Al-Matalib al-'Aliyah 2467 — Censure of one who never falls ill

It is narrated from Abu Uthman al-Nahdi (may Allah have mercy on him) that a very bulky Bedouin of large build came to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), and the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) asked him: "When did you last have a fever?" He said: I do not even know it (that is, I have never had one). He (peace and blessings be upon him) asked: "And what about headache?" He said: I do not know what that is. He (peace and blessings be upon him) asked: "Have you ever suffered any loss or decrease in your wealth and property?" He replied: No. He (peace and blessings be upon him) asked: "Have you ever been struck by grief over your children?" He said: No. So the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Indeed Allah Almighty hates the 'ifrit nifrit (that is, such a cunning, defiant, healthy and robust person) who is never struck by grief over his children and who never suffers any loss in his wealth."
Imam al-Harith bin Abi Usamah recorded this hadith in his Musnad, and its chain is of the hasan (good) grade. The term 'ifrit nifrit mentioned in the hadith refers to a person who is physically very strong and successful in worldly terms, but who, because he is spared trials, has become heedless of the remembrance of Allah and arrogant; for the hardships that befall a believer are a means of raising his ranks and forgiving his sins.