Hadith Text

Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) (p.b.u.h) said, "Any Muslim whose three children died before the age of puberty will be granted Paradise by Allah because of His mercy to them."

Source Reference

Sahih al-Bukhari 1381 - Funerals (Al-Janaa'iz)

Scholarly Commentary

This noble hadith demonstrates Allah's infinite mercy and compassion toward believing parents who endure the trial of losing children. The age of puberty (bulugh) marks the beginning of religious accountability (taklīf).

Scholars explain that children who die before puberty enter Paradise by Allah's grace, as they have no sins recorded against them. The parent who patiently endures this trial and accepts Allah's decree receives this great reward.

Imam Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani comments in Fath al-Bari that this reward applies even if the children died at different times, not necessarily simultaneously. The number three indicates abundance rather than strict limitation, showing Allah's generosity.

This promise serves as immense consolation for grieving parents and demonstrates that patient perseverance through trials leads to great rewards in the Hereafter.

Juridical Notes

The majority of scholars hold that this reward applies to both Muslim fathers and mothers.

Some scholars include miscarried fetuses in this count if the soul has been breathed into them (after 120 days).

The condition of patience and acceptance of divine decree is implicit in receiving this reward, as impatience and objection to Allah's judgment would negate the merit.