Hasan. The rough-mannered al-Aqraʿ seemed astonished that the Prophet would kiss a child and blurted out, “I have ten children and I have never kissed a single one of them!” The Prophet ﷺ replied, “Whoever does not show mercy will not be shown mercy.” In other words, whoever withholds compassion from people, Allah—may He protect us—will withhold His compassion from him and will not grant him success in acts of mercy.

This incident proves that it is perfectly permissible to kiss small children out of kindness and tenderness, whether they are your own sons, your grandsons or granddaughters, or even children who are not related to you. Such conduct stirs mercy within the heart and demonstrates a loving concern for the young. Indeed, the more merciful a person is toward Allah’s servants, the nearer he is to Allah’s mercy.

Allah even forgave a prostitute because she took pity on a dog that was licking the dry earth from thirst. She climbed down into a well, filled her shoe with water, and gave the dog a drink; for that single act of mercy, Allah forgave her, even though the creature she helped was only a dog. When Allah places compassion in a person’s heart for the weak, it is a sign—by Allah’s permission—that He intends to envelop that person in His mercy. We ask Allah to have mercy on us and on you.

The Prophet ﷺ said, “Whoever shows no mercy will receive no mercy,” indicating that one should keep his heart gentle, affectionate, and compassionate—unlike the harshness shown by some people.