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Sahih al-Bukhari · 8 narrations

Hadith about grief and loss

The Prophet ﷺ wept at the loss of his son and said the eyes shed tears and the heart grieves. These narrations speak to mourning, comforting the bereaved, and the hope held out to those who lose someone they love.

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Sahih al-Bukhari 1303

Book of Funerals (Al-Janaa'iz)

حَدَّثَنَا الْحَسَنُ بْنُ عَبْدِ الْعَزِيزِ، حَدَّثَنَا يَحْيَى بْنُ حَسَّانَ، حَدَّثَنَا قُرَيْشٌ ـ هُوَ ابْنُ حَيَّانَ ـ عَنْ ثَابِتٍ، عَنْ أَنَسِ بْنِ مَالِكٍ ـ رضى الله عنه ـ قَالَ دَخَلْنَا مَعَ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم عَلَى أَبِي سَيْفٍ الْقَيْنِ ـ وَكَانَ ظِئْرًا لإِبْرَاهِيمَ ـ عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمُ ـ فَأَخَذَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم إِبْرَاهِيمَ فَقَبَّلَهُ وَشَمَّهُ، ثُمَّ دَخَلْنَا عَلَيْهِ بَعْدَ ذَلِكَ، وَإِبْرَاهِيمُ يَجُودُ بِنَفْسِهِ، فَجَعَلَتْ عَيْنَا رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم تَذْرِفَانِ‏.‏ فَقَالَ لَهُ عَبْدُ الرَّحْمَنِ بْنُ عَوْفٍ ـ رضى الله عنه ـ وَأَنْتَ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ فَقَالَ ‏"‏ يَا ابْنَ عَوْفٍ إِنَّهَا رَحْمَةٌ ‏"‏‏.‏ ثُمَّ أَتْبَعَهَا بِأُخْرَى فَقَالَ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏"‏ إِنَّ الْعَيْنَ تَدْمَعُ، وَالْقَلْبَ يَحْزَنُ، وَلاَ نَقُولُ إِلاَّ مَا يَرْضَى رَبُّنَا، وَإِنَّا بِفِرَاقِكَ يَا إِبْرَاهِيمُ لَمَحْزُونُونَ ‏"‏‏.‏ رَوَاهُ مُوسَى عَنْ سُلَيْمَانَ بْنِ الْمُغِيرَةِ عَنْ ثَابِتٍ عَنْ أَنَسٍ ـ رضى الله عنه ـ عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم‏.‏

Narrated Anas bin Malik:

We went with Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) (p.b.u.h) to the blacksmith Abu Saif, and he was the husband of the wet-nurse of Ibrahim (the son of the Prophet). Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) took Ibrahim and kissed him and smelled him and later we entered Abu Saif's house and at that time Ibrahim was in his last breaths, and the eyes of Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) (p.b.u.h) started shedding tears. `Abdur Rahman bin `Auf said, "O Allah's Apostle, even you are weeping!" He said, "O Ibn `Auf, this is mercy." Then he wept more and said, "The eyes are shedding tears and the heart is grieved, and we will not say except what pleases our Lord, O Ibrahim ! Indeed we are grieved by your separation."

What it teaches

This hadith teaches that it is permissible and a sign of mercy to express natural human emotions such as sorrow and tears when experiencing loss, provided that one's words and actions remain within the bounds of submission to Allah's ﷻ will and do not involve lamenting or questioning divine decree.

In plain words

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) showed deep affection for his infant son, Ibrahim. When Ibrahim was dying, the Prophet (PBUH) wept out of mercy and grief. He clarified that while natural human emotions like sadness are permissible, one must only express what is pleasing to Allah ﷻ, accepting His decree.

