Reward for Raising and Caring for Daughters
Sunan Ibn Majah 3669
Uqbah bin Amir said, I heard the Messenger of Allah(ﷺ) say: “Whoever has three daughters and is patient towards them, and feeds them, gives them to drink, and clothes them from his wealth; they will be a shield for him from the Fire on the Day of Resurrection.’”
- This hadith highlights the great reward for parents, especially fathers, who raise their daughters with care, patience, and love. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) assured that whoever raises three daughters, providing for them and treating them well, will have them as a shield from Hellfire on the Day of Judgment. This teaching is particularly significant because, in pre-Islamic Arabia, daughters were often viewed as a burden, and some ignorant practices, such as female infanticide, were common. Islam abolished such unjust treatment and instead honored daughters, elevating their status by associating their care with eternal reward.
Quranic Verses About Daughters
1. Daughters Are a Gift from Allah
- 📖Quran 42:49-50
“To Allah belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth; He creates what He wills. He gives to whom He wills female (children), and He gives to whom He wills males. Or He makes them both male and female, and He renders whom He wills barren. Indeed, He is Knowing and Competent.”- This verse clearly states that the birth of daughters is a divine gift from Allah, just like sons. No one should feel sad or ashamed about having daughters.
2. Condemnation of Pre-Islamic Practices of Disliking Daughters
- 📖Quran 16:58-59
“And when one of them is given good tidings of a female (birth), his face becomes dark, and he suppresses grief. He hides himself from the people because of the bad news he received. Should he keep her in disgrace or bury her in the ground? Unquestionably, evil is what they decide.”- This verse criticizes the ignorance of those who dislike having daughters, a practice that Islam sought to eliminate. It reminds people that such attitudes are wrong and unjust.
3. Condemnation of Female Infanticide (Burying Daughters Alive)
- 📖Quran 81:8-9
“And when the girl [who was] buried alive is asked, for what sin she was killed?”- In pre-Islamic times, some Arabs would kill their daughters out of fear of poverty or shame. Islam strictly prohibited this cruel practice and declared that on the Day of Judgment, these innocent girls will be given justice.
4. Equal Love and Justice Between Sons and Daughters
- 📖Quran 6:151
“And do not kill your children out of poverty; We provide for you and them…”- This verse prohibits harming children, including daughters, due to fear of financial difficulties. Allah is the ultimate provider and ensures sustenance for all.
5. Raising Righteous Children Leads to Everlasting Rewards
- 📖Quran 18:46
“Wealth and children are [but] adornment of the worldly life. But the enduring good deeds are better to your Lord for reward and better for one’s hope.”- This verse emphasizes that children (including daughters) are a blessing, and raising them righteously leads to rewards in the Hereafter.
Lessons from This Hadith and Quranic Context
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Daughters Are a Mercy and a Blessing
- Islam rejects the pre-Islamic view that daughters are a burden. Instead, they are a means of earning Allah’s pleasure and a shield from Hellfire.
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Providing for Daughters Is an Act of Worship
- A father who feeds, clothes, and raises his daughters with patience is engaging in a highly rewarded act in Islam.
- 📖Quran 2:261 – “The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed of grain that sprouts seven ears, in every ear a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies for whom He wills…”
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Justice Between Sons and Daughters
- Parents should treat their daughters and sons equally, without favoritism.
- The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Fear Allah and be just to your children.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 2587)
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Raising Daughters with Good Manners Secures Paradise
- Hadith: “Whoever raises two daughters, loving them and treating them kindly, they will be a shield for him from Hellfire.” (Sahih Muslim 2631)
- Even raising one daughter well brings great reward!
Conclusion
This hadith, along with the Quranic verses, teaches that daughters are a blessing, not a burden. Raising them with love, patience, and care leads to immense rewards in this life and the Hereafter. Islam not only abolished the mistreatment of daughters but elevated their status, making their upbringing a means of earning Allah’s pleasure and protection from Hellfire.