Praise be to Allah, and may peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah. To proceed:
We must believe that Allah تعالى is All-Wise, All-Knowing, and Most Merciful, and that He does nothing in vain or unjustly. His knowledge and wisdom are far greater than our knowledge and wisdom. Allah تعالى says: “He is not questioned about what He does, but they will be questioned.” [Al-Anbiya: 23] And He سبحانه says: “There is nothing like unto Him, and He is the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing.” [Ash-Shura: 11]
The pain and calamities that occur in this world are not necessarily punishments for those who experience them. Nor does it follow that a sick or injured child has been punished for a sin. A child is not accountable for sins in the same way as a person who has reached the age of religious responsibility. Rather, a calamity may serve great purposes whose wisdom we do not fully understand.
Among the wisdoms that may become apparent to us is that Allah تعالى may decree illness or death for a child out of mercy toward that child. His continued life might lead to suffering or harmful consequences that only Allah knows. Allah تعالى mentioned in the story of Al-Khidr and Musa (peace be upon them) that, had the boy lived, he would have burdened his parents with transgression and disbelief. Thus, the decree of his death was a mercy for both the parents and the boy.
Illness or disability may also be a test for the child's parents. They may remain patient and seek reward from Allah, whereupon Allah expiates some of their sins and raises their ranks. If the child grows up and continues to experience the trial, then remains patient while maintaining faith, he may receive an immense reward that Allah will never allow to be lost. Allah تعالى says: “Indeed, those who are patient will be given their reward without measure.” [Az-Zumar: 10]
Calamities may also provide an opportunity for great qualities to emerge, such as mercy, mutual support, patience, and kindness. They may also lead people to return to Allah, increase their supplications, and recognize their need for Him.
We should not focus solely on suffering while forgetting the many blessings that surround human beings, nor should we measure the wisdom of Allah by our limited understanding. We may recognize some aspects of His wisdom while other aspects remain hidden from us. The believer is certain that Allah knows His servants better than they know themselves and is more merciful toward them than they are toward themselves. He also knows that Allah decrees nothing except for a wise purpose, even when we are unable to understand it.
Furthermore, this world is not the end of life. There is the Hereafter, where complete recompense will take place. Whoever is tested and remains patient will not have his patience wasted by Allah. Rather, Allah will reward him with the greatest reward. Allah تعالى says: “And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth, lives, and fruits, but give glad tidings to the patient.” [Al-Baqarah: 155] The Prophet ﷺ also said: “How wonderful is the affair of the believer! Indeed, all of his affair is good...” Narrated by Muslim.
The prophets, who were the most beloved of all people to Allah, were among those who faced the severest trials. This was not because they were insignificant in the sight of their Lord, but because trials can lead to higher ranks and tremendous rewards.
Therefore, we must believe that the calamities that befall children and innocent people do not mean that they are being treated unjustly or punished. Rather, there may be wisdom, mercy, and benefits behind them that we do not know. We cannot fully comprehend the wisdom of Allah, but we trust that He سبحانه is the Most Just, the All-Knowing, and the Most Merciful. The fact that some wisdom is hidden from us does not mean that it does not exist.
As for parents who wrong their children or deliberately harm them, this is a sin for which those who commit it are responsible, and they are not permitted to use divine decree as an excuse. The wrongdoer is accountable for his choices and actions, while the oppressed child does not bear the burden of another person's sins.
And Allah تعالى knows best.