What do scholars say about the ruling on allowing a discerning child to lead the first row (in prayer) if he preceded others, and is it permissible to describe his guardian and the child as mistaken and disobedient if this opinion is acted upon, and what is the ruling on one who threatens the child with expulsion from the mosque, or prevents discerning children from entering it?

Scholars have differed regarding the issue of moving a discerning child who arrived early to the first row. Some have said that he should be moved back, while others have said that he should remain in his place. This is a matter of ijtihad (independent reasoning) in which one should not condemn those who hold a differing opinion. As for a discerning child entering the mosque, there is no disagreement among scholars regarding its permissibility and his performing i'tikaf (spiritual retreat) therein, because there is an assurance that he will not defile the mosque and his worship is valid. However, scholars have differed regarding allowing a non-discerning child to enter. Some have prohibited it if his defilement is likely, while others have deemed it disliked. It is not permissible to prevent discerning children from entering the mosque for prayer or other acts of worship, and whoever does so is misguided and mistaken.