Where it applies

  • Dealing with the death of a loved one
  • Experiencing profound sadness or grief
  • Understanding appropriate emotional responses in Islam
  • Coping with personal tragedy
  • Mourning a child's passing

Sahih al-Bukhari 1252

Book of Funerals (Al-Janaa'iz)

حَدَّثَنَا آدَمُ، حَدَّثَنَا شُعْبَةُ، حَدَّثَنَا ثَابِتٌ، عَنْ أَنَسِ بْنِ مَالِكٍ ـ رضى الله عنه ـ قَالَ مَرَّ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم بِامْرَأَةٍ عِنْدَ قَبْرٍ وَهِيَ تَبْكِي فَقَالَ ‏ "‏ اتَّقِي اللَّهَ وَاصْبِرِي ‏"‏‏.‏

Narrated Anas bin Malik:

The Prophet (ﷺ) passed by a woman who was sitting and weeping beside a grave and said to her, "Fear Allah and be patient."

What it teaches

This hadith teaches the paramount importance of exercising patience (sabr) and maintaining consciousness of Allah ﷻ (taqwa) during times of profound sorrow and loss, such as mourning a deceased loved one.

In plain words

A woman was weeping at a grave when Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) passed by. He advised her to remember Allah's ﷻ might and to endure her grief with patience.

Where it applies

  • Coping with the death of a loved one
  • Experiencing deep sorrow or grief
  • Seeking guidance during personal tragedy
  • Advising someone in distress

Sahih al-Bukhari 1300

Book of Funerals (Al-Janaa'iz)

حَدَّثَنَا عَمْرُو بْنُ عَلِيٍّ، حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ فُضَيْلٍ، حَدَّثَنَا عَاصِمٌ الأَحْوَلُ، عَنْ أَنَسٍ ـ رضى الله عنه ـ قَالَ قَنَتَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم شَهْرًا حِينَ قُتِلَ الْقُرَّاءُ، فَمَا رَأَيْتُ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم حَزِنَ حُزْنًا قَطُّ أَشَدَّ مِنْهُ‏.‏

Narrated Anas:

When the reciters of Qur'an were martyred, Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) recited Qunut for one month and I never saw him (i.e. Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)) so sad as he was on that day.

What it teaches

The hadith teaches that it is natural and permissible to experience deep sorrow in the face of great loss and injustice, particularly when righteous individuals are killed. It also demonstrates the Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) practice of seeking Allah's ﷻ help through specific supplications like Qunut during times of severe calamity and grief, setting an example for believers.

In plain words

This hadith describes Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) profound sadness when a group of Qur'an reciters were martyred. He (PBUH) performed a special supplication known as Qunut in his prayers for an entire month, demonstrating his deep grief and turning to Allah ﷻ during this severe tragedy. Anas (RA) observed that this was the most intense sorrow he had ever witnessed from the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

Where it applies

  • Coping with profound loss or tragedy
  • Responding to the death of righteous or knowledgeable individuals
  • Seeking Allah's ﷻ help through prayer during times of great difficulty
  • Understanding the emotional responses of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

Sahih al-Bukhari 5689

Book of Medicine

حَدَّثَنَا حِبَّانُ بْنُ مُوسَى، أَخْبَرَنَا عَبْدُ اللَّهِ، أَخْبَرَنَا يُونُسُ بْنُ يَزِيدَ، عَنْ عُقَيْلٍ، عَنِ ابْنِ شِهَابٍ، عَنْ عُرْوَةَ، عَنْ عَائِشَةَ ـ رضى الله عنها ـ أَنَّهَا كَانَتْ تَأْمُرُ بِالتَّلْبِينِ لِلْمَرِيضِ وَلِلْمَحْزُونِ عَلَى الْهَالِكِ، وَكَانَتْ تَقُولُ إِنِّي سَمِعْتُ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَقُولُ ‏ "‏ إِنَّ التَّلْبِينَةَ تُجِمُّ فُؤَادَ الْمَرِيضِ، وَتَذْهَبُ بِبَعْضِ الْحُزْنِ ‏"‏‏.‏

Narrated 'Urwa:

Aisha used to recommend at-Talbina for the sick and for such a person as grieved over a dead person. She used to say, "I heard Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) saying, 'at-Talbina gives rest to the heart of the patient and makes it active and relieves some of his sorrow and grief.'"

