The Calamity of the Prophet's Death

The Prophet (salallahu alaihi wa salam) said, “If one of you is afflicted with a calamity, then let him remember his calamity by me (i.e., by my death); for indeed, it is the greatest of calamities.”

It becomes clear to us from this hadith that the death of the Prophet is the greatest disaster that has occurred or will occur to the Muslim nation. The Messenger of Allah requests that when we remember our calamities or afflictions, we should remember his death and his parting as well, a reflective process through which our other disasters will become insignificant in comparison.

Whenever we lost any of our relatives or loved-ones, we are sure to have felt the pain of parting from him and the anxiety of the farewell. The question now is this: Have we had any such feelings or sentiments when we contemplate the death of the Prophet.

What would happen if a man were to lose his entire family; his heart would ache and bleed while his tears would pour forth profusely. He marries after a period, and after many years pass, one of his sons dies. What is his sadness and pain if compared to the first calamity; is not the new affliction less painful in degree? And with that perspective – i.e., by remembering the death of the Prophet – we should console ourselves whenever we are afflicted with a hardship.