What is the appropriate place for a woman's pre-pubescent children during her congregational prayer in the mosque? Is it preferable for a woman not to pray in the Two Holy Mosques with her children to ensure devotion and avoid carrying a child who might be carrying impurity? And what is the most preponderant opinion regarding the ruling on carrying a child whose diaper contains impurity during prayer?
A woman is not religiously obligated to pray in the mosque; rather, it is preferable for her to pray in her home, which is better for her even if it is the Sacred Mosque (Masjid al-Haram) or the Prophet's Mosque (Masjid an-Nabawi). What was mentioned about the child causing distraction further emphasizes the preferability of her praying at home.
As for carrying a child during prayer: If it is known that the child is impure, then the prayer is not valid while carrying him. If impurity is not known, the default is that the child is pure, and it is permissible to carry him. Based on this, scholars interpreted the حديث of Abu Qatadah about the Prophet (peace be upon him) carrying Umamah during prayer. Al-Shawkani and Ibn Daqiq al-'Id mentioned that the outward appearance of clothes is pure, and it is possible that the Prophet's carrying was while Umamah was being cleaned.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/157379