the devils led them astray, so most of them disbelieved, while Allah protected the few.

They said:

Had children been created with either unbelief or faith at the outset, they would never have departed from it. Yet you find them believing, then disbelieving, then believing again.

They said:

It is inconceivable that a child at birth should comprehend unbelief or faith, for Allah brings them forth in a state in which they understand nothing.

Allah Most High said:

‘And Allah brought you out of your mothers’ wombs knowing nothing.’

Anyone who knows nothing can neither disbelieve nor believe, neither recognize nor deny.

Abū Umar said:

This is the soundest explanation offered of the natural disposition upon which children are born. For the natural disposition is soundness and uprightness, as indicated by the words reported in the hadith of Iyād ibn Himār:

‘I created My servants upright’—meaning upright and sound. Thus, it seems—and Allah knows best—that He meant those who were free of defects