"No man who weeps for fear of Allah will be touched by the Fire until the milk goes back into the udders. And the dust (of Jihad) in the cause of Allah and the smoke of Hell, will never be combined in the nostrils of a Muslim."
Hadith Text & Reference
"No man who weeps for fear of Allah will be touched by the Fire until the milk goes back into the udders. And the dust (of Jihad) in the cause of Allah and the smoke of Hell, will never be combined in the nostrils of a Muslim."
Source: Sunan an-Nasa'i 3107 | The Book of Jihad
Commentary on Divine Protection
The first portion establishes that weeping out of genuine fear and awe of Allah's majesty provides absolute protection from Hellfire. The imagery of "milk returning to udders" signifies an absolute impossibility in the natural order, thus emphasizing the certainty of this divine promise.
Such tears demonstrate true khushu' (humility) and taqwa (God-consciousness) that purify the soul from spiritual diseases like pride and heedlessness. This state reflects the heart's living connection with its Creator.
Commentary on Jihad & Its Rewards
The second portion contrasts two fundamentally incompatible states: the honor of striving in Allah's cause and the disgrace of Hellfire. The "dust of Jihad" represents the physical struggle and hardship endured while upholding truth.
This profound metaphor indicates that one who truly engages in legitimate jihad - whether through physical combat, verbal defense of truth, or personal struggle against base desires - cannot simultaneously be destined for Hell's punishment. The two states are mutually exclusive in divine judgment.
Scholarly Insights
Classical scholars note this hadith combines both the spiritual jihad (an-nafs) and physical jihad (as-sayf), showing their interconnectedness in Islamic spirituality.
Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali comments that tears of God-fearingness indicate a heart alive with iman, while participation in legitimate jihad demonstrates practical implementation of faith - both being manifestations of complete submission to Allah.
The protection promised applies specifically to those whose actions stem from sincere intention and correct Islamic methodology, not mere emotional displays or unauthorized fighting.