Can you mention the reference and Arabic for this?
Sayyiduna Abud Darda (radiyallahu ‘anhu) used to sit next to graves and when he was asked about this, he replied, “I am sitting amongst those people who remind me of the hereafter and when I leave, they will not backbite me.”
Answer
Imam Ghazali (rahimahullah) has cited this narration. ‘Allamah Zabidi (rahimahullah) has referenced it to Kitabul Qubur of Imam Abu Bakr ibn Abid Dunya.
(Ihya Ulumid Din, vol. 9 pg. 443, Ithafus Sadah Al Muttaqin, vol. 10 pg. 352/353. Also see: Kitabul Qubur, Hadith: 11)
Arabic text of the version in question
كان أبو الدرداء يقعد إلى القبور فقيل له في ذلك فقال أجلس إلى قوم يذكرونني معادي وإن قمت عنهم لم يغتابوني
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar
Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar