Is it permissible for a mother to divert her gaze during prayer to monitor her infant daughter out of fear for her safety from harm?
It is permissible for you to look at your child during prayer if you fear harm for her, as this is a minor action that does not affect the validity of the prayer, especially if there is a need for it. It has been authentically reported that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, prayed while carrying Umamah bint Zaynab. If looking necessitates turning, then it is permissible as long as it is only with the neck and the chest does not deviate from the Qiblah, for the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, used to turn towards the mountain pass while praying.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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