Kindness to Children



'The Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) was a Mercy for the whole humanity. He was especially kind to children. 'This kindness was not confined to the children of his own family. It extended to all children, even to those belonging to Infidels. 'The manifestation of his tender feelings indeed embraced every child whoever he or she might be. Hazrat Abu Dawood (R.A.) records that whenever he rode back from a journey, he would give lift to a child on the way and whenever he saw children along a way, he would greet them with salutation. Books on Seerat have it that little girls of Medinah ran out of their houses to welcome the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) with joyous songs when he first entered the town. .'Do you love me, you little girls ?" he asked. .'Yes, we do, O Messenger of Allah!" was their reply. "So do I", said he in response.

In his family: 'The Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) loved his children dearly. When Ibrahim, his last issue, passed away at a very tender age, his eyes became tearful. He himself led the funeral prayer for the infant. He was standing by the edge of the grave when the dead body was being lowered. 'The grief-stricken father was asked about his state of tearful sorrow. He said: 'Tears flow from the eyes, the heart is plunged in sorrow, but the tongue shall speak only that which does not displease Allah." (Bukhari).

While receiving his daughter, Hazrat Fatimah (Radi Allahu anha), he used to rise from his seat, kiss her on the forehead, and make her sit in his own place. His grand-daughter, Hazrat Zainab (Radi Allahu anha), was three days old when he saw her. He took her in his arms and cried out his warm affection: “Zainab resembles Khadeejah!" His love for his grandsons, Hazrat Hasan and Hazrat Husain (Radi Allahu anhuma) is proverbial. He used to carry them on his shoulders. When an onlooker once remarked: '.What a ride he is having!", Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) promptly said: "And how majestic is the rider!" (Tirmizi).

Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) showed utmost affection for Hazrat Husain (R.A.). He often held him in his arms, kissed him, and said: .'I love him, O Allah! And I love the man who loves him." At times he would say: "Husain is from me and I am from Husain. Whosoever loves Husain, Allah shall love him." (Mishkat). He often said: "Husain is mine and I am Husain's. May Allah love those who love him." (Tirmizi). ,

An Arab chief was surprised to see the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) kissing his grandsons. 'The chief remarked that never had he kissed any of his ten children. 'The Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) remarked back: .'One who has no pity for others is himself not pitied by Allah." He also said: "If Allah leaves your heart barren of love, I cannot help you." (Bukhari).

Outside the family: 'The Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) was so considerate, and thoughtful of the children that whenever an early fruit of the season was presented to him, he would invariably offer it to the youngest of the party. (Tabrani).

Besides his own affection, expression of love between the mother and her children deeply touched the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wa Sallam). Once a poor woman with her two little daughters came to Hazrat Ayesha (Radi Allahu anha). Hazrat Ayesha (R.A.) had nothing to offer them except a date that happened to be left over. The woman divided the date into two pieces and gave one each to the children. In the meantime, the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) came in. Hazrat Ayesha (Radi Allahu anha) narrated the story of the woman to him. He said: “A person who cherishes love for his children and does his duty to them, shall be saved from the fire of Hell.” (Bukhari).

When the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) intended to pray longer in congregation but heard a child crying, he would cut the prayer short because he was mindful of the pain the child’s crying might be causing to the mother. (Bhukari)

[ Awake Vol 3, No 1 ]