Verily, among your wives and your children there are enemies for you (Surah At-Taghabun 64: 14-15)

Your wealth and your children are only a Fitnah, whereas Allah! With Him is a great reward. (Surah At-Taghabun 64: 15)

Warning against the Fitnah of Spouses and Offspring

Allah states that some wives and children are enemies to their husbands and fathers, in that they might be busied with them rather than with performing the good deeds. Allah said in another Ayah,

O you who believe! Let not your properties or you children divert you from the remembrance of Allah. And whosoever does that then they are the losers. (Surah Al-Munafiqun 63::9) Allah the Exalted said here,

therefore, beware of them! for your religion, according to Ibn Zayd. Mujahid explained the Ayah ,

Verily, among your wives and your children there are enemies for you; by saying, "They might direct the man to sever his relation or disobey his Lord. The man, who loves his wives and children, might obey them in this case.'' Ibn Abi Hatim recorded that Ibn `Abbas (Radhi Allahu Anhuma) said to a man who asked him about this Ayah,

O you who believe! Verily, among your wives and your children there are enemies for you; therefore beware of them! "There were men who embraced Islam in Makkah and wanted to migrate to Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam). However, their wives and children refused to allow them. Later when they joined Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam), they found that those who were with him (the Companions) have gained knowledge in the religion, so they were about to punish their wives and children. Allah the Exalted sent down this Ayah,

But if you pardon (them) and overlook, and forgive, then verily, Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.''  At-Tirmidhi collected this Hadith and said that it is Hasan Sahih. Allah's statement,

Your wealth and your children are only a Fintah, whereas Allah! With Him is a great reward.  Allah said that the wealth and children are a test and trial from Allah the Exalted for His creatures, so that He knows those who obey Him and those who disobey Him. Allah's statement,

whereas Allah! With Him meaning, on the Day of Resurrection,

is a great reward.  As Allah said;

Beautified for men is the love of things they covet; women children, Qanatir Al-Muqantarah of gold and silver, branded beautiful horses, cattle and well-tilled land. This is the pleasure of the present world's life; but Allah has the excellent return with him.(Surah Al-‘Imran 3: 4),  and the Ayah after it. Imam Ahmad recorded that Buraydah said, "The Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) was giving a speech and Al-Hasan and Husayn (Radhi Allahu Anhuma) came in wearing red shirts, walking and tripping. The Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) descended from the Minbar, held them and placed them in front of them and said,

Allah and His Messenger said the truth,  `Verily, your wealth and your children are a Fitnah.'  I saw these two boys walking and tripping and could not be patient until I stopped my speech and picked them up. '' This was recorded by the Sunan compilers, and At-Tirmidhi said, "Hasan Gharib.''


Source: Tafsir ibn Kathir (Abridged)