The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "No Muslim whose three children died will go to the Fire except for Allah's oath (i.e. everyone has to pass over the bridge above the lake of fire)."
Hadith Text & Reference
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "No Muslim whose three children died will go to the Fire except for Allah's oath (i.e. everyone has to pass over the bridge above the lake of fire)."
Source: Sahih al-Bukhari 1251 | Book: Funerals (Al-Janaa'iz)
Commentary on the Meaning
This hadith demonstrates Allah's immense mercy toward believing parents who endure the trial of losing children. The phrase "except for Allah's oath" refers to the inevitable crossing of the Sirat (bridge over Hell) that every soul must undertake on Judgment Day. The promise means such parents will ultimately be granted Paradise, having been purified through their patience and granted the status of intercessors through their deceased children.
Scholarly Explanations
Classical scholars explain that the three children must have died before reaching puberty, as they are considered pure and automatically granted Paradise. The parent's reward comes from patiently persevering through this severe test while maintaining faith.
Imam Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani notes in Fath al-Bari that this hadith applies equally to mothers and fathers, and that the children may be from multiple pregnancies or a single birth.
Spiritual Benefits & Lessons
This teaching offers profound comfort to grieving Muslim parents, transforming their loss into a means of spiritual elevation. It illustrates how earthly trials can become pathways to eternal reward when endured with faith and patience.
The hadith also emphasizes the importance of viewing children as both a trust from Allah and potential means of drawing closer to Him, whether through their lives or their deaths.