34 — Muhammad ibn Ishāq al-Sahmī narrated to us: Ibrāhīm ibn Uthmān ibn Zāʾidah narrated to me from his father, who said: Al-Ahnaf ibn Qays sent a letter with a man to one of his friends:

“Now then: When a like-minded brother comes to you, let him be as precious to you as your hearing and sight. A like-minded brother is better than a contrary son. Have you not heard what Allah, Mighty and Majestic, said to Noah concerning his son: ‘Indeed, he is not of your family’ [Hūd: 46]? That is, he does not belong to the people of your faith. Seek out such men and others like them, and make them your treasures, your stores of wealth, and your companions both at home and while traveling. If you draw them close, they will draw close to you; but if you keep them at a distance, they will find sufficiency in Allah, Mighty and Majestic. Peace be upon you.”