What it teaches

This hadith teaches about the specific health and emotional benefits of Talbina, a food recommended by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). It highlights a prophetic guidance for supporting well-being during illness and grief, emphasizing its soothing effect on the heart.

In plain words

Aisha (RA) used to recommend Talbina, a barley-based food, for people who were sick or deeply saddened by a death. She explained that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said Talbina gives rest to the heart of a patient and helps reduce some of their sorrow.

Where it applies

  • When someone is physically ill
  • When experiencing deep sorrow or grief over a loss
  • Seeking natural remedies for health and emotional well-being
  • Providing comfort and support to the sick or bereaved

Sahih al-Bukhari 1244

Book of Funerals (Al-Janaa'iz)

حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ بَشَّارٍ، حَدَّثَنَا غُنْدَرٌ، حَدَّثَنَا شُعْبَةُ، قَالَ سَمِعْتُ مُحَمَّدَ بْنَ الْمُنْكَدِرِ، قَالَ سَمِعْتُ جَابِرَ بْنَ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ـ رضى الله عنهما ـ قَالَ لَمَّا قُتِلَ أَبِي جَعَلْتُ أَكْشِفُ الثَّوْبَ عَنْ وَجْهِهِ أَبْكِي، وَيَنْهَوْنِي عَنْهُ وَالنَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم لاَ يَنْهَانِي، فَجَعَلَتْ عَمَّتِي فَاطِمَةُ تَبْكِي، فَقَالَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏ "‏ تَبْكِينَ أَوْ لاَ تَبْكِينَ، مَا زَالَتِ الْمَلاَئِكَةُ تُظِلُّهُ بِأَجْنِحَتِهَا حَتَّى رَفَعْتُمُوهُ ‏"‏‏.‏ تَابَعَهُ ابْنُ جُرَيْجٍ أَخْبَرَنِي ابْنُ الْمُنْكَدِرِ سَمِعَ جَابِرًا ـ رضى الله عنه ـ‏.‏

Narrated Jabir bin `Abdullah:

When my father was martyred, I lifted the sheet from his face and wept and the people forbade me to do so but the Prophet (ﷺ) did not forbid me. Then my aunt Fatima began weeping and the Prophet (ﷺ) said, "It is all the same whether you weep or not. The angels were shading him continuously with their wings till you shifted him (from the field). "

What it teaches

This hadith teaches the permissibility of natural weeping and expressing grief for a deceased loved one, as long as it does not involve excessive lamentation or prohibited acts. It also reveals the high status and honor of a martyr in the sight of Allah ﷻ, indicated by the continuous shading of angels, providing comfort and reassurance to those experiencing such a profound loss.

In plain words

This hadith describes Jabir bin `Abdullah (RA) weeping for his martyred father. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) did not forbid him, explaining that angels had been shading the martyr continuously with their wings until his body was moved. This teaches that natural human grief, expressed through tears, is permissible, and highlights the immense honor and special status bestowed upon martyrs by Allah ﷻ.

Where it applies

  • Dealing with the death of a loved one
  • Understanding the status of martyrs in Islam
  • Seeking comfort during bereavement
  • Guidance on expressing natural grief

