Looking after children - Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 96

Jarir ibn 'Abdullah said, "The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, 'Allah will not show mercy to someone who does not show mercy to people."

Commentary on the Hadith

This profound narration establishes a fundamental principle of Islamic ethics: divine mercy is conditional upon human mercy. The scholars explain that this encompasses all creation, but particularly emphasizes mercy toward children, the vulnerable, and those under one's care.

Al-Munawi comments that this hadith indicates that mercy toward Allah's creation is a cause for attaining Allah's mercy. Whoever is characterized by harshness and severity toward people will be deprived of divine compassion in this world and the next.

Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali elucidates that this principle applies especially to parents and guardians. Those who show tenderness, compassion, and proper upbringing to children will themselves receive Allah's tender mercy. Conversely, those who are neglectful or harsh will find Allah's mercy distant from them.

The scholars further explain that this mercy manifests through gentle speech, providing proper education, fulfilling material and emotional needs, and protecting children from harm - all essential aspects of "looking after children" as emphasized throughout Al-Adab Al-Mufrad.