Mu' meneen Brothers and Sisters,

As Salaam Aleikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh. (May Allah's Peace, Mercy and Blessings be upon all of you)

One of our brothers/sisters has asked this question:

Is is permissible for an adult man to kiss and fondle a young boy in Islam? 

(There may be some grammatical and spelling errors in the above statement. The forum does not change anything from questions, comments and statements received from our readers for circulation in confidentiality.)

Answer:

Kiss young boy

In the name of Allah, We praise Him, seek His help and ask for His forgiveness. Whoever Allah guides none can misguide, and whoever He allows to fall astray, none can guide them aright. We bear witness that there is none worthy of worship but Allah Alone, and we bear witness that Muhammad (saws) is His slave-servant and the seal of His Messengers.

There is absolutely no harm, if out of affection, or love, or mercy, or tenderness, etc. an adult man were to affectionately touch or kiss their small or young male children or grand-children or a child of a loved one, etc.

Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith 8.27 Narrated by Aisha

A ‘Bedouin’ (desert Arab) came to the Prophet (saws) and said, "You (people) kiss the boys! We don't kiss them." The Prophet (saws) said, "I cannot put mercy in your hearts after Allah has taken it away from it!"

But if (Allah forbid) one were to kiss or touch a small or young child with even an iota of a sexual overture or intention, then it would be considered a manifestation of the evil and heinous act of molestation and/or incest, and thus a grave sin in the Sight of Allah Subhanah.

Whatever written of Truth and benefit is only due to Allah’s Assistance and Guidance, and whatever of error is of me alone. Allah Alone Knows Best and He is the Only Source of Strength.

Your brother and well wisher in Islam,

Burhan