Sahih al-Bukhari 5417

Book of Food, Meals

حَدَّثَنَا يَحْيَى بْنُ بُكَيْرٍ، حَدَّثَنَا اللَّيْثُ، عَنْ عُقَيْلٍ، عَنِ ابْنِ شِهَابٍ، عَنْ عُرْوَةَ، عَنْ عَائِشَةَ، زَوْجِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم أَنَّهَا كَانَتْ إِذَا مَاتَ الْمَيِّتُ مِنْ أَهْلِهَا فَاجْتَمَعَ لِذَلِكَ النِّسَاءُ، ثُمَّ تَفَرَّقْنَ، إِلاَّ أَهْلَهَا وَخَاصَّتَهَا، أَمَرَتْ بِبُرْمَةٍ مِنْ تَلْبِينَةٍ فَطُبِخَتْ، ثُمَّ صُنِعَ ثَرِيدٌ فَصُبَّتِ التَّلْبِينَةُ عَلَيْهَا ثُمَّ قَالَتْ كُلْنَ مِنْهَا فَإِنِّي سَمِعْتُ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَقُولُ ‏ "‏ التَّلْبِينَةُ مَجَمَّةٌ لِفُؤَادِ الْمَرِيضِ، تَذْهَبُ بِبَعْضِ الْحُزْنِ ‏"‏‏.‏

Narrated `Aisha:

(the wife of the Prophet) that whenever one of her relatives died, the women assembled and then dispersed (returned to their houses) except her relatives and close friends. She would order that a pot of Talbina be cooked. Then Tharid (a dish prepared from meat and bread) would be prepared and the Talbina would be poured on it. `Aisha would say (to the women),"Eat of it, for I heard Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) saying, 'The Talbina soothes the heart of the patient and relieves him from some of his sadness.' "

What it teaches

This hadith teaches about the comforting and potentially therapeutic properties of Talbina for those who are ill or experiencing sadness, as affirmed by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). It also illustrates Aisha's (RA) practice of providing solace and support to her family and friends during times of bereavement by applying this prophetic guidance.

In plain words

Aisha (RA) would prepare Talbina, a dish often served with Tharid, for her family and close friends after a death. She encouraged them to eat it, explaining that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said Talbina soothes the heart of the patient and helps relieve sadness.

Where it applies

  • Experiencing grief after a loss
  • Feeling unwell or sad
  • Seeking natural remedies for emotional distress
  • Providing comfort to others in sorrow
  • Applying prophetic guidance for well-being

Sahih al-Bukhari 6424

Book of To make the Heart Tender (Ar-Riqaq)

حَدَّثَنَا قُتَيْبَةُ، حَدَّثَنَا يَعْقُوبُ بْنُ عَبْدِ الرَّحْمَنِ، عَنْ عَمْرٍو، عَنْ سَعِيدٍ الْمَقْبُرِيِّ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏ "‏ يَقُولُ اللَّهُ تَعَالَى مَا لِعَبْدِي الْمُؤْمِنِ عِنْدِي جَزَاءٌ، إِذَا قَبَضْتُ صَفِيَّهُ مِنْ أَهْلِ الدُّنْيَا، ثُمَّ احْتَسَبَهُ إِلاَّ الْجَنَّةُ ‏"‏‏.‏

Narrated Abu Huraira:

Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "Allah says, 'I have nothing to give but Paradise as a reward to my believer slave, who, if I cause his dear friend (or relative) to die, remains patient (and hopes for Allah's Reward).

What it teaches

This hadith teaches that enduring the profound sorrow of losing a loved one with patience and a sincere hope for Allah's ﷻ reward is an act highly valued by Allah ﷻ, for which He promises the ultimate recompense of Paradise. It emphasizes the spiritual significance of patience during bereavement.

In plain words

This hadith, a divine saying from Allah ﷻ conveyed by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), states that Allah ﷻ promises Paradise as a reward to any believing servant who patiently endures the death of a beloved person (whether a friend or relative) and seeks Allah's ﷻ reward for their steadfastness.

