Malik ibn Dinar (may Allah have mercy on him) set out for Makkah.
Ja‘far ibn Sulayman, in a report Ibn Asakir includes in Tarikh Dimashq, relates that he travelled with him to Makkah.
When Malik entered ihram and was about to say the talbiyah, he fainted; then he came to and tried again to say it, and the same thing happened again.
Ja‘far asked him what was the matter, and he spoke of his fear of saying “Labbayk” and not being worthy of a response and of acceptance.
This is a report from one of the ascetics known for holding themselves to account, but its chain needs to be examined before all of its details can be affirmed.
A moment to reflect
One of the beautiful lessons here is that a person should neither be deceived by their own obedience nor despair of their Lord’s mercy.
The believer asks Allah for acceptance and fears falling short, yet also knows that Allah is merciful to His servants.
Allah the Exalted says:
﴿نَبِّئْ عِبَادِي أَنِّي أَنَا الْغَفُورُ الرَّحِيمُ وَأَنَّ عَذَابِي هُوَ الْعَذَابُ الْأَلِيمُ﴾“[O Muhammad], inform My servants that it is I who am the Forgiving, the Merciful. And that it is My punishment which is the painful punishment.”
al-Hijr 15:49–50 · Saheeh International, translation of the meaning · Quran.com
In this way the heart holds together reverence for Allah and hope for His forgiveness.
What do we know, and what do we not know?
- We know: Ibn Asakir reported the account of Malik ibn Dinar at ihram and the talbiyah, transmitting it from Ja‘far ibn Sulayman.
- We do not claim: the authenticity of a supplication attributed to Malik ibn Dinar in some circulating texts, mentioning the great number of pilgrims and their needs; we have not found a reliable source for it in that wording.
Sources
- Ibn Asakir, Tarikh Dimashq, entry on Malik ibn Dinar.
- The Noble Quran, Surat al-Hijr, verses 49–50.
- The chain of this report must be examined before final reliance.
When you call upon Allah, are you aware of your shortcomings, and aware too of the vastness of Allah’s mercy, which never runs out?