Umāmah related that he and his father visited Anas ibn Mālik in Medina. Anas said: “The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, used to say: ‘Do not be overly strict with yourselves, lest you be dealt with strictly; for some people were overly strict with themselves…’” He then cited the remainder of the hadith, but without the words: “Therefore, worship Allah…” Its chain consists of trustworthy narrators used by al-Bukhārī, apart from this Sa‘īd: only Ibn Hibbān declared him trustworthy, and only two people narrated from him. The hadith master stated in al-Taqrīb: “Acceptable”—meaning when corroborated; otherwise, his hadith is weak, as he expressly stated in the introduction. Perhaps, then, this hadith of his is fair because it is supported by the mursal report of Abū Qilābah. Allah knows best.
208 – (Al-Bukhārī and others narrated that a group of Companions went to the homes of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, to ask his wives about his worship. When they were informed about it, they seemed to think it insufficient—that is, they considered it too little. They then said: “How can we compare ourselves to the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, when Allah has forgiven his past and future sins?” One of them said: “As for me, I will fast every day and never break my fast.” The second said: “As for me, I will stand in prayer all night and never sleep.” The third said: “As for me, I will abstain from women.” When this reached the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, he made clear to them their error and the deviation of their course, saying: “Indeed, I know Allah better than any of you and fear Him more than any of you; yet I stand in prayer and sleep, fast and break my fast, and marry women. Whoever turns away from my Sunnah is not of me.”) p. 169.
Authentic. Muslim also narrated it, and it is documented at the beginning of the “Book of Marriage” in al-Irwā’ (no. 1781).
209 – (He, peace be upon him, addressed young men in general, saying: “Young men, whoever among you is able to marry should do so, for it is more effective in lowering the gaze and guarding chastity.” Narrated by al-Bukhārī.) pp. 167 and 169.
Authentic. It appeared shortly above as (206).