The Holy Prophet Muhammad’s (saw) Kindness to Children

And we have sent thee not but as a mercy for all peoples (Chapter 21, verse 108)

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw), had many extraordinary characteristics, one being Rah-mit-ul-ala-meen, or, merciful to the peoples. The Holy Prophet (saw) showed mercy and kindness to all people. Today I am only going to discuss his kindness towards the children, through three different perspectives: as a messenger, as a person, and as a father.

As a messenger, the Prophet Muhammad (saw) was kind to children through his teachingsAs a person, He would have fun with the children

The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) loved children . He showed his affection for them in many ways. He hugged them and patted them on the back. He touched their heads, combing their hair with his fingers

He liked to hold little children in his arms. He made funny faces (like pulling his tongue out) to please them. When lying down he seated them on his legs or chest.

The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) loved to play with children. He made them stand in a straight line, then he himself stood at a distance, spread his hands and told the children, “Come running to me. Whoever touches me first will get a prize,” they would all come, running and breathless. When they reached the Prophet (pbuh), they would fall all over him.. He enjoyed this sport, gave prizes of dates and sweets to the winners and hugged and kissed the participants.

Whenever the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) passed by children, he tried to be the first to say “Assalaamu Alaikum.” When riding he would let children sit on his camel or donkey.

When children saw him, they came running. He greeted them warmly, picked them up, hugged them and kissed them. He loved giving them dates, fruits and sweets to eat.

In some prayers, the Prophet (pbuh) read long Surahs. But if he heard a baby crying, he would read a short Surah and say a short prayer. This helped the mother to take a care of her baby.

The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was always pleased to see parents loving and caressing their children. He once said, “When Allah blesses people with children, and they give their children love and meet their parental obligation, Allah keeps them safe from the fires of Hell.”