Fadala ibn 'Ubayd was at a meeting when he heard that some people
were playing backgammon. He got up in anger to forbid it in the strongest
possible terms. Then he said, "The one who plays in order to live on his
winnings is like a person who eats pig meat and does wudu' in blood."
Al-Bara' ibn 'Azib reported that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah
bless him and grant him peace, said, "Spread the greeting to people and
you will be safe. The saw is evil."
Ibn Mas'ud was heard to say, "You are living at a time when there
are many men of understanding and few orators. There are few who ask and
many who give. In it there is more action than diversion. After you there
will come a time when there are few men of understanding and many orators.
There will be many who ask and few who give. Guidance in it directs action.
Know that right guidance at the end of time is better than some actions."
