Definition: al-Hamm, al-Hazn, al-Ghamm

بـسـم الله والحـمـد لله والـصلاة والـسـلام عــلى 
رسـول الله، وبـعـد

💠 Definition of: al-Hamm (الهم), al-Hazn (الحزن), al-Ghamm (الغم)

Ibn al-Qayyim رحمه الله said:

❝There are three passive feelings which affect the heart:

1) If it is related to the past, then it causes al-Hazn (sorrow/distress).

2) If it is related to the future, then it causes al-Hamm (anxiety/worry).

3) If it is related to the present, then it causes al-Ghamm (grief).❞

📚 [al-Fawaaid (1/26)]

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📑 Note:

1) al-Hazn is related to the loss in the past, either the passing away of someone, or losing something, or recalling the time spent with the loved ones. Like how Yaqoob عليه السلام felt at the loss of his most beloved son, Yusuf عليه السلام, when he said:

إِنَّمَا أَشْكُو بَثِّي وَحُزْنِي إِلَى اللَّـهِ

{I only complain of my grief and sorrow to Allaah}

📚 [Surah Yusuf (12): 86]

2) al-Hamm is related to the loss one anticipates which causes him to worry about his future. Example: students worrying about their results, parents worrying about the future of their children, etc.

The Prophet ﷺ used to supplicate, saying:

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْهَمِّ وَالْحَزَنِ

“O Allaah! I seek refuge with You from worry and grief…”

📚 [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (2893, 5425, 6363, 6369)]

3) al-Ghamm is related to the grief felt at the time of losing something or someone, i.e. what is related to the present. Example: when Yunus عليه السلام was in the belly of the whale (or big fish), Allaah تعالى relieved him of his suffering, saying:

فَاسْتَجَبْنَا لَهُ وَنَجَّيْنَاهُ مِنَ الْغَمِّ

{So We answered his call, and delivered him from the grief}

📚 [Surah al-Anbiyaa (21): 88]