There is happiness for this child who is a bird from amongst the birds of Paradise. Thereupon Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said: Don't you know that Allah created the Paradise and He created the Hell and He created the dwellers for this (Paradise) and the denizens for this (Hell)?
The Book of Destiny - Sahih Muslim 2662b
This narration from Sahih Muslim addresses the profound Islamic doctrine of divine decree (al-Qadr) and Allah's eternal knowledge concerning the inhabitants of Paradise and Hell.
Contextual Analysis
The Prophet's statement follows a companion's observation about a deceased child being "a bird from amongst the birds of Paradise." This reflects the Islamic belief that children who die before puberty automatically attain Paradise.
The Prophet's response redirects attention from individual cases to the broader cosmic reality of divine predestination, emphasizing that Allah's knowledge and decree encompass all creation from eternity.
Theological Implications
Allah's creation of Paradise and Hell simultaneously with their inhabitants demonstrates His complete and perfect knowledge that precedes all existence.
This hadith affirms that divine decree does not negate human responsibility, but rather establishes the comprehensive framework within which human choices occur under Allah's ultimate wisdom and justice.
The scholars explain that while Allah knows who will enter Paradise or Hell, this knowledge does not compel people's choices - rather, Allah knows what choices they will freely make.
Spiritual Lessons
This teaching encourages believers to focus on their ultimate destination rather than temporary worldly circumstances.
It instills both hope in Allah's mercy and fear of His justice, maintaining the balance essential for spiritual development.
The narration reminds Muslims that all matters ultimately return to Allah's wisdom and decree, fostering contentment with divine judgment.