`Umar asked the people, "Who remembers the narration of the Prophet (ﷺ) about the affliction?" Hudhaifa
said, "I heard the Prophet (ﷺ) saying, 'The affliction of a person in his property, family and neighbors is
expiated by his prayers, fasting, and giving in charity." `Umar said, "I do not ask about that, but I ask
about those afflictions which will spread like the waves of the sea." Hudhaifa replied, "There is a
closed gate in front of those afflictions." `Umar asked, "Will that gate be opened or broken?" He
replied, "It will be broken." `Umar said, "Then the gate will not be closed again till the Day of
Resurrection." We said to Masruq, "Would you ask Hudhaifa whether `Umar knew what that gate
symbolized?" He asked him and he replied "He (`Umar) knew it as one knows that there will be night
before tomorrow, morning.
Narrated by Narrated Abu Wail from Hudhaifa:
Context
Hudhaifa narrated a conversation with Umar about the nature of afflictions. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) mentioned that personal trials related to family, wealth, and neighbors can be expiated through acts of worship like prayer, fasting, and charity. However, Umar sought knowledge about greater tribulations that would arise, indicating a concern for the community's spiritual well-being during times of widespread chaos.
Modern Application
This hadith highlights the importance of maintaining spiritual practices during difficult times. In modern life, individuals can cope with personal and communal challenges by engaging in regular prayers, fasting outside of Ramadan, and giving charity, fostering resilience and community support.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Prayer, Fasting, and Charity because it emphasizes the significance of these acts of worship in overcoming personal and communal afflictions.
They ask you, [O Muhammad], about the Hour: when is its arrival? Say, "Its knowledge is only with my Lord. None will reveal its time except Him. It lays heavily upon the heavens and the earth. It will not come upon you except unexpectedly." They ask you as if you are familiar with it. Say, "Its knowledge is only with Allah, but most of the people do not know."
So you see those in whose hearts is disease hastening into [association with] them, saying, "We are afraid a misfortune may strike us." But perhaps Allah will bring conquest or a decision from Him, and they will become, over what they have been concealing within themselves, regretful.
Or do you think that you will enter Paradise while such [trial] has not yet come to you as came to those who passed on before you? They were touched by poverty and hardship and were shaken until [even their] messenger and those who believed with him said, "When is the help of Allah?" Unquestionably, the help of Allah is near.
