Allah^[1] has created mankind in two parts. Men and women. Creating in this way depends on the wisdom and knowledge of Allah alone. He may bless someone with only a daughter and someone else with only a son. He can also give someone both. This distribution is also based on the special wisdom of Allah. He indicates His distribution of males and females in the Qur’an: “He gives daughters to whom He wills, and He gives sons to whom He wills. Or He bestows both males and females, and barren whom He wills.”^[2]

Allah bestows whatever He sees fit for each individual.

Many Muslims are overjoyed to have a son. They proudly tell friends and family about the baby’s gender. Sweets are cheerfully distributed. The aqeeqah^[3] is planned with a lot of pomp. ‘Being a boy’ is discussed everywhere, and his upbringing is given special consideration. 

Those who are unhappy with the birth of a daughter do not express joy when a daughter is born. The birth of a girl is not shared with anyone. If someone asks about the gender, an answer is not given, or is it said in hushed tones with complete helplessness, ‘I have a daughter.’ Spouses may become dissatisfied with one another over the newborn’s gender. However, what people need to understand is that the birth of any child is not according to human will, but rather, it is from Allah’s wisdom and goodness. He is the Almighty. 

The daughter should not be dissatisfied in any way. The Prophet (SAW^[4]) taught us that having a daughter is a blessing from Allah. The Prophet (SAW) had four daughters: Fatima, Zaynab, Ruqayya, and Umm Kulsum—may Allah be pleased with them all. Hazrat Fatima (RA^[5]) lived the longest, her death taking place six months after the death of the Prophet (SAW). Whenever the Prophet (SAW) left for a journey, he would first make sure to meet his beloved Fatima (RA), and would do the same upon his return.

Hazrat Abu Saeed Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (SAW) said, ”That person has three daughters or three sisters. And he treated them well and did not consider them a disgrace to himself. He will surely enter Paradise.”^[6]

The Prophet (SAW) set an unparalleled example of respect, affection, and love for a daughter through his deeds. By following our Prophet (SAW)’s example, we should treat our own daughters as he has treated his daughters.

^[1] Allah: “God” in Arabic

^[2] Al-Quran, surah Ash-Shura, verse 49-50

^[3] Aqeeqah: Islamic tradition of animal sacrifice on occasion of a child’s birth

^[4] Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam (peace be upon him)

^[5] Radhi Allahu ‘anhu (may Allah be pleased with him/her)

^[6] Jame Tirmidhi, Hadith 191