724 — Hārūn ibn Abd Allāh related to me, saying: Muhammad ibn Yazīd ibn Khunays related to us, saying: Sufyān related to us, saying: “It has reached us that a young man used to attend the gathering of Umar ibn al-Khattāb, may Allah be pleased with him. He would listen attentively, then leave before speaking.” Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, noticed this and said to him, “I see that you attend the gathering and listen attentively, but then leave before speaking with the people or taking part in their conversation. Why is that?” The young man replied, “By Allah, I like to attend and listen attentively. Then I exercise discernment, remain cautious, and keep silent, in the hope that I may remain safe.” Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, said to him, “May Allah have mercy on you! Which of us does this?”