Question

What is the reference, Arabic text for this narration and who is it attributed to?

“I love death because I long for my Lord. I love being poor because it humbles me in front of my Lord. And I love illness because it removes away my sins” [at-Tadhkirah]

 

Answer

This narration is recorded in Kitabuz Zuhd of Imam Abu Dawud, Hilyatul Awliya and Shu’abul Iman of Bayhaqi as the statement of Sayyiduna Abud Darda (radiyallahu ‘anhu).

Sayyiduna Abud Darda (radiyallahu ‘anhu) said: “I love poverty as it humbles me in front of my Rabb, I love death out of longing [to meet] my Rabb and I love illness as is expiates my sins.”

(Kitabuz Zuhd of Imam Abu Dawud, pg. 221, Hilyatul Awliya, vol. 1 pg. 217, Shu’abul Iman: 9611)

 

Arabic text as appears in Kitabuz Zuhd

عن أبي الدرداء، قال: أحب الفقر تواضعا لربي، وأحب الموت اشتياقا إلى ربي، وأحب المرض تكفيرا لخطاياي

 

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.

 

Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala

 

Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar