Words of Wisdom from Uthman ibn Affan (Radhi Allahu Anhu)

There are four things which are outwardly virtues, but in reality are obligations: mixing with righteous people is a virtue, and following their example is a duty; reading the Qur'an is a virtue and acting upon it is a duty, visiting the graves is a virtue and preparing for death is a duty and visiting the sick person is a virtue and asking him to make a Will is a duty.


Ten things are the greatest waste of time, a scholar whom no one asks about; knowledge that is not acted upon; sound advice that is not accepted, a weapon that is not used, a Masjid that is not prayed in, a Mushaf that is not read from; wealth from which nothing is spent (in charity); a horse that is not ridden; knowledge of asceticism in the heart of one who is seeking worldly gain; and a long life in which no preparations is made for the journey (into the Hereafter).


Reference: The Biography of Uthman ibn Affan (Radhi Allahu Anhu) by Dr Ali Muhammad As-Sallabi. Page 29