If any Muslim who suffers some calamity says, what Allah has commanded him," We belong to Allah and to Him shall we return; O Allah, reward me for my affliction and give me something better than it in exchange for it," Allah will give him something better than it in exchange. When Abu Salama died she said: What Muslim is better than Abu Salama whose family was the first to emigrate to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ). I then said the words, and Allah gave me God's Messenger (ﷺ) in exchange. She said: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) sent Hatib b. Abu Balta'a to deliver me the message of marriage with him. I said to him: I have a daughter (as my dependant) and I am of jealous temperament. He (the Holy Prophet) said: So far as her daughter is concerned, we would supplicate Allah, that He may free her (of her responsibility) and I would also supplicate Allah to do away with (her) jealous (temperament).
The Book of Prayer - Funerals
Sahih Muslim 918a - Commentary by Imam An-Nawawi
Exegesis of the Supplication
The prescribed formula "Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un" (We belong to Allah and to Him we return) embodies complete submission to divine decree. This utterance acknowledges Allah's absolute ownership and our ultimate return to Him, transforming grief into worship.
The subsequent supplication demonstrates the believer's trust in Allah's wisdom - seeking reward for patience and believing in divine compensation that surpasses worldly loss.
Umm Salama's Exemplary Patience
Umm Salama's application of this teaching manifests perfect faith. Despite losing Abu Salama - a distinguished companion among the first emigrants - she maintained trust in Allah's promise.
Her concern for her daughter and acknowledgment of her own temperament shows profound self-awareness and sincerity in seeking a marriage pleasing to Allah.
Divine Recompense
Allah's reward exceeded worldly expectations - granting her marriage to the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) himself. This illustrates that Allah's compensation often transcends human comprehension.
The Prophet's response addressing both her concerns demonstrates the comprehensive nature of divine solutions to human difficulties when coupled with sincere trust in Allah.