Question
What is the status of this saying attributed to Sayyiduna ‘Umar (radiyallahu ‘anhu) which is being shared by many people?
‘Umar Ibnul Khattab (radiyallahu ‘anhu) said:
“There are four types of oceans:
(1) Passion is the ocean of sins,
(2) The nafs is the ocean of desires,
(3) Death is the ocean of lives,
(4) The grave is the ocean of regrets.”
Answer
I have not come across this statement of Sayyiduna ‘Umar ibnul Khattab (radiyallahu ‘anhu) in any primary source.
Abu ‘Abdillah; Muhammad ibn Muhammad Al Mambiji (Demise: 785 A.H.) has cited a similar narration as the statement of an unnamed wise person. The narration should be quoted as such.
(Tasliyatu Ahlil Masaib, pg. 193)
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Mawlana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar
__________
التخريج من المصادر العربية
تسلية أهل المصائب: (ص: ١٩٣)
وقال بعض الحكماء: أربعة أبحر لأربع: الموت بحر الحياة، والنفس بحر الشهوات، والقبر بحر الندامات، وعفو الله بحر الخطيئات، فنسأل الله العظيم أن يجعل الله القبر خير بيت نعمره ونسكنه!