Does the presence of a child next to the worshiper invalidate the prayer?
If the boy is discerning (mumayyiz), then his standing in the row is permissible according to many scholars. However, if he is not discerning, it is not prescribed to make him stand in the row, but his standing does not invalidate the prayer. The standing of a boy is not considered to cut off the row due to his short stature, and his guardian should not bring him to the mosque except out of necessity, such as not having anyone to look after him. What the Imam said about the invalidation of prayer due to standing in the row with a boy is a clear error, and the Imam erred twice: by condemning what is not reprehensible, and by accusing you of hypocrisy, which is an insult to a Muslim and an act of wickedness. The Imam should repent, and it is advised to forgive him.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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