Is the following narration correctly attributed to Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) or is the statement of Sayyiduna ‘Ali (radiyallahu ‘anhu)?
إن أخوف ما أخاف عليكم اثنتان: اتباع الهوى، وطول الأمل، فأما اتباع الهوى: فيصد عن الحق، وأما طول الأمل: فينسي الآخرة، ألا وإن الآخرة قد ارتحلت مقبلة، ألا وإن الدنيا قد ارتحلت مدبرة، ولكل واحد منهما بنون، فكونوا من أبناء الآخرة، ولا تكونوا من أبناء الدنيا، فإن اليوم عمل ولا حساب، وغدا حساب ولا عمل
Answer
Imam Abu Bakr ibn Abid Dunya (rahimahullah) has recorded this particular version as the statement of Sayyiduna ‘Ali (radiyallahu ‘anhu). Imam Bukhari (rahimahullah) has also cited a similar narration as the statement of Sayyiduna ‘Ali (radiyallahu ‘anhu).
(Kitabu Qasril Amal, Hadith: 49, Sahih Bukhari, before Hadith: 6417)
Some weak versions do mention a similar narration as a Hadith of Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam).
(Refer: Kitabu Qasril Amal, Hadith: 3, Fathul Bari, before Hadith: 6417, Al ‘Ilalul Mutanahiyah, Hadith: 1361-1362)
Translation
Among the things I fear most for you are; following your desires and having lengthy aspirations. Following desires averts you from the truth. Having lengthy aspirations causes you to forget the Hereafter. Certainly the hereafter is advancing and this world is retreating. Each of them has sons. Be among the sons of the Hereafter and do not be among the sons of this world. Today there is action without reckoning and tomorrow there will be reckoning and no action.”
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar
Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar