Mu’adh bin Jabal was a close companion of the Prophet (SAW). On the death of his son, the Prophet (SAW) dictated the following letter of condolence to him.

“In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful.

From Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah, to Mu’az bin Jabal.

Peace be upon you!

First of all, I glorify Allah besides Whom there is no god. Then I pray that Allah may bestow upon you a great reward for this bereavement, and grant you patience and fortitude, and give you and us the courage to be grateful to Him for His favors. The fact is that our lives and our near and dear ones are sacred gifts to us from Allah Who has given those in our charge only temporarily. He allowed us to benefit from the gifts for as long as He willed and withdrew them as and when He willed. And in return for this (apparent loss), He will bless you with higher rewards of His special favors, Mercy and guidance, provided that you display fortitude for His sake and for the sake of the benefits of the Hereafter. Therefore, I counsel you to have patience.

Let not your wailing bring your rewards of the Hereafter to naught and you to remorse. Be assured that no amount of lamentation and wailing has ever brought a dead person back, nor can it help do away with grief and sorrow. Allah’s Will is always done, rather has already been done!”

(Alternative translation of last half)

Be patient and listen! Lest your restlessness and impatience should deprive you of reward and you become regretful; and believe with certainty that being impatient cannot bring back the dead nor can the grief be removed and that what has befallen was meant to be. “

(Al-Tabarani’s Mu’jam Kabir )