Question

What is the authenticity of this narration?

A man asked, “Who is in the worst state?” Sufyan at-Thawri (rahimahullah) replied while crying, “Someone who thinks Allah won’t forgive him!”

Answer

Imam Abu Bakr ibn Abid Dunya (rahimahullah) has recorded the following narration:

‘Abdullah ibnul Mubarak (rahimahullah) related: “I went to Sufyan Thawri (rahimahullah) on the eve of ‘Arafah. He was kneeling and sobbing. I too cried. He turned to me and asked, “What is the matter?” I asked him, “Who is the worst person in this gathering?” He said, “The one who thinks that Allah will not forgive him.”

The narration is suitable to quote.

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.

Answered by: Mawlana Suhail Motala

Approved by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar

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التخريج من المصادر العربية

حسن الظن بالله لابن أبي الدنيا:
(٧٨) – حدثنا محمد بن بشير، حدثنا عبد الله بن المبارك، قال: جئت إلى سفيان عشية عرفة وهو جاث على ركبتيه وعيناه تهملان، فبكيت، فالتفت إلي فقال: ما شأنك؟ فقلت: من أسوأ هذا الجمع حالا؟ قال: الذي يظن أن الله عز وجل لا يغفر لهم.