Chapter 164 - Superiority of one who is Bereaved of his Infants

Anas reported: The Messenger of Allah said,

"Any Muslim who loses three children before they reach the age of maturity, will be granted Jannah by Allah, the Exalted, out of His Mercy for them.'' [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].


Commentary: Only that man who, patiently endures the loss of his children and expects reward from Allah, will enjoy this privilege. Allah will have mercy on such people and admit them into Jannah owing to His Mercy towards these innocent children.

Abu Hurairah reported: The Messenger of Allah said,

"A Muslim whose three children die (in infancy) will not be touched by the Fire (of Hell) except for the fulfillment of Allah's Oath.'' [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

(Allah's oath here refers to His Ayah:

"There is not one of you but will cross over it (Hell).'' (19:71)

And the crossing will be across the `Bridge' set over the Hell.)


Commentary: On the Day of Resurrection all humans, believers and disbelievers, will have to cross the "Sirat or Bridge'' set over the Hell. Believers will cross it in the twinkling of an eye according to their respective deeds done in the world. Some will cross it with the speed of lightning and the air, some like birds and some like fine horses, and others like riding-animals. All of them will cross the Bridge, some harmed and some unharmed. Some will fall into Hell but will later be removed from it through the Prophet's intercession. However, the infidels will not be able to cross it and all of them will land in Hell. The believer who loses three children and patiently endures this affliction, and anticipates Allah's reward in the Hereafter, will also be bound to cross the Bridge in deference to the Divine determination.

Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri reported: A woman came to the Messenger of Allah and said: "O Messenger of Allah! Only men benefit from your talks, so please fix a day for us, to teach us the knowledge which Allah has taught you.'' The Messenger of Allah fixed a day and directed them to assemble. When they gathered, the Prophet went to them and taught them what Allah had taught him. He then said,

 "Any woman of you whose three children die (in infancy) they will be a guard for her against Fire (of Hell).''  

One of the women asked: "What if she loses two?'' The Messenger of Allah replied,

"Even two.'' [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].


Commentary: Islam requires us to do all that we can to impart moral instruction and the knowledge of Islamic sciences to women. If a woman herself has received Islamic education and possesses the outlook of a true Muslim, the child's upbringing will automatically be fashioned on Islamic lines. The younger generation's aversion to Islam and its aloofness from Islamic manners can be referred in the first place to mother's lack of Islamic education. In fact, the Muslim women essentially need to be grounded in Islamic sciences so as to guide their children.