Losing a child in Islam is perhaps the most profound trial a parent can endure, yet it carries the promise of immense spiritual reward and eternal reunion. The grief of parting with an infant is a universal pain, one that even the best of creation experienced. This article addresses the Islamic perspective on grieving, the status of deceased children as intercessors, and also covers a separate ruling regarding women traveling for Hajj in groups.
The Prophet’s Example in Grief
There is nothing harder on parents than the loss of their children, especially in infancy. It is established in the Sunnah that the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) himself sobbed and shed tears at the loss of his son, Ibrahim, who died at the tender age of 18 months.
Islam allows believers to grieve and shed tears over the loss of loved ones. However, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) taught the Ummah to accept Allah’s will. When consoling his daughter on the loss of her child, he used words of profound submission.
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
“Allah gives what is His right to give; He takes away what is His right to take away; everything has an appointed time with Him…” (Sahih Al-Bukhari)
Rewards and Intercession for Patient Parents
Prominent scholars explain that patience during such a tragedy is a means of purification and immense reward.
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
“No fatigue, nor disease, nor sorrow, nor sadness, nor hurt, nor distress befalls a Muslim, even if it were the prick he receives from a thorn, but that Allah expiates some of his sins for that.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari)
Furthermore, there is a specific promise of Paradise for those who bear this loss with patience.
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) narrated from Allah:
“Allah says, ‘If I were to seize the soul of the beloved of my servant in this world, and yet he or she bore it patiently, I promise him [or her] no other reward than Paradise.'” (Sahih Al-Bukhari)
Regarding the status of these children in the Hereafter, Islamic teachings offer great hope. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) taught the believers to pray that these children become “forebearers” and “treasures” for their parents in Paradise. They are described as intercessors whose intercession is accepted, helping to weigh down their parents’ scales with good deeds. Parents are encouraged to hope that their departed children will be their advocates on the Day of Judgment.
Traveling for Hajj Without a Mahram
Regarding the performance of Hajj, a common question arises concerning whether a woman may travel without a mahram (husband or unmarriageable male relative).
The general consensus among scholars is that a mahram is required for a journey exceeding three days and nights. However, the intent of this prohibition is to ensure protection and security. Based on this intent, jurists from the Maliki and Shafi’i schools differ from the general view. They hold the opinion that a woman can travel for obligatory Hajj without a mahram provided she is in “safe company.”
This condition is met when she travels with a group of trustworthy women. This ruling draws precedent from the Mothers of the Faithful (the Prophet’s wives), who performed Hajj together in a group under the supervision of elderly Companions.
Therefore, scholars conclude that it is permissible for a woman to undertake the journey for Hajj with her husband’s permission, provided she travels with a group of women accompanied by trustworthy men.
