Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah 37324 — The words of Abu al-Darda

Abdullah bin Yazid relates that Sayyiduna Abu al-Darda (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "One night I went to the mosque in the darkness before dawn. When I entered, I passed by a man who was in prostration, and he was saying: 'O Allah, I am afraid and seeking refuge, so grant me refuge from Your punishment. And I am a poor man asking, so provide for me from Your bounty. I am not free of sin that I should offer an excuse, nor am I powerful that I should defend myself. Rather, I am a sinner seeking forgiveness.'" The narrator said: In the morning Sayyiduna Abu al-Darda (may Allah be pleased with him) began teaching these words to his students, as he thought well of them.