Al-Haafidh Abu Haatim Muhammad
ibn Hibbaan said:
Mohammad ibn
al-Mundhir ibn Sa’eed related to me that Abu Haatim Muhammad ibn Idrees
al-Hanthalee said that al-Khattaab ibn al-Ma’laa al-Makhzumee al-Qurashee
advised his son saying:
My son, fear Allaah
and be obedient to Him. Avoid
sinning by following His Sunnah and teachings in order to rectify your faults
and attain bliss; indeed
nothing whatsoever is hidden from Allaah.
I put some directions
together and drew out a plan for you. If you memorize, understand and act upon
them, you would fill the eyes of kings and even the vagabond would be obedient
to you. You would continue to be needed and honoured, people would continue to
be in need of what you possess. So obey your father, suffice yourself with his
advice and open your mind and heart to it.
Beware
of excessive talking, joking, laughing and fooling around with brothers; indeed this removes
respect/esteem and causes disputes. It is upon you to be tranquil and
calm without having pride, which may be attributed to you, and without being arrogant, which may be
said about you. Treat both friends and enemies pleasantly; prevent their harms without belittling them or holding them in
high regard.