Are the Imam and the Mu'ezzin entitled to prevent the questioner's children from praying in the mosque unless he is present, given that his youngest child is 9 years old and he is unable to accompany them due to his work circumstances, and there are other children who pray without their parents?
A Muslim cannot be prevented from entering a mosque without a valid excuse, based on the Almighty's saying: "And that the mosques are for Allah" and His saying: "And who is more unjust than he who prevents the mosques of Allah from having His name mentioned therein." The prayer of a discerning child is valid, and they are commanded to perform it when they reach the age of seven and are disciplined for abandoning it at ten. Therefore, discerning children should not be prevented from entering mosques unless they cause disruption or violate mosque etiquette. If they do so, then the imam and muezzin are not to blame for preventing them, out of concern for the public interest, and they must be taught mosque etiquette. However, if the prevention is unjust, then the imam and muezzin must be advised by explaining that their action contradicts Islamic law. If one fears discord, then the children can be directed to another mosque.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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