It is narrated from Sayyiduna Ibn Amr (may Allah be pleased with him) that once the Noble Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "A time will come upon the people when they will be sifted, and only scum will remain. This will happen when there is corruption in promises and trusts, and people will become like this (the narrator interlaced his fingers to demonstrate). The people asked, 'O Messenger of Allah! What is the way to safety from this?' He replied: 'Adopt good deeds, avoid evil deeds, associate with the elite, and protect yourself from the common people.'"