Question
Can you please mention the reference and Arabic text for this narration?
“Do not be Allah’s friend in public and His enemy in private.”- Al Zuhd
Answer
This narration is recorded in Kitabuz Zuhd of Imam Ahmad, Al Ikhlas Wan Niyyah of Imam Abu Bakr ibn Abid Dunya and Hilyatul Awliya as the statement of the Tabi’i, Bilal ibn Sa’d (rahimahullah).
(Kitabuz Zuhd: 2271, Al Ikhlas Wan Niyyah, 26 and Hilyatul Awliya, vol. 5 pg. 228)
Arabic text
لا تكن ولي الله في العلانية وعدوه في السر
Bilal ibn Sa’d (rahimahullah) is cautioning against putting on a facade and only doing good deeds in public whereas committing all types of sins in one’s private life.
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar