How did the Prophet Muhammad treat children?
Usually with kindness, play and patience. The Prophet ﷺ kissed and hugged children, joked with them, carried them even during prayer and never shamed them. He taught that mercy toward the young is part of faith. His example is one of the best guides for parents today.
He kissed and hugged them
Once, the Prophet ﷺ kissed his grandson Hasan while a man named Al-Aqra sat beside him. Al-Aqra said, "I have ten children and have never kissed any of them." The Prophet ﷺ looked at him and said: "Whoever is not merciful to others will not be treated mercifully" (Sahih al-Bukhari 5997). He also said that those who do not show mercy to the young are not from us (Sunan Abi Dawud 4943).
Affection isn't something children grow out of. It teaches them they are loved. See Should Muslim parents kiss and hug their kids?
He played and joked with them
Anas reported that the Prophet ﷺ mixed with the family and would say to his small younger brother, "O Abu Umair, what did the little bird do?" (Sahih al-Bukhari 6129). The Prophet ﷺ noticed what mattered to the boy: his little bird. Taking an interest in a child's small world is a sign of respect.
He was gentle even in prayer
Abu Qatadah reported that the Prophet ﷺ was praying while carrying Umamah, his granddaughter. When he prostrated, he put her down, and when he stood up, he lifted her again (Sahih al-Bukhari 516). He also said that when he begins a prayer meaning to make it long and hears a child cry, he shortens it, because he doesn't want to trouble the child's mother (Sahih al-Bukhari 707).
Children are welcome in the mosque and don't need to be silent. See Can I bring my kids to the mosque?
He was patient and didn't shame
Anas served the Prophet ﷺ for ten years, starting as a boy. He said the Prophet never spoke a harsh word to him, and never asked, "Why did you do that?" or "Why didn't you do that?" (Sahih Muslim 2309). Think about what that means for a child who spills, forgets or breaks something. Correction can be calm and still clear.
Anger and shouting rarely teach what we hope. See Is it haram to yell at your kids?
What parents can take from this
- Show affection daily: a hug, a kiss on the forehead and warm words.
- Notice their world: ask about their toys, pets, drawings or games.
- Make room for them: include children in family life and worship.
- Correct without humiliating: explain what to do next time and move on.
- Be generous with patience: mistakes are how children learn.
These habits fit with the rights Islam gives children. See What are the rights of children in Islam?
- The Prophet ﷺ kissed children and said mercy is part of faith.
- He played, joked and noticed what mattered to them.
- He carried a child in prayer and shortened prayer when a baby cried.
- He was patient and never shamed those he looked after.
People also ask
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Usually tell them together, calmly and honestly: it is not their fault and both parents still love them. Don't blame or ask them to pick a side.
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Yes: tell young children Allah made the dinosaurs, and tell older ones that scholars differ on evolution while most hold Adam was created directly.
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Yes, many Muslims shave a baby's head on the seventh day as a sunnah and give the weight of the hair in silver as charity. It isn't required.
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Yes, usually: a child's lineage belongs to the father, shown by his surname, while stepchildren and adopted children keep their own father's name.
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Yes, in most cases a young boy can stay with his mother. Mosques usually move boys to the men's section once they can pray properly; ask yours.
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