‘Umar b. al-Khattab said that captives came to the Prophet among whom was a woman whose breast was oozing with milk. She was running, and when she found a boy among the captives she took him, put him to her breast and suckled him. Then the Prophet said to us, “Do you think this woman will cast her child into the fire?” We replied, “No, so long as is she in a position not to do so.” He said, “God is more merciful to His servants than this woman is to her child.” (Bukhari and Muslim.)
Hadith Commentary
This profound narration from the noble Companion 'Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) presents one of the most compelling demonstrations of divine mercy in the Islamic tradition. The incident occurred during a military expedition when captives were brought before the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him).
The Maternal Scene
The description of the woman with milk flowing from her breasts indicates she was recently separated from her child. Her frantic search among the captives and immediate nursing upon finding her son demonstrates the primal, instinctual nature of maternal love. This was not merely emotional attachment but a biological imperative manifesting as profound care.
The Prophetic Analogy
The Prophet's rhetorical question - "Do you think this woman will cast her child into the fire?" - employs the method of qiyas (analogical reasoning) from the lesser to the greater. If a human mother, despite being a captive in enemy hands, would never willingly harm her child, then how much more must the Creator, the Most Merciful, care for His creation?
Divine Mercy Exceeds Human Mercy
The Companions' cautious response - "No, so long as she is in a position not to do so" - reflects their understanding of human nature. The Prophet's concluding statement establishes that Allah's mercy surpasses even the strongest natural bonds. This aligns with the Qur'anic verse: "My Mercy encompasses all things" (7:156).
Theological Implications
This hadith reinforces the Asha'ri and Maturidi theological position regarding divine attributes. It confirms that Allah's mercy is real and perfect, while simultaneously affirming that His wisdom may decree what appears to be harshness for greater wisdom known only to Him. The mercy described is not metaphorical but actual, though we cannot comprehend its full nature.
Practical Lessons
This narration teaches believers to always maintain hope in Allah's mercy, to never despair of divine compassion, and to understand that whatever trials befall us contain wisdom and eventual mercy. It also instructs us to reflect upon natural phenomena as signs pointing to divine attributes.