What is the ruling on the validity of the statement attributed to Imam Al-Shafi'i that Allah makes one taste the bitterness of attachment if one attaches oneself to other than Him? Is it correct to say that Allah took Yusuf from Ya'qub due to his intense attachment to him? And what is the response to those who say that Allah does not break the hearts of His servants merely for attachment?

It has not been reported from Imam Al-Shafi'i that Allah is jealous over the heart of His servant. However, something similar has been mentioned by some scholars, such as Ibn Al-Jawzi and Ibn Al-Qayyim. Ibn Al-Jawzi holds the view that Allah is jealous over the believer's heart if it seeks intimacy with other than Him, so He disturbs their worldly life and its people, so that their intimacy may be with Him. Ibn Al-Qayyim believes that Allah is jealous over the heart of His servant if it is devoid of His love, fear, and hope, and if it contains anyone other than Him, for the heart was created for Allah. Out of His jealousy for His servant, He may afflict them with various trials if their limbs become occupied with other than His obedience. Also, out of His jealousy, He expelled Adam from Paradise when Adam found comfort in it, and He commanded Ibrahim to sacrifice Isma'il when Isma'il took a portion of Ibrahim's heart.

As for the statement that Allah took Yusuf from Ya’qub due to Ya’qub’s intense attachment to him, this has not been reported by scholars, and one should refrain from saying it due to the lack of evidence and to avoid being presumptuous towards the status of the Prophets. Allah Almighty decrees hardships upon His servants so that they may return to Him and their attachment to others may be severed.

The objection that Allah breaks the hearts of His servants merely for being attached to others is meaningless, for Allah afflicts His servants with whatever He wills. The heart’s attachment to other than Allah may be a sin that warrants punishment, and this punishment may be good for the servant, expiating their sins or causing them to return to Allah. The trial may also be an increase in reward and an elevation of ranks.