Sayyiduna Anas bin Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that three men (Ali bin Abi Talib, Abdullah bin Amr bin Al-As, and Uthman bin Maz'un, may Allah be pleased with them) came to the houses of the wives of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) to ask about his worship. When they were informed about the actions of the Prophet (peace be upon him), it seemed to them as if it was little, and they said, "What comparison do we have with the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him)? All his past and future mistakes have been forgiven." One of them said, "From today, I will always pray all night long." The second said, "I will always fast and never break my fast." The third said, "I will keep away from women and never marry." Then the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) came and asked them, "Are you the ones who said these things?" Listen! By Allah, I am the one who fears Allah the most among you, and I am the most pious among you, but I fast and I also break my fast, I pray (at night) and I also sleep, and I marry women. Whoever turns away from my way is not from me.
Hadith Referenceاللؤلؤ والمرجان / كتاب النكاح / 885
Hadith Gradingمحدثین:«صحیح»
Hadith Takhrij«صحیح، أخرجه البخاري في: 67 كتاب النكاح: 1 باب الترغيب في النكاح»