Prophet Muhammad - 14: Suffering loss of young children

Prophet Muhammad - 14: Suffering loss of young children

By Naushad Shamim Al-Haq

The early life of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was full of events that would have made any child prone to extreme depression.

He never knew his father who died before he was born. His mother died when he was only six years of age. Two years later, his grandfather, who took over his upbringing, also died. Yet God protected him from the traumatic effects that could have cast a shadow over his personality, giving him a home where he was loved and cared for. That was the home of his uncle, Abu Taleb, whose wife loved Muhammad as one of her own children. In his adult life, he suffered the loss of his two sons born to his first wife, Khadijah. He had no children by his other wives, until he was sent a gift of an Egyptian slave, Maria, who gave him his last son Ibraheem.

When Ibraheem was born, the Prophet was around 60 years of age. As one who always cared for other people, tried his best to alleviate their troubles, providing help wherever help was needed, caring for people in distress or difficulty, the Prophet was extremely happy when Ibraheem was born. He was a model father. No one loved his children as much as Muhammad (peace be upon him) did.

To have a son after a gap of more than 20 years since his youngest daughter was born gave him a feeling of supreme happiness and consummate joy. Although Maria, the child's mother, lived on the outskirts of Madinah, at some distance from the Prophet's mosque and home, he visited her regularly, and provided her with help to look after the child.

Yet Ibraheem did not complete two years of life. He was only 18 months when he died to give the Prophet heartfelt sorrow. His death extinguished the great hope that was kindled when he was born. The Prophet realized that God only chose what was best for him, and he looked at his son's death in that light. However, as human beings we are unable to discern God's wisdom when adversity strikes. We always wonder: Would it not have been better for us if we were spared that adversity? The Prophet was a human being and he must have felt the bitter pain. As the child was placed in his grave, the bereaved father stood weeping, nursing his bitter loss and praying to God. He tamed his sorrow with resigned acceptance of God's will. He said: "Eyes are tearful, minds are submissive and we are sorrowful to see you, Ibraheem, departing, but we only say what pleases our Lord."

Yet this was not the only time the Prophet experienced the loss of a child in his old age. Zainab, his eldest daughter, sent word to him that her young son was dying and she wanted him to come over. He told the messenger who brought her message: "Tell her that it is God who gives life and takes it away. Everything is determined by Him according to a fine measure. Let her be patient and resigned."

She sent back appealing to him to go over to her. He went to her home with a few of his companions. The child was given to him, painfully struggling for life. His companions saw his eyes brimming with tears. Saad asked him: "How come, Messenger of God?" He said: "This is a feeling of compassion which God places in the hearts of whomever He wills. God only shows mercy to those of His servants who are merciful." No human being was ever more merciful and compassionate than Muhammad (peace be upon him).