His father said: "While the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was on the minbar, Al-Hasan and Al-Husain came,wearing red shirts, walking and stumbling. He came down and picked them up, then said: 'Allah has spoken the truth: Your wealth and your children are only a trial.' I saw these two walking and stumbling in their shirts, and I could not be patient until I went down and picked them up.'"
The Book of the Prayer for the Two 'Eids - Sunan an-Nasa'i 1585
This narration from Sunan an-Nasa'i demonstrates the profound love and compassion of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) towards his grandsons, Al-Hasan and Al-Husain. The incident occurred while he was delivering a sermon from the minbar, the highest position of religious authority in the mosque.
Scholarly Commentary on the Prophet's Actions
The Prophet's descent from the minbar during his sermon illustrates that showing mercy and affection to children takes precedence over continuing a religious discourse. This teaches us that acts of compassion are themselves forms of worship.
His immediate reference to the Quranic verse "Your wealth and your children are only a trial" (Surah At-Taghabun, 64:15) demonstrates how the Prophet connected everyday experiences to divine wisdom, transforming a natural paternal impulse into a moment of spiritual reflection.
Significance of the Red Shirts
Classical scholars note that the red shirts indicate the permissibility of children wearing colored garments, as the Prophet did not object to their clothing. The stumbling of the young boys shows their tender age and innocence, which moved the Prophet's heart despite his elevated position.
Legal and Spiritual Implications
This hadith establishes that interrupting a religious obligation for a greater compassionate purpose is permissible. It also emphasizes the importance of family bonds and nurturing children with love and attention, even during important religious duties.
The Prophet's transparency in explaining his actions ("I could not be patient") teaches humility and honesty in expressing human emotions within the framework of faith.