Book 14, Hadith 290

Unreviewed translation. All hadiths in this collection are available in five languages. Titles and introductions may remain in Arabic.

‘Abd Allah ibn Muhammad narrated to us: Abu ‘Amir narrated to us: ‘Abd al-Jalil ibn ‘Atiyya narrated to us, from Shahr, from Umm al-Darda’, who said: Abu al-Darda’ stood one night to pray. He began to weep and say, ‘O Allah, You made my creation beautiful, so make my character beautiful,’ until morning. I said, ‘Abu al-Darda’, was your supplication all night only for good character?’ He replied, ‘Umm al-Darda’, a Muslim servant improves his character until his good character brings him into the Garden; and he behaves badly until his bad character brings him into the Fire. A Muslim servant is forgiven while he is asleep.’ I asked, ‘Abu al-Darda’, how can he be forgiven while asleep?’ He said, ‘His brother rises during the night, strives in worship, and supplicates to Allah, Mighty and Majestic, and He answers him; he also supplicates for his brother, and He answers him concerning him.’