Instructions to Ibn Abbas upon his appointment as the governor of Basra

Given to ‘Abdullāh ibn al-‘Abbās at the time of his appointment as his Governor of Baṣrah.

Meet people with a broad face, allow them free audience and pass generous orders. Avoid anger because it is a augury of Satan.

Remember that whatever takes you near Allāh takes you away from the Fire (of Hell), and whatever takes you away from Allāh takes you near the Fire.