A Heart Full of Love
Long ago, in the golden deserts of Arabia, lived the kindest and most gentle man the world has ever known — Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. He was not only a messenger of Allah but also a loving grandfather, a patient teacher, and a warm-hearted friend.
One of the most beautiful parts of His life was how He (ﷺ) treated children — with love, attention, and gentleness. He (ﷺ) didn’t speak down to them or ignore them. Instead, He (ﷺ) saw children as important souls with feelings, ideas, and dreams.
Let’s explore how the Prophet ﷺ showed His love for children — not just with words, but through His actions that still inspire young hearts today.
A Smile for Every Child
There was a young boy named Abu ‘Umayr who had a little pet bird called Nughayr. When the bird died, the boy felt very sad. Most grown-ups might have brushed it off — but not the Prophet ﷺ. He gently came to the boy, sat with him, and asked in a warm, caring voice:
"O Abu ‘Umayr! What happened to the Nughayr?"
(Sahih al-Bukhari, 6203; Sahih Muslim, 2150)
Even though the Prophet ﷺ was busy guiding an entire nation, he made time to comfort a child over the loss of a pet. We see from this that no feeling is too small, and every child matters. When someone truly cares, they notice the things that others might ignore — just like the Prophet ﷺ did.
The Prophet ﷺ and His Grand Children
The Prophet ﷺ dearly loved His grandsons Hasan and Husayn (رضي الله عنهما). He (ﷺ) would often kiss them, carry them on His shoulders, and play with them.
One day, while He (ﷺ) was leading the prayer, little Husayn (رضی اللہ عنہ)ran into the masjid and climbed onto the Prophet’s ﷺ back during sujood. Instead of getting upset or rushing the prayer, the Prophet ﷺ stayed in sujood until Husayn (رضی اللہ عنہ) finished playing. Afterward, he gently explained:
"My grandson climbed on my back, and I did not want to hurry him."
(Al-Nasaa’i, (1141))
This shows us that love and patience were part of the Prophet’s ﷺ worship. Even in moments of seriousness, he made space for a child’s joy. From this, we learn that being close to Allah also means being kind and gentle to others — especially children.
A Dua for a Young Heart
When the young boy Anas bin Malik (رضي الله عنه) came to live and serve the Prophet ﷺ, he was only 10 years old. He stayed with the Prophet ﷺ for 10 years and later said:
"The Prophet ﷺ never once said to me ‘Uff’ (a word of frustration), and He (ﷺ) never asked me, ‘Why did you do that?’"
(Sahih al-Bukhari, 6038)
One day, the Prophet ﷺ made a beautiful dua for him:
"O Allah, increase him in wealth and children, and bless him in what You give him." (Sahih al-Bukhari, 1982)
Anas (رضی اللہ عنہ) lived a long, blessed life and had over 100 descendants — a clear sign of the Prophet’s ﷺ love being accepted by Allah.
Through this, we see how the Prophet ﷺ uplifted young people not by scolding them, but by making dua for their success. Encouragement and prayers can shape a child’s future, and the Prophet ﷺ teaches us that a kind word can last a lifetime.
A Ride of Love and Fairness
On one occasion, the Prophet ﷺ let both of his grandsons, Hasan and Husayn (رضی اللہ عنھما), ride on His camel. As they rode happily, He (ﷺ) looked at them with deep love and said:
"O Allah, I love them, so love them too." (Sahih al-Bukhari, 3749; Sahih Muslim, 2421)
He (ﷺ) gave both of them equal attention, made dua for both, and showed no favoritism — even though He (ﷺ) loved them dearly.
From this, we learn the beauty of fairness. When we love people, it’s important to be just and treat them equally, especially when they are young. The Prophet ﷺ shows us that fair love strengthens bonds, and that children thrive in a world where no one is left behind.
Tears of Mercy
One day, a child became very ill, and the Prophet ﷺ went to visit the family. When the child passed away, the Prophet ﷺ wept.
A companion, surprised to see tears, asked him, “O Messenger of Allah, even you cry?”
The Prophet ﷺ replied:
"This is mercy that Allah has placed in the hearts of His servants. And Allah shows mercy to those who are merciful."
(Sahih al-Bukhari, 1284; Sahih Muslim, 923)
These gentle tears remind us that being emotional is not a weakness — it is a reflection of a soft heart, something Allah loves. The Prophet ﷺ
didn’t hide his feelings. Instead, he showed us that true strength lies in compassion.
The Prophet ﷺ and the Boy Who Lost His Father
After the Battle of Uhud, many families in Madinah were grieving. Among them was a young boy who had lost his father — a brave man who had died protecting the Prophet ﷺ.
As the boy walked through the streets, he saw other children laughing and running into the arms of their fathers. He stood silently in the corner, tears welling up in his eyes.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ noticed him and gently approached.
The boy, unable to hold back his sadness, said:
“My father is gone... I have no one.”
Hearing this, the Prophet ﷺ’s heart filled with sorrow. He (ﷺ) knelt down, wrapped the boy in his arms, and said softly:
“Would you not be happy that I am your father, and Aisha ( رضی اللہ عنھا) your mother?”
From that moment, the Prophet ﷺ cared for the boy like his own child — giving him love, attention, and warmth to help fill the space his father had left behind.
We see from this story how the Prophet ﷺ didn’t just feel sorry for the orphan — he became a source of strength for him. He didn't offer only words, but his presence, his time, and his love.
This story shows that you are never forgotten, even in your sadness. Someone as noble as the Prophet ﷺ noticed and lifted a little boy’s heart.
It is a reminder to be the kind of person who not only sees sadness — but steps in to fill it with compassion. The Prophet ﷺ showed us that true greatness lies in caring for those who feel alone.
A Final Message for Children
Dear child, when you:
● Share your toys,
● Help your parents,
● Hug a sad friend,
● Or smile at someone who needs it...
…you are following the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Every small act of kindness you do brings you closer to Him — and to Allah.
Remember: the Prophet ﷺ didn’t just teach with books or rules. He taught with love, actions, and his gentle heart.
A Thought for Adults
To all parents, teachers, and caregivers:
The Prophet ﷺ never waited for children to become adults before honoring their feelings. He listened, he played, he prayed — and he made children feel seen.
If we wish to raise a generation that loves the Prophet ﷺ, we must first love children like He (ﷺ) did — with time, patience, and mercy.
The Sunnah of a Gentle Heart
The life of the Prophet ﷺ is filled with light — and among its brightest beams is his love for children. These aren’t just stories from history; they are roadmaps for today.
We see from his every action that children are a trust and a gift. And through every smile, prayer, and patient gesture, he showed us how to protect that trust.
So whether you are a child trying to do good, or a grown-up trying to guide — take His love as your guide.
“And We have not sent you (O Muhammad) except as a mercy to all the worlds.” — Qur’an, 21: 107.