Children in the Masjid
Question
I have a few questions pertaining to having young kids in the masjid.
Alhamdulilah I understand it is nice that we bring our kids to the masjid so that they get used to the masjid environment especially in a Western country. But what happens to the salaah of the parent or the salaah of the musallees when their kid is either crying or running a muck due to not being attended to?
Would it be better if the parent stayed at home to take care of the child than to bring them to the masjid?
Also from what age should a parent start bring their child (male) to the masjid?
Answer
Generally, the Ulama advise the age of six or seven for bringing the child to the Masjid as this is the age when the child may be taught to understand the sanctity of the Masjid.
However, there are numerous Ahadith that show that even infants used to be brought to the Masjid and Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam would even shorten his Salaah due to the crying of infants. (Bukhari)
Similar are the Ahadith which show that Sayyiduna Hasan and Sayyiduna Husain Radhiyallahu Anhuma would climb on the back of Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam during him being the Imaam in Salaah. (Nasai)
Hence, it is not appropriate to impose an age restriction on children attending the Masjid.
However, what we can impose upon the parent/guardian, is that they take control of the children who they bring to the Masjid. They should take personal care of their children even if it means standing with them in the rear Saffs during Salaah.
If the parent/guardian refuses to look after their children and the children are causing a disturbance in the Masjid, then it is correct to disallow them into the Masjid.
And Allah Ta’ala Knows Best
- Answered by
- Mufti Moosa Salie
Fatawa SA is an independent, read-only index of fatawa already published by Jamiatul Ulama KZN. It is not a fatwa service. For your own situation, ask the issuing Darul Ifta directly.