A companion of virtue today is like hard currency: rare and invaluable. Among the beautiful sayings of the Umayyad caliph Hishām ibn ʿAbd al-Malik (d. 125 AH): “Nothing remains of the worldly pleasures except a brother with whom I lift the burden of taking precaution between me and him.” (Tabaqāt al-Nassābīn, p. 31) “Lifting the burden of taking precaution” means a bond so pure that there’s no fear, hidden agendas, or need to filter words. Completely free of suspicion. Just sincere trust, love, and honesty. Note: Hishām ibn ʿAbd al-Malik was a Umayyad caliph with access to power, wealth, and worldly luxuries. Yet here, he reflects that among all the pleasures he experienced, only one truly remains meaningful: a close brother or friend with whom there is complete trust, so much so that there’s no need to take precautions. https://x.com/edge1130/status/1933215391700169162?s=46