Chapter 149 - Permissibility of expressing feelings of agony in Serious Illness

Ibn Mas`ud reported: I visited the Prophet   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 was merely a human being. Besides, it tells us that one is at liberty to speak of one's suffering.

Sa`d bin Abu Waqqas reported: The Messenger of Allah 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].

Al-Qasim bin Muhammad reported `Aishah said: "Oh, my head.'' (It was hurting due to pain.) Thereupon the Prophet said,

"Rather it is I who says: `Oh, my headache.'''  (Then Al-Qasim narrated the complete narration).[Al-Bukhari].


Commentary: `Aishah had a headache and she told the Prophet 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.