Question

What is the reference for this statement?

Fudayl (rahimahullah) said: “If you can manage to remain unknown, then do so. What does it matter to you if no one praises you? What does it matter to you if you are [considered] lowly and worthless amongst the people if you are [considered] praiseworthy by Allah?”

 

Answer

Imam Abu Nu’aym (rahimahullah) has recorded this statement of the Fudayl ibn ‘Iyad (rahimahullah).

Fudayl ibn ‘Iyad (rahimahullah) said: “If you are able to remain unknown, then do so. What harm is there if people do not praise you? And what harm is there in being blamed by people if you are praiseworthy in the sight of Allah?”

(Hilyatul Awliya, vol. 8, pg. 88)

 

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.

Answered by: Mawlana Suhail Motala

Approved by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar

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التخريج من المصادر العربية:

حلية الأولياء وطبقات الأصفياء: (٨/ ٨٨)
قال: وسمعت الفضيل، يقول: عامة الزهد في الناس يعني إذا لم يحب ثناء الناس عليه ولم يبال بمذمتهم. وسمعته يقول: إن قدرت أن لا تعرف فافعل، وما عليك إن لم يثن عليك وما عليك أن تكون مذموما عند الناس إذا كنت عند الله محمودا.