Nothing is known abut the man who made this blunt and peremptory approach to the Prophet Mohammed, but his question brought forth valuable counsel.

A man came to the Prophet and told him, “Advise me and make it short!”

He said to him, “When you pray, pray as if you are departing from this world. Don’t say words today that you will regret tomorrow. And don’t put your hope in what is in people’s hands.”