Question

Can you provide the reference for this as well as the Arabic text?

Hassan Al Basri (rahimahullah) said:

A believer is the one who, after performing a good deed, is fearful and a transgressor is the one who, after committing a sin, is at peace

 

Answer

Hafiz Ibn Kathir (rahimahullah) has cited this statement of Hasan Al Basri (rahimahullah) without citing a source. I have not come across this narration in any Primary source.

(Tafsir Ibn Kathir, Surah Al A’araf, Verse: 99)

 

Arabic text

قال الحسن رحمه الله تعالى: المؤمن يعمل بالطاعات، وهو مشفق وجل خائف. والفاجر يعمل بالمعاصي وهو آمن

 

Hasan Al Basri (rahimahullah) said:

“A Believer carries out good deeds and is fearful [of the fact that his deeds may not be accepted] and a sinner carries out sins and is at ease/peace [does not fear accountability].”

 

Imam Bukhari (rahimahullah) has recorded a statement of Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah ibn Mas’ud (radiyallahu ‘anhu) wherein he expresses that a believer does not trivialise his sins and a sinner regards his sins as extremely trivial.

Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah ibn Mas’ud (radiyallahu ‘anhu) said: “A believer views his sins as if he is sitting under a mountain which he is afraid may fall on him whereas the sinner views his sins like a fly passing by his nose.” The narrator then passed his hand over his nose to illustrate this.

(Sahih Bukhari, Hadith: 6308)

 

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.

 

Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala

 

Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar