In light of the recent reports of a father considering selling his children due to extreme poverty caused by ongoing occupation and hardships, this question raises an important ethical and religious concern. Can poverty ever justify such an extreme action? From an Islamic perspective, the answer is a resounding no.

Islam views the sale of human beings, particularly children, as a grave injustice and a sin. Regardless of the dire circumstances a person might face, such as extreme poverty, there is no permissible justification for selling one’s children. Children are entrusted to their parents by Allah, and they have rights that must be protected. This includes the right to life, dignity, and freedom from exploitation.

Islamic Teachings on the Sanctity of Human Life and Family Rights

The act of selling children is prohibited in Islam for several key reasons. First and foremost, the father does not own his children. They are a trust from Allah, and parents are responsible for their well-being, education, and safety. The sale of children, even if driven by financial desperation, violates these fundamental rights.

A hadith narrated by Abu Huraira reported by Al-Bukhari and Ahmad mentions three types of people whom Allah will stand against on the Day of Judgment: the one who makes a covenant in His name and breaks it, the one who sells a free person and devours the price, and the one who employs a laborer but denies him his wages. Selling children falls under the second category, as it involves the exploitation of a human being for material gain.

Moreover, the Qur’an clearly forbids actions based on fear of poverty, especially those that harm innocent lives. Allah says in Surah Al-Isra (17:31), “Do not kill your children for fear of poverty. We provide for them and for you.” This verse underscores that fear of financial hardship should never justify harming children in any way.

Legal and Juristic Views

Islamic jurists across various schools of thought unanimously agree that selling children is a severe offense. It goes against the core teachings of Islam regarding human dignity and family rights. Sheikh Faysal Mawlawi, a renowned Islamic scholar, emphasized that such actions involve multiple grave sins, including the exploitation of children and the violation of their fundamental right to be free.

Historically, Islamic jurisprudence has been clear on this issue. Jurists agree that one cannot sell a free person because no one owns them. In line with this, selling one’s children, who are entrusted to the parents by Allah, is also prohibited. As per the teachings of Ibnul-Jawzi and other scholars, the sale of a free person, or anyone who cannot be owned, is considered unlawful. This includes any attempt to sell one’s children, regardless of the parent’s financial condition.

Conclusion

The act of selling children, whether due to poverty or any other reason, is strictly prohibited in Islam. Parents are entrusted with the responsibility of caring for and protecting their children. Even in situations of extreme hardship, this responsibility remains unchanged. Instead of resorting to such measures, Muslims are encouraged to rely on Allah’s mercy and seek support from their community.

In times of suffering, it is crucial for Muslims to stand in solidarity with those affected, to advocate for justice, and to work towards alleviating the suffering of others. No matter the level of hardship, Islam emphasizes that human life, especially that of children, is sacred and cannot be treated as a commodity.

Key Takeaways:

  • Selling children is strictly prohibited in Islam.
  • Children are a trust from Allah, and parents are responsible for their care and well-being.
  • Poverty does not justify harming or exploiting children.
  • Islam calls for compassion, unity, and solidarity in times of crisis.