The ruling of Muslim children who pass away


Muslim children who do not reach the age of puberty, if Allah the Exalted wills, will be in Paradise, through the Grace of Allah and His Mercy.

Aboo Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah ? said, “Their young ones roam freely in Jannah [331] Ibn al-Atheer said, “I.e that they roam freely in paradise entering into its homes without being barred from a single place, akin to how young children in the worldly life are not prevented from entering upon women nor must hijab be observed with them.” - “an-Nihayah fi Gharib al-Hadeeth wal-Athar” (2/120). An-Nawawi said “The young will be the da’amis (small birds) of Jannah” it is with daal, ‘ayn, and saad. Its singular is “da’mus” with a dhammah on the daal. I.e they are the young ones of its people. The original meaning of “da’mus” is a small animal that does not leave the water; i.e this young one will not leave paradise.” – “Sharh an-Nawawi ‘ala Muslim” (16/182) ; one of them would meet their father – or he said ‘their parents’ – thereby taking him by the hem of his garment – or he said ‘by his hand’ –as I take them of your garment, [332] An-Nawawi said, “It’s edge” – “Sharh an-Nawawi ‘alaa Muslim” (16/182) whereby they do not take their hand off – or he said ‘they do not stop’ –until Allah enters them both into paradise.” [333] Reported by Muslim (2635)

Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Prophet ? said, “There is not a Muslim person who has three children die before they reach the age of puberty, except that Allah will enter them into paradise, by virtue of His Mercy on them.” [334] Reported by al-Bukhaaree (1248) Ibn Hajr said, “One who is the cause for shielding his parents from the fire of hell, is more worthy of being shielded from it himself, because they are the reason behind that Mercy and its cause.” [335] “Fat-h al-Baaree” (3/244)
An-Nawawi said, “Those whose views are relied upon from the scholars of the Muslims are in agreement that whoever dies from the children of the Muslims then they are from the people of paradise, due to them not having reached the age of accountability.” [336] “Sharh Saheeh Muslim” (16/207)