What justifies having children if there is a possibility that they will suffer eternally in the afterlife?
The question of having children in light of their potential suffering in the afterlife is addressed in Islamic teachings, emphasizing both the mercy of Allah and the unique status of children. The Qur'an emphasizes the importance of not fearing poverty when it comes to raising children, stating: Slay not your children, fearing a fall to poverty, We shall provide for them and for you. Lo! the slaying of them is great sin.
17:31. This verse reassures that Allah is the provider for both parents and children, highlighting the divine support in the act of parenting.
Furthermore, teachings from the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ affirm the special position of children in relation to their parents' deeds and the mercy of Allah. For instance, a narration states, The reward of a believer from his child when he dies is Paradise, whether he is patient or impatient.
Al-Kafi 3:406. This indicates that children can be a source of intercession for their parents and have a significant impact on their afterlife.
Additionally, the Prophet ﷺ mentioned that losing children who have not reached maturity does not lead to eternal suffering for them. He taught: No Muslim who loses two children who have not committed sin will fail to enter Paradise, by the grace and mercy of Allah.
Sunan Ibn Majah 7:173. This reinforces the belief that children, due to their innocence and the mercy of Allah, are granted a special status in the afterlife.
In summary, the justifications for having children include the assurance of Allah's provision, the potential for children to intercede for their parents, and the promise of mercy for children who pass away before maturity, all reflecting the compassionate nature of divine justice.
Sources
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17:31 · Al-Israa
17:31 · Muhammad Marmaduke Pickthall
وَلَا تَقْتُلُوٓا۟ أَوْلَٰدَكُمْ خَشْيَةَ إِمْلَٰقٍۢ ۖ نَّحْنُ نَرْزُقُهُمْ وَإِيَّاكُمْ ۚ إِنَّ قَتْلَهُمْ كَانَ خِطْـًۭٔا كَبِيرًۭا
Slay not your children, fearing a fall to poverty, We shall provide for them and for you. Lo! the slaying of them is great sin.
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Al-Kafi 3:406
Al-Kafi · Book 3, Hadith 406
The reward of a believer from his child when he dies is Paradise, whether he is patient or impatient. — OR — I asked Abu Hasan (peace be upon him), how many people may I include in my pilgrimage? He said: As many as you wish. — OR — I asked about a slave woman who came to a tribe other than her own and claimed she was free. A man from them married her, and she bore him children. He said their children are slaves unless the husband produces evidence that a witness testified to her freedom, in that case they are free and do not become slaves. — OR — The Commander of the Faithful (peace be upon him) said: Whoever confesses during a stripping, threat, confinement, or intimidation, the hadd punishment shall not be imposed on him.
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Sunan Ibn Majah 7:173
Sunan Ibn Majah · Book 7, Hadith 173 · Narrated by Anas ibn Malik
The Prophet said, 'No Muslim who loses two children who have not committed sin will fail to enter Paradise, by the grace and mercy of Allah.'
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