Is it permissible for a man to touch a girl who is not more than ten years old, not for pleasure, but out of gentleness and compassion?

It is not permissible to touch or look at a girl who has reached the age of desire (usually 10 years old). The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, married Aisha when she was nine years old. As for a young girl who is not desired, it is permissible to touch her, and there is no harm in looking at her, except for her private parts. The Malikis hold the view that it is permissible to look at a young girl without touching her when she reaches three or four years of age.