What is the authenticity of the Hadith: (Allah revealed to David (peace be upon him) saying: "O David, if those who turn away from Me knew My anticipation for them, My gentleness towards them, and My longing for them to abandon their sins, they would die of longing for Me—and their limbs would be severed out of love for Me. O David, this is My will for those who turn away from Me, so how about those who turn towards Me?")?

This statement has no origin from the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, and none of his companions ever came across it. Rather, it is a statement mentioned by some who authored works on admonition, without being attributed to any of the Salaf. Ibn al-Qayyim, Ibn al-Jawzi, al-Ghazali, and al-Qushayri mentioned it with the صيغة (wording) "it was said," which indicates that it has no reliable origin. None of the hadith scholars mentioned it with a weak chain of transmission or otherwise.

It is not permissible to attribute it to the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, nor to definitively attribute it to Allah Almighty as having revealed it to David, peace be upon him. Rather, it is mentioned for admonition.

Two authentic hadiths suffice in its place: First: The hadith of Ibn Mas'ud about Allah's joy at the repentance of His believing servant. Second: The Qudsi hadith of Abu Hurairah about the servant drawing closer to Allah through supererogatory acts until Allah loves him.

In what is authentically established and sound, there is sufficient richness and adequacy.