Question
I am looking for a Hadith, the gist of which, as related by one of the Scholars is, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) asked:
“What are the signs that Allah Ta’ala has turned away His glance of mercy from a person?” One of the signs mentioned is that that person is engaged in futile activities’.
I would appreciate the actual translation and reference.
Answer
I have not come across the narration in question as a Hadith of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam).
However, Hafiz Ibn Rajab (rahimahullah) and ‘Allamah Zabidi (rahimahullah) have cited this narration in their respective works as the statement of Hasan Al Basri (rahimahullah). The narration is as follows:
From among the signs that Allah Ta’ala has turned his attention away from a person is that he becomes involved in futile activities/activities that do not concern him.
(See: Jami’ul ‘Ulumi Wal Hikam, vol. 1, pg. 316 and Ithafus Sadatil Muttaqin, vol. 7, pg. 462)
This should therefore be quoted as the statement of Hasan Al Basri (rahimahullah) and not as a statement of Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam).
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar
Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar
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التخريج من المصادر العربية
جامع العلوم والحكم: (١/ ٣١٦)
وروى أبو عبيدة، عن الحسن قال: «مِنْ علامة إعراض الله تعالى عن العبد أنْ يجعل شغله فيما لا يعنيه».
إتحاف السادة المتقين الزبيدي: (٧/ ٤٦٢)
وروى أبو عبيدة عن الحسن قال: «من علامة اعراض الله عن العبد ان يجعل شغله فيما لا يعنيه».