What happens to babies who die in Islam?

Every child is born pure

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: "Every child is born with a true faith of Islam (i.e. to worship none but Allah Alone)" (Sahih al-Bukhari 1385).

Children aren't held accountable for sins before puberty. A baby who dies returns to Allah completely pure.

In the care of Prophet Ibrahim

In a long dream the Prophet ﷺ described, he saw Prophet Ibrahim in a garden surrounded by children. He was told these were the children who died upon the fitrah. The companions asked: "What about the children of pagans?" He replied: "And also the children of pagans" (Sahih al-Bukhari 7047).

Scholars have discussed the children of non-Muslims for centuries, but many rely on this hadith to say they are in Paradise too.

Comfort for grieving parents

The Prophet ﷺ said: "A Muslim whose three children die before the age of puberty will be granted Paradise by Allah due to his mercy for them" (Sahih al-Bukhari 1248). Other reports mention the same reward for two children, and even one.

Losing a child is one of the heaviest pains a person can carry. Islam doesn't ask you to hide that pain. The Prophet ﷺ himself wept when his baby son Ibrahim died.

Miscarriage and stillbirth

• After about four months of pregnancy: many scholars say the baby is named, washed, shrouded, prayed over and buried.
• Before that: the remains are buried respectfully, without the full funeral prayer according to most scholars.
• Many scholars say a miscarried baby may intercede for its parents.

Your mosque or a Muslim funeral service can guide you gently through the steps.

Grieving with faith

It's okay to cry, to ask Allah "why," and to need time. Talk to people who have been through it, and consider a grief counselor. Many parents find comfort in the belief that their child is safe, happy, and waiting for them.

For broader questions about the afterlife, see Will my non-Muslim parents go to hell?