Chapter 149

Permissibility of expressing feelings of agony in Serious Illness

914. Ibn Mas`ud (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I visited the Prophet ({PBUH) while he was suffering. I said: “(O Messenger of Allah!) You suffer too much.” He said, “Yes, I suffer as much as two men of you.”

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Commentary: This Hadith also throws light on the fact that the Prophet (PBUH) was merely a human being. Besides, it tells us that one is at liberty to speak of one’s suffering.

915. Sa`d bin Abu Waqqas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) came to visit me when I had a severe pain. I said: “I am suffering from such trouble as you are observing. I am a wealthy man and the only heir of mine is my daughter.” (Then Sa`d narrated the whole incident).

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

916. Al-Qasim bin Muhammad reported `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) said: “Oh, my head.” (It was hurting due to pain.) Thereupon the Prophet (PBUH) said, “Rather it is I who says: `Oh, my headache.”’ (Then Al-Qasim narrated the complete narration).

[Al-Bukhari].

Commentary: `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) had a headache and she told the Prophet (PBUH) about it. He said, “My head too is splitting with pain.” This means that a man can express the intensity of his pain and suffering, provided he has no intention to complain against the Will of Allah and point out his sorrow and frustration. Al-Qasim bin Muhammad bin Abu Bakr, the reporter of this Hadith, was `Aishah’s nephew and one of the seven distinguished jurists of Al-Madinah.

REFERENCE:

Riyadh ul Saliheen