Hadith #11241

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

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

فَقْدُ الوَلَدِ مُحْرِقُ الكَبِدِ۔

This can be translated as,

The loss of a child burns the heart.

This wise utterance of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the immense pain and anguish that a parent experiences upon losing a child.

To understand the depth of this statement, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. "فَقْدُ" refers to the loss or absence of something or someone dear. "الوَلَدِ" specifically refers to a child, encompassing both sons and daughters. And "مُحْرِقُ" signifies burning or scorching, indicating the intensity of the emotional pain felt by a parent.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) acknowledges the profound grief experienced by individuals who have lost their loved ones. In Surah Al-Kahf (18:60-62), Allah says,

And [mention] when Moses prayed for water for his people, so We said, 'Strike with your staff the stone.' And there gushed forth from it twelve springs, and every people knew its watering place. 'Eat and drink from the provision of Allah, and do not commit abuse on the earth, spreading corruption.' And [mention] when you, [O Muhammad], were among the people of the Qur'an, and you recited to them Our verses, and they were turning away from them. And [mention] when Jesus, the son of Mary, said, 'O Children of Israel, indeed I am the messenger of Allah to you confirming what came before me of the Torah and bringing good tidings of a messenger to come after me, whose name is Ahmad.' But when he came to them with clear evidences, they said, 'This is obvious magic.'

These verses highlight the stories of Prophet Moses (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and Prophet Jesus (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), both of whom faced rejection and disbelief from their people despite their divine messages. The grief and sorrow they experienced due to the rejection of their guidance can be likened to the burning of the heart mentioned in the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ).

Similarly, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:156), Allah says,

Who, when disaster strikes them, say, 'Indeed we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return.'

This verse emphasizes the importance of recognizing that all matters, including the loss of a child, ultimately belong to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It reminds us that our return is to Him, and it is through seeking solace and strength in Him that we can find comfort in times of immense grief.

The loss of a child is undoubtedly one of the most devastating experiences a parent can endure. It is a profound test of faith, resilience, and emotional strength. The pain and anguish felt by a parent in such a situation are immeasurable, as it goes against the natural order of life. However, it is crucial to remember that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is the ultimate source of comfort and healing.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to Muslims that the loss of a child is a deeply painful experience that can leave a lasting impact on the heart. It encourages us to empathize with those who have suffered such a loss and to offer them support and compassion. It also reminds us to turn to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in times of grief, seeking solace and strength through prayer and remembrance.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the intense emotional pain experienced by parents upon losing a child. It reminds us of the importance of empathy, support, and seeking solace in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) during times of immense grief. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant patience and healing to all those who have suffered such a loss and may He grant us the strength to face the trials of life with steadfastness and faith.