SIRAH: Love for children

Rasulullah (SAW) loved children. He showed his affection for them
in many ways. He hugged them and patted them on back. He touched
their heads, combing their hair with his fingers. He liked to hold
little children in his arms. He made funny faces (like pulling his
tongue out) to please them. When lying down he seated them on his
legs or chest.

Rasulullah (SAW) loved to play with children. He made them stand
in a straight line, then he himself stood at a distance, spread his
hands and told children, "Come running to me. Whoever touches me
first will get a prize!" They would all come, running and
breathless. When they reached Rasulullah (SAW), they would fall
all over him. He enjoyed sport, gave prizes of dates and sweets to
the winners and hugged and kissed the participants.

Whenever Rasulullah (SAW) passed by the children, he tried to be
the first to say, "Assalamu 'alaikum." When riding, he would let
children sit on his camel or donkey.

When children saw him, they came running. He greeted them warmly,
picked them up, hugged them and kissed them. He loved giving them
dates, fruits and sweets to eat.

In some prayers, Rasulullah (SAW) read long Surahs (chapters of
the Qur'an). But if he heard a baby crying, he would read a short
Surah and say a short prayer. This helped the mother to take care
of her baby.

Once a bedouin came and saw Rasulullah (SAW) hugged and kissed
Al-Hasan bin Ali (RA), one of his grandsons. The bedouin said,
"By God, I have ten children and I have never hugged or kissed
any of them." The Prophet responded, "He who does not love others
will not be loved by others."

Rasulullah (SAW) was always pleased to see parents loving and
caressing the children. He once said, "When God blesses people
with children, and they give their children love and meet their
parental obligation, He will keep them safe from the fire of Hell."


Notes:
Sirah = Story of the life of the Prophet and Messenger of God, Muhammad (SAW).
Rasulullah = The Messenger of God, Muhammad (SAW)
SAW = Sallallahu 'alayhi wasalam (may God's blessing and peace be upon him)
RA = Radhiallahu 'anhu/'anha (may God be pleased with him/her).

Reference:
STORIES OF THE SIRAH
YOUNG SAHABAH OF RASULULLAH (SAW)
by: Abid'ullah Ghazi & Tasneema K.Ghazi.