"Do you have children?"
The Prophet ﷺ asked Ashʿath bin Qays.
"I learned on my way here that I have just had a newborn. Yet, for me, sharing a dinner with my companions is more joyous than having children," Ashʿath replied.

Hearing this, the Prophet ﷺ interjected gently yet firmly:
"Never say such a thing. They are a comfort to our eyes. And even if they pass away, their loss becomes a source of forgiveness and reward for us."

Through such words, the Prophet ﷺ was carefully unweaving the threads of ignorance (jahiliyya) that still lingered in hearts, even after embracing Islam. In an era when children, especially daughters, were seen as burdens of poverty and dishonor, the Prophet ﷺ reshaped perceptions.

This was a time when daughters were buried alive out of shame, and even sons did not bring the pride or joy we might assume. The Prophet's ﷺ mission was revolutionary in teaching that the birth of a child—be it a boy or a girl—was a blessing to be celebrated.

He embodied this teaching through action. When he kissed his grandchild Hasan, a Bedouin looked on in astonishment and asked,
"Do you kiss your children? I have ten, and I have never kissed any of them."
The Prophet ﷺ responded, visibly moved,
"What can I do if Allah has removed mercy from your heart? Mercy is not shown to those who do not show mercy to others."

Celebrating Birth

The birth of a child was not a private affair but a communal joy. When his son Ibrahim was born, the Prophet ﷺ shared his happiness openly:
"Last night, a son was born to me, and I have named him after my ancestor, Ibrahim."

Names, the Prophet ﷺ emphasized, carried great significance. His own sons—Qasim, Abdullah, and Ibrahim—bore noble names. Sadly, all his sons passed away in childhood. The Prophet ﷺ, often called Abu al-Qasim (Father of Qasim), carried the memory of his son in this title. His daughters—Zainab, Ruqayyah, Umm Kulthum, and Fatimah—outlived their brothers but faced their own trials.

Raising Daughters with Dignity

The Prophet ﷺ treated his daughters as blessings, not burdens. He taught that daughters were a divine test, asking parents:
"Do you care for them? Educate them? Or do you abandon them?"

Parents who nurtured daughters and treated them well were promised immense rewards. The Prophet ﷺ said that daughters could become shields from Hellfire for their parents.

Marriage was a critical aspect of this care. The Prophet ﷺ ensured his daughters married virtuous men. Zainab married Abu al-As, an honest merchant. Although he initially did not accept Islam, the Prophet ﷺ allowed them to remain together until circumstances required their separation. Abu al-As later embraced Islam, reuniting the couple.

Ruqayyah and Umm Kulthum both married Uthman ibn Affan, known for his piety and generosity. Fatimah, the youngest and dearest to the Prophet ﷺ, married Ali ibn Abi Talib.

When Ali sought Fatimah's hand, the Prophet ﷺ consulted her. Despite her shyness, her silence signaled consent. The Prophet ﷺ respected this, teaching that consent must always be sought in marriage.

A Simple Wedding

Fatimah and Ali's wedding was a humble affair. For her dowry, Ali presented a simple coat of mail. The household items Fatimah brought were modest: a blanket, a leather pillow, and a few basic utensils.

The Prophet ﷺ himself helped arrange the wedding feast, urging companions to contribute what they could. Saʿd brought a sheep, others contributed dates and grains, and together they prepared a simple but heartfelt celebration.

Even after his daughters were married and had families of their own, the Prophet ﷺ continued to shower them with paternal affection. His relationship with Fatimah, in particular, was a beautiful testament to the enduring bond between a father and daughter.

When Fatimah visited her father, the Prophet ﷺ would rise to greet her warmly, saying,
"Welcome, my dear daughter (Marhaban bibnati),"
before kissing her and seating her where he had been sitting.

Similarly, when the Prophet ﷺ visited Fatimah, she would rush to greet him, kiss him, and take his hand, guiding him to sit in her place. This exchange of love and respect was a hallmark of their relationship, showing the mutual care and admiration they shared.

Fatimah reflected her father’s demeanor in every way—his mannerisms, his gait, and his gentle way of speaking. She was often referred to as a mirror of the Prophet ﷺ, embodying his qualities with grace and humility.

The Night the Messenger ﷺ Visited Fatimah and Ali

Fatimah’s everyday life was always filled with toil. Her hands bore the marks of ceaseless labor—calloused and red from grinding grain, drawing water, and tending to her modest household. Every task was a reflection of her resilience, but it was also a reminder of the weight she carried.

One evening, after a particularly tiring day, the weariness seemed to seep into her very bones. She confided in Ali about her struggles, and together they agreed she should seek help. Summoning her courage, Fatimah set out to her father, the Prophet ﷺ, hoping for a servant who could ease her burdens.

When she arrived at her father’s home, she found that he was not there. Fatimah returned home, disappointment etched across her face. Yet her father’s care and wisdom were not far behind.

That night, as Fatimah and Ali lay down to rest, they heard a familiar knock at the door. It was the Prophet ﷺ, arriving unannounced but warmly welcomed. Seeing them stir to greet him, he gently said,
"Stay where you are."

He sat down between them on their humble bedding, his presence immediately filling the room with a sense of calm. Fatimah later recalled the coolness of his feet touching her side—a memory that remained vivid in her heart for years.

Addressing Fatimah’s earlier request, the Prophet ﷺ asked with his characteristic compassion,
"Shall I teach you something better than a servant?"

