What is the wisdom behind the suffering of animals and children through diseases and other afflictions, and the inclusion of every living creature in the divine torment of oppressive villages, as well as the torment of polytheists' children in Hellfire, as mentioned in the Hadith of the Prophet, peace be upon him?

Shaykh Ibn Baz stated that the affliction of children with illnesses is evidence that Allah is All-Wise, All-Knowing. He tests the patience and gratitude of their parents and teaches people His power and wisdom. As for the fate of deceased children of disbelievers, scholars have differed on this matter.

Regarding the affliction of animals, Shaykh Salih Al-Fawzan mentioned that Allah's wisdom cannot be fully encompassed. What afflicts a disbeliever is a punishment, and what afflicts young children is a trial for their parents or a punishment for them. Similarly, what afflicts livestock is a punishment or a trial for their owners. And what afflicts animals and children during a general wrath is due to the ill omen of the disbelievers' disobedience.