Fatwa by: Former Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia, Sheikh Ibn Baz (may Allah have mercy on him)
Question:
I am ill, and sometimes I cry involuntarily due to my painful condition. Does this mean that I am objecting to Allah’s decree or expressing dissatisfaction with His decision? Also, does discussing my illness with relatives indicate a lack of acceptance of Allah’s decree?
Answer:
If crying is without wailing (shouting or screaming) and is merely in the form of tears, there is no harm in it. When the Prophet Muhammad's (peace be upon him) son Ibrahim passed away, the Prophet said:
"The eyes shed tears and the heart is grieved, but we will not say anything except what pleases our Lord. O Ibrahim! We are grieved by your departure."
(Kanz al-Ummal 42483/15)
There are several other Hadiths with similar meanings. Likewise, if you speak about your illness to your relatives while praising and thanking Allah, seeking health and well-being from Him, and adopting legitimate means, there is no harm in doing so. We advise you to remain patient and steadfast, and we bring you glad tidings, as Allah says:
"Indeed, the steadfast will be given their reward without account."
(Surah Az-Zumar: 10)
The Prophet (peace be upon him) also said:
"No believer is afflicted with fatigue, illness, worry, grief, or harm — even a thorn that pricks him — except that Allah expiates his sins because of it."
(Kanz al-Ummal 6848/3)
And he said:
"Whomever Allah intends good for, He afflicts him with trials."
(Sahih al-Bukhari 199/7)
We pray to Allah to grant you health and well-being, and to rectify your heart and deeds. Indeed, He is the All-Hearing and the One who accepts prayers.
Question:
I am ill, and sometimes I cry involuntarily due to my painful condition. Does this mean that I am objecting to Allah’s decree or expressing dissatisfaction with His decision? Also, does discussing my illness with relatives indicate a lack of acceptance of Allah’s decree?
Answer:
If crying is without wailing (shouting or screaming) and is merely in the form of tears, there is no harm in it. When the Prophet Muhammad's (peace be upon him) son Ibrahim passed away, the Prophet said:
"The eyes shed tears and the heart is grieved, but we will not say anything except what pleases our Lord. O Ibrahim! We are grieved by your departure."
(Kanz al-Ummal 42483/15)
There are several other Hadiths with similar meanings. Likewise, if you speak about your illness to your relatives while praising and thanking Allah, seeking health and well-being from Him, and adopting legitimate means, there is no harm in doing so. We advise you to remain patient and steadfast, and we bring you glad tidings, as Allah says:
"Indeed, the steadfast will be given their reward without account."
(Surah Az-Zumar: 10)
The Prophet (peace be upon him) also said:
"No believer is afflicted with fatigue, illness, worry, grief, or harm — even a thorn that pricks him — except that Allah expiates his sins because of it."
(Kanz al-Ummal 6848/3)
And he said:
"Whomever Allah intends good for, He afflicts him with trials."
(Sahih al-Bukhari 199/7)
We pray to Allah to grant you health and well-being, and to rectify your heart and deeds. Indeed, He is the All-Hearing and the One who accepts prayers.