Hanging the bassinet away from children and the baby climbed out and died
Q: One day, my wife placed her baby in a leather bassinet after hanging it away from his brothers in order that they don't harm him. She left him and went to clean the house and care for the cattle. When she returned, she found
that her baby had fallen from the bassinet and was hung by the ropes of the bassinet.
Now, is the baby's mother sinful for this act? Please, advise. May Allah reward you.
A:
If this bassinet is not strong and proper enough to protect the baby from falling, she is neglectful and has to offer the Kaffarah (expiation). Thus, she has to free a believing slave, and if she can not afford this, she is to fast for two consecutive months. On the other hand, if the bassinet is sturdy enough to prevent the baby from falling, she will not be sinful. (Part No. 21; Page No. 401) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings of Allah be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family and Companions!