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