And if a “child born of fornication” believes and does righteous deeds, he will enter Paradise; otherwise, he will be recompensed for his deeds just as anyone else is. Recompense is based on deeds, not lineage. A child born of fornication is censured only because he is likely to commit evil deeds, as often happens, just as noble lineages are praised because they are likely to foster good deeds. Once a person’s deeds become evident, however, recompense is based on them. The most honored of all creatures in Allah’s sight are the most righteous.

As for “the children of polytheists,” the soundest answer concerning them is the answer of the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, as related in the two Sahīh collections:

“Every child is born upon the natural disposition”—and the rest of the hadith.

He was asked, “O Messenger of Allah, what about the children of polytheists who die while still young?” He replied, “Allah knows best what they would have done.”

Thus, no particular child among them is judged to be destined for either Paradise or Hell. It is narrated:

“On the Day of Resurrection, they will be tested on the plains of the Resurrection. Whoever obeys Allah then will enter Paradise, and whoever disobeys will enter Hell.”

Authentic hadiths indicate that some of them will be in Paradise and some in Hell.

In Paradise there is neither sun nor moon, neither night nor day. Morning and evening, however, are known by a light that appears from the direction of the Throne. And Allah knows best.