The hadiths of the Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him) about raising girls are beautiful and amazing. Girl children come with great rewards and blessings. If you offer care, love, support and education to your girl child, Paradise awaits you.
At a time when baby girls were deemed a source of shame, even buried alive, the Prophet came to rectify this grave wrong.
The hadiths below fought the infamous practices prevalent at the time: girl abuse, humiliation and infanticide.
Even today, his words are still relevant and much needed.
Let’s explore some of the blessings you can enjoy as a caretaker of girl children:
Paradise Awaits You
1. Narrated Abdullah ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him):
The Prophet (pbuh) said:
If anyone has a female child, and does not bury her alive, or slight her, or prefer his male children to her, Allah will bring him into Paradise. (Ahmad, authenticated by Al-Hakim, graded Hasan by Ahmad Shakir)
2. Jabir ibn Abdullah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (pbuh) said:
Whoever has three daughters and he accommodates them, show mercy toward them, and supports them, Paradise is definitely guaranteed for him.
Thus, someone asked the Prophet, what if they are two daughters only
He replied, “[He gets that reward,] even if they are [only] two.“
Some of those present believed that had the Prophet been asked about only one daughter, he would have answered that the reward was applicable too. (Authenticated by Al-Albani)
Protection from Hell Fire
3. Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported:
A woman came to me with her two daughters. She asked me (for charity) but she found nothing with me except one date-fruit, so I gave it to her.
She [accepted it and then] divided it between her two daughters and ate nothing out of it. Then, she got up and went out.
When the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) came in, and I narrated to him the story, he said,
“He who is tested with these girl children, and he is benevolent towards them, they will become protection for him against Hell fire“. (Muslim)
4. Uqbah ibn Aamir narrated, I heard the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) say:
“Whoever has three daughters and is patient towards them, and feeds them, gives them to drink, and clothes them from his wealth; they will be a shield for him from the Fire on the Day of Resurrection.” (Authenticated by Al-Albani)
Enjoy the Companionship of the Prophet
5. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
The Prophet (pbuh) said,
“Whoever supports two girls till they attain maturity, he and I will come on the Day of Resurrection (close to each other) like this –The Messenger of Allah joined his fingers to illustrate closeness.” (Muslim)
These are just examples of how Islam cared for girl children. The care mentioned in these hadiths and others is comprehensive. It covers the girls’ physical, emotional and mental needs.
Such is the care and affection that our daughters deserve. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) commands us to be loving, patient and supportive parents.
And once again, if you have daughters, you are greatly blessed and fortunate!