Question

Who is this statement attributed to and please mention the reference:

ما اتقى الله من أحب الشهرة

لا تعمل لتذكر، اكتم الحسنة كما تكتم السيئة

Answer

‘Allamah Dhahabi (rahimahullah) has cited these sentences as the statements of the famous Saint, Bishr ibn Al Harith Al Hafi (rahimahullah).

(Siyaru A’lamin Nubala, vol. 10, pg. 476)

Translation

The one who loves fame has not feared Allah Ta’ala.

Do not carry out [good] deeds in order to be mentioned, conceal your good deeds just as you conceal your evil ones.

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.

Answered by: Mawlana Suhail Motala

Approved by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar

Checked by: Mawlana Haroon Abasoomar