Question

Is the following Hadith authentic?

Sayyiduna Anas (radiyallahu ‘anhu) narrates that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) once said: “The good deeds of a minor child are recorded in the account of his father or both his parents, but his evil deeds are not recorded, neither in his parents account nor in his own. After he has attained puberty, the pen now writes against him, and the two angels that are attached to him are commanded to be weary and become strict…”

Answer

Imam Abu Ya’la (rahimahullah) has recorded this narration as part of a longer Hadith with a weak chain.

(Musnad Abi Ya’la, Hadith: 3678. Refer: Majma’uz Zawaid, vol. 21, pg. 204/205))

The Hadith in question is suitable to quote and is corroborated. Imam Muslim (rahimahullah) has recorded a narration supporting the fact that the parents will receive the reward for the good deeds of their children.

Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbas (radiyallahu ‘anhuma) reported that when Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) was asked by a mother regarding the Hajj of a child, he replied, ‘Yes, and you will receive the reward.'”

(Sahih Muslim, Hadith: 1336)

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.

Answered by: Mawlana Suhail Motala

Approved by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar