Muhammad’s Attitude Towards Children: A Critical Scholarly Examination
By Dr. Maxwell Shimba, Servant of Jesus Christ
www.maxshimbaministries.org
Introduction
The subject of religious leadership and moral conduct, particularly in relation to the treatment of children, remains central to interfaith dialogue and the comparative study of world religions. This paper critically examines the character and actions of the Prophet Muhammad, as depicted in Islamic primary sources, in relation to children. It juxtaposes these findings with the teachings and actions of Jesus Christ, as recorded in the New Testament. The analysis intends to offer a clear perspective for those seeking to understand the ethical frameworks within which these two prominent religious figures operated.
1. Muhammad’s Stance on the Killing of Children: A Hadith Analysis
A significant moral and theological concern arises from narrations regarding the conduct of Muhammad in the context of warfare and the treatment of non-combatants, particularly women and children. In Sahih Muslim, one of the most authoritative collections of Hadith, Sa'b b. Jaththama reports:
"The Prophet of Allah (peace be upon him) was asked about the women and children of polytheists being killed during the night raids. He said: 'They are from them (i.e., they are part of them).'"
(Sahih Muslim, Hadith 4322; see also Sahih Bukhari 52:256)
This narration indicates a disturbing moral ambiguity regarding the permissibility of collateral damage involving children in armed conflict, a position seemingly at odds with modern concepts of human rights and the protection of innocents during war (see: Peters, R. (1996). Jihad in Classical and Modern Islam. Princeton: Markus Wiener Publishers).
The Execution of Singing Girls
Following the conquest of Mecca, sources in early Islamic historiography report that Muhammad ordered the execution of two female singers, Fartana and her companion, for satirizing him in song:
"The two singing-girls, Fartana and her friend, used to sing satirical verses about the Messenger of Allah. The Prophet ordered that they be put to death, and they were executed."
(Ibn Ishaq, Sirat Rasul Allah, ed. A. Guillaume, p. 819)
This episode is recorded in the earliest and most respected biography of Muhammad, and it highlights the grave consequences faced by even young women and girls who fell afoul of the Prophet's authority (see: Ibn Ishaq/Hisham 819; also referenced in al-Tabari, The History of al-Tabari, Vol. 8).
2. Muhammad’s Marriage to Aisha: Historical Context and Ethical Considerations
Among the most contentious aspects of Muhammad’s biography is his marriage to Aisha, which, according to several Hadith sources, occurred when she was very young:
"Aisha reported: The Prophet married me when I was six years old, and consummated the marriage with me when I was nine years old."
(Sahih Muslim 3310; Sahih al-Bukhari 5133, 5134, 5135, 5158; Sunan Abu Dawud 2116)
Aisha herself is quoted as saying:
"The Prophet married me when I was six years old, and had sexual intercourse with me when I was nine years old."
(Sunan Abu Dawud 2116)
Scholarly debate continues regarding the historical and cultural context of this marriage. However, contemporary ethical standards, informed by modern understandings of child development and consent, regard such actions as morally indefensible and legally criminal (see: Spencer, R. (2006). The Truth About Muhammad. Regnery Publishing; Barlas, A. (2002). "Believing Women" in Islam: Unreading Patriarchal Interpretations of the Qur'an. University of Texas Press).
3. The Teachings of Jesus Concerning Children
By contrast, the Gospels portray Jesus Christ as embodying a profoundly compassionate attitude toward children, emphasizing their inherent dignity and spiritual significance:
"Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."
(Matthew 19:14; cf. Matthew 18:1-4; Mark 9:33-37; Mark 10:13-16)
Jesus not only welcomed children but also used their example to illustrate the humility and purity required to enter the Kingdom of God. He publicly blessed children and affirmed their place in the community of believers (see: France, R. T. (2007). The Gospel of Matthew. Eerdmans; Nolland, J. (2005). The Gospel of Matthew: A Commentary on the Greek Text. Eerdmans).
4. Comparative Ethical Reflection
From an ethical and theological standpoint, the contrast is stark:
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Muhammad is depicted in Islamic tradition as permitting or at least not preventing the killing of children in war and entering into a marital relationship with a prepubescent girl.
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Jesus, in the Christian tradition, is portrayed as a protector and lover of children, elevating them as exemplars of the qualities needed for entry into God’s kingdom.
Such divergent portraits compel the conscientious seeker to critically evaluate which model truly embodies the spirit of divine love and moral uprightness. The choice between following a figure who, according to some sources, permitted harm to children, or one who cherished and blessed them, is ultimately a personal and spiritual decision.
Conclusion: A Call for Moral Discernment
In light of these historical and scriptural records, I urge readers to examine the evidence thoughtfully. Consider whether Muhammad’s actions align with the standards of prophetic conduct expected of a messenger of God, or whether the example of Jesus, who loved and blessed children, represents the higher ethical path.
The choice is yours:
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To follow Muhammad, who, according to these sources, permitted the killing and sexual exploitation of children,
or -
To follow Jesus, who loved, blessed, and welcomed children into the Kingdom of Heaven.
Yours sincerely,
Dr. Maxwell Shimba, Servant of Jesus Christ
www.maxshimbaministries.org
References
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Sahih Muslim, Book 19, Hadith 4322; also Sahih Bukhari 52:256.
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Ibn Ishaq, Sirat Rasul Allah, ed. A. Guillaume, p. 819.
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Sahih Muslim 3310; Sahih al-Bukhari 5133, 5134, 5135, 5158; Sunan Abu Dawud 2116.
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The Holy Bible, New Testament: Matthew 18:1-4; 19:13-15; Mark 9:33-37; 10:13-16.
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France, R. T. (2007). The Gospel of Matthew. Eerdmans.
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Nolland, J. (2005). The Gospel of Matthew: A Commentary on the Greek Text. Eerdmans.
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Peters, R. (1996). Jihad in Classical and Modern Islam. Princeton: Markus Wiener Publishers.
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Spencer, R. (2006). The Truth About Muhammad. Regnery Publishing.
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Barlas, A. (2002). "Believing Women" in Islam: Unreading Patriarchal Interpretations of the Qur'an. University of Texas Press.
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