When we were with the Prophet on one of his expeditions he came upon some people and asked who they were, to which they replied that they were Muslims. A woman who had a son of hers with her was kindling a fire under her pot, and when the heat increased she moved him away. She then went to the Prophet and asked, “Are you God’s messenger?” On his replying that he was, she said, “You for whom I would give my father and mother as ransom, tell me if God is not the most merciful of those who are merciful.” He replied that He certainly is, and she asked, “Is God not more merciful to His servants than a mother to her child?” and when he assured her that He certainly is, she replied that a mother does not cast her child into the fire. God’s messenger then bowed his head and wept, and afterwards raised it, looked at her and said, “God punishes only those of His servants who act audaciously towards Him and refuse to say that there is no god but God.” Ibn Majah transmitted it.
Commentary on the Hadith from Mishkat al-Masabih
This profound narration from Mishkat al-Masabih (Hadith 2378) presents a remarkable dialogue between a believing woman and the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) that illuminates fundamental aspects of divine mercy and justice.
The Woman's Insightful Questioning
The woman's approach demonstrates deep theological understanding. Her initial action of moving her child away from the fire establishes the natural maternal instinct to protect offspring from harm.
Her questions progress logically: first confirming the Prophet's identity, then establishing God's supreme mercy, and finally drawing the analogy between divine and maternal compassion.
The Prophet's Emotional Response
The Messenger's bowing of head and weeping indicates the profound emotional and spiritual impact of her inquiry. This demonstrates how even the Prophet was moved by sincere theological contemplation.
His subsequent clarification reveals the balance between divine mercy and justice - God's punishment is reserved for those who persistently reject His unity and transgress His boundaries.
Scholarly Interpretation
Classical scholars explain that while God's mercy encompasses all creation, His justice requires accountability. The mother-child analogy illustrates that divine punishment, when it occurs, results from human choice to rebel against divine guidance.
The hadith emphasizes that salvation through declaration of faith (shahadah) remains available until death, but persistent arrogance and rejection may lead to divine chastisement.
Practical Lessons
This narration encourages believers to contemplate God's attributes with both heart and mind, and to approach theological questions with sincerity and reverence.
It reminds us that while God's mercy is vast, it does not negate human responsibility and the consequences of deliberate transgression against divine commandments.