who have the most knowledge, should also be those who have the most fear (of
Allah).'
~
'The inhabitants of this world have left the world without tasting the best thing in it.' He was
asked, 'And what’s the best of this world?' He said, 'Knowing Allah `azza wa jall.'
'When a person realises the scope of his own self and capabilities, he becomes more lowly to
himself than a dog.'
~
He was asked, 'What's the best that a man has been given?' He said, 'Abundant
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