"I buried my son Sinan and Abu Talhah Al-Khawlani was sitting on the rim of the grave. When I wanted to leave he took me by my hand and said: 'Shall I not inform you of some good new O Abu Sinan!' I said: 'Of course.' He said: 'Ad-Dahhak bin Abdur-Rahman bin Arzab narrated to me, from Abu Musa Al-Ash'ari: "The Messenger of Allah said: 'When a child of the slave (of Allah) died, Allah says to the angels: "Have you taken the fruits of his work." They reply: "Yes." So He says: "What did My slave say?" They reply: "He praised you and mentioned that to You is the return." So Allah says: "Build a house in Paradise for My slave, and name it 'the house of praise.'"
The Book on Jana'iz (Funerals)
Jami` at-Tirmidhi 1021 - Jami' at-Tirmidhi
Hadith Commentary
This blessed narration provides profound consolation to bereaved parents who have lost children. The term "fruits of his work" refers to the child's soul, which Allah entrusts to the angels for return to its Creator. When the afflicted parent responds with patience and praise (hamd), acknowledging Allah's decree and affirming belief in resurrection, this demonstrates supreme faith.
Allah's questioning of the angels reflects His divine care for the grieving believer. The house built in Paradise called "Bayt al-Hamd" (House of Praise) eternally commemorates the parent's virtuous response to tragedy. This demonstrates how human trials, when met with proper spiritual conduct, become means of eternal reward.
The chain of narration includes trustworthy transmitters: Abu Talhah al-Khawlani (a respected tabi'i), Ad-Dahhak bin Abdur-Rahman, and Abu Musa al-Ash'ari (a renowned Companion). The setting at the graveside emphasizes the immediacy of this divine consolation during moments of profound grief.
Scholarly Insights
This hadith illustrates Allah's boundless mercy and the wisdom behind childhood death. The child's innocence becomes a means for parents to attain Paradise through patient acceptance.
The naming of the heavenly dwelling "House of Praise" signifies that verbal remembrance (dhikr) and patient acceptance during calamity are among the highest forms of worship.
Scholars note that this consolation applies specifically to believers who respond to tragedy with the prescribed spiritual etiquette: praising Allah, acknowledging His decree, and affirming the Return to Him.