are in Abraham’s care. The Prophet saw them when he was taken up on the Night Journey: they were with Abraham, and he asked about them. He was told, “These are the children of the believers.” (1) Hence he said, “Place him in Abraham’s care.”

His statement, “And, by Your mercy, protect him from the punishment of Hellfire,” means: protect him from the punishment of Hellfire. The phrase “by Your mercy” is an instance of supplicating Allah by means of one of His attributes.

But how can he say, “By Your mercy, protect him from the punishment of Hellfire,” when the child has not reached puberty and is therefore not liable to punishment?

Some scholars said: There is no human being who will not enter the Fire, including young children, because Allah the Exalted says:

“There is none of you but will pass over it. This is a decree from your Lord that must be fulfilled.” [Maryam: 71]

Thus, this is a supplication that Allah protect this child from the punishment of Hellfire when he is brought before it on the Day of Resurrection.

HE PAUSES BRIEFLY AFTER THE FOURTH TAKBIR, GIVES ONE SALAM TO HIS RIGHT, AND RAISES HIS HANDS WITH EACH TAKBIR ...

His statement, “He pauses briefly after the fourth takbir,” means that he pauses briefly so that the takbir may be distinguished from the salam, or so that he may regain his breath.

The apparent meaning of his statement, “He pauses briefly,” is that he does not supplicate. This is one of the views on the matter.

Some of the scholars of the school held that he should supplicate, saying: “O Allah, do not deprive us of his reward, do not test us after him, and forgive us and him.”