Question

What is the reference for this?

لأن أبيت نائما وأصبح نادما أحب إلي من أن أبيت قائما وأصبح معجبا

Answer

Imam Abu Nu’aym (rahimahullah) has recorded this statement of the Tabi’i; Mutarrif ibn ‘Abdillah ibn Shikkhir (rahimahullah).

(Hilyatul Awliya, vol. 2, pg. 200)

After citing this statement of Mutarrif ibn ‘Abdillah, ‘Allamah Dhahabi says, “By Allah! Those who praise themselves or are self conceited will never succeed”

(Siyaru A’lamin Nubala, vol. 4, pg. 190)

Translation

It is more beloved to me that I spend the night asleep and awaken [in the morning] regretful [for not offering Tahajjud Salah], rather than spending the night engaged in Tahajjud Salah but being proud/conceited in the morning.

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.

Answered by: Mawlana Suhail Motala

Approved by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar

Checked by: Mawlana Haroon Abasoomar