Answer: This Hadīth is absolutely valid and should be
understood while keeping into consideration the following two premises:
1. According to the Qur’ān, Paradise is actually a reward
of one's patience and perseverance:
And because they were patient and constant, He (--
Allah--) will reward them with a paradise great and garments of silk. (76:12)
During the course of a person’s life there are come a
number of instances when the Almighty tests one's patience so that if a person
is successful in this test he may be rewarded.
2. It is taken for granted in all such Ahādīth that the
person in question is a practising Muslim who fears Allah.
Keeping these premises in view, the Hadīth you have
referred to can easily be understood. Death of a young one, it is obvious, is
an instance which really tests the perseverance of a Muslim and his or her
faith and trust in the Almighty. If a person adopts an attitude of patience by
submitting to the will of Allah even after such a tragedy, and keeps doing
righteous deeds then he or she can hope to end up in Paradise and be shielded
from the Fire of Hell as the Hadīth says.
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