Al-Mahdi quotes

Nobody seeks my help with a petition or offers an excuse that is more pressing than he, reminding me of a favor I did him so that it would be followed by its sister (i. e, one like it) and so good would be done to its asker because withholding of later things removes gratitude for earlier ones. (Al-Mahdi)
Al-Tabari: The History of the Prophets and Kings (The History of Tabari), Translated by Huge Kennedy, State University of New York (1990), Vol. 29. View quote
Al-Mahdi
Al-Suyuti, History of The Caliphs, Translated by Major H. S. Jarrett, Calcutta (India), 1881. View quote
Al-Mahdi