How can one reconcile the sayings of the Salaf that point to the merit or necessity of sorrow, with the Prophet's—peace and blessings be upon him—seeking refuge from sorrow, and what Ibn al-Qayyim mentioned concerning it? And does the command to weep over one's sin, mentioned in the hadith: "and weep over your sin," include sins for which repentance has been made? What is the wisdom behind that, and is this hadith considered a command to grieve?

Sadness is not sought after in Islam; rather, it is prohibited. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, sought refuge from it because it weakens the heart and enervates resolve. There is nothing more beloved to Satan than the sadness of a believer.

However, praiseworthy sadness is that which is caused by a shortcoming in obedience to Allah or by falling into a sin. This type of sadness indicates the soundness of faith and the vitality of the heart. As for weeping over a sin, what is meant by it is regret for it, and this is required whenever a servant remembers it. The believer rejoices in his Lord more than any other joy, and there is never sadness when one is with Allah.