03-09-2007, 08:55 PM
Bismillah
Sahih Muslim:
Book 018, Number 4261:
'Amr b. al-'As reported that he heard Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: When a judge gives a decision, having tried his best to decide correctly and is right, there are two rewards for him; and if he gave a judgment after having tried his best (to arrive at a correct decision) but erred, there is one reward for him.
I looked around for the hadith regarding "How are those that cannot "know" anything judged? Such as infants and the mentally infirm?"
If someone could find the actual wording, May Allah Reward them. There are people for whom their deeds are not written, children who not attained maturity, the insane, and the unconscious (eg sleep walkers). The deeds they do they are not accountable for. Of course Allah is the Best of Judges and only He Knows when a child has truly transitioned into an age of understanding for each person is different, same with those who are truly insane or mentally deficient.
Allahu 'Alam. I will echo Sis J's sentiment... May Allah Forgive me if I have mispoken (for there is not much worse than the spreading of ignorace.)