Mishkat al-Masabih 2358

Al-Harith ibn Suwayd reported: ‘Abd Allah ibn Mas‘ud related two hadiths to us, one from the Messenger of God (peace be upon him) and the other from himself. He said: ‘A believer sees his sins as though he were sitting beneath a mountain, fearing it will fall on him. A wicked person sees his sins like a fly that passes his nose, and he waves it away with his hand.’ Then he said: I heard the Messenger of God (peace be upon him) say: ‘God is more joyful at the repentance of His believing servant than a man who stops in a desolate, deadly land with his riding camel carrying his food and drink. He lays his head down, sleeps briefly, then wakes to find that his camel has gone. He searches for it until the heat and thirst become severe, or whatever God wills. He says, “I will return to the place where I was and sleep until I die.” He lays his head on his forearm to die, then wakes to find his camel beside him with his provisions and drink. God is more joyful at the repentance of the believing servant than this man is at finding his camel and provisions.’ Muslim transmitted only the part raised to the Prophet; al-Bukhari also transmitted the part attributed to Ibn Mas‘ud himself. The Arabic source grades it sahih (al-Albani).