The Sacred Tears: Understanding the Five Types of Crying in Islam According to Ibn al-Qayyim

Exploring the Five Types of Crying in Islam: Wisdom from Ibn al-Qayyim

The Sacred Tears: Understanding the Types of Crying in Islam According to Ibn al-Qayyim

Crying is a natural human response that transcends culture, language, and even religion. It is a profound emotional expression that can signify different states of the heart and soul. In Islam, crying can be seen as a means of purification, a way of drawing closer to Allah, and a reflection of a deep emotional connection to the Divine. Imam Ibn al-Qayyim, one of the greatest Islamic scholars, elaborates on the types of crying in his book Zaad al-Ma’ad fi Hadyi Khayr al-Ibad (1/177), shedding light on the different forms of tears that are not only natural but also spiritually significant.

These types of crying reveal the internal states of the believer, and each form serves as a reminder of the heart’s connection to Allah. By understanding these different types of crying, a believer can learn to reflect on their emotional responses, understand the state of their heart, and, most importantly, use their emotions to enhance their relationship with Allah.

1. Crying from Ar-Rahmah (Mercy) and Tender Affection

The first type of crying mentioned by Ibn al-Qayyim is crying from ar-Rahmah, or mercy. This is the cry of a heart overwhelmed by the mercy and compassion of Allah. It can occur when a believer reflects on Allah’s infinite mercy, which encompasses all of creation and reaches even the most sinful. A person might cry upon realizing the greatness of Allah’s mercy, which continually offers forgiveness and relief to the believer, no matter how far they may have strayed.

In the Qur’an, Allah promises His mercy as boundless, stating:

"And your Lord is the Forgiving Full of Mercy. If He were to impose blame upon them for what they earned, He would have hastened for them the punishment. But for them is an appointment from which they will never be able to escape." (Qur'an 18:58)

When a person feels this mercy, they may cry out of a deep sense of gratitude, tenderness, and affection for the Creator. They cry because they know that despite their sins, Allah’s mercy is always available, ready to envelop them when they turn to Him in repentance.

2. Crying from Al-Khawf Wal-Khashyah (Fear and Awe)

The second form of crying is from al-khawf wal-khashyah, which translates to fear and awe. This form of crying is linked to the fear of Allah’s punishment, especially when one becomes acutely aware of their shortcomings and the reality of the consequences of their sins. It is a tear of humility, stemming from the awareness that the Creator is all-powerful, all-knowing, and the one who holds every soul in His grasp.

Crying from fear and awe is a powerful emotional state. It occurs when a believer is reminded of the Day of Judgment, when every soul will be held accountable for its deeds. Allah says in the Qur’an:

"Indeed, those who have believed and whose hearts are assured by the remembrance of Allah. Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured." (Qur'an 13:28)

This verse highlights that true peace comes from the remembrance of Allah, yet true awe and fear come from the realization of His absolute power. Crying out of fear doesn’t come from a place of despair but from a deep sense of responsibility and reverence toward Allah.

3. Crying from Al-Mahabbah (Love) and Longing

The third type of crying mentioned by Ibn al-Qayyim is crying from al-mahabbah, which means love, and longing for Allah. This form of crying is the result of an intense emotional attachment to the Creator. It is the cry of a believer who experiences an overwhelming love for Allah, often when reflecting on His beauty, majesty, and closeness.

This type of crying is the expression of longing for Allah, a deep desire to be close to Him, and the pain of being distanced from Him due to the distractions of worldly life. The Qur’an speaks of the yearning for Allah, as seen in the words of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him):

“O Allah, I ask You for Your love, the love of those who love You, and the love of every action that will bring me closer to Your love.” (Sunan Ibn Majah)

When a believer’s heart is full of love for Allah, they may cry out of longing to be near Him, to experience His presence, and to have their hearts purified from the distractions of the dunya (worldly life). These tears are a sign of deep affection, and they bring the believer closer to the mercy and pleasure of Allah.

4. Crying from Relief and Delight

The fourth type of crying is from relief and delight. This is the cry of joy that comes when a believer experiences the relief of having their supplications answered, the lifting of hardship, or the resolution of a difficult situation. This type of crying is not from sorrow or sadness but from an overwhelming sense of happiness and gratitude toward Allah.

When Allah answers a person’s prayer after they have patiently endured hardship, they may cry tears of relief. These tears are a reflection of the believer’s acknowledgment that their relief is a direct result of Allah’s grace and mercy. The Qur’an says:

"And when your Lord proclaimed: 'Call upon Me; I will respond to you.'" (Qur'an 40:60)

In moments of distress, the believer calls upon Allah with full reliance, and when their hardship is lifted, their tears are a natural expression of gratitude and joy. Crying from relief and delight reminds the believer that every moment of joy is a gift from Allah, and that every test and trial is a means of purification.

5. Crying from Incapacity Due to Pain

Finally, Ibn al-Qayyim mentions crying from the incapacity caused by the onset of pain, when one is unable to endure the intensity of their suffering. This is a natural, human response to extreme physical or emotional pain. This type of crying is not necessarily a sign of weakness, but rather an expression of the difficulty of enduring pain.

While this form of crying may seem purely physical, it can also be an opportunity for spiritual growth. In Islam, we are taught to turn to Allah in our moments of difficulty and hardship. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) himself cried during times of hardship, and his tears were often a form of seeking Allah’s mercy and seeking relief from His Lord.

Allah reassures us in the Qur’an:

"Indeed, with every difficulty, there is relief." (Qur'an 94:6)

This verse reflects the essence of the believer’s resilience in times of pain and suffering. Crying from incapacity due to pain is not a sign of despair, but rather a way of expressing one’s need for Allah’s help and support. It is in these moments of vulnerability that a believer’s connection with Allah can be strengthened through supplication and trust in His plan.

Conclusion: The Power of Sacred Tears

Crying, in its various forms, is a deeply spiritual experience in Islam. The tears that flow from the heart reflect the inner state of the believer, whether it is mercy, fear, love, joy, or pain. Ibn al-Qayyim’s categorization of crying invites believers to recognize the emotional and spiritual depth of their experiences. Each type of crying provides an opportunity to draw closer to Allah and to purify the heart.

In every tear, there is potential for worship. Crying from mercy draws us nearer to the compassion of Allah, crying from fear keeps us humble and aware of His majesty, crying from love strengthens our bond with the Creator, crying from relief expresses our gratitude, and crying from pain is a form of trust in Allah’s plan.

May our tears always be a reflection of our sincere connection with Allah, leading us closer to His mercy, forgiveness, and eternal pleasure.