Musnad Abi Ya'la 5134 — Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Mas'ud said: Today

It is narrated from Abu Wa'il (may Allah have mercy on him) that Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Mas'ud (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "Today a man came to me and asked me about a matter such that I did not know what reply to give him. He said: What do you say about a man who fulfils his duties and goes out on military expeditions, energetic and strong, and then (the commanders) impose on us things which we see no way to avoid? Sayyiduna Abdullah (may Allah be pleased with him) said: I said to him: By Allah! I do not know what to say to you, except that 'we used to be with the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him), and often he (peace and blessings be upon him) would command us to do something only once and we would (promptly) carry it out.' And any one of you will remain in goodness as long as he keeps the fear of Allah; and when he has a doubt in himself about something, he should ask someone (of knowledge) who will satisfy him (with a sound answer); and the time is near when you will not find such a (guiding) man. By the One besides whom there is no god worthy of worship! What has passed of this world seems to me only like a pool whose clear, pure water has been drunk and only its murky dregs remain."