Anas said, "The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, visited us. I had a young brother who used the kunya of Abu 'Umayr. He had a sparrow which he used to play with it and it had died. The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, came it and saw that he was sad. He asked, 'What is wrong with him?' He was told, 'His sparrow has died.' The Prophet said, 'Abu 'Umayr, what has happened to the little sparrow?'"
The Narration & Context
This hadith is narrated by the esteemed Companion Anas ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) and is recorded in the book Al-Adab Al-Mufrad by Imam al-Bukhari, specifically under the reference Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 847. It recounts a beautiful incident from the Prophet's life, demonstrating his profound compassion and his exemplary manner in interacting with children.
Commentary on the Kunya (Abu 'Umayr)
The young boy being given the Kunya "Abu 'Umayr" (Father of 'Umayr) is a significant practice. Scholars explain that bestowing a kunya upon a child, even when he is very young and has no son, is a Sunnah that fosters a sense of honor, maturity, and endearment. It is a form of respectful and affectionate address that elevates the child's status in the eyes of others and strengthens family and social bonds.
This act shows the Prophet's (ﷺ) profound understanding of human psychology and his desire to make every member of the community, regardless of age, feel valued and respected.
The Prophet's Exemplary Conduct
The core of this narration lies in the Prophet's (ﷺ) empathetic response. He did not dismiss the child's sadness over a "mere" sparrow. Instead, he acknowledged the boy's grief as valid and real. By visiting the family, noticing the child's demeanor, inquiring about the cause, and then addressing the boy directly with his kunya, the Prophet (ﷺ) demonstrated:
1. Compassion and Mercy: His heart was tender and responsive to the emotional state of a child.
2. Social Etiquette (Adab): He engaged with the child on his own level, using a gentle and playful tone ("What has happened to the little sparrow?") to console him.
3. Validation of Feelings: He taught us that the emotional world of a child is important and should not be trivialized.
Scholarly Conclusions & Lessons
Scholars derive numerous lessons from this short hadith: It is recommended to visit people in their homes, to be observant of others' feelings, to show kindness and compassion to children, to use kunyas as a form of respectful address, and to engage with people in a manner that puts them at ease. This incident is a timeless model for parents, educators, and leaders on how to build relationships based on empathy, respect, and genuine care.