Question
I require a reference for this narration:
Sufyan ibn ‘Uyaynah (rahimahullah) was once questioned about the experience of unexplained sadness. He responded, “It is the consequence of a sin you intended to commit in secret but didn’t do so.”
Answer
Ibn Taymiyyah (rahimahullah) has cited this statement of Imam Sufyan ibn ‘Uyaynah (rahimahullah).
Imam Sufyan ibn ‘Uyaynah (rahimahullah) was once asked about experiencing unexplained sadness. He replied, “It is the consequence of a sin you intended to commit in secret but refrained from. The grief you experience is the consequence of that concealed intention.”
(Majmu’ul Fatawa, vol. 14, pg. 111)
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Mawlana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar
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وهذا قد يكون مما يعاقب فيه العبد بالغم كما سئل سفيان بن عيينة عن غم لا يعرف سببه قال هو ذنب هممت به في سرك ولم تفعله فجزيت هما به. فالذنوب لها عقوبات: السر بالسر والعلانية بالعلانية.