Hadith #284

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:

A man can sleep on the death of his child, but cannot sleep at loss of property.

This wise utterance highlights the contrasting emotions experienced by individuals in different situations. To fully understand the depth and wisdom of this saying, let us delve into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith.

The word (thukl) "ثُكْلِ" refers to the death of a child, which is undoubtedly a heart-wrenching and tragic event. The loss of a child is a profound sorrow that can cause immense grief and pain. On the other hand, the word (harb) "حَرَبِ" signifies the loss of property or material possessions. While the loss of property can also be distressing, it is not comparable to the anguish felt upon the death of a loved one.

To further comprehend the wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:286):

Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear...

This verse reminds us that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) does not place a burden on us that exceeds our capacity to handle. It is through this divine wisdom that a person can find solace and strength even in the face of immense grief.

Moreover, in Surah Al-Isra (17:80), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

And We send down of the Quran that which is healing and mercy for the believers...

The Quran is a source of comfort and solace for believers, providing guidance and support during times of hardship. It is through the teachings of the Quran that we can find the strength to endure the loss of material possessions and find peace in the face of adversity.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the importance of recognizing the relative value of different aspects of life. While material possessions hold significance in this world, they are ultimately transient and can be regained. However, the loss of a loved one, especially a child, is an irreplaceable loss that leaves a lasting impact on the heart and soul.

This Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize their attachments and understand the true value of life. It encourages us to focus on cultivating strong relationships with our loved ones, cherishing their presence, and finding solace in the remembrance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It teaches us to seek comfort in the knowledge that our loved ones who have passed away are in the mercy and care of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Furthermore, this Hadith emphasizes the importance of detachment from material possessions. While it is natural to feel a sense of loss when faced with financial setbacks, it is crucial to remember that true wealth lies in faith, character, and the strength of our relationships. Material possessions are temporary and can be regained, but the loss of a loved one cannot be replaced.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to prioritize their attachments and understand the true value of life. It highlights the contrasting emotions experienced in different situations, emphasizing the irreplaceable loss of a loved one compared to the transient nature of material possessions. By seeking solace in the teachings of the Quran and the remembrance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), we can find strength, comfort, and peace in the face of adversity. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to prioritize what truly matters in this life and the next.