The Emphasis on Justice and Equality Among Children

Author: Dr. Muhammad Zia-ur-Rahman Azmi (رحمہ اللہ)

Chapter: Justice Among Children in Showing Affection​

Hadith on Equality in Showing Affection to Children​

1. Justice in Kissing and Treating Children
✿ «عن أنس قال لم يكن أحد أشبه بالنبي صلى الله عليه وسلم من الحسن بن على وكان رجل جالسا عند النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم فجاءه ولد له فأخذه وقبله وأجلسه فى حجره وجاءت ابنة له فأخذها فأجلسها فقال النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم فهلا عدلت بينهما.» [حسن: رواه الطحاوي فى شرح معاني الآثار 89/4، والبيهقي فى الشعب 10510، 8327]

Translation: Anas bin Malik (رضی اللہ عنہما) narrated: There was no one more similar to the Prophet (ﷺ) than Hasan bin Ali (رضی اللہ عنہما). Once, a man was sitting with the Prophet (ﷺ), and his son came to him. The man took his son, kissed him, and seated him on his lap. Then his daughter came, and he took her and seated her beside him (but did not kiss her). The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Why did you not treat them equally?”

Key Lessons from the Hadith​

1. Justice and Fairness in Parenting:
   
   • Islam emphasizes justice among children in all matters, including expressions of affection such as kissing and embracing.
2. No Gender Discrimination:
   
   • The Hadith explicitly highlights the importance of treating sons and daughters equally, countering cultural biases that may favor one over the other.
3. Affection Shapes Emotional Well-being:
   
   • Equitable treatment ensures that no child feels neglected or inferior, fostering a sense of security and love within the family.
4. Prophetic Example in Parenting:
   
   • The Prophet (ﷺ) demonstrated fairness and compassion in dealing with his grandchildren and encouraged others to uphold these values.

Practical Implications for Parents​

1. Equal Distribution of Love and Affection:
   
   • Parents should ensure that their gestures of love, such as hugs, kisses, or kind words, are equally distributed among their children.
2. Equity in Material and Emotional Support:
   
   • Treat all children fairly in gifts, support, and opportunities, keeping in mind their individual needs and circumstances.
3. Eliminating Gender Bias:
   
   • Both sons and daughters should receive equal care and attention, reflecting Islamic principles of justice.

Conclusion​

Justice among children is a core value in Islam, and parents are urged to uphold it in all aspects, including affection and treatment. The teachings of the Prophet (ﷺ) serve as a guiding light for fostering harmony and love within families, ensuring that every child feels equally valued and cherished.