How the Prophet of Allah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, dealt with his grandchildren

Introduction:

The genuine love and warmth that surrounds a family enables it to lead a happy and successful life and helps to bring out a righteous generation, raised on the best manners and the noblest character. The grandchildren of the Prophet of Allah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, lived in such beautiful atmosphere of love and cordiality. They basked in the benevolence of their beloved, the Prophet of Allah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, who nurtured them with his goodness and influenced their characters by his words and deeds. 

History recorded the effect of this noble influence in golden letters, which was manifested in their lofty status, noble manners and unique actions. There is little wonder in that, for they were the people who were brought up in the household of love, generosity, kindness and etiquette.

The Prophet of Allah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, had seven grandchildren, just as he had seven children. They were:

1. Al-Hasan ibn ‘Ali:

 He was the closest in resemblance to the Prophet of Allah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, and the first son of ‘Ali ibn Abu Taalib and Faatimah. He was born in the third year after the Hijrah, and he died in the year 49 A.H.1 He was seven years old at the time of the death of the Prophet of Allah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam.

2. Al-Husayn ibn ‘Ali:

The second son of ‘Ali and Faatimah, he was born in the fourth year after the Hijrah and he died in the year 61 A.H.

3. Umm Kulthoom bint ‘Ali ibn Abu Taalib:

She was born before the death of the Prophet of Allah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. ‘Umar ibn Al-Khattaab married her, and she was the mother of Zayd ibn ‘Umar and Ruqayyah. She and her son Zayd both died in the year 75 A.H.

4. Zaynab bint ‘Ali ibn Abu Taalib:

She was born in the lifetime of the Prophet of Allah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. She married her cousin ‘Abdullaah ibn Ja’far and she had children with him, and died while married to him. There are many existing descendants of Zaynab and ‘Abdullaah ibn Ja’far.

5. ‘Abdullaah ibn ‘Uthmaan ibn ‘Affaan:

He was the son of Ruqayyah the daughter of the Prophet of Allah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, he was born in Habashah (Ethiopia) and died when he was six years old.

6. Umaamah bint Al-’Aas:

She was the daughter of Zaynab (the daughter of the Prophet of Allah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam). ‘Ali married her after the death of Faatimah but she did not have any children with him. When ‘Ali passed away she married Al-Mugheerah ibn Nawfal, and she had no children with him either until her death.

7. ‘Ali ibn Al-’Aas:

He was the brother of Umaamah bint Zaynab, and he died before the age of puberty in the lifetime of the Prophet of Allah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. Therefore, the Prophet of Allah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, has no descendants except from his daughter Faatimah and his descendants all return to his two grandsons, Al-Hasan and Al-Husayn only. The descendants of Al-Hasan are ascribed as Al-Hasani, and the descendants of Al-Husayn are known as Al-Husayni.

The Prophet’s manner of dealing with his grandchildren was filled with compassion and mercy, for the Prophet of Allah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, was an exceptional example of a noble father and grandfather.

There are many manifestations of his beautiful and merciful nature in the way he cared for his children.