Words can be used either literally or figuratively. The phrase “their actions are not recorded” is figuratively used to mean the lifting of accountability, implying that children are not held accountable until they reach puberty.
There are two types of accountability:
- Accountability related to Allāh: Such as prayer, fasting, and pilgrimage. Here, accountability is completely lifted, so there is no sin for neglecting these duties [for children].
- Accountability related to other people: Such as theft and murder. Here, accountability is partially lifted. The punishment is waived, but the obligation remains. For theft, punishment is waived, but there is still an obligation to return the stolen property. For murder, retribution (qiṣāṣ) is waived, but the blood money (diyah) is still due from the offender’s family.
Regarding good deeds, logically, children should not be rewarded either, but the reward for their good deeds is established by the texts. This is supported by the verse: “Indeed, We will not allow to be lost the reward of anyone who did well in deeds.” [Al-Kahf: 30]. Here, “anyone” is general, and thus includes both children and adults, men and women.
Additionally, the ḥadīth narrated by Muslim from Ibn ῾Abbās (may Allāh be pleased with him) states: “A woman lifted a child to the Prophet (peace be upon him) during the Farewell Pilgrimage and said: ‘O Messenger of Allāh, is there Ḥajj for this one?’ He said: ‘Yes, and you will have a reward.'”
The meaning of “is there Ḥajj for this one?” refers to the reward for Ḥajj, [not its obligation].
Therefore, anyone who performs a good deed will be rewarded for it.
Fatwa issued by Dr. Khālid Naṣr
