Looking after children - Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 91

Abu Hurayra said, "The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, kissed Hasan ibn 'Ali while al-Aqra' ibn Habis at-Tamimi was sitting with him. Al-Aqra' observed, 'I have ten children and I have never kissed any of them.' The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, looked at him and said, 'Whoever does not show mercy will not be shown mercy.'"

Commentary on the Hadith

This noble hadith from Al-Adab Al-Mufrad establishes the fundamental Islamic principle of showing affection and mercy toward children. The Prophet's action of kissing his grandson Hasan demonstrates that physical affection is not merely permissible but commendable in Islam.

Al-Aqra' ibn Habis represented the pre-Islamic Arab mentality that considered showing affection to children as a sign of weakness. The Prophet's response contains profound wisdom - mercy begets mercy. This applies both in worldly relationships and in one's relationship with Allah.

Scholars explain that showing mercy to children includes physical affection, kind words, patience with their shortcomings, and providing proper upbringing. The Prophet's teaching emphasizes that those who harden their hearts toward the vulnerable, including children, cannot expect divine mercy in return.

This hadith forms part of the comprehensive Islamic guidance on child rearing found in Al-Adab Al-Mufrad, demonstrating that proper upbringing combines discipline with abundant mercy and affection.