Fatimah and Ali sat up attentively, eager to hear his words. The Prophet ﷺ then offered a simple yet profound practice:
"Before you sleep, recite SubhanAllah 33 times, Alhamdulillah 33 times, and Allahu Akbar 34 times."

The words carried a rhythm that seemed to resonate deeply, even in that moment. They were not merely utterances but a spiritual remedy, a way to channel exhaustion into praise and surrender.

The Prophet ﷺ reminded them of a higher principle:
“Resources such as war booty are for the benefit of the needy before personal use. Those who can endure must do so with patience and gratitude.”

In this intimate moment, the Prophet ﷺ gave his daughter a treasure that transcended physical ease—a gift that would fortify her spirit and transform weariness into devotion. His presence that night, combined with the simplicity of his message, left an indelible mark on Fatimah and Ali.

From that night onward, the nightly recitation of SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, and Allahu Akbar became a ritual of renewal for the couple—a spiritual inheritance that Fatimah would carry with her for the rest of her life.

This tender episode reflects the essence of the Prophet’s ﷺ guidance: the promise of strength and contentment through faith, and a reminder that true relief comes not from the easing of worldly burdens but from the peace found in remembrance of Allah.

On another occasion, as the Prophet ﷺ made his customary visit to Fatimah’s home, he stopped abruptly outside the door. Hanging at the entrance was a vibrant and decorative curtain. The Prophet ﷺ did not step inside.

When Ali returned home, he found Fatimah visibly distressed.
“What’s wrong?” he asked.
“The Prophet ﷺ came to visit but did not enter the house,” she replied.

Ali went to the Prophet ﷺ to inquire. The Prophet ﷺ explained gently,
“What do I have to do with the adornments of this world? I noticed a colorful curtain at her door.”

Ali relayed the message to Fatimah, who responded with humility,
“Ask the Prophet ﷺ what he wants me to do with it. I am ready to do whatever he suggests.”

The Prophet ﷺ advised them to give the curtain to someone in need, a person who would benefit from it more. It was not that such adornments were inherently forbidden, for he would not have suggested passing it on otherwise. Rather, it reflected the Prophet’s ﷺ preference for simplicity, which Fatimah and Ali embraced wholeheartedly.

Counsel Both Private and Public

The Prophet ﷺ offered his children guidance both in private moments and through public advice. He made no exception for his family when it came to matters of faith and accountability.

In one instance, addressing Fatimah publicly, he said:
“O Fatimah, daughter of Muhammad, save yourself from Hellfire, for I cannot protect you from Allah’s punishment. Ask me for whatever you wish from my wealth, and I will give it to you.”

This statement, far from being harsh, reflected the Prophet’s ﷺ unwavering commitment to justice and the universality of faith. No one—family or not—was exempt from the obligations of belief and practice.

The Prophet ﷺ not only emphasized obligatory acts of worship and core rituals to his children but also guided them towards engaging in optional supplications and actions to deepen their connection with Allah.

On one occasion, he offered Fatimah a powerful supplication to recite every morning and evening, saying:
“Shall I teach you a prayer that you can recite daily? Is there anything preventing you from practicing it?”

He then taught her the following supplication:
"Ya Hayyu, Ya Qayyum, birahmatika astagheeth, aslih li sha'ni kullahu wa la takilni ila nafsi tarfata 'ayn."
(O Ever-Living, O Sustainer of all existence, by Your mercy I seek help. Set right all my affairs and do not leave me to myself even for the blink of an eye.)

Through this prayer, the Prophet ﷺ taught Fatimah to turn to Allah for guidance and support in every aspect of life, no matter how small or significant. The supplication encapsulates reliance on Allah’s mercy, an acknowledgment of His ultimate control over everything, and a plea for His constant protection and intervention.

This teaching was not just a lesson in words but a spiritual anchor—a reminder that even in the daily struggles of life, one could find solace and strength in seeking divine assistance. Such moments of personal instruction reflected the Prophet’s ﷺ great care for his family’s spiritual well-being, ensuring they were equipped with the tools to navigate both worldly and spiritual challenges.

The Pain of Loss

The Prophet ﷺ knew the searing pain of losing children. He buried all his sons and several of his daughters. The loss of Ibrahim, his youngest son, was particularly poignant.

Ibrahim passed away at 18 months while being nursed by his foster mother, Umm Burdah. The Prophet ﷺ often visited their modest home, where Ibrahim lived. On the day of his death, the Prophet ﷺ held his son, tears streaming down his face.

"This is mercy," he explained when questioned about his tears. "The eyes weep, the heart grieves, but we only say what pleases Allah. Ibrahim, your departure leaves us deeply saddened."

As he grieved, the Prophet ﷺ expressed a profound hope:
"Ibrahim, my son, has passed away while still breastfeeding. In Paradise, he will have two wet nurses to complete his feeding."

This poignant image reassured believers of a tender continuation beyond this life. Some scholars interpret this as a reference to the child’s experience in the grave, a space that could either be a garden of Paradise or a pit of Hell.

An Embodiment of Compassion

The Prophet ﷺ’s life was a testament to unconditional love and justice. Whether in public or private, he held his children to the same standards as everyone else, teaching them humility, faith, and perseverance.

Through his relationships with his children and grandchildren, the Prophet ﷺ exemplified mercy, simplicity, and an unshakable commitment to living by the principles he preached.