Where it applies

  • Experiencing the death of a family member
  • Coping with the loss of a close friend
  • Seeking comfort and hope during bereavement
  • Understanding the spiritual reward for patience in hardship

Sahih al-Bukhari 1284

Book of Funerals (Al-Janaa'iz)

حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدَانُ، وَمُحَمَّدٌ، قَالاَ أَخْبَرَنَا عَبْدُ اللَّهِ، أَخْبَرَنَا عَاصِمُ بْنُ سُلَيْمَانَ، عَنْ أَبِي عُثْمَانَ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنِي أُسَامَةُ بْنُ زَيْدٍ ـ رضى الله عنهما ـ قَالَ أَرْسَلَتِ ابْنَةُ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم إِلَيْهِ إِنَّ ابْنًا لِي قُبِضَ فَائْتِنَا‏.‏ فَأَرْسَلَ يُقْرِئُ السَّلاَمَ وَيَقُولُ ‏"‏ إِنَّ لِلَّهِ مَا أَخَذَ وَلَهُ مَا أَعْطَى وَكُلٌّ عِنْدَهُ بِأَجَلٍ مُسَمًّى، فَلْتَصْبِرْ وَلْتَحْتَسِبْ ‏"‏‏.‏ فَأَرْسَلَتْ إِلَيْهِ تُقْسِمُ عَلَيْهِ لَيَأْتِيَنَّهَا، فَقَامَ وَمَعَهُ سَعْدُ بْنُ عُبَادَةَ وَمُعَاذُ بْنُ جَبَلٍ وَأُبَىُّ بْنُ كَعْبٍ وَزَيْدُ بْنُ ثَابِتٍ وَرِجَالٌ، فَرُفِعَ إِلَى رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم الصَّبِيُّ وَنَفْسُهُ تَتَقَعْقَعُ ـ قَالَ حَسِبْتُهُ أَنَّهُ قَالَ ـ كَأَنَّهَا شَنٌّ‏.‏ فَفَاضَتْ عَيْنَاهُ‏.‏ فَقَالَ سَعْدٌ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ مَا هَذَا فَقَالَ ‏"‏ هَذِهِ رَحْمَةٌ جَعَلَهَا اللَّهُ فِي قُلُوبِ عِبَادِهِ، وَإِنَّمَا يَرْحَمُ اللَّهُ مِنْ عِبَادِهِ الرُّحَمَاءَ ‏"‏‏.‏

Narrated Usama bin Zaid:

The daughter of the Prophet (p.b.u.h) sent (a messenger) to the Prophet (ﷺ) requesting him to come as her child was dying (or was gasping), but the Prophet (ﷺ) returned the messenger and told him to convey his greeting to her and say: "Whatever Allah takes is for Him and whatever He gives, is for Him, and everything with Him has a limited fixed term (in this world) and so she should be patient and hope for Allah's reward." She again sent for him, swearing that he should come. The Prophet (ﷺ) got up, and so did Sa`d bin 'Ubada, Mu`adh bin Jabal, Ubai bin Ka`b, Zaid bin Thabit and some other men. The child was brought to Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) while his breath was disturbed in his chest (the sub-narrator thinks that Usama added: ) as if it was a leather water-skin. On that the eyes of the Prophet (p.b.u.h) started shedding tears. Sa`d said, "O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! What is this?" He replied, "It is mercy which Allah has lodged in the hearts of His slaves, and Allah is merciful only to those of His slaves who are merciful (to others).

What it teaches

This Hadith teaches believers to be patient and seek reward from Allah ﷻ when facing loss, accepting His divine decree over life and death. It also demonstrates the Prophet's (PBUH) profound compassion and clarifies that the tears shed out of mercy are a sign of faith, further emphasizing that Allah ﷻ extends His mercy to those who show mercy to others.

In plain words

The Prophet's (PBUH) daughter sent for him when her child was dying. He (PBUH) initially sent a message emphasizing patience and acceptance of Allah's ﷻ decree, stating that all belongs to Allah ﷻ and has a fixed term. When he (PBUH) eventually went and saw the child, his (PBUH) eyes shed tears, which he (PBUH) explained as mercy placed by Allah ﷻ in the hearts of His servants, and that Allah ﷻ shows mercy to those who are merciful.

Where it applies

  • Coping with the death of a loved one
  • Responding to personal tragedy
  • Showing empathy to those in distress
  • Understanding the nature of grief
  • Seeking Allah's ﷻ reward during hardship

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