An Islamic Treasury of Virtues
11. Islamic Values
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it should be divided into equal portions and
distributed among the people.” When he asked the
gathering what they thought, Uthman offered his
opinion: “In order to give to everyone, a
considerable amount of money will be needed. If
people are not counted, it will be impossible to tell
who have received their share and who have not.
This will result in confusion.” Hearing this, Walid
ibn Hisham said, “Commander of the Faithful,
when I was in Syria, I saw that the rulers there had
compiled registers for this purpose, and had
appointed people to maintain them. You might do
likewise.” Umar accepted this advice and delegated
the task of compiling registers to Aqil ibn Abu
Talib, Makhramah ibn Nawfal and Jubayr ibn
Mutim.
(IBN SA‘D,
TABAQAT)
SPEECH IS SILVER: SILENCE IS GOLDEN
“Learn how to remain silent, just as you learn how
to speak,” said Abu Darda, “for silence is an act of
great forbearance. And be more eager to listen than
to speak; particularly avoid speaking about that
which does not concern you. Do not allow yourself
