The Prohibition of Killing Children in Islam: Understanding the Quranic Perspective

The Sanctity of Life: Why Islam Forbids Killing Children

This Ayah indicates that Allah is more compassionate towards His servants than a father to his child, because He forbids killing children just as He enjoins parents to take care of their children in matters of inheritance.

The people of Jahiliyyah would not allow their daughters to inherit from them, and some would even kill their daughters lest they make them more poor. Allah forbade that and said:

وَلَا تَقْتُلُواْ أَوْلادَكُمْ خَشْيَةَ إِمْلقٍ 

And kill not your children for fear of poverty.

meaning, lest they may make you poor in the future.

This is why Allah mentions the children’s provision first:

نَّحْنُ نَرْزُقُهُمْ وَإِيَّاكُم 

We shall provide for them as well as for you.

In Surah Al-Anam, Allah says:

وَلَا تَقْتُلُواْ أَوْلَـدَكُمْ مِّنْ إمْلَـقٍ 

kill not your children because of poverty. (6:151)

نَّحْنُ نَرْزُقُهُمْ وَإِيَّاكُم 

We provide sustenance for you and for them. (6:151)

and,

إنَّ قَتْلَهُمْ كَانَ خِطْءًا كَبِيرًا 

Surely, the killing of them is a great sin.

means, a major sin.

In Two Sahihs it is recorded that Abdullah bin Masud said:

“I said, O Messenger of Allah, which sin is the worst?’

He said,

أَنْ تَجْعَلَ لِلّهِ نِدًّا وَهُوَ خَلَقَكَ  

To appoint rivals of Allah when He has created you.

I asked, Then what?’

He said,

قَالَ أَنْ تَقْتُلَ وَلَدَكَ خَشْيَةَ أَنْ يَطْعَمَ مَعَكَ 

To kill your child lest he should eat with you.

I asked, `Then what?’

He said,

قَالَ أَنْ تُزَانِيَ بِحَلِيلَةِ جَارِك 

To commit adultery with your neighbor’s wife.

[TAFSEER IBN KATHEER]

In Islam, the sanctity of human life is a fundamental principle that is deeply rooted in the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). One of the most heinous crimes in Islam is the killing of children, which is strictly prohibited in the Quran and considered a major sin.

The Quranic Perspective

The Quran explicitly forbids the killing of children, stating: “And kill not your children for fear of poverty. We shall provide for them as well as for you.” (Quran 6:151) This verse highlights the importance of preserving human life and the responsibility of parents to care for their children. The Quran also emphasizes that Allah is the sole provider and sustainer of all living beings, and that He will provide for both the parents and their children.

In another verse, the Quran says: “And kill not your children because of poverty. We provide sustenance for you and for them.” (Quran 17:31) This verse reinforces the idea that the killing of children is a grave sin and that Allah will provide for all His creation.

The Hadith Perspective

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also emphasized the gravity of killing children. In a hadith narrated by Abdullah bin Masud, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “I asked, O Messenger of Allah, which sin is the worst?’ He said, ‘To appoint rivals of Allah when He has created you.'” (Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim)

When asked what the next worst sin was, the Prophet (peace be upon him) replied: “To kill your child lest he should eat with you.” (Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim) This hadith highlights the severity of killing children and the importance of preserving human life.

The Consequences of Killing Children

The killing of children is considered a major sin in Islam, and those who commit this crime will face severe consequences in the Hereafter. The Quran states: “Surely, the killing of them is a great sin.” (Quran 17:31) This verse emphasizes the gravity of the crime and the punishment that awaits those who commit it.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the killing of children is a grave sin in Islam that is strictly prohibited in the Quran and the hadith. The sanctity of human life is a fundamental principle in Islam, and parents have a responsibility to care for their children and provide for their well-being. Those who commit this crime will face severe consequences in the Hereafter, and it is our duty as Muslims to uphold the values of compassion, mercy, and justice.

References:

• Quran 6:151
• Quran 17:31
• Sahih Bukhari
• Sahih Muslim
• Tafseer Ibn Katheer