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حَدَّثَنَا أَحْمَدُ بْنُ مَنِيعٍ، حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو أَحْمَدَ الزُّبَيْرِيُّ، حَدَّثَنَا إِسْرَائِيلُ، عَنْ إِبْرَاهِيمَ بْنِ الْمُهَاجِرِ، عَنْ مُجَاهِدٍ، عَنْ مُوَرِّقٍ، عَنْ أَبِي ذَرٍّ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏"‏ إِنِّي أَرَى مَا لاَ تَرَوْنَ وَأَسْمَعُ مَا لاَ تَسْمَعُونَ أَطَّتِ السَّمَاءُ وَحُقَّ لَهَا أَنْ تَئِطَّ مَا فِيهَا مَوْضِعُ أَرْبَعِ أَصَابِعَ إِلاَّ وَمَلَكٌ وَاضِعٌ جَبْهَتَهُ سَاجِدًا لِلَّهِ لَوْ تَعْلَمُونَ مَا أَعْلَمُ لَضَحِكْتُمْ قَلِيلاً وَلَبَكَيْتُمْ كَثِيرًا وَمَا تَلَذَّذْتُمْ بِالنِّسَاءِ عَلَى الْفُرُشِ وَلَخَرَجْتُمْ إِلَى الصُّعُدَاتِ تَجْأَرُونَ إِلَى اللَّهِ ‏"‏ ‏.‏ لَوَدِدْتُ أَنِّي كُنْتُ شَجَرَةً تُعْضَدُ ‏.‏ قَالَ أَبُو عِيسَى وَفِي الْبَابِ عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ وَعَائِشَةَ وَابْنِ عَبَّاسٍ وَأَنَسٍ ‏.‏ قَالَ هَذَا حَدِيثٌ حَسَنٌ غَرِيبٌ ‏.‏ وَيُرْوَى مِنْ غَيْرِ هَذَا الْوَجْهِ أَنَّ أَبَا ذَرٍّ قَالَ لَوَدِدْتُ أَنِّي كُنْتُ شَجَرَةً تُعْضَدُ ‏.‏
Translation
Abu Hurairah narrated that the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w) said

"If you knew what I know, then you would laugh little and you would cry much."

Comment

Hadith Text & Reference

"If you knew what I know, then you would laugh little and you would cry much."

Source: Jami' at-Tirmidhi, Chapters On Zuhd, Hadith: Jami` at-Tirmidhi 2313

Context & Meaning

This profound statement from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) reveals the spiritual reality of existence that was unveiled to him through divine revelation. It indicates that human perception of worldly life is severely limited compared to the comprehensive knowledge granted to the prophets.

The "knowledge" referenced encompasses the true nature of this world as a temporary abode, the certainty of the afterlife, the severity of divine punishment for disobedience, the subtle dangers of sins, and the immense accountability awaiting every soul.

Scholarly Commentary

Imam al-Tirmidhi places this hadith in his "Chapters on Zuhd" (Asceticism) to illustrate the proper attitude toward worldly life. Scholars explain that excessive laughter often stems from heedlessness of ultimate realities, while weeping arises from awareness of one's spiritual state and the gravity of the Hereafter.

Classical commentators note this doesn't prohibit lawful joy but cautions against immersion in worldly amusement that distracts from spiritual obligations. The balanced approach is to maintain a heart that is aware of divine realities while fulfilling worldly responsibilities with proper intention.

Spiritual Implications

This teaching cultivates "zuhd" - not complete abandonment of the world, but rather detachment from valuing it above spiritual pursuits. It encourages developing a heart that is soft, receptive to truth, and conscious of the transient nature of earthly existence.

The weeping mentioned is not mere physical crying but includes the "weeping of the heart" - a state of constant awareness, humility, and concern for one's standing before Allah. This spiritual disposition protects against arrogance and maintains proper perspective on life's trials and blessings.