Abu Dawud

Hadith Commentary: The meaning is that Allah, the Exalted, will deal with them according to His knowledge.

Apparently, this hadith supports the view that one should withhold judgment regarding the children of polytheists.

This is the statement of Imam Ahmad, Ishaq, and most of the scholars, and Bayhaqi has also narrated the same from Imam Shafi’i.

As a principle, minor children are not legally accountable (ghayr mukallaf) in the Shari’ah. Nevertheless, the best solution to this discussion is that they are entrusted to Allah, Who knows best whether they are deserving of Paradise or Hell.

The children of the believers are indeed destined for Paradise, but regarding the children of disbelievers who die in a state of minority, there is much difference of opinion.

Imam Bukhari’s view is that they are destined for Paradise, because punishment cannot occur without sin, and they died innocent.

Some have said that it is up to Allah’s discretion and depends on His will—if He wills, He will admit them to Paradise; if He wills, to Hell.

Some have said that they will remain in Hell with their parents.

Some have said that they will become dust.

Some have said that they will remain in al-A‘raf.

Some have said that they will be tested.

And Allah knows best what is correct. (Waheedi)

Hadith Commentary: Benefits and Issues: According to Ahl al-Sunnah, Allah has knowledge of (ma kana) (what has occurred), (ma yakun) (what will occur), (ma la yakun) (what will not occur), and (law kana kayfa kana yakun), that is, if it were to occur, how it would occur—He has knowledge of all these.