Al-Matalib al-'Aliyah 3471 — What happened among the Children

It is narrated from Sayyiduna Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) that he said: "A prophet supplicated against his nation (because of their rebellion). It was asked of him (by Allah Almighty): Would you like Me to set hunger and poverty over them? He said: No. Then he was asked: Would you like Me to cast their strife among themselves? He said: No. So the plague was set over them, which is a subtle death (coming quietly, suddenly and in great numbers); it scorches hearts with anguish and reduces the number (of people)."
Takhrij and grading: Imam Ishaq bin Rahwayh recorded this report in his Musnad (451) and Imam Ibn Abi Shaybah in al-Musannaf (35591); its chain is of hasan (good) grade.