What is the reference for this narration which is attributed to Sayyiduna ‘Umar (radiyallahu ‘anhu)?
إنكم كنتم أذل الناس، وأقل الناس، وأحقر الناس، فأعزكم الله بالإسلام، فمهما تطلبوا العز بغيره يذلكم الله
Answer
This narration is recorded in Kitabuz Zuhd of Imam ‘Abdullah ibnul Mubarak (rahimahullah).
(Kitabuz Zuhd, Hadith: 584)
Similar narrations are also recorded in Kitabuz Zuhd of Imam Abu Dawud (pg. 173) and Shu’abul Iman of Imam Bayhaqi, (Hadith: 7847)
Translation
Sayyiduna ‘Umar (radiyallahu ‘anhu) [told Sayyiduna Abu ‘Ubaydah ibnul Jarrah radiyallahu ‘anhu]: “You all were the most humiliated of people, the fewest in number, the most despicable and Allah granted you honour through Islam, If you ever seek honour through anything else, Allah will [once again] humiliate you.”
See the version recorded in Mustadrak Hakim here.
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar