Fetal and Infant Death: Parents’ Reward and Intercession
Al-Azhar Fatwa Department clarifies the status of a fetus that dies in the womb, whether it can intercede for its parents, and the position of an infant who dies after birth and their reward in Paradise.
A question was raised to the Egyptian Fatwa Department regarding whether a fetus that dies in the womb can intercede for its parents. Sheikh Mohamed Abdel Samie, Fatwa Secretary, explained that if the fetus has received the soul, it may have an effect in interceding for the parents. However, if the soul has not yet been breathed or the fetus has not developed, the parents gain reward for their patience and trial, but the fetus does not intercede for them.
Regarding infants who die shortly after birth, the Fatwa Department explained that such children are considered “birds of Paradise” and were not recorded by the divine decree. They become a source of reward for their parents in Paradise and may intercede for them on the Day of Judgment, according to authentic Hadiths.
The Fatwa referenced Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her), who narrated that a child passed away, and she said: “Blessed is he, a bird of Paradise,” to which the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) replied: “Do you not know that Allah created Paradise and Hell, and created for each its people?”
Imam Nawawi emphasized that the majority of Islamic scholars agree that any Muslim child who dies is among the inhabitants of Paradise, citing a narration from Sahih al-Bukhari describing the Prophet’s vision of Paradise and its wonders.
These rulings clarify that the effect of fetal or infant death depends on the stage of development and whether the soul has been breathed in. Parents gain reward and spiritual merit, with a special status for infants who die after birth, granting them the ability to intercede for their parents.
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