being called expressly the state of Islām), or before attaining the age of discretion. Some of the Muslims said: O Messenger of Allāh! are the children of the polytheists also there? He said: Yes, the children of polytheists also” (Bu. 92:48). Thus all children go to Paradise; more than this, the death of young children is an affliction which becomes the means of taking one to Paradise, perhaps because it brings about a change in the hearts of the parents.

Patience enjoined under afflictions

It may also be added in this connection that Islām forbids indulgence in intemperate grief for the dead. It requires that all affliction be borne patiently, as the Holy Qur’ān says: “And We shall certainly try you with something of fear and hunger and loss of property and lives and fruits; and give good news to the patient, who, when a misfortune befalls them, say: Surely we are Allāh’s and to Him we shall return” (2:155, 156). On hearing of the death of a relative or a friend or of any other affliction, a Muslim is enjoined to say Innā li-llāhi wa innā ilai-hi rāji‘ūn: “We are Allāh’s and to Him we shall return” These words are a source of unlimited solace and comfort in bereavement. Allāh has taken away His own; all of us come from God and must return to Him. Hence it is forbidden that one should indulge in regular mourning or ostentatious grief. When visiting a cemetery, the following words are recommended :

Images
As-salāmu ‘alai-kum ahladdiyāri min al-mu’minī-na wal-Muslimīna wa innā inshā Allāhu bi-kum la-lāḥiqūn; nas’alu-llāha la-nā wa la-kum-ul-‘āfiyah (M. 12:36).
Peace be on you, O residents of this world from among the faithful and the Muslims, and we will surely join you, if it please Allāh. We pray to Allāh for security for you and for ourselves.