people; so look to whatever will set you right and hold fast to it. (1)

It was also related from al-Shāfiʿī that he said, “I have never elevated anyone above his true station without his lowering me by the very measure I had raised him.” (2)

He further said, “A scholar is lost when he has no brothers, an ignoramus is lost because he lacks reason, and worse than either is the man who befriends one who has no reason at all.” (3)

And he said, “If you fear becoming conceited about your deeds, then remember the pleasure of the One whose approval you seek, the bliss you desire, and the punishment you dread; whoever reflects on this will see his own deeds as insignificant.” (4)

The instruments of leadership are five: truthfulness of speech, guarding confidences, loyalty to one’s pledges, taking the initiative in offering counsel, and discharging trusts. (5)

Muḥammad ibn Fahd al-Miṣrī reported: al-Rabīʿ narrated to us: I heard al-Shāfiʿī say, “Whoever is provoked to anger yet does not get angry is a donkey, and whoever is sought for reconciliation yet does not accept it is a devil.” (6)

Abū Saʿīd ibn Yūnus said: al-Ḥusayn ibn Muḥammad ibn al-Ḍaḥḥāk narrated to us—