Parenting Perspective 

Stories hold a unique power over a child’s heart and mind. When parents share real examples of the Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ mercy towards children, these narratives do more than just capture their attention; they actively shape a child’s understanding of love, discipline, and respect. These stories demonstrate that a life of faith is not meant to be harsh, but is in fact rooted in gentleness, and they can provide parents with a beautiful template for modelling these same qualities. By weaving such stories into your family life, you can help your children to grow up seeing mercy as the most natural expression of faith. 

His Playfulness with His Grandchildren 

You can share the story of how the Prophet ﷺ used to carry his beloved grandsons, Hasan and Husayn, on his back, allowing them to climb on him even as he prayed. It is famously narrated that he once lengthened his prostration to allow his grandson to play freely, without interruption. This beautiful story shows that the natural joy of children was something to be valued and protected, even during the most sacred moments of worship. 

His Warm Greetings to Children in the Street 

The Prophet ﷺ was known to greet children with immense warmth whenever he saw them, offering them smiles, gentle words, and sometimes stopping to play with them. You can share this example to remind your own children that showing kindness and a cheerful face to others is a beautiful sunnah, not just a matter of politeness. 

The Playful ‘Camel Ride’ Story 

A well-known story recounts how the Prophet ﷺ allowed his grandsons to ride on his back, playfully declaring, ‘What a good camel you have, and what good riders you are!’ This shows the importance of praise when it is mixed with fun, as this kind of playful affection can leave a lasting warmth in a child’s heart. 

His Comfort for a Grieving Child 

When a young boy’s pet bird passed away, the Prophet ﷺ took the time to gently comfort him in his sadness, acknowledging his grief rather than dismissing it as unimportant. This story is a powerful way to show children that their emotions are seen and valued in Islam. 

By sharing these stories regularly, parents can help their children to understand that love, playfulness, and gentle care are not distractions from a life of faith, but are in fact essential parts of it. 

Spiritual Insight 

The Quran on the Prophet’s ﷺ Role as a Mercy 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Anbiyaa (21), Verses 107: 

‘And We (Allah Almighty) did not send you (O Prophet Muhammad ﷺ), except as a mercy for the whole of the trans-universal existence.’ 

This verse beautifully shows that the entire mission of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was rooted in the quality of mercy. His gentle and loving treatment of children was one of the clearest and most consistent reflections of this divine quality. 

Prophetic Guidance on Showing Physical Affection 

The importance of showing mercy through affection is beautifully illustrated in a story involving the Prophet’s ﷺ grandson. When he kissed Hasan ibn Ali, a man named Al-Aqra ibn Habis, who was present, remarked, ‘I have ten children and have never kissed any of them.’ 

It is recorded in Al Adab Al Mufrad, Hadith 91, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘He who does not show mercy will not be shown mercy.’ 

This hadith shows that showing mercy to children is not an optional extra, but is a foundational part of our faith. By sharing these stories, parents can teach their children that following the example of the Prophet ﷺ means filling their family life with gentleness, affection, and compassion, which are the very qualities that invite the mercy of Allah into a home.