Hadith Text & Reference

The Messenger of Allah said: "Whoever has three that precede him (in death) while they did not reach the age of puberty, then they will be a well-fortified fortress for him against the Fire."

Reference: Jami` at-Tirmidhi 1061 | Book: The Book on Jana'iz (Funerals) | Author: Jami' at-Tirmidhi

Meaning & Context

This hadith addresses parents who endure the profound trial of losing young children before they reach puberty (bulūgh). The "three that precede him" refers to three children who die before their parent.

The phrase "well-fortified fortress" (ḥiṣn ḥaṣīn) signifies complete protection and security. Just as a strong fortress shields its inhabitants from enemies, these deceased children will shield their parent from Hellfire.

Scholarly Commentary

Imam at-Tirmidhi classified this hadith as hasan (good). Scholars explain this divine mercy stems from the parent's patient endurance (ṣabr) through this severe test. The children, being sinless and destined for Paradise, intercede for their parents.

Ibn al-Qayyim writes that such children await their parents at Paradise's gates, eager to reunite. This promise applies even if the parent had only one or two children die young, but three guarantees this specific protection.

The wisdom behind this includes: compensating parental grief with eternal reward, demonstrating Allah's boundless mercy, and comforting believers facing this trial with hope in divine justice and compassion.