Allah's Messenger, there is happiness for this child who is a bird from the birds of Paradise for it committed no sin nor has he reached the age when one can commit sin. He said: 'A'isha, per adventure, it may be otherwise, because God created for Paradise those who are fit for it while they were yet in their father's loins and created for Hell those who are to go to Hell. He created them for Hell while they were yet in their father's loins.
The Book of Destiny - Sahih Muslim 2662c
This narration from the Mother of the Believers, 'A'isha, concerns a child who died in infancy. She expressed the view that such a child would enter Paradise without reckoning, being a "bird from the birds of Paradise" due to its innocence, having committed no sin and not reaching the age of legal responsibility (bulugh).
The Prophetic Correction
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) gently corrected her understanding, indicating that the ultimate destiny of every soul, including infants, is already inscribed in the Preserved Tablet (al-Lawh al-Mahfuz) by Allah's prior knowledge and decree (al-Qadr).
He clarified that Allah created the people of Paradise and the people of Hell in the loins of their forefather Adam, assigning their ultimate abode based on His eternal knowledge of what they would choose and how they would ultimately be.
Scholarly Commentary on Divine Decree
This hadith establishes a fundamental pillar of faith: belief in Divine Decree (al-Qadr), both the good and the bad of it. It affirms that Allah's knowledge encompasses all things before they come into existence.
The scholars explain that infants who die are tested on the Day of Resurrection. Those destined for Paradise will be granted the intellect to pass the test, while those destined for Hell will fail it. This test is a manifestation of Allah's preordained decree, just as their creation was.
This does not imply injustice from Allah, for He is the Most Just. Rather, it affirms His absolute wisdom and sovereignty. His decree is based on His perfect knowledge of the inherent nature (fitrah) and the ultimate potential of every soul He creates.