What is the reference for this?
لأن أبيت نائما وأصبح نادما أحب إلي من أن أبيت قائما وأصبح معجبا
Answer
Imam Abu Nu’aym (rahimahullah) has recorded this statement of the Tabi’i; Mutarrif ibn ‘Abdillah ibn Shikkhir (rahimahullah).
(Hilyatul Awliya, vol. 2 pg. 200)
After citing this statement of Mutarrif ibn ‘Abdillah, ‘Allamah Dhahabi says, ‘By Allah! Those who praise themselves or are self conceited will never succeed’
(Siyaru A’alamin Nubala, vol. 4 pg. 190)
Translation
It is more beloved to me that I spend the night asleep and awake regretful [for not offering Tahajjud Salah], rather than spending the night engaged in Tahajjud Salah but being proud/conceited in the morning.
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar
Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar