*بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم*
*The Best Things a Person Can be Given*
It is reported from Ḥabib Al-Jallab that he asked Abdullah b. Al-Mubarak - Allah have mercy on him:
"What is the best thing a person is ever given?"
He replied, "Innate intelligence."
He then asked, "And if not that?"
He replied, "Good conduct."
He then asked, "And if not that?" He replied, "A compassionate brother to consult."
He then asked, "And if not that?"
He replied, "Long silence."
He asked, "And if not that?"
Ibn Al-Mubarak replied, *"Then an early death."*
Al-Dhahabi, Siyar ʾAʿlam Al-Nubalaʾ 8:397.