Children attending the Masjid

Question:-

What is the ruling in regards to bringing children to the Masjid? I understand that Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam has commanded that the Masjid should be kept clear of children who do not understand the sanctity of the Masjid. As far as I am aware, Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam said, “Keep the Masaajid clear of children who do not understand the sanctity of the Masjid.”

Answer:-

Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam is reported to have said, “Keep your children away from your Masajid.” In another narration Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam is reported to have said, “Verily the Masjid is kept away from mucus or phlegm as skin is kept away from fire.” When mucus and phlegm is abhorred in the Masjid in spite of it being Paak, then the Masjid is more worthy of being kept clean from urine and impurities. There is a strong possibility of little children soiling the Masajid hence, they should be kept away from the Masajid. In a certain Masjid, a child urinated and then walked through the Masjid soiling all the carpets leading to the exit of the Masjid, hence, their presence in the Masjid is strongly prohibited. Also, in most instances, they are unaware of the etiquettes of the Masjid and cause a disturbance to those engaged in Salaah. Therefore, small children should not be brought to the Masajid.

وَقَالَ – عَلَيْهِ الصَّلَاةُ وَالسَّلَامُ – «جَنِّبُوا مَسَاجِدَكُمْ صِبْيَانَكُمْ» الْحَدِيثَ، وَقَالَ – عَلَيْهِ الصَّلَاةُ وَالسَّلَامُ – «إنَّ الْمَسْجِدَ لَيَنْزَوِي مِنْ النُّخَامَةِ كَمَا يَنْزَوِي الْجِلْدُ مِنْ النَّارِ» فَإِذَا كُرِهَ التَّنَخُّمُ فِيهِ مَعَ طَهَارَتِهِ فَالْبَوْلُ أَحْرَى (تبيين الحقائق ص168 ج1)

ALLAH TA’ALA KNOWS BEST!

ANSWERED BY:

Mufti Mohammed Desai

Date: 16 Rajab 1444 / 07 February 2023