A Du`a' attributed to Rabi`ah Al-`Adawiyyah

Q: I found a photocopied paper claiming that Lady Rabi`ah Al-`Adawiyyah used to say this Du`a' (supplication): "O Allah, if You know I worship you out of my desire for Your Jannah (Paradise), deprive me of it. If You know I worship You for fear of Your Hell-fire, torment me in it;" Is this saying permissible in Islam? What is the ruling on whoever says this Du`a'?

A: This Du`a' was not reported by the Prophet (peace be upon him) or any of his Companions (may Allah be pleased with them). It is just a famous Du`a' reported by Sufis; it is considered an aggressive Du`a', for it contradicts the Nas (Islamic text from the Qur’an or the Sunnah), such as His Saying (Exalted be He): Is one who is obedient to Allâh, prostrating himself or standing (in prayer) during the hours of the night, fearing the Hereafter and hoping for the Mercy of his Lord (like one who disbelieves)? He (Glorified be He) says about the prophets and righteous people: (Part No. 2; Page No. 229) Verily, they used to hasten on to do good deeds, and they used to call on Us with hope and fear, and used to humble themselves before Us. Allah (Exalted be He) has created Jannah and promised it to the pious; He has also created Hell-fire and promised it to the Kafirs (disbelievers). He informed us of the blessings of Jannah and the torment of Hell-fire, to encourage and admonish His Slaves. Therefore, the Du`a' in question should be abandoned.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.