Mercy towards Children in Islam
This article is currently a work in progress.
đź“–Sahih al-Bukhari 5997
Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) kissed Al-Hasan bin `Ali while Al-Aqra’ bin H`Abis at-Tamim was sitting beside him. Al-Aqra said, “I have ten children and I have never kissed anyone of them,” Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) cast a look at him and said, “Whoever is not merciful to others will not be treated mercifully.”
The meaning of this hadith is that showing kindness, affection, and mercy to others, especially to children and family members, is a highly regarded value in Islam. The Prophet’s act of kissing his grandson, which was an expression of love and affection, is seen as an example to follow. On the other hand, the man’s admission that he had never kissed his own children was an indication of his lack of compassion and mercy towards them. The Prophet’s response is a reminder that those who are not kind and merciful to others will not receive kindness and mercy from Allah.
đź“–Jami` at-Tirmidhi 1952
Ayyub bin Musa narrated from his father, from his grandfather, that the Messenger of Allah said :”There is no gift that a father gives his son more virtuous than good manners.”
đź“–Sunan Abi Dawud 3544
Narrated An-Nu’man ibn Bashir: The Prophet (ﷺ) said: Act equally between your children; Act equally between your sons.
This hadith reported in Sunan Abi Dawud. In this hadith, the Prophet advises parents to treat their children equally, especially between their sons. This means that parents should not favor one child over the others or show any bias towards one child. They should treat all their children fairly, provide them with the same opportunities, and give them equal love and attention. In Islam, the concept of justice is highly valued, and treating children equally is a part of it. Neglecting this advice of the Prophet may cause conflicts, jealousy, and resentment among siblings, which can lead to a breakdown in family relationships. Therefore, this hadith emphasizes the importance of treating all children equally, without any discrimination or preference towards one child over another.
Additional Information
These hadiths not only applies to Muslims but also offers valuable lessons for non-Muslims, as they emphasize universal values of mercy, love, and fairness. While non-Muslims may not follow Islamic teachings, the principle of treating children equally and with compassion is a shared moral value. The hadiths highlight the importance of showing kindness to children, as they are seen as innocent and deserving of love and equal treatment. In Islam, parents are encouraged to raise their children with care and fairness, ensuring no one is favored over the other. Additionally, Islam permits disciplining children after the age of 10, particularly for educational purposes. However, this should not involve unjust punishment. If a child is not studying, whether it’s religious scriptures or school and college subjects, gentle discipline can be employed as a means to encourage them to focus and learn. The emphasis, however, is on maintaining the child’s well-being and ensuring that the punishment is just and beneficial. If punishment does not lead to positive results, it is advised to avoid it. Ultimately, it is the parents’ responsibility to treat their children with understanding, as they know their children better than anyone else. Unfortunately, there are instances in society where children are not treated equally or are beaten without reason; these actions contradict the compassionate approach outlined in Islamic teachings.