Overprotecting children

6-11-2007 | IslamWeb

Question:

Assalamu Alaikum. Dear scholar, what does Islam say about over protectionism of children. eg. not allowing boys (7+) to go (alone) to (local) mosque to pray five compulsory prayers, etc. Wassalam.

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Answer:

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His slave and Messenger.

 

A child who is not pubescent is not obliged to perform the prayers in the mosque and it is permissible for his guardian to prevent him from going to the mosque alone especially if he fears harm on him.

However, his father should accompany him to the mosque when the child reaches the age of distinction provided he is controllable and does not disturb others in the mosque so that he will get used to praying the obligatory prayers and the Friday prayer in congregation.

Allaah